#but cuteness and feels abound please enjoy

[isolaradiale]

This is an event rerun. For more information on how to participate, please check our EVENT RERUN GUIDE! If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask!

Streets light up with hues of dull crimson and pastel pinks, the shapes of hearts littering window shops while glitter shimmers in the passing rays of sunlight. Even the night glows with decor, low hanging lanterns illuminating softly pathways, giving an allure of warmth and positive ambiance to those who walk by. What is placed up is not suddenly there, rather the efforts of the island locals banding together, making certain that the holiday itself is set up for all to enjoy and feel the welcoming atmosphere. Even if it wasn’t a festival, surely there would be no mind to treating it like one, even for just a short while.

“Huuuh? What do you mean ‘what’s it called?’ It’s Hearts Wake, silly! It isn’t really a party, but we like to celebrate it like one. So, drinks on the house! You heard me!”

Hearts Wake, they call it to those who ask, explaining everything to the littlest detail to anyone who decides to ask. There is something pleasing about it, perhaps even a little cute in seeing some outfits line up with the ornaments, if one was to think of it like that. Another day passes as the city glistens more with each passing day, vibrant in uplifting support and comradeship abound in any way a single person looks.

“You know, I had to do this all by myself last time...” a pout paints itself across lips, Pleiades crossing her arms a little bitterly as she keeps her seat, glancing over briefly to her occupied company.

Alathfar seems to be in the middle of scribbling some notes as Pleiades pouts at him. He can hear it in her voice without even looking up. "It's a good thing I'm not preoccupied this year, then, isn't it?" It comes off as a joke, but he’s relieved that his recovery had gone well. He missed doing these with his partner.

Pleiades adjusts her glasses, as the man looks up to give her a smile. She gives a small sigh as she moves forward in relent. A few taps on the keys is all it takes, setting up everything before leaning back against him, head lazy as glasses shine back the codes from the bright screens. All that was needed is one more press of a button, something to implement it all. Shifting aside briefly, she softens with a twirl of her ankle, offering an intrigued smile between the system and her company.

“Well, it is mostly your code, after all. Shall you do the honors, my dearest?”

A small laugh as arms wrap around his companion loosely. “I’d love to. Are you ready to see how they’ve developed?” 

“Always.”

He moves, briefly, and with a few more deft taps at the keyboard the sound of data begins to filter into the systems, molding from mere numbers and symbols that it might manifest an array of confections and other lavish products that begin to line the shops throughout Spirale...

                                                     ☆               ☆                ☆

So what’s happening?

First off, welcome to Isola’s Valentine’s day mini-event! You’re probably wondering what’s happening, right? Well this is where you’ll get it explained! While not a festival in name, it may as well be one, as everyone on the island seems to be talking about it. Cited as Hearts Wake by the locals, it can be easily gleaned that this holiday is very reminiscent of the typical love holidays you all may or may not be acquainted with, only focusing on the importance of all types of bonds, or more specifically growing those bonds. Things such as couples who wish to deepen their bonds, whether long standing or newly dating, or friends who want to become closer or learn more on one another, and even those who might want to become more than friends finding courage to ask. It’s also generally supported by the masses that those who have things they can reconcile with those they may not like or have misunderstandings with try to do just that if possible.

However, it seems a new brand of treats of varying kinds named DevoLine has, interestingly, slipped into the markets what seems overnight. Things ranging from cute little drinks, chocolates and other desserts, plushes, and even incense based goods for those who prefer fanciful scents. Must just be new items in stock, right? As if anything was so simple here on Radial Island. While the items are perfectly safe to ingest and even adjusts to the taste of the drinker, eater, or the one taking in the air as the incense burns to what they prefer in taste and scent, there’s a little something extra mixed right in to make things all the sweeter for the holiday. Like, say... a potion of some sort, for starters.

Regardless, they’re all labeled as a limited time ordeal, so you should get a hold of one or two before they’re off the shelves for good! Maybe they’ll even become collectibles worth something down the line.

How does this work?

Anyone who ingests these newfound treats will be affected by the potion itself. Whether you intake a little or a lot doesn’t entirely change the outcome, once a tad touches your tongue, you touch a plush, or you get a nice inhale, it’ll take immediate action!

There are many ways this potion can interact with someone who consumes it, though most notably with adverse effects that seem to want to flub up the entirety of the holiday itself. Rather than emboldening the positive bonds of others like the holiday attempts to push for, it seems to do the opposite, such as starting spat wars or even a full out scuffles between those who see each other as enemies or even as simple as a slight dislike each other, creating lovers quarrels over the pettiest of things, or even causing large dissonance between two people who are as close as can be and making a wedge between them.

However, despite the intention to sabotage the holiday, it seems that in the same instance this potion will sometimes fall in line with the idea of deepening those bonds. People might find the courage to confess feelings they might not have thought to before, making acquaintances feel a closer bond and wanting to build on that foundation for an everlasting friendship, or even friends with interest in each other taking that final step into asking one another out, maybe even incite an urge to reconcile things between each other. The list is, generally, endless from all the dynamics.

Essentially, emotions are a strange thing, definitely not something you can adjust on a whim, so anything you choose that involves the bonds of your fellows is right up the alley of this hectic potion.

What if my character doesn’t need to drink or eat?

No problem at all. While they may not need to eat or drink, the incense itself can be enough to participate if you truly want, affecting all those around it in one way or another. For example, if your character is a robot, it’s easy to say that the incense can simply seep into their circuits (how, you ask? magic. details. waves hands mysteriously...) and rewire them that way. Touching plushes also work, as contact is all that it is needed, so you can also go this route. You’re welcome to get as creative as you’d like with how they can be affected so you can join in!

Can I change the effects throughout the event?

Of course! You can either have your character indulge in another treat or nice, deep breath or just simply have it shift. Potions are a little weird like that, especially mixing with emotions, so it can be as ever changing as needed to suit your threading wants.

Will these changes be permanent?

Not at all, no! Once the event is over, all of the potion effects will disappear, though the memories of what happened can be used to build on what the effects did or not at all. In a way, it’s almost like someone intentionally did this to place you all to the test in regards of your bonds in general. What is the test for entirely? What an interesting question to have...

Do we have to have our characters participate?

Absolutely not! This is completely optional and you’re welcome to have your character not partake in the items or smell any of the incense at all, so no worries!

I have a question I don’t see here. What do I do?

If you have any other questions, make sure to send an ask to the MASTERLIST��and we’ll do our best to answer any you have that aren’t here!

How long will this run for?

The event will run from 1/19 through 2/09 (ending at 11:59:59PM EST on the 9th)!

[leefi]

Could you tell me more about Chicago? I don't hear it romanticized as much as New York or LA but I've always wanted to go to complete the large U.S international cities tour

Sure! Here are some big hitters from a tourist perspective. (Disclaimer, this is gonna be basic because I'm writing it rapidfire, so please don't judge me fellow Chicagoans 😭🙏 and feel free to add!!):

GREAT food scene. It can't compare to New York or LA by volume but what's there is consistently excellent and isn't as overwhelming as those two.

America's best skyline. I'm being so serious. If you care about architecture you need to visit this city. If there's one touristy thing you do in Chicago, take the Architecture Tour on the river. It’s genuinely worth it even if you aren’t big into architecture!

Less important as a tourist, but genuine, unpretentious, friendly people. Most of my friends are transplants from other cities and it's near unanimous that Chicago is the friendliest/most sociable city they've lived in.

Our summers are PHENOMENAL. Constant events, free movies on the green at Grant Park most nights, festivals, and BEACHES. People don't realize we have beaches IN THE CITY!! Because we gatekeep it from outsiders!!! It won't compare to the ocean, of course, but it's such a nice thing to have access to in the summer! (and beautiful to walk on year-round, which leads me to my next point)...

Our lakefront is 99% public access, with a walkable path that winds up and down the entire city. You can walk the ENTIRE trail down the city without needing to detour. My second biggest recommendation is to rent a bike and bike as much of the lakefront trail as you can, especially in the summer. It's so lovely - city skyline on one side and blue on the other.

The birthplace of improv comedy and a major hub of jazz, blues, house, R&B, and hip-hop. If you see an improv show while you're here, there are lots of great options - Second City and iO are the biggest. Second City is the "original" of the originals, and if you see a show there, I recommend checking out green street farmer's market a couple blocks down and seeing a show before/after. It's in a really nice area. I'm not well versed in our music scene unfortunately!

Incredibly diverse neighborhoods with a lot to explore wherever you are in the city.

Northalsted/Boystown is the oldest offically recognized gay neighborhood in the US. Andersonville also has a really vibrant LGBTQIA community and is home to a LOT of wonderful local shops and food joints. It's a really good "walk around/explore" neighborhood. Actually, both of them are. (I don't know much about the nightlife unfortunately).

Bar scene - tons of really cool speakeasies and dive bars, some prohibition-era. Worth checking out if you drink.

Rooftops. Our city loves a good rooftop restaurant/bar. I'd recommend this over riverfront dining. We've got beautiful architecture, a lake, and a river to admire from them, and you can enjoy them even if you don't drink! Lots of really good happy hour deals abound.

Chicago-specific foods to try while you're here: Deep dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches

i am here and i am very cute and gorgeous.

Some photos to sell you! These are from google. My phone is dead and I'm too lazy to crawl through my camera roll but trust me it's jorjus

[joeyvoeman]

Joey and Cassie take a trip out of town for their first official date.

@cassiegermaine

Joey was a hopeless romantic. He knew this. He wasn’t sure if it was a product of his era or simply how he’d always been. Either way, he’d planned a bit of a surprise for Cassie tonight. He’d told her he was coming and a vague idea of what to dress for, but he had a slight fear that maybe he’d overdone it as he looked down at his clothes, with his dark button up and trousers and blazer all ironed and neat, his shoes shining and his homburg hat perched perfectly on top of his head. He’d debated for nearly an hour on whether to wear a tie, and kept reaching up to nervously adjust one that wasn’t there, just feeling bare skin at his top two undone buttons. With a clearing of his throat, he knocked on Cassie’s front door.  

Cassie hadn’t gone on a date in...a long time. Especially not a formal date of any kind. It was strange to have that nervous butterfly feeling in her stomach, and the slight hurriedness that was otherwise unwarranted. It was stranger having to make sure both the infant and the toddler were well looked after. She was actually going out and doing something for herself, completely disconnected, probably the first time since Albie was born. A part of it was exciting, and Cassie gave herself one last small smile in the mirror before she headed downstairs. She’d just slipped on her heels when the knock at the door came. Cassie double checked her cherry patterned dress, ruffling the skirt a little and touching her loose wavy hair for any beginning frizziness before opening the door. Joey Voeman cleaned up well. “You’re dressed to the nines.” Cassie grinned, “What are you planning on? Just a small hint.” She bat her eyelashes, mostly in a joking matter, “Please?”

Joey jumped a bit when Cassie answered the door. Not out of any real fear, but seeing her in front of him, standing on her doorstep, it all suddenly became so real. They’d spent time together before this, obviously, but now there were expectations attached. He wasn’t complaining about that though, not in the slightest. It just made the situation...different. “You look beautiful,” he breathed. Her cherry dress practically took the wind out of him when he saw it. He flashed a charming grin at her question. “You’ll see,” he said slyly. “I just hope those heels are comfortable.” He stole a glance inside of her home. It looked very lived in. Cozy. It made him smile. “Are you ready?” he asked, gesturing to his car sitting in the driveway before letting out a chuckle. “Your chariot awaits.” 

Cassie glanced down at her feet, turning up one of heels with a slight pout. “Sure. I practically live in heels you know.” It wasn’t much of an exaggeration. Besides, the idea of standing next to Joey without any sort of extra height would just look comical. Cassie grabbed her purse then, stepping out and locking the front door behind her. “I’m ready.” She breathed, smiling at the familiarity of the blue Camero as she walked up to it. “Glad to see it hasn’t been taken for another joy ride.” She laughed. 

“If someone did, at least they returned it in pristine condition,” Joey joked. He used his long stride to get ahead of Cassie, tugging open the car door for her and closing it as she got in. It was such a force of habit for him. He rounded the car with a little jog and hopped into the car, starting it up with a purr of the engine. But before he went anywhere, he leaned his arm on the steering wheel and turned to Cassie. “I don’t want to ruin the surprise, but the place we’re going is out of town,” he said quietly. “I thought about what you said and, well, I figured it’s probably best if we test these waters away from prying eyes, you know?” He didn’t want to think of himself as Cassie’s dirty little secret, and he was sure that’s not how she thought of him either, but he wanted to respect the fears she’d voiced to him. At least when everything was just at the beginning and so up in the air. “Is that okay?” he asked.

Cassie paused slightly, chewing the inside of her cheek when Joey opened the car door for her. It’s not as if she expected it from him. She realized she might have to remind herself from time to time that his standards really were a little old fashioned. As she sat in the passenger side seat, she mused to herself how people often looked and commented that Cassie was old-fashioned. They really had no idea. When the car started, she expected to feel the wind on her face, only looking over slightly surprised when Joey turned to her. “Oh okay.” She smiled, her mind going in a different direction, “Away from the mold, I don’t blame you.” But when Joey further explained, she nodded slowly, “Yeah. You’re probably right.” She responded. Cassie would never go out of her way to hide Joey, but the idea wasn’t a bad one. “I think it’s perfect.” She nodded in finality.

When Cassie misunderstood Joey at first, he panicked a little, but as she agreed that his idea was a good one, he grinned. “Perfect,” he echoed, shifting the car into gear and heading toward the place he’d picked out. It was only in the next town over, but it was a bit of a drive, and settled in for the evening drive as the sun bathed the road in front of them in a golden light. “Do you think the hat is too much?” he asked. The side facing Cassie even had a feather stuck in the brim. “I was never the biggest on fashion to begin with, and I’m still wrapping my head around what’s ‘in’ now.” Not that what was hip and in fashion was a huge concern for him. He mostly wanted to know what Cassie thought of it, but didn’t want to ask outright.

Cassie squinted slightly as the sun was setting. It’d be behind the mountains soon, but she was a little disappointed she didn’t bring a pair of sunglasses. She sat back slightly, putting a hand to mask her eyes slightly as she looked over Joey’s outfit again. “It’s snazzy.” She complimented, really she didn’t have strong feelings for it one way or the other, but most importantly, “I still don’t know where we’re going though.” Cassie bugged him, a slight scrunch to her nose, “And that could make a difference.” She shrugged when Joey commented on fashion in general, “For men it hasn’t changed drastically. I guess. I just dress the way I like and feel comfortable. That’s all that really matters.”

Joey grinned wide as she continued to bug him about where they were going. “That’s not how surprises work,” he said, stepping a little harder on the gas to get them there quicker. Luckily, roads out of Soapberry weren’t ever too busy, and they were out of town in no time. “I agree,” he said on the subject of fashion. He stole a sideways glance at her. She looked absolutely stunning. “And the way you dress definitely suits you.” The silence between them was surprisingly not that awkward, though Joey couldn’t ignore the butterflies frantically flapping around in his stomach. In no time, however, they had reached their destination. As Joey parked, the neon sign on the building came into full view: ‘*Jazz Hands*’. Joey didn’t understand the need for the asterisks, but he thought the name was cute when he’d looked it up. “You said you liked dancing,” he said, glancing over at Cassie to gauge her reaction. “I’m pretty light on my feet myself.”

Cassie hummed, leaning her elbow on the side of the car as she looked out and watched Soapberry and other roads pass them by. Her curiosity really was starting to get the better of her, she was surprised she couldn’t wriggle one hint out of Joey at all. “Thanks.” She smiled at the compliment, or at least Cassie took it as one. She saw the neon sign a little bit in the distance and sat up, wondering if the club was where Joey was planning on taking her. When the Camaro turned into the parking lot a wide grin broke out onto her face. “No way!” She’d read about the club ages back, but she’d never gotten the chance to go. It was a popular spot, but not with loud music and flashing lights like more modern clubs nowadays. It was an old style, jazz, aptly named. “I love to dance.” Cassie repeated, a little quietly, but only because that too felt like something she hadn’t done properly in forever. “You dressed perfect.” She amended with a light chuckle. “We’ll fit right in.”

She was so excited, and Joey couldn’t keep the smile off his face. He shut off the car and stepped out, joining Cassie on the passenger side as she got out herself. He offered his arm for her to link with, and he smiled down at her before moving. “I’m glad we’re doing this,” he said in a low voice. Nobody was around them yet, but the words were still just for her. “I think we both needed it.” They started for the door, and a snazzily dressed doorman opened the door for them with a polite smile. The fast drums and blasting horns slapped them in the face when they walked in, and suddenly Joey felt like he’d never went to sleep. Nostalgia gripped him hard and fast, and he couldn’t wipe the stupid smile off his face. “Do you want a drink first?” he asked Cassie, jabbing his thumb toward the bar. 

“Me too.” Cassie grinned back, Joey’s delighted smile contagious enough to keep Cassie smiling as they entered and moved through the club as well. “I never do stuff like this.” She admitted to Joey, speaking a little bit louder so he could hear her over the band playing. She’d never do it if she didn’t have someone to go with, she had Joey to thank for that. She turned slightly, seeing the bar off to the side and the stools lined up next to each other neatly. “One couldn’t hurt.” Cassie decided, her hand still loosely rested on Joey’s arm as she steered them towards the bar and the bar tender. “What can I get you?”  The man with slicked back hair was drying out some heavy duty glasses, and smiled smoothly at the couple, “Is it your first time here?”  Cassie nodded in confirmation for them. “If you can’t make up your mind, an old fashioned or a gin and tonic is always good.”

Joey followed Cassie over to the bar, still loosely attached at the arm. He felt in his element here. Outside was a modern world he didn’t know how to navigate. A world where everything had changed. And while this place was obviously modernized as well, it tried its best to preserve that 40s feel that made Joey’s confidence swell. His chest puffed out and his chin held high, he leaned casually against the bar, listening as the bartender spoke. “I’ll have a Tom Collins,” Joey said. The bartender smiled and busied himself with making it, delivering the gin with its little lime and cherry boat he knew so well. With a tooth grin, he took the toothpick out and squeezed the lime in before popping the cherry into his mouth. “And for you, Ma’am?” The bartender asked Cassie. 

Cassie watched the bartender make the Tom Collins with a brow arched in curiosity. It had a nice flash of color to it, given the cherry and lime. She really didn’t know alcohol very well, it’d been ages since she had a proper drink, so she appreciated the suggestions. “I think a gin and tonic will be good for me.” Cassie decided, taking the iced glass delicately when the bartender slid it to her. The first sip of alcohol was rough, and burning. She hoped the grimace on her face wasn’t too horrendous. “It’s good I promise.” She laughed with a cough. “It’s been a long time.” The next few sips went down without such issue, and she rubbed the condensation of the glass between her fingers, looking out at the playing jazz band before she nudged Joey, “So what dance is your favorite?” She asked.

Joey couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle at the face Cassie made as she took her first sip of her drink. He nodded with playfully raised eyebrows as she assured him it was good, and he took a sip of his own drink through his grin. The bartender left them to tend to some other patrons further down the bar. Joey had to turn his good ear toward Cassie to hear her over the music, so he had his back leaned against the bar as he answered. “The Lindy Hop, hands down,” he said without hesitation. He put his hand out to slowly slice through the air. “You’re so light and airy it feels like you’re gliding around the dance floor. And you can really get in sync with your partner.” He grinned down at her. A fan was blowing from above them to keep the bar patrons cool, probably assuming they’d stop here after a bit of dancing to cool off, and it was causing Cassie’s loose curls to look as if they were being blown by a gentle breeze. “It’s a gas, I promise.”

“A gas.” Cassie repeated, smile growing against the rim of her glass. She knew it was old-fashioned slang and it helped Joey meld into the surroundings even better. “It sounds wonderful.” Dancing was supposed to make you feel light and airy anyways, or at least Cassie thought so. She finished off her drink, placing the glass down. “I could probably pick it up pretty quick.” She wriggled her brows at Joey, crossing her ankles as she sat on the barstool. “I know the jitterbug.” Cassie snickered. “The ballet school I went to would have theme days every now and then.” She brushed her hair back, thankful she had brought a small hairband for the fly away pieces at some point.  “We could probably dance the next song, don’t you think?” She asked.

“I’m sure you could,” Joey said, letting out a low laugh when she wiggled her eyebrows at him. She was so cute. “The jitterbug huh? Sounds like I might be the one trying to keep up with you,” he joked, finishing off his own drink and setting the empty glass on the bar. He nodded as she suggested they join next song, and almost like clockwork, the current song ended. “May I have this dance?” he asked in the quiet reprieve between songs, offering a hand out to her. And just as quickly, the drums kicked up again like a racing heartbeat and the horns stole any room for more sound. They made their way out to the dance floor and Joey cocked his hat forward a bit, grinning playfully at Cassie before placing a hand on her hip and taking hers in his own. “Ready?” he asked, moving his feet a bit to the music in small, warm up steps to get his blood flowing. “Just mirror what I do, like this.” He made his movements a bit bigger, footwork gliding like he was 25 again and he couldn’t miss a beat. 

“We can teach each other.” Cassie suggested at Joey’s slightly surprised look over the mention of the Jitterbug. “Or we can just watch other people and steal their dance moves.” She snickered before taking Joey’s arm again and hopping off the barstool. Her heels slid easily across the floor of the bar. She tapped her foot lightly listening to the new song start, and observed Joey carefully as he started to move from small steps to longer more confident glides. After a handful of seconds Cassie felt like she got the idea, and she could steal glances at other couples as they ‘swang’. She tapped next to Joey, taking his hand and kicking up her feet slightly or twirling when it felt right with the beat of the song.

Cassie really was a natural, and she caught up with Joey in no time. They even had a few of the couples around them taking a moment to stare at how easily they moved together. Her confident steps inspired his own, even giving him the confidence to lift her a few times. He couldn’t keep the smile off his face as they danced, and as the song ended and the final trumpet note echoed through the room, he dipped her low, a strong hand supporting the small of her back as they stared at each other, both their chests heaving as they breathed with the effort of their high paced footwork. They lingered in the dip for a moment, the couples around them and he people at tables applauding for the band, but Joey almost felt like it was for them as he stared into Cassie’s twinkling eyes. Finally, he stood her back up and reached out to wipe away some hair sticking to her forehead. “You’re a quick study.”

The few lifts were a surprise, but much like everything in the dance Cassie attempted to take it in stride as much as she could. Her heart certainly got racing with adrenaline, and even as she could feel the sweat and slight breathlessness forming Cassie kept dancing and swinging as smoothly as she could. But her chest was heaving when Joey dipped her in a final move. She definitely lost a little stamina over the years. “I told you.” Cassie flashed him a confident grin, swiping back some of her hair and tying it up so she could cool down a little faster. “Though half of it I totally improvised. It’s a secret.” She murmured. “It also helps when you have a good partner.” Cassie winked, placing her hands on her hips before she let out another breath, “I might need an extra minute before the next one.”

“Jazz is all about improvisation,” Joey said. “But it’ll be our little secret.” He pressed a finger to his lips as he put a hand on Cassie’s upper back, guiding her over to a table to sit down. “Just take a breather. We got all night.” He flagged down a waiter and asked for water, the man quickly returning with two glasses. Joey took off his hat and leaned back, using it to fan himself, then fanning Cassie with it for a moment as he took a drink of his water. “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself. I was sorta nervous ‘bout this. Didn’t know if it was too over the top or uh...too fast.”

Cassie was grateful for the seat and the glass of water that was promptly brought over. She took a few large gulps before speaking again, eyes slightly wide as she shook her head in earnest, “No this is great. It isn’t too fast. Well the dancing is fast-” Cassie laughed, “But going swing dancing isn’t over the top. It’s fun. And I really needed that.” She pressed a hand to her chest, “I know we just got here, but seriously it’s fantastic. The music the vibe…” She motioned around them, leaning against the table a little “How’d they do anyways? You would be the expert.”

Joey was relieved when Cassie confirmed that it wasn’t too fast. He honestly didn’t know any other speed and he’d been a little wary of this whole thing. Back in the day, after Lenore, he was quick to woo a girl. Shower her with compliments and fancy things. Jump into bed quick and leave even quicker. Absorbing himself in someone else for a short time was a welcome distraction back then. A good time and that was it. He feared he’d made that mistake once since waking up, falling back into old habits, and he didn’t want to do it again. He was determined not to ruin this. “How’d they do?” he echoed, glancing around the room. “Honestly, most dance halls and clubs I went to weren’t this fancy. It was a bunch of kids meeting up to swing together in the biggest open room they could find, hopefully with a bar attached. Lots of ‘em popped up just to make a buck before the competition got too steep from the sheer density of ‘em all. Nostalgia has a way of making everything look rosier when you look back on it though.” He smiled at her, picking up his water and holding it out in cheers. “And I figured you deserved a place that pulled out all the stops.”

“Hmm okay.” Cassie nodded slowly, taking in Joey’s input as she observed the club anew. “I suppose that’s something you can’t really recapture either.” She squinted slightly, “It’s like if someone tried to make a speak easy.” Cassie smirked, thinking it’d just be somewhat silly and outrageous. She clinked water glasses with Joey cordially, quietly slipping her heels off underneath the table. She didn’t want to admit they pinched just a little bit. “Ah you’re so thoughtful.” Cassie’s grin grew again, but she looked away slightly embarrassed. It’d been a while since she’d been spoiled and showered praises on. “How are you ever going to top this though?” She joked.

Joey raises an eyebrow. “So I’ve already earned a second date? Good to know,” he mused playfully. “But don’t you worry. I’ve got tricks up my sleeve.” That wasn’t entirely true, but he knew how to spoil a woman, that was for sure. And in his eyes Cassie deserved it. He honestly didn’t know what it was about her, but it calmed his pulse and sent it racing all at once. The song they’d sat out on ended and the band started up with some sugary saxophone, laying it on thick like molasses. “How you feeling? Ready for another?” Joey asked, standing up and putting his hat back on. “It’s a slow one.”

“Damn.” Cassie breathed, snapping her fingers in show, “Did I make it too easy?” The idea of not going on a second date though was practically absurd, considering what a good time she was having. She wrinkled her nose playfully again, “I’m sure, and you won’t give me any hints on that when the time comes either, huh?” Cassie turned slightly in her chair listening to the lingering saxophone before she slipped her shoes back on and stood alongside Joey. “A slow dance I think I can manage.” She took the arm of his jacket again, finding a small opening on the dance floor now that it had become more crowded with couples happy to sway and embrace. Cassie carefully placed her hands on Joey’s broad shoulders, “See you’ll thank those heels now.” She chuckled softly.

Even with the height Cassie’s heels gave her, Joey was still nearly a foot taller and had to crane his neck down to look at her. He smiled as she reached up and put her hands so delicately in his shoulders, and he placed his heavy hands gently on her waist. A crooning singer came into the song to mix his voice with the saxophone, both drawn out and lethargic in a way that hung like smoke in the air. The words he sang were of unrequited love for a woman out of his league. Joey knew that feeling well from the past, and while he’d never heard the song before, it felt as if it transported him right back. “I think we’re making some people jealous,” he said playfully, glancing around to find a few men staring at Cassie, and a few women staring at him. He moved a hand to the small of Cassie’s back and pulled her a little closer. 

“What?” Cassie whispered, not wanting to turn and look directly at some of the other people dancing around them, no matter how tempting it was. She could feel the butterflies in her stomach again, those nerves and her cheeks dimpled as she forced a small smile, “They are not.” She decided, responding back to him with a tap on the shoulder, “And if they are, they’re only jealous of our super cool dance moves.” Cassie made a quick motion of jazz hands as they still rested around Joey’s shoulders and neck. “Luckily there’s no such thing as share your date night. It would suck to get downgraded.” She snickered.

Joey shrugged his shoulders, comforted by the weight of her hands on them. “I don’t know. I’d be jealous of me if I saw me with you,” he whispered. He reached a hand up to swipe a thumb across her cheek before replacing it on her hip. He let out a hearty laugh that turned a few more heads when she did her jazz hands, but the heads quickly turned back to their own dates. It felt like they were in a bubble. Just the two of them, but with a surface so fragile and easy to pop. “Oh now who’s the flatterer?” he teased with a raised eyebrow. The song ended and Joey was almost disappointed when a fast song started up again. He looked to Cassie, the direction of the evening up to her. 

Cassie gave a small gasp of dramatic shock, “I’ll just say what you did. It’s not flattering if it’s true.” She sing-songed slightly, tilting her chin up in something like admiration so she could gaze at Joey more. When the instruments picked up tempo again, Cassie stepped off to the side with Joey allowing a few other couples to take up more room. “I still have to teach you the jitterbug.” She grinned, “But we can just  listen to the music for a while. Does the bar have anything to eat? I’d be good with pretzels, honestly. And I think I want to try that Tom Collins. It looked good.”               

Joey stepped off to the side with her. He nodded at her decision and put a hand on her back to guide them both through the crowd and toward the bar, but they took a seat in a booth instead. One that wrapped around in a small half circle around the table. “Any good bar has food,” he said, flagging down a waiter. What they both probably wanted was out of the question, considering ordering rock shavings and raw meat outside of Soapberry might be frowned upon, so he asked for a bowl of pretzels and two Tom Collins. “You just want the cherry, don’t you?” He teased, stealing a look at her dress and trying his best not to linger on the low cut in the front. He took his hat off again and sat it on the seat next to him. “I told you I wanted to play drums, didn’t I?” He asked her, nodding in thanks to the waiter as he came back promptly with their snack and drinks. “Think I could move my hands that fast?” He pointed up to the drummer, whose hands were almost a blur trying to keep the beat of the high tempo song. 

Cassie slid into the booth, sitting in a bit more of a  relaxed and lounged position than what she would have to worry about if they were back on the barstools. She laughed out loud at Joey’s comment, glancing back down at her dress, “No, oh my god. I mean I like cherries. Obviously. But that’s not the only reason.” She paused for a moment, leaning towards him slightly, “But if you don’t want yours…” Cassie prompted. As they waited for their drinks and snacks, she looked back towards the jazz band. “Did you?” She asked, plucking the cherry out of her glass and eating it first, “If you practiced you could. Or maybe you could cheat with atronach strength or something.” Cassie whispered carefully.  “But I think you’d tower over the drum set.”

“How dare you ask a man for his cherry,” Joey said, feigning offense in a deepened voice. He grabbed the cherry from his own drink and ate it first as well. He likes Tom Collins’ because they were similar to a gun tonic, but had a sweet and tart taste to it that didn’t make the alcohol so strong. He was definitely a lover of alcohol, but he wasn’t afraid of a good cocktail making him look less manly or anything. “Okay now, I’m not that tall,” Joey chuckled. “Besides, I’m mostly legs so if anything I’d have to worry about my knees getting in the way.” He was still mesmerized by the drummer all the same, and found it hard to peel his eyes away since their booth was facing right toward the stage. The song ended and a familiar line trumpet started up that made Joey nearly jump out of his seat with excitement. A female singer in a long, flowing dress came out and began to sing Ella Fitzgerald’s ‘Dream a Little Dream of Me’. “I saw her live once, you know,” Joey said, taking a sip of his drink before pointing at the woman on stage that was doing a pretty decent impression, another band member cutting in with Louis’ part. “Not her, obviously. Ella Fitzgerald. Her voice was absolute perfection, lemme tell ya. I was just a young thing at the time but I think that’s the first time I ever fell in love.” He dramatically sighed and rested his chin on his hand for show, before giving Cassie a side eyed grin. He was mostly kidding, but that was definitely the day he’d fell in love with music. 

“You’d bang up your poor knees.” Cassie laughed, sipping her drink now that the cherry was nothing else but a stem at the side on the table. She recognized the song as the trumpet blared out of pure popularity, but the certain twinkle in one's eye was reserved for Joey. “Now that is something to brag about.” Cassie nodded to him when he reminisced over Ella Fitzgerald. “If you didn’t love her, I don’t think you could say you like jazz and hold yourself in high esteem.” She responded, arching a brow when Joey gave her a side glance. “She’s still a hit for a reason.” Cassie said, plucking out a few pretzels and munching on them. “Did you meet or see anyone else famous? You’ll impress me so much.” She widened her eyes slightly bobbing her head gently in time with the music. 

“Beautiful and good taste,” Joey complimented, mostly just as a way to slip more praise her way. He already knew she had excellent taste. He thought on her question for a moment, scratching his cleanly shaven chin as he searched his brain. “I saw the Beatles,” he said, shrugging. He liked them well enough, but when he’d saw them was in the beginning, when all their music sounded the same. He hadn’t really cared for it until it got a little weirder and experimental, and he’d only found those songs recently. “It was more fascinating to see the reactions they caused, honestly. And uh, I suppose if you think of Eisenhower as famous, I met him before he was President. Shook his hand and everything.” He remembered that day vividly. He’d been so excited to meet the General. “He talked to each one of us, one by one. Everybody in my regiment. Asked us where we were from, what and who we were fighting for, and told us we were doing him proud.” His face fell a little, screwing up into an odd grimace for a moment. Cynicism quickly rushed in to taint the memory, and he stopped speaking as he slowly spun his glass between his fingers. 

Cassie raised her glass slightly, pouting in consideration, “The Beatles is impressive too. I can’t imagine being at one of their concerts when they were super famous.” She smiled, “It would have been crazy. Now people think enjoying their music is hip and different.” Cassie finished off her second drink, pushing the glass to the edge of the table, “But fads and the like seem to have a way of coming back around. Maybe in a decade or so, you’ll be in your perfect element again.” Cassie rested her elbow on the table, not thinking much Eisenhower, but she understood how it would have been important and stand out to Joey. She also noticed how fond memories faltered for a moment, so she ask anymore questions about meeting an army general. Cassie ate a few more pretzels waiting for the music to pick back up again in tempo. When it did, she turned grinning to Joey, “One Jitterbug?” She prompted.

Cassie voice pulled Joey quickly out of his jaded stupor, and he looked up at her with a grin. “Yeah, I’m game.” He finished off his drink and the two made their way to the dance floor. Cassie was a good teacher and the dance moves weren’t too different from the ones he’d taught her. They bounced around like a couple of teenagers, but when the song was over they were both feeling it, chests heaving and Joey definitely feeling a bit of a stitch in his ribs. “How about some fresh air, huh?” he suggested, gesturing toward the front doors. 

“That should help.” Cassie nodded at the mention of outdoors. It was still a little warm because of summer, but the open wind would probably be better than the air conditioning being sucked up by handfuls of people. She walked with Joey through the club till they exited, brushing down her dress and looking at a few of the other lit up places across the city street. “It got busier in there.” She commented, also noticing more cars filled the parking lot. “It’s a great place, so that makes sense. It really was a wonderful idea. Thank you.” Cassie gulped, “I haven’t gotten to do anything like this in forever.”

Joey preened under Cassie’s praise, grinning wide as they leaned against the outside brick wall of the building, about half the distance from the door to his car. He reached in his pocket and grabbed a cigarette and his army zippo lighter, counterproductively filling his lungs with smoke as he tried to enjoy the fresh air. “That’s a shame,” he lamented when she admitted she hadn’t been out like this in a while. “I’m glad I could help.” He took a long drag from his cigarette and sighed, making sure he was downwind from Cassie as to not get smoke in her face, especially with her heightened sense of smell. “I, uh, hope you don’t mind,” he muttered, holding up the cigarette between his fingers. “I don’t smoke in the house or in my car. I can’t stand the smell, honesty.” He grinned sheepishly. “Product of the time, I suppose. Got hooked back when doctors claimed these things were good for you.” He ashed it onto the ground with a wry laugh. “The world really has changed since my hay day, huh? That back there felt like a little time capsule. But then I walk out here and see all these modern plastic cars and modern shops across the street and it just,” he gently hit himself in the cheek with a satisfying clap, “slaps me in the face, you know?” He glanced over at her, so beautiful and grounded, and he smiled, almost a bit sadly. “You’re like a safe port in a storm, Cassie.”

Cassie crossed her arms over her chest, still taking in breaths of the night air. It was different than in Soapberry, which she thought was a little funny. She’d gotten so used to the town, the city had a completely different feel to it. The air hung a little heavier, a little more stale. She smelled the smoke before she actually looked over and saw Joey blowing it down and away from her. It was a fair try. She shrugged her shoulders. “It’s fine. I don’t own the streets. Suppose everyone needs a vice.” Cassie couldn’t help but scoff at the idea of cigarettes being good for you. She knew all about the ads and glorification back in the day, but doctor recommended? That was almost too much. Her content expression turned a little sad in time with Joey. It was something she’d never fully be able to grasp, that loss of time. But then he shifted the attention to her and the compliment for all that it was also tugged at something melancholy. “I don’t know how.” She admitted, stepping a bit closer, “I feel just as lost sometimes. But…” Cassie squinted slightly looking up at him, “It’s definitely better with some company.”

Joey frowned slightly as Cassie’s mood seemed to get dragged down with his own. He hadn’t meant for that to happen. But her getting closer to him was beyond comforting. It was honestly all he needed in that moment and she’d delivered without even knowing. He rubbed the end of his cigarette out on the brick wall and flicked it away, turning toward her. “I pushed away company for so long. They say misery loves it, but I didn’t want to pull anybody else down with me.” He smiled sadly, realizing he was echoing her words from the deli. “But I guess you can’t dig yourself out of a hole by yourself, huh? I’m learning that now.” He turned more to be squarely facing her. He gazed into her eyes for a moment, swallowing hard. “Cassie...can I kiss you?”

Cassie could have scrounged up some more reassuring and comforting words, after all pushing people away and keeping to yourself was something Cassie had previous experience in. But she decided instead to just let Joey talk, it seemed like something he needed, and the better option. She’d been watching him so intently, that when Joey turned and asked to kiss her, she wasn’t even taken off guard by the question. Cassie had rather been thinking, Joey Voeman could probably use a kiss, or an embrace. Some sort of closeness. It’s what Cassie had been missing for a time. “Yeah.” She finally answered him with a natural curl of her lips, “I’d like to kiss you a lot.”

Joey smiled. An easy smile. His heart was racing and his hands had an uncharacteristic shake to them suddenly. This was a threshold that, once they crossed, there was really no going back. It was territory he was nervous to tread with her, but excited to explore at the same time. He tried to push out all his apprehension though, putting his focus only on her. One hand reached out to rest on her hip, while he reached up with the other to cup her face, his fingers touching the hot skin on the back of her neck and his thumb caressed her cheek gently, then her lips, before he leaned down to press his against hers. She tasted like gin and sweetness, and her lips were soft. Inviting. Her kiss sent shivers down his spine, and he greedily pulled her closer for a moment, before loosening his grip just as quick, doing his best not to get ahead of himself here. 

Cassie would have melted into the light, sweet touches right then if she could have. Her heart felt like it was going to hammer out of her chest and she forced away any thoughts that didn’t have to do with the moment happening right there and then. Standing outside with Joey, just the two of them with nothing else but the faint noise of the club and sounds of cars driving by. Cassie kissed him back gingerly, loosely grabbing his forearms when he pulled her closer. Even the smell of smoke didn’t bother her all too much. It was part of his scent to begin with. Her lips lingered on his for a few extra moments before she dropped her head down and rested it against his chest for a moment. “So…” Cassie mumbled, her mouth curling into a smile again, “Maybe it isn’t that slow.”

Even if they hadn’t kissed hard and fast and hungry like he was used to, Joey still felt light headed as he pulled back. And somehow, that felt all the more special to him in that moment.  He was liable to float away if he wasn’t careful. He was thankful for Cassie staying connected to him, head heavy on his chest to keep him grounded. He wrapped his arms around her and a hand reached up to caress her soft, pulled back curls. “No it ain’t,” he muttered back. He craned his neck to look down at her, not wanting to give up this position just yet, but still wanting to look at her and gauge her expression. He was relieved to see she was smiling, and it made him grin as well. “Is that...okay?” he asked. 

“Yes.” Cassie couldn’t help but laugh a little. The smile on her face pulled and pinched at her cheeks in a way that he hadn’t felt in a long time. Something free and genuine. She clung to Joey as well, letting the next few quiet moments pass without any other worries. Cassie eventually glanced over her shoulder, watching a few other people exit the club with soft chatters and happy giggles. She bit her lower lip, gazing at his chest and smoothing out the fabric her head had wrinkled slightly, “Do you know if there’s a scenic route home?” She asked.

This time Cassie didn’t hesitate with her answer, and Joey closed his eyes for a moment, resting his chin on the top of her head. He savored her weight against him, and let out a contented sigh as he pushed away any protests his conscience was screaming at him in that moment. When she pulled back, he almost felt a pang of loss with her arms no longer around him, but he smiled down at her as she bit her lip. “I’m sure I could find one. You’re ready to go so soon?” he teased, but grabbed her hand and headed toward the car anyway. 

“Uh…” Cassie’s expression turned a little sheepish when Joey called her out for wanting to leave already. Although it wasn’t as if they hadn’t spent some amount of time at the club. “It’s a little loud to actually talk in there.” She offered, it was a poor excuse and the remaining look on her face proved that she knew it too. “I don’t want to go home.” Cassie clarified, “I do enjoy breathing normally.” She joked, opening the car door before Joey got the chance when they reached the vehicle. “And being with you.” Cassie added, flashing a smile with her white teeth. 

Joey didn’t need the excuse to spend more one-on-one time with Cassie, but her offering them up was still cute nonetheless. He didn’t even try to open her car door since she beat him there, so he just rounded it and got in on the drivers side, arm leaning casually on the steering wheel as he gazed over at her. His eyes probably lingered a bit too long, but not in a lewd way. More of a giddy, smitten stare, complete with a toothy grin, one he eventually broke away as he took off his hat and threw it in the back seat before starting up the car. “I don’t know how scenic it’s gonna look in the dead of night,” he teased as he backed out and pulled onto the road. They were on the edge of the city, and it wasn’t long before they were winding around curvy country roads. Joey has went driving for the hell of it out here before, so he actually knew how to prolong their trip without getting lost. “So, if you’ve got mold, it means you had a ghost tagging along during that whole fiasco, yeah? Who was it?” He asked. “And here’s me hoping that ain’t a touchy subject for you.” Because it sure was for him now. He was suddenly realizing he didn’t know much about her past at all. And to be honest, she didn’t even know the half of his. But this was the beginning of something, he could feel it, and they had time. 

“It’ll be fine.” Cassie assured him, tapping the side of her head gently with her finger, “I can see pretty well in the dark anyways.” It was nice to be back in the car, off her feet and in a private area with Joey. It’s not like saying the club was loud had been a complete lie. She rested her head on her shoulder, watching as the paved roads turned a bit more curvy and wild, only glancing back when Joey asked her about her mold back at home. “An ancestor.” It was the simplest way to answer before Cassie provided any sort of explanation. “Technically my paternal great-grandmother. She was a witch.” Cassie absent mindedly played with her hair, “My family has been around since Soapberry started. Helped build it up and all that. Well, one of them decided to get friendly with a witch.” And here Cassie looked guilty, “They weren’t the best. Took the resulted baby away to raise cause they didn’t want any scandals. He was a witch too though, and my great-grandmother? She thought we were even worse. It led to a curse and that’s a whole thing.” She cleared her throat, not wanting to come right out and say the witch thought they were murderers. “Well, it’s why Addie’s a witch anyways and now she’s a little fixated on her.” Cassie raised her brows glancing back out the window. It was strange how normal that bit of her history had gotten over time. Now it was just fact. Before it was something completely shameful. “It’s dramatic.”

“Sounds like it,” Joey agreed quietly, gripping the steering wheel. It was times like this when Joey realized how selfish he could be without even meaning to. It was easy for him to obsess over his own tragic past all too often. To be broody and grim because of it, even in the presence of his support group. To feel alone and as if he was the only one suffering in the world. He certainly wasn’t insensitive to other people’s pain, but it was easy to forget other people were dealing with things too in their own quiet ways. “Is that why you grew up in Chicago? Your family wanted away from...all that?” He still wasn’t exactly clear what ‘all that’ entailed, but he felt right now wasn’t the best time to ask her to elaborate. Later. There would be a later. And that made him smile a bit to himself. 

“I think so.” Cassie answered with a small nod, and then an amused scoff at the very idea, “Like they thought they could run away from the bad shit previous Germaine’s did. I ended up back there didn’t I?” She ended up back in Soapberry with all the responsibility to boot, but Cassie didn’t want to brood over that. “It’s fine.” She clarified. “I don’t miss Chicago anyways. I never really felt at home there like I do in Soapberry.”

“I know a bit about running away,” Joey said. Not in any sort of accusatory way of course. “It always sounds like a good idea at the time.” He squeezed the steering wheel a bit harder, the leather audibly squeaking under his grip. But he loosened up just as quickly. “I’m glad you feel at home here though.” He let out a wry chuckle. “It’s funny. So do I. Granted, I’ll always be homesick for the Smoky Mountains, but even with all the crazy shit happening in Soapberry, I’ve got no real desire to leave.” Her glances over at her and reached a hand to gently grip her bare shoulder. “I’d be crazy to now,” he said, a bit of a blush on his tanned cheeks. He moved both hands to the wheel again, smile still plastered on him. “How old were you when you moved to Soapberry?”

“That’s good.” Cassie smiled faintly, she didn’t want Joey to leave. There was a faint growing fear now that anyone she’d come to care about, romantic or not, would eventually leave. She laughed at Joey’s own sort of reassurance, her hand reaching up to brush over his in a quick instance. “I only moved there three years ago.” She answered him next. “I’m not as much of an expert as I might seem. And only moved because… hmm-” Cassie paused here, cause this was embarrassing. “I fought shifting for a really long time. One full moon it caught up to me and let’s just say a black wolf was running lose in the city streets.” She grimaced slightly, “My parents promptly saw me relocated.”

Joey didn’t quite know how to respond to what Cassie had just told him. He didn’t quite know what it was like to be forced to shift, but he couldn’t imagine it felt goo, losing control of yourself like that. And then to resist it? All that build up.Then to finally lose it? That had to be torture. “I’m sorry,” he said quietly. More for the obvious embarrassment she felt in telling him than anything else. “Thanks for trusting me with that,” he whispered, glancing at her. He knew it was always hard to admit things about your past. Gauge who you could trust with such delicate information. It was a blessing to have a secret shared with you, even if it wasn’t strictly a secret in the true definition of the word. “Why’d you resist? How long?”

Cassie’s brows furrowed at ‘why’. That was a more loaded and difficult question than sharing some secrets. “I don’t find being a wolf all that much of a gift.” She responded with a slight shrug of her shoulders. “I’m not so resentful in Soapberry but in Chicago? All the stories tell you wolves are evil. People are scared of wolves.” We’re monsters. Cassie wanted to say, but refrained. Hadn’t she worked past that? She thought she had. “Why would I be proud of that? I didn’t fit in. Even with the few secret wolf packs.” Hell, she still struggled in Soapberry, but at least it was easier to try. “So I got a charm and didn’t shift for...I don’t know six months? And that’s when it happened.” She’d gone longer since then, given her pregnancies, but those hadn’t been forced. 

It pained Joey to hear her talk that way. Not being proud of your supernatural species felt so foreign to him. He couldn’t relate. But he knew being a wolf, being forced to shift once a month, that was much different than being an atronach. At least in his culture, it was tied to a spiritual awakening. A culture and an identity. For Cassie, he could see how she’d find her wolf more a burden than a gift when trying to live a normal life. “I can’t say I know how that feels,” he began, before pausing as he found the small dirt drive off the main road he’d been looking for, turning onto it before continuing. “But that had to be hard for you. I’m glad you’re working through it.” He hated how clinical he sounded, but the only other thing he could say would be worthless platitude. “You don’t have to go into it now, but if you ever wanna talk about it more. About anything. I’m here.” He put his hand on his chest and glanced at her as he brought the car to a stop. They were parked on a small cliff overlooking Soapberry. They could barely see it, hazy with the spellwork that kept it hidden, but still slightly visible to them. Just dark outlines and blurry orbs of light in a valley that stretched out to the sea. “Beautiful, isn’t it? Found this little hideaway hiking ‘bout a month back.”

The truth was Cassie didn’t want to talk about it, it was always a delicate subject it seemed no matter how much work she thought she’d done. Most people she found were happy in Soapberry, happy with what they were and the way the supernatural world ran. Cassie had found a comfortable place there, but something would always bug her deep down it seemed. “Thanks.” She muttered, the corner of her mouth curling into a kind smile. In no way was it Joey’s fault, after all. She sat up a little in her seat, looking out the windshield over the dash board. “It looks so mystical.” Cassie mused, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen it like this before. From this view.” She let out a short sigh, eyes following the blurry orbs of spellwork. Cassie turned towards Joey, unbuckling her seatbelt so she wasn’t held back at all. “Can you just kiss me again instead for now?” She asked, voice faint and a little shy.

Joey was delighted she was so mesmerized by the view. But just as quickly, he felt her eyes on him, and he turned his head to look back at her as she unbuckled her seatbelt. “If that’s what you want,” he whispered, unbuckling his own seatbelt and lifting the middle console to be able to scoot closer to her. His arms slipped easily around her, spread strong and wide across her back. He grinned at her before their lips met, kissing deeper than they had outside the bar. But still gentle. Tentative. Slow and steady. Joey let out a low, quiet moan into her mouth that made his cheeks go red, and he pulled back. “You’re a wonderful woman, Cassie,” he breathed, pushing a stray curl behind her ear. “I’m lucky to have met you.”

Cassie relaxed and leaned into Joey’s arms as they wrapped around her again, opening her mouth for a hotter, deeper kiss that answered Joey in action rather than words. It’s definitely what she wanted. She could feel her skin prickle in sweet sensation, enjoying the feeling of Joey’s hands holding and caressing her. It was nice to feel safe, and wanted again. Her lips curled in a smile against his when Cassie heard the small moan escape from his throat, and she lifted her hand to brush at comb at the hair on the nape of Joey’s neck. Now it was her turn to be slightly disappointed and wanting when he pulled away, but her cheeks were flushed with sensation. “We’re lucky to have met each other.” She amended breathlessly.

Joey didn’t say another word. He just smiled and pressed their lips together once more. She was so warm, and it felt like he was holding the sun in his arms with how bright her joy shone on her face when she looked at him. A hand came up to caress her face, holding her soft cheek in his hand like it was a precious gem to be honored and revered. His mouth trailed down, planting kisses on the side of her neck opposite his hand. His kisses were sweet and gentle, but also ravenous. It was like someone put a cake in front of him and he was only allowed to taste the smallest bit of frosting. He wanted to have his cake and eat it too...this time in every lewd sense of the word. 

Cassie would have been happy to sit there for the rest of the night wrapped in Joey’s arms and kissing him back with matched wanting and fervor. His lips were so warm and welcoming, and his touch was even sweeter. She pressed back a little rougher into his kiss, squirming slightly and giggling when his mouth trailed down her neck. Cassie rested her cheek against Joey’s while she still could, peppering kisses along the back of his ear and down his jaw as their lips wandered across each other both eagerly and carefully. She sighed more audible this time closing more of the space between their bodies. 

The giggles Joey brought out of Cassie made him smile against her skin. And then that sigh, it sent a shiver staring down his spine. The hair on his arms stood up as goose pimples spread over his skin, her peppered kisses on his ear and jaw only causing his body more pleasurable distress. When she moved to close the gap between them, he wrapped his arms around her middle and scooted her to were his middle console had been, turning more toward her so their upper bodies were flush with each other. It felt like his skin was on fire every place they were touching, and he held her close as their mouths finally found each other’s again, their kisses hungrier and more feverish now. His hand laced into the hair on the back of her head, feeling like silk between his fingers. He let out another soft moan, unashamed this time. 

Cassie’s fingers dug into Joey’s jacket, and she carefully slipped her hands inside feeling the thinner dress dress shirt. She wanted to run and brush her hands against his arms and skin, but she wasn’t going to make him undress either. She gripped him tighter, whining slightly before she lifted herself and sat on the very edge of his lap. It was easier to kiss him that way, and she didn’t have to twist her body as awkwardly. After Cassie was satisfied with the new position she pulled away slightly, biting her lower lip again as she took in Joey’s face. She ran her thumb under chin before kissing him lightly again. “Is this okay?” Cassie smirked.

Joey was a taken by surprise when Cassie lifted herself up from her seat, but once he realized what she was doing, he quickly reached down and moved the seat back a bit to make ample room for her, doing his best not to break the kiss as he did so. When she pulled back, his head moved forward a bit in longing, but he leaned back against the headrest, a bit breathless. “Of course,” he said, reaching up to caress her cheek. “More than okay.” His hand dropped slowly, running down to her shoulder, down her side, to her hip, then feeling her bare thigh where her dress had hiked up, he let his hand rest there, digging his fingertips in a bit as he went in for another kiss, biting her lip gently as his other hand explored her back again. He so desperately wanted to pull at that zipper, but restrained himself, flattening out his hand and savoring what he did have. A beautiful woman on his lap that wanted to kiss him. That wanted to understand him and be alone with him and help him carry his baggage. He wouldn’t rush this. He’d relish in it. 

“Oh good.” Cassie murmured, eyes glazed over with desire as she lazily watched Joey trail his hand around her skin again. Cassie was aware her dress had ruffled up slightly, but when his slightly worn fingers pressed into the smooth skin of her thigh she felt her breath hitched slightly. Cassie’s hand closed over his, “Don’t do that yet.” She whispered airily, lingering a moment with her fingers wrapped in his before Joey’s hand moved to her back. Cassie cupped his face gingerly as they kept kissing, grunting at the brief sharpness of teeth. “Just this. Just a little while longer.” She directed huskily.

Joey held the hand she’d plucked from her thigh in his own. He’d worried he’d overstepped, but his fears were soothed when she continued to kiss him. Continued to make tiny noises of satisfaction and talked to him in that husky, low voice you only spoke to a lover with. He brought the hand still holding hers up to his mouth, kissing each of her knuckles in turn. It was her left hand, and there was a split second of hesitation before he kissed the ring finger. Barely noticeable, but there. “Good. I like just this. For as long as you want,” he whispered back. He leaned back to take in her face, her curls hanging slightly forward from her angle to frame her face in a reddish brown halo from the moonlight behind her. “God, you’re so beautiful,” he breathed, before leaning forward to kiss her again. 

Cassie didn’t notice the hesitation, there was something endearing and tender about the light kisses on her knuckles. Cassie would scoff and tell people she was a lady, because that’s how she was raised, but Joey actually made her feel like one. Like something special and worth waiting for. A year or so ago, she would have completely cringed under the idea, but now? She was properly flattered by it. She smiled at his breathless statement, merely thanking him with more passionate kissing. After a while she glanced back to the clock in the dashboard, curious how much time had passed. Cassie pursed her lips  when it read past midnight, and she made a quick ‘tsk’ sound, “I don’t suppose we can stay here forever huh?”

Joey leaned over to look past Cassie and check the clock as well. “Suppose not,” he agreed begrudgingly. He let Cassie slip off of his lap and into the passenger seat, but not before stealing one more quick kiss on her cheek. He started the car back up and pulled out of the little clearing, back out on the main road in no time. Without Cassie in his lap and on his lips, he was able to think a bit clearer, and all the fears and doubts he’d pushed away for the night were flooding back in like someone had broken a dam. “Cassie, I’ve got something I gotta get off my chest,” he admitted, knowing that was an awful way to start a conversation, but it was too late now. “When I was drafted, I had a girlfriend. Lenore. We were gonna get married and have oodles of kids when I got back but…” He ran a hand over his face as he drove, the memory technically over half a century old but still raw. “She found someone new while I was overseas. And when I got back, the two were married and she was pregnant and moved on.” He shrugged. “It’s okay, in a way. I didn’t come back the same man she’d loved. But she’d still wrote me letters like everything was fine and dandy right up ‘til V-E Day. Had to find out from my sister delivering Lenore’s final letter. Didn’t even have the decency to tell me to my face.” He took a deep breath. He was realizing as he spoke how much different the two situations were, but it still didn’t ease his mind completely. “My point is, while it ain’t all exactly the same, I know what it’s like to be on the other side of this whole thing. And I’m having a bit of a crisis of conscience, I guess you could call it.” He pulled the car over then, the Soapberry border just a mile or so ahead. He turned to look at her, lips pressed in a thin line. “You ain’t being devious, I know that. You ain’t lying to anybody’s face. It ain’t the same at all. I just...I need to know this is all okay, you know? If we’re okay. Because I like you a whole damn lot, Cassie, and I don’t wanna ruin this with a heap of doubt weighing on my mind.”

Cassie felt her chest tighten at the beginning. It was just shy of ‘I have to tell you something’ and nothing good ever followed. Her body was already going into panic mode, and she tried so hard not to let the fear show on her face. As he explained though, her nausea subsided, it was only natural he had past girlfriends but then Cassie understood better. He was worried he was repeating a slight a past lover had done to him. “I’m really sorry that happened.” She whispered, because Cassie’s mind couldn’t help but flip the situation to Lilo coming back and finding them as well. But Cassie would never lie. She wouldn’t lead him on. Something about that was cruel. “It’s not the same.” She agreed, her voice a little stronger. Cassie was a little surprised Joey had to pull the car over, but if it was something so heavy on his conscious she wanted to try and discuss it properly. “Joey…” She cringed only slightly, gulping down a lump in her throat before looking back to him. “To me we’re more than okay. If by some miracle he comes back...there’ll be a conversation. If there wasn’t Addie or Albert it’d be different. But he was their dad, and that’ll never change. He was a good dad.” Cassie cleared her throat, biting the inside of her cheek when she felt that threatening sting of tears. There was no way. “I know how to make decisions for myself. I couldn’t imagine lying to anyone. I wouldn’t. But I don’t hate him either. As long as you’re okay with that, we can make plenty work.” 

Joey could only smile sadly as Cassie spoke. Her voice was so reassuring. She was so strong, at least outwardly in that moment. If there was a falter in her thinking, in her steadfast decision, he couldn’t see it. And that was what he needed right now. “Of course you can. And of course you don’t hate him. That would never be what I’d want.” He reached out and took her hand in his, not sure who was providing the real support to the other with the gesture. Perhaps it was mutual. “I’m sorry I compared you and Lenore. You don’t deserve that. And I want you to know I don’t feel like the ‘other man’ here. That’s not it.” It was a complicated issue, honestly. One they weren’t going to be able to talk through at 12:30am in a car on the side of the road. But it was a start, and a step in the right direction for Joey’s guilt addled mind. “We’re more than okay,” he repeated, kissing the back of her hand before releasing it, shifting back into gear and heading back into town. 

Cassie was quiet for most of the drive back into town. She would steal quick glances at Joey, wondering what was going through his mind and how much this past relationship had really hurt him. She’d only been surprised by the confession, feeling the slight need to defend herself because it didn’t take much doubt from others to scare her. But this wasn’t about her, Cassie had to remind herself. This was Joey’s own hang up. “You’re not the other man to me either.” Was all Cassie offered on the subject, hesitating in the car even when it pulled up next to her townhome. Her hands rested gently in her lap kept to herself. Even with the jarring confession, Cassie still wanted Joey’s company, she was tired of returning home alone. But it simply wasn’t the time. They both needed it apparently. “I had a really nice time tonight. You outdid yourself.” She smiled again, “I’ll owe you.” 

Every word Cassie said served to push Joey’s doubt out of his mind. It was really no use worrying about what might happen in the future. It only took him away from the present, and his present was pretty great in his opinion. At least as far as his current company. But as he pulled up in front of her townhouse, even that was going to be cut short. He shrugged at her compliment. “I try,” he teased, raising his eyebrow at her next comment. “Oh, are you taking me out next time?” he asked, smirking playfully. “Is it my turn to be spoiled?”

“Well, wait, wait.” Cassie laughed holding up a hand, “I don’t know about next time. I need time to plan. And something tells me you’ve planned in advance.” The corners of her eyes crinkled as she looked at him admiringly, “But I’ll think of some sort of treat. You deserve it.” Her teeth ran over her lower lip a moment before she decided to lean forward and kiss Joey briefly. “Just to add to our tally.” Cassie joked, before she finally opened the door and stepped back out into the night air. She gave him a tiny wave, “Don’t stay away too long.”

[gloryofluv]

Reaction to You hiding under a table... (All the boys)

Hiding under a table. Reactions and laughs abound! All the brothers and the dateables.

Lucifer-

He walked into the room and saw you ducking under the table with the cloth hiding most of you. He lifts the cloth to reveal that you’re not shivering with fear at the sight of him. Obviously, you’re not just hiding like Mammon has done. Nope, you had a book and were under a… table???

Cue questionable scowl. WTF is this human doing now?

It only is more confusing for him when you glance up to see him, wave, and smile before returning to your book.

Does he even want to know? Actually, he does. However, should he spend the time to ask?

He does. He’s a sucker for you. Your response is simple. You wanted to read in peace, and (almost) no one would see you here.

He inwardly groans and tells you to go hide in his room next time.

No, he wouldn’t mind seeing you reading in there when he gets home. In fact, go ahead, make that your primary space to hide. Coming home to you would be exactly what he dreamt about.

Bonus points if you laugh and agree. Melted firstborn, anyone?

“If you insist on hiding from my brothers for some peace, you may do so in my room. I won’t be perturbed as long as you don’t tell them.”

Mammon-

Walks into the dining room to try and find something to sell for some quick coin. Scowls at the sight of your shoes sticking out from under the table.

Most definitely will crouch and stick his face in your space. This boi is perplexed at you huddled under the table with your phone.

Huh? Is this a human thing?

You smile and ask if he wants to come to sit with you.

Mammon will snort and toss an insult or bravado of some sort but still be really confused at your new place to sit.

Hiding from Asmo because he wants to dye your hair? Well, that makes a little more sense. However, he still doesn’t get it. You have a bedroom.

You pat the ground again, and he grumbles but agrees. Sitting with him, you start playing the funny Deviltube videos of demons getting scared by human items. You and he are laughing at the idiots together.

He soon wraps his arm around you as you’re cozy in the dim light. Forgetting about his task, he asks if you want to come back to his room. Ya know, to watch videos there???

If you agree, he’ll drag you off. It wasn’t the first time he was hiding under a table, but it would be your last.

“Now, human, that happens again, and ya just come to my room. I’m supposed to be watchin’ ya.”

Levi-

He was walking up to the bathroom. Usually, his nose was stuck to his D.D.D, but he caught sight of you. You were napping under a table?! What?

He thought about leaving you there. Belphie usually falls asleep in the weirdest places. However, why??? Why were you under a table? In the hallway???

Bending down, he touches your shoulder, and you wake up. He asks what you’re doing sleeping under a table like a normie?

You tell him that you were waiting for the bathroom to take a bath, but Mammon was taking forever. You got caught up reading a manga and fell asleep under the table.

Cue heart eyes and blushes! He stammers about going to use the bathroom. When he comes out, you were still under there reading.

Immediately he was a jumbling mess. Asks you if you would read it in his room instead of under a table.

If you agree, expect blushy boi to timidly ask what it's about. If you explain the plot to him, he will definitely show you similar types from his own collection!

He will likely keep you captive all night because the thought of you under a table with a manga stole his otaku heart out of his chest.

“If you d-don’t mind spending time with a disgusting otaku. You could come read it with me. I have more if you like. P-please?”

Satan-

Inquisitive and actually perceptive about his surroundings, he wanders into the library to immediately see you under the table in there. You pulled a chair over to block the view of anyone who would be just glancing in the room.

He ignores you, for the time being, grabbing the book he had an interest in reviewing. Instead of leaving, he picks that chair to sit in.

Minutes go by as he enjoys the subtle sound of your breathing and the beautiful announcement of the pages being turned when he thumbs them.

Is he curious why you’re hiding under a table? Absolutely. Will he ask? Well, he was debating on how long he’d let you believe you’re actually hidden.

Instead of asking flat out, he turns and slams the book on the tabletop, causing you to jump and bump your head. He’ll ask you why you’ve been hiding under a table at that point.

Lucifer.

Enough said. He offers a better solution to your issue. He invites you to his room, where you can seclude yourself from his fury until the firstborn is busy with other tasks.

If you agree, he’ll smirk and feel smug as hell. Lucifer will ask and ask where the human went, and he won’t say a word.

“Honestly, there are far better ways to disappear than under a table. Come to my room, and I’ll shield you from the chaos.”

Asmo-

Glorious clothes. Fabulous makeup! Asmo just returned from his shopping trip and was on a high. He walks into the sitting room to see you lying under the table.

What?

Flat out asks you what you’re doing under the table. Oh, you’re glancing at all the cute outfits in the latest Devildom fashion??? He would climb on the floor and join you if it wasn’t dirty.

Comments on the dirt.

You say that you’re waiting for Mammon, and he never looks lower than the sofa. You wanted to scare him for him stealing your hairbrush. True. Very true. A great place to jump out and scare him.

However, just not working for Asmo. Nope. Insists that you end your ploy to scare Mammon and help him go through his new things.

He promises to help you get back at Mammon with a better, less dirty plan.

If you agree, he will be skipping all the way up to his room. He’ll have you all to himself, and you both can do a fashion montage!!!

“Honey, he’s an idiot, but this is no way to treat your poor skin. Let’s go through all my new clothes and plan something far more deserving!”

Beel-

Baby boy just got done with his workout and was going to walk into the kitchen to make a snack. Walks by the dining room to see your knees under the table.

What?

He stops and scowls. This is a new behavior. Beel goes into the room and ducks down to see you huddled under the table… eating Simeon’s cookies?!

You give him a simper and offer the bag saying he can have one. Beel accepts and then asks why you’re under the table.

Hiding from the others because you didn’t want them to know Simeon made them just for you?

He's a little hurt that Simeon wouldn’t make him any, but happy that you shared. You ask him if he wants a few more because you only had a handful left.

He sits down and eats the offering with a smile. After you both have finished the cookies, he asks if you want to come with him to make a snack.

If you agree, this teddy bear is glowing. He’ll make everything you want, and you just need to sit on the counter and tell him about your day.

“If you want, since you shared, I could make your favorite snack. I love sharing my food with you too.”

Belphie-

Tired. Grumbly. Tired. He walks into the sitting room to see you stationed under the side table.

Um? What? He scowls and smacks his pillow at you reading a book before slumping on the sofa.

His version of asking you what’s wrong??? Well, it worked.

You tell him that Lucifer was looking for you to do a chore and figured you could plead ignorance if he didn’t find you sitting under a table.

Mammon never gets away with anything like that, and Belphie tells you so.

You curl smaller and laugh. See, he can’t find something this tiny, right?

Thump. Thump. Thump. Yes, his heart is just beating for how cute you could be. Tells you how ridiculously stupid that is instead.

You unbunch your legs and sigh. Well, he sucks at times… So, instead of apologizing, he offers to take you up to the attic and hide you in the blankets if Lucifer comes knocking.

If you agree, he walks with you all the way up, and when you snuggle on the bed together, he apologizes for being grumpy.

Turns into a melty soft boy when you run your hands through his hair and say you didn’t even notice with a smile.

“Well, if you want a plan that actually will work. You can come with me to the attic. I’ll hide you in the blankets, and we can nap.”

Solomon-

Walks into the library at RAD with one goal in mind. There was a book on energy manipulation he wanted to read. However, the goal is postponed.

Sees you under the table, and now, he’s completely intrigued. You had your book in hand. You even looked to be in perfect health. Hmm… odd.

Approaches you, and you glance up. No words. Not even a plea for help. Still odd.

He finally asks you why you’ve chosen this space to sit instead of a useful chair. You reply that there was a demon giving you dirty looks. So you ducked under a table, and the demon walked away in confusion.

He finds it fascinating that something this odd would work. Now is intrigued if that’s all demons or just you doing it.

Climbs under the table with you and asks what you’re reading. Makes no effort to remove you from under the table nor ask you to sit in the chair.

Both of you read under the table and watch as demons glance at you with pure befuddlement. Cue laughter and enjoyment. He would have never thought he’d walk into a rare social experiment with demons that day.

“You know, that poses an interesting question. Do demons insist on the same social norms as humans? Care to perform this experiment with me?”

Simeon-

Walks into the House of Lamentation to have tea with Lucifer. However, he is quite amused at the sight of seeing you trying to tuck as far under the side table near the hallway.

He walks over and ducks down, lifting the cloth, asking, what are you doing?

You rush out in a whisper that Levi is angry with you because you beat him at a game. You don’t want him to send Lotan on you!

He nods and hears footsteps on the staircase, so he stands in front of you. Levi comes storming down the staircase and asks if he’s seen you. Simeon spills a few lines from TSL. Levi is blushing and waves him off before stomping by.

He checks the hallway before bending down and whispering that you can come with him back to Purgatory Hall. He’ll explain what happened to Lucifer so he can calm Levi down.

If you agree, he doesn’t waste time to skirt you out the door and away from danger. What a freaking angel??? Well, maybe it’s a little selfish. He gets to keep you safe, after all.

“If you would like, you can come with me and have some tea to calm your nerves. You look shaken, and I do hate to see you out of sorts.”

Luke-

Skips into the sitting room at Purgatory Hall and immediately scowls. What are you doing under the table???

Walks over, and you press a finger over your mouth. You thought you saw a bat. A flappy bat in the sitting room! They see with sound.

What??? Is it a blood-sucking bat??? Does it eat humans? Are things like that really in the Devildom?

Climbs under the table with you and looks around with a hint of anxiety on his face. It doesn’t help that his clothing tickled your arm, and you jumped and screamed.

Insists that you both run into the kitchen to tell Simeon! He’ll know what to do!

If you agree, both of you are bolting into the kitchen to describe an exaggerated version of the event. Your fear was enough to scare this wee angel. You weren’t scared of demons, but were of a bat??? This had to be a very evil bat!

“If we run as fast as we can, it won’t find us right away! Simeon will be able to help!”

Barbatos-

He was well aware of lunacy thanks to his very creative prince. There were things he just expected to weave sideways from the norm. However, you under a table in the hallway of the Demon Lord’s Castle wasn’t one he foresaw.

Should he bother to ask? Yes, he best do so. Bends and questions your oddity.

You explain that one of the Little D’s was yelling at you for walking on their clean floors. It called you a stupid, ignorant human. You wiped your face, and he noted the blotchy color of your cheeks. Well, someone was going to have an unfortunate accident later…

He asks if you would like to come with him to the kitchen. You could have some tea while he prepares dinner.

If you agree (let’s face it, no one tells Barbatos no), he will assist you in climbing from under the table. He will pull out a handkerchief and wipe the tears from your cheek and escort you to the kitchen.

You may not have seen it, but it did bother him immensely that you were cowering under a table. He would fix that and have you smiling in no time.

“I’m apologetic that someone was rude to you. Let me make it up to you with some tea and cookies. We will cure this bad experience with a better one.”

Diavolo-

He was enjoying the party thus far but was in need of a moment, just a brief moment alone. Walking into the dark sitting room, he turns on the lights to see you under a table. Your formal attire was pooling around you.

He walks over and ducks down to see the shock on your face and D.D.D in your hand. Asking what you’re doing in here, he smiles.

You answer with taking a break from the party. Though it’s beautiful and jovial, you were tired of dancing with so many demons.

He agrees and asks if you don’t mind the company. Actually, while he’s asking, he found a way to duck his torso under the table with you. (Big boi could actually break furniture and you if he wasn’t careful)

You show him the cute animal videos off Deviltube, and both of you begin to laugh. One video leads to six leads to twelve. It didn’t matter. It was so nice to just spend time with you.

He asks you if you want to have another table date again. He actually would sit under any piece of furniture as long as you said yes.

“I’m so glad to see you! I was actually exhausted from all the dancing myself. Care if I join you in watching whatever was amusing you?”

[sapphosvioletts]

Liho

Natasha Romanoff x Autistic reader

Request:

I was wondering could I request gf!nat x autistic fem reader where the readers is meeting liho(Nats cat) for the first time and is very hesitant cause she’s scared and sits like far away from him at first but starts to inch towards Liho and starts petting him and trusting him? and Tasha finds them snuggling? And it’s all just fluffy fluff please

Word count: 701

Note: Not every autistic person experiences autism the same. I'm autistic and I am writing from my perspective of how I personally experience autism, but not everyone feels the same as me or has the same perspective as I do.

I stare at the black cat sitting a couple feet away from me while sitting on the couch. He's staring back at me, his bright eyes wide. I jump when I feel arms wrapped abound my shoulders from behind, but relax when I realize it's only Natasha.

I stare at the black cat sitting a couple feet away from me while sitting on the couch. He's staring back at me, his bright eyes wide. I jump when I feel arms wrapped abound my shoulders from behind, but relax when I realize it's only Natasha.

She leans her head on top of mine and I hold onto her arms. "She won't hurt you, I promise." She says gently. I give her a small smile and shrug, leaning my head on her arm.

Natasha leaves for a moment before coming back, a bag of cat treats in her hand. "Here, if you give her some treats you'll become her favorite." She says smirk. I shake my head with a laugh. She sets them down on the couch next to me before kissing the top of my head and heading back to the kitchen to finish making dinner.

After another moment of just staring at the cat, I finally reach my hand in the bag and pull out one of the small treats. Liho immediately perks up and walks over to the couch. I laugh as she meows loudly, walking in circles close to me excitedly. I set the treat on the ground in front of her and pull my hand back, still a little scared of the cat.

When she's done she looks back up at me, meowing again. I smile and grab another treat for her. When I go to put my hand down I flinch as she rubs her head up against my hand, but stay in place.

After a moment a wide smile comes on my face, feeling a bit more comfortable with the cat, and also finding her absolutely adorable. I take a deep breath to calm myself before holding the treat out and letting her eat the treat from my hand this time.

She gently grabs the treat from my hand, her cold nose bumping up against my hand. When she's done she hops up on the couch next to me. She sniffs the bag of treats before trying to stick in her head inside.

I burst out in laughter before taking the bag away from her. She dejectedly meows, but plops down on her side next to my leg, looking up at me with cute and pleading eyes. I hesitantly pet her side, stroking her soft and fluffy fur.

After a while of just petting her she rolls back over, making me frown. But instead of leaving, she puts her two front paws on my leg and lays down in my lap. I scratch her head, watching her eyes close contently.

I resume petting her, but pause when I feel the soft vibrations coming from her. I close my eyes and leave my hand on her stomach, enjoying the soothing feeling. It makes me think that maybe I should have met Liho sooner, because now this feeling may be one of my new favorite stims.

I lay my side down on the arm of the couch, being careful not to the disturb the little ball of fluff in my lap. I leave my hand on her stomach, letting my eyes fall shut once again.

Natasha comes back out into the living room, but freezes when she sees me and Liho. She breaks out into a smile at the sight. She can tell I'm not asleep, just have my eyes shut. She kneels down in front of the couch, making me finally open my eyes at her presence

I give her a warm smile when I see her. "Hey love, dinner is ready. How about I bring it in here, we can't disturb the baby." I laugh and nod, pecking her lips.

She walks away, but once she's out of my sight she pauses. She can't help but just look at me and Liho, feeling an unbelievable amount of love for me. She blinks rapidly to stop her eyes from tearing up, her heart full of so much love for me. She whispers "I love you" to herself. She knows I can't hear it, but she needed to say it. She needed to get it out, feeling too overwhelmed to keep all of the love inside.

[godofdystopia]

Sashannarcy Week Day 6: Song Lyrics

Can i just say that this was, far and away, the single hardest entry to write.

I mean, writing it was easy since stress is a great motivator, but actually coming up with something to write was harder than anything else. I struggled to come up with a song that wasn’t A. too depressing and angsty. and B. completely unrelated.

I then remembered that Amphibia is a Disney show and decided to mine from there.

Elton John is a good song writer and ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight’ is a great song. So that’s what i went with. I also decided to write in Lumity, since i like the crack theory that Marcy moves to Connecticut and befriends Luz.

Anyway, thank you @phrogfrommars again for the Sashannarcy Week.

In this story: It’s prom night in Marcy’s new school and she never got the courage to ask her Loves to come over to be her dates. Luckily, Luz is a good friend who likes to meddle. Romantic dancing abounds.

Words: 2.3k

Night had fallen over Gravesfield Conneticut. By all accounts, this night was no different than any other one: The sky was clear, the moon was full, and the temperature was nice and cool. This night, however, was vastly different for the students of Gravesfield High School. Tonight was the night of Prom.

Gravesfield High was not a particularly large high school, it had never had a graduating class larger than 400. And yet those students were enjoying the night in style like they were from a city rather than a large town. Fancy dresses and nice corsages were as far as the eye could see, with the prom king and queen arriving in a rental limousine.

The gymnasium was blasting a K-pop song at full blast, and many of the students had formed a semi-mosh pit in front of it. Streamers hung from the rafters and a few balloons were on the gym floor as many couples tried to dance with one another. It was, by all accounts, a very nice night.

“Marcy, you can’t just spend the whole evening in the bathroom.”

“Yes I can, Luz. Watch me!”

Or, at least, it was a nice night if you weren't Marcy Wu.

The Taiwanese girl was huddled on top of a toilet in the girls room, her knees to her chest as she laid her head on said knees. Her hair was done up in ringlets, something possible as she’d decided to grow her hair out over the last three years since moving to Connecticut. She was wearing a very cute looking forest green dress with black flower designs across the chest. Lily’s were woven into her hair, and she looked stunning.

“Marcy, come on.” knocking sounded on the door. “Please come out?”

“No.” Marcy huddled further into her little ball and tried to block out the world.

She was being stupid, she knew that she was, but right now she didn't care. She knew that Sasha and Anne hadn’t forgotten about her, she knew that if she asked they would probably come out to see her.

And yet…

It was Prom. Prom. She’d been planning to ask out Sasha and Anne to prom ever since she first learned about it all those years ago. It was how she wanted to confess, she had it all planned out. Moving to the literal other side of the country hadn’t changed that desire, just made her have to plan out how she was going to manage it all.

And nothing. Sasha and Anne hadn’t said anything so neither did she. And now Prom was happening and the two loves of her life were on the west coast, probably going together to prom, and Marcy was once again forgotten.

“No you’re not Marcy! No one’s forgotten you!” She could hear her new friend, her only friend in all of gravesfield, call out from the other side of the stall door.

Luz Noceda was a godsend: a quirky girl who kept up with Marcy’s infodumps, who understood Marcy’s desire to flee into fantasy, and who shared her love for Anime and complicated fantasy works that needed entire encyclopedias to keep track of the backstory of.

Marcy had only come to Prom because Luz had insisted. Marcy had almost asked Luz out as a friend just so she wouldn’t be alone had Luz’s girlfriend from… somewhere out of state arrived with a bouquet and a face like a tomato.

“I… didn’t think I said that out loud.” Marcy muttered to herself.

“I mean, I only listened to the end part if that makes you feel better?”

“Not really. Look, Luz, i appreciate what you’re trying to do but i just want to be alone for a bit right now. Go dance with Amity, please?” Marcy said, somehow curling up even tighter.

“If you stay in here all night you’ll miss the surprise…”

Marcy blinked and lifted her head. “What’d you say?”

“Nothing!” Well, if Marcy wasn’t curious before now she was. “Look, can i make you a deal?”

“...sure.” Marcy planted her head back on her knees and listened.

“If you come out to the dance floor for at least five minutes with me and Amity, then afterward we’ll go out and watch ‘War Of The Warlocks’ yeah?”

‘I always watched that with Anne and Sasha…’ she thought to herself.

But Anne and Sasha weren’t coming, because neither of them brought it up and she never asked. Maybe talking about all her theories about some of the script and set design choices would make her feel happier.

It couldn’t make her feel worse.

With a sigh, Marcy uncurled herself from atop the toilet and opened the stall door, looking at her friend. Luz was in a very nice black floor-length dress that went down to her combat boots, while she had a suit jacket and shirt on top. It was a nice combo of feminine and masculine designs so it was a perfect Luz outfit. She’d gelled her hair back, giving her a roguish appearance

Normally, Marcy would be asking about the odd corsage over her breast: A purple and green thing that almost looked like a melting flower that… was moving? But right now she was too sad to care.

“That’s the spirit Marcy!” Luz grabbed her hand and led her out of the bathroom, where a long line of girls waited with annoyed expressions.

“Finally! It’s about time you both got out of there. Do you freaks know how long this make-up needs to be tou-” The red-haired girl was shut up by a hard shove on her back sending her through the closing doors with a yelp, her friends following after her with scared glances to the girl standing behind them.

“Don't care. Didn’t ask. Shut up and go to the bathroom already Tiffany.” Amity Blight, Luz’s girlfriend from… somewhere, she never told, said firmly. The girl was wearing a deep purple dress with a white collar and shoulders. Bright green buttons ran up and down each side of her top while her sleeves were poofy and seemed to look like green eyed faces. Her hair was done up in a complicated looking braid.

“Ah, good. Glad you’re out Marcy.” Amity said with a small smile.

“Been out for years but thanks for noticing.” Marcy replied glumly, stepping aside so the small gang of girls tagging along with the local prom queen could pass by without comment. Luz chuckled and Amity let out a small giggle as they both led her out onto the dance floor.

“Are we ready?” Luz whispered to her girlfriend as they did so.

“Yep, just need to go set the music.” Amity whispered back with a serious expression. She nodded and afterwards, with a shocked gasp, pointed across the hall.

“Oh my titan, Or god, Or whatever! What is that?” Amity said, her voice coming out high and yet, somehow, unconvincing. Marcy and Luz just stared at her, Marcy with confusion and Luz with encouragement, when Amity decided to bolt towards the mosh pit.

Luz waited an appropriately long time before something caught her eye, she looked over towards the entrance and smirked before looking back at her glum looking friend. “Hey Marcy? I’m going to go get some punch, be back in a bit!”

Marcy just stared shocked as Luz ran away, leaving her alone in the middle of a crowd of people. ‘This was your idea…’ she thought to herself. She was just starting to gain the courage to leave and go home when, with a crackle, the speakers around the gym blared to life.

‘Alright you lovely couples, this next one's for you!’

And then, with a dining of the lights into a more atmospheric coloring, the song began to play.

There's a calm surrender

To the rush of day

‘Elton John, really?’ Now the universe was just mocking her.

Before Marcy could turn to leave, a hand grabbed her arm gently. She turned to look and beheld a vision. Blonde hair cut short, almost buzzed. A deep red suit much like the one she’d worn back during that date to Stumpy’s. Metal armor covering her entire left arm and a rose held in her lips.

Except it couldn’t be her, she never brought it up.

When the heat of a rolling wind

Can be turned away

Before she could fully process, Marcy felt herself be drawn into a waltz. A firm hand at the base of her back and her hand held tightly in anothers. Marcy couldn’t do anything but stare deeply into the beautiful blue eyes of the person dancing with her.

An enchanted moment

And it sees me through

It's enough for this restless warrior

Just to be with you

‘She’s here, she’s really here.’ Marcy’s thoughts all ran together as her chest almost exploded with shock and joy. She was dancing with Sasha, one of the loves of her life. She was actually doing what she’d wanted to do since she ever learned of dancing and prom.

‘She’s here, she’s really here. But where’s…’

And can you feel the love tonight?

It is where we are

Sasha lifted her into a twirl and spun her along, and before Marcy knew it she was back in her arms. Except it wasn’t Sasha’s arms. Because Sasha didn’t have gorgeous hazel eyes, or beautiful frizzy brown hair. She wasn’t wearing a beautiful coral dress that went down to the floor or pearls formed into a tiara.

The vision of loveliness held her close and rested her head on Marcy’s shoulder. Sweeping back and forth along the dance floor, they both danced as if there was nobody else in the world.

It's enough for this wide-eyed wanderer

That we got this far

‘They;re both here, they’re both here and dancing! They both came… for me?’ Marcy couldn’t believe it, she couldn’t believe anything as Anne dipped her low to the ground, low enough that Marcy saw Luz and Amity standing together and smiling off into the distance as they watched on.

Amity whispered something to Luz and they both held each other and started to dance just as Marcy was undipped and brought back to stare into Anne’s hazel eyes.

And can you feel the love tonight

How it's laid to rest?

It's enough to make kings and vagabonds

Believe the very best

Anne spun her around and Sasha came back, catching her and holding her close like her own personal knight in shining armor. They spun around the dance floor together, Marcy listening to nothing but Sasha’s heartbeat.

And then there was Anne, catching her hand and bringing her close and before Marcy could bring her growing joy under control, they danced close together and Marcy was in heaven.

There's a time for everyone

If they only learn

That the twisting kaleidoscope

Moves us all in turn

There's a rhyme and reason

Finally, ruefully, the dance ended or at least Marcy managed to bring Sasha in to hold them both close. The three girls held one another as the music washed over them.

“I didn’t think… I didn't think you would come.” Marcy whispered into Anne’s chest as she held the two girls close.

“What, and miss dancing with one of the prettiest girls in the world?” Sasha said with mirth in her voice, still thrilled to be holding her two soulmates close. “Never.”

“We’d never miss this, Marcy. Never. “ Anne rested her head on top of Marcy’s as she said this. Never wanting to let the taiwanese girl go.

“We love you too much for that Marbles.” Sasha said firmly.

To the wild outdoors

When the heart of this star-crossed voyager

“But I never said anything!” Marcy said shocked, pleased, overjoyed, and confused all at once. “I was too afraid to say anything, how did you know?”

“Your friend told us, actually.” Anne looked over at Luz dancing with Amity, the two just slowdancing as if they were moving to their own internal song. Anne frowned a bit, a foggy memory trying to poke its way to the surface regarding the hispanic girl but right now she didn't care enough to focus.

“If she hadn’t told us when Prom was, we’d have missed it. Pretty thankful for that.” Sasha said with a nod.

“That’s what she was talking about.” Marcy muttered to herself.

Beats in time with yours

And can you feel the love tonight?

‘I can music, I really can.’  Marcy thought to herself as she held the two girls tightly. She had never felt more loved in her life. She had never felt happier.

Slowly, the three girls detangled in order to keep dancing. Sasha leading Marcy into a slowdance as they swept arounds the floor again. Anne and Sasha would trade off every now and again. And Marcy couldn’t be happier.

It is where we are

It's enough for this wide-eyed wanderer

That we got this far

“We love you Marcy.” Sasha said, looking her in the eyes.

“Now and forever.” Anne said afterwards, smiling down at the other girl she loved more than anything.

Marcy teared up, but she couldn't fight off the dopey smile on her face.

And can you feel the love tonight

How it's laid to rest?

Sasha tipped her face upwards and caught her in a kiss that stole her breath away.

It's enough to make kings and vagabonds

Believe the very best

Anne rubbed her hand down her cheek and leant down to kiss her, and it was wonderful.

It's enough to make kings and vagabonds

Believe the very best

“See Amity? I told you meddling in her love life would lead to wonderful results!” Luz said happily as she rested her head on Amity’s shoulder and watched the three girls kiss in front of everyone.

“I’ll admit, this is probably the best outcome.” Amity replied as she slowdanced with her own soulmate. “Just, ah, please ask before the next time you ‘meddle.’”

“... Fine.”

[joannasteez]

If you're taking these and haven't gotten this one already, can I request "16. Shy kiss," with our sunshine boy EZ?? Pretty please and a million thank-yous! 💜🌿☀️

𝐊𝐈𝐒𝐒 𝐌𝐄 𝐒𝐎𝐅𝐓𝐋𝐘

Some super softness w/ my baby EZ for one of my faves. Played around and switched the roles for the“waiting around for you”trope. Hope you all enjoy! Creds to the gif maker @ortizobsessed

"Im not going anywhere. I can wait awhile".

It's what you'd said to him some months ago when he'd realized the extent of his feelings for you. A small fright erupting in him instantly, unfurling hot and steamy in his belly till it simmered its way to unsettle the nerves resting just under his skin.

He’d forgotten for some time that love could be like that, a beautiful chaos with the power to unearth such a unique uneasiness. He’d been disrupted for some time, life harsh, the cards it dealt quite blunt and unforgiving, but Ezekiel was a good improvisor, playing with finesse to turn the game in his favor. Trading in that muted blue jumpsuit for a much more honorable leather exterior. And he must've done some other things right too if you were here. Laying next to him as your bodies rested idle just above warm soothing sand, the sun above dipping low with a glorious gold-eros pink glow to kiss the watered horizon as it set.

"But don't make me wait too long Ezekiel Reyes", you'd said to him. Voice smooth as it touched his ears, sinking to anchor deep, settling through the whole of him till he was filled with the resolution of your warning words.

He'd never make you wait that long though. He just needed time.

Time, to breathe fresh air, uncorrupted by rusted metal cells stained by week old blood from some idiot who couldn't recognize that the blade specially carved for him, was rushing his way.

Time, to grab hold of reality. To figure himself out again. To simply exist from moment to moment, uninterrupted.

It was a meticulous process, but he was doing it. With you.

And liking someone, hell, falling in love with them was hard. Scary, risky business. Especially when circumstances made it to where you had to find yourself all over again. Sift through the murky, muddled darkness for someone familiar, someone that looked like the old him.

He wanted to be steady for you, on an even keel, like you were for him.

"We can take it slow EZ, just as long as we don't stop". Your voice had been sweet, so easy and understanding.

And fuck, if his impulsiveness were any stronger he'd have gone and bought a ring.

You were that special.

“You’ve got an intense brooding face”, you say. Fingers strumming soft at the thought defined wrinkles stretching his forehead. It’s something that he does often, losing himself in the depths of his own mind, wandering without end till you bring him back. You always bring him back. “Your brows get all scrunched and that lip gets real pouty”. The nail of your thumb is gentle as it traces the outline of his bottom lip. “It’s cute”.

He doesn’t say much of anything, just stares with wondered eyes, a heat immovable, burning nicely in his chest as your fingers move with ease to stroke lines into his hairline.

It’s safe to say you make him speechless.

“I just gave you a compliment you’re supposed to say thank you”.

He meets your quip with a chuckle, fighting to stop the red heat rising in his cheeks by mumbling a “thank you”.

And then, there’s a stillness that settles, riding on the wings of a breeze that passes so gracefully. It dances, rousing the tips of the hairs of your arms that stand on end. And the sun, its gold so rich as it dips in the distance, burning with a glory so bright as it sinks low into the wide stretch of blue that ripples forever, and yet, still, it seems that the earth has stopped.

Its dutiful movements ceasing just for this moment. For him. For you.

His hand, so warm and tender, reaching for your face, caresses skin that he longs to touch daily.

And a force that abounds so great— ‘is it love?’ you wonder— leans you forward without wait, your lips touching his faintly.

A kiss lays, melting gentle and cautious, like the first raindrops in spring. Its shy, like a soft wave of wind that carries through idle leaves, but the power is absolute. Your bodies breathless all the same.

How could something so faint, so shy, so leery, hold you hostage this way?

Taglist: @appropriate-writers-name @est1887 @xladymacbethx @blessedboo @brownsugarcoffy @elektriknachosss @queenbeered @sesamepancakes @superhoeva @witching-hour @noz4a2 @withmyteeth @rae-gar-targaryen @cruzwalters @rose-bliss @youlovetkay

[seelestia]

well, since you’re ok with it… here’s the reveal!

hello it is i, the harbinger of tears, 💠 anon <3 this is my main blog, while my writing blog is at @genshrineimpact. just block the tag: “minors dni” and you should be good!!

now, back to the topic at hand…

*war flashbacks* i-i need a moment *lays on ground and pulls blanket over head*

[ we’re having technical difficulties at the moment - please enjoy the brief intermission. ]

*wipes tears* ok am back what were we talking about again? oh yes, plot bunnies! i think that used to be an actual term, kind of like how we say 'brainrot' these days haha but yes, it certainly makes an adorable image!

i’m glad that you think so! thank you for being understanding and kind about this <3 ok we can compromise - you just tell me if i ever make you uncomfortable and i shall bonk myself lol

that’s so intriguing, i think most people wouldn’t know about it! ohhh an au, hm? very interesting indeed… maybe i should try and do some research myself hehe

i think you’re spot on for the superiority complex! a love triangle between these three sounds like it’ll get very messy… the two albedos playing 3d chess while the reader is just stuck in the middle like (· ω ·) ??

*clears throat* lia you are hallucinating wdym /j hahahah i know right??? literally none of them have similarities…. what is a ‘type’…. just like the concept of time, it is but an illusion to me… “you just fall for whoever you fall for” - yeah that sounds about right lmao

feel free to browse around my blog, but i don’t have much lol the 'god of war!reader au' series seems to be popular the past few days, and it’s been a super fun thing to write! but don’t feel pressured to do it, really! <3

IKR i was complaining to my brother about it like- seriously??? for the first day??? xiao is my main dps, and he’s practically useless (i’m so sorry bby) against that stupid thing ;_;

also yay, a taglist, sign me uppppp!

OML. HI, RIN !! it's nice to know the true identity of my 💠 anon without having to employ heizou. (/lh) and if you see a new follower with a melancholic albedo theme and a bio that says i follow cool people, that'd be me~

hehe, already done filtering the tag~ i am respectfully looking at the god of war!reader, (ab)normal day, and the universe abound series 👀 i also saw your edit of the game's voicelines to fit the god of war!reader AND IT FITS SO WELL. i don't have much experience with javascript or editing other than tumblr html, which may be why i am so in awe !! ;( i love the lore of the reader like the sibling adepti and the god of sun HNGGH this is what i meant when i say your brain >>> (/g)

who is this fine grandpa (/lh) man on the intermission screen??? 🔍 and the thought of saying, "psst, i have a plot bunny to give to you" is so cute <3 hehe, i'm always down for a new series made by you because fjejkdkks they're so good, HELLO?!?! but feel free to only focus on the ones you're working on, they deserve your attention the most rn ;D

BEING IN THE MIDDLE OF 2BEDO'S PLAYING CHESS, HELP. just know if susbedo lost, he'd bore hateful stares into the back of albedo's head and likely about to flip the whole table. (/lh)

the intermission is so suspicious that i can't help but suspect that you feel smth for that very same man... HMM. "just like the concept of time, it is but an illusion to me" rin, i think you've been spending too much time with zhongli. (/j)

YESYESYES !! the popularity of your god of war!reader au is SO VALID because the lore and their interactions with morax??? >>> your brain never ceases to amaze me !! fjekrksjds i can tell you put a lot of thought into it and the fact that you executed it so well??? aaaa, i love your works sm <3 (/g) i shall definitely find the time to binge your masterlist soon !! >:)

i don't think xiao's burst reaches that abomination when it's shooting missiles??? i don't have xiao because i lost the 50/50 to keqing on his first rerun and then pulled for yelan instead during 2.7 <//3 but i'd definitely pull for this boy the next time he comes around !! i got klee at guaranteed pity and tried pulling for heizou cons but ended up getting c1 kazuha at 15 pity instead (which i could've gotten for yoimiya but that is alright, i'm not one to dwell on regrets for longer than i needed) fwfjkekds

speaking of, is there anyone you're planning to pull for in the future, rin??? i'm at 13 pity + 50/50 rn on yoimiya's banner after getting c1 kazuha and if no one comes home, then i'll try my luck on the 3.0 banners !! saving particularly for al-haitham cough cough

[crownleys]

So I listened to “The Way of All Flesh” on my roadtrip today (For those who may not know, it’s the official Zombies, Run! Audiobook written by Naomi Alderman starring Chris McShell and Jody Marsh) and it was so fun. Thoughts below! Spoilers for the book abound

- Chris McShell and Jody Marsh murder mystery? Yes please.

- Sam and ALICE!! So freakin cute. I love the teensy tiny glimpse of their relationship, and I know Alice is a very loosely defined character but I do still love the concept of her so much

- God, poor Chris getting maced. Of course something like that would happen to him

- the fact he does spend the entire episode blinded thought really makes me want to draw him as a Justice tarot card (I’m gonna do it, just you wait)

- really love the chemistry of both groups of characters that come into the story

- also the chemistry between Chris and Jody in this is adorable. I’m adding that one to my “I ship it” list for sure

- is The Prof just supposed to be.... Van Ark? Or a Not-Van-Ark-but-a-similarly-sketchy-creepy-scientist-who-happens-to-be-Van-Ark’s-VA

- Also -- JODY HAS A TATTOO??!?

- Also also--

I do love like, that Gerry being in it tbh. Seeing Netrophil actions is always fun

I’m abandoning the bullet point format to just ramble out the rest of my thoughts. I really, really enjoyed this story, it was very fun and very well written and felt oh so Zombies Run. It was def solidly in the murder mystery genre, and is thus a little bit of an ““implausible”“ story but of course, still well within the limits of the genre. The framing device was really fun and clever, I really enjoyed the characters and all their chaos and the way they were acting, and I liked how in the end even the ��bad guys” had very sympathetic/tragic backstory that made the whole thing feel a bit more grey moraled and empathetic to listen to. Every singe time Chris mentioned his daughter laid me just a lil bit low too. It’s def something I want to come back to it again, it had a lot of re-listenablility for me! I’ve added it to my list of something to draw for sure

[catchmewiddershins]

Haikyuu Hugs pt 3:

NEKOMA:

Kuroo Tetsuro: 

So this boy is tall, as most of them are, and therefore he is the giver of many standing up hugs

He’ll stand there and wrap you up in his arms

He’ll drum little tunes on your back (or the back of your head) with his fingers while he hugs you

He’s quite lean but his arms are pretty well defined to his hugs are stronger and tighter than you’d think

He likes to tease you a little while you hug, small jabs maybe about your hair or height

But he loves you and you’d know that, he’d never aim for anything your particularly insecure about unless it was to offer a compliment afterwards

He loves it when you run your fingers through his hair

He’s actually found that, at the end of the day, having you play with his hair for an hour can actually make it lie flat!

MOVIE WATCHING CUDDLES - I JUST KNOW IT

His limbs are pretty long and lanky so he’ll loosely let them lie around your waist or shoulders as you sit in front of him on a bed to watch television

His arms are long enough to snatch snacks out of your hands (much to your dismay)

Cheeky grins - you know it!

Gives you little squeezes at your waist or lower back (maybe even your butt if he’s feeling mischievous) 

His shoulders are pretty broad too, he likes it if you lean on them

I’m getting a ‘temperature for all seasons’ vibe from him, he runs pretty warm but won’t be unbearable in the summer

Sometimes, he’ll be very calm and quiet, content hugs abound at these moments, just trying to hug you enough for it to sink into your bones how much he loves you

This normally happens when it rains, my friends, I give you... rainy day blanket cuddles!

Kai Nobuyuki:

Not supremely tall (by Haikyuu standards... he’s 5′9.5″, that’s pretty tall to me) But, if you’re short enough, head on chest; taller? Head on shoulder! Taller than him? This boy will rest his head on YOUR chest or shoulders!

He’s a very calm and quiet boy, but his hugs are very secure and safe

Like hugging a teddy bear, neither of you need to speak to convey your love for one another

He strokes your hair or the side of your face

Warm hugs

His hugs aren’t soft per se... they’re just really comfy? And cozy? Like a warm fireplace and hot chocolate

Which is also a scenario that the two of you would cuddle

Honestly, I feel like ‘hug’ and ‘cuddle’ convey different vibes... and this guy is 110% a cuddler

Will happily give you tight, strong hugs if you need them, the perfect arms to break down in and the perfect shoulder to cry on

He’s just a great person to hug, if you are feeling more chatty, he’ll let you ramble about your day and just listen while smiling down at you with just... adoration 

Ngl I absolutely love him now lol

But yes, fabulous, warm, safe hugs, 10/10 would embrace again

Yaku Morisuke:

This is another boy who I feel has very warm hugs

Tight hugs too, very tight, he basically clasps you to him like a warm barnacle with arms, you’re not getting out of it easily

In essence, he’s a lot stronger than he looks

He’s adorably honest with you, so he’ll hug you and just say, calmly, ‘love ya’ or something like that

Sometimes he’ll lay his head on your thighs and complain about Lev while you lightly massage his temples or ruffle his hair (he thinks it’s unfair how Lev is still growing)

He’s just an aggressive hugger, not in a frantic grabbing sort of way but he’ll just - ‘heya!’ *snatch* *long hug*

Likes to be touching you at all times, just an arm around your shoulders or waist again, you two are attached at the hip

The kind of guy to give you this massive grin while you hug 

However, alongside his bluntness and slightly more aggressive traits, he is very caring and will ask you about your day while hugging you, maybe while stroking your hair or face

He just loves you to pieces basically, I think he’s very affectionate or, at least, physical, like he’s the sort of person to playfully whack people in retaliation (yk the type right?) and I feel like he’s just into physical affection and expressing his feelings physically

Also he’s a face kisser, he just peppers your face with kisses and both of you are giggling and laughing your heads off

If he’s tired, he’ll use you as a head rest... be careful you’re not sitting down because then he’ll fall asleep, he just likes breathing you in while embracing you, he finds it calming

Lets you borrow his clothes and might borrow yours

Film watching snuggles and pyjama snuggles abound

However, I think he’s almost always barefoot and therefore, if he’s feeling a little cheeky, will poke your sides with his cold feet knowing that you’ll squirm lol

Yamamoto Taketora:

He’s an enthusiastic hugger, I can’t ignore that

Will hug you while crying and raving about how attractive he finds you

He sways a lot while you hug him and pats you on the head or back

Will be talking to you and, if he sees that you need a hug, will just grab you by the shoulders and pull you into a hug

Running tackle hugs

Basically, he’ll compliment you a ton while hugging you

You two tend to have chaotic hugs, like watching a movie and clinging to each other so tight until it devolves into a pillow or food fight

If you’re watching a movie with him and he figures something out, he’ll grab you and shake you frantically while screaming about it before giving you a massive hug

Lets you ruffle his hair

He really likes to give you piggybacks so you have to hold on really tight

Kisses your head a lot when he can

He tickles you while you’re hugging

Big squeezy hugs 

I’m thinking warm hugs but he tends to move the both of you around a lot

He loves to tell you all about the cool things he’s done on the team and what his teammates have done

He will just randomly grab you and pull you into hugs, like you do well in a test and he’s like ‘Great! Hug me! YAY!’

Kozume Kenma:

So... basically the opposite of Yamamoto

I feel like he’s a nuzzler ngl, like he’ll nuzzle your hair while you cuddle

Also, Kenma is definitely a cuddler not a hugger

He’s soft

Not really big on enthusiastic squeezing - definitely an arm draper

However, I do believe that Kenma can be quite clingy once he’s used to you

This boy will be curled up next to you, or will have his head in your lap as you play with his hair and he plays with his games

He also definitely is the type who will just hug you from behind out of nowhere, when he needs it, squeeze you to him and press his face into the the space between your shoulders

Hugging Kenma is pretty comforting

He is one for bed cuddles, the two of you will sit on his bed with pillows and blankets, playing games with the lights dim and eating snacks

Sometimes, if he’s tired, he’ll hug you while wrapped in a fluffy blanket

Kenma, I feel, is also the type to not let go once you start hugging him. You know the dilemma of ‘I have a place to be but there’s a cat on my lap?’ Kenma right there

If you try to leave a snuggle, he’ll grab your clothes or arm and whine

Kenma’s hugs tend to be pretty weak though, most of the time, he’s not using all of his muscle strength and his hugs are just the feeling of his arms around you

Nose boops and kisses

Loves to chat with you while you cuddle, just about his new game or your studies

Yet, he also enjoys quiet hugs when you both are just comfortable in the silence and the warmth of each other’s presence

Kenma hugs in one word? Cozy

Please play with his hair though, he loves it

Fukunaga Shouhei:

I love this boy, I would die for him, he is my child *Mandalorian theme plays*

*cough* anYWAY

Fukunaga hugs are very cute

He likes to tell you jokes and make puns while you hug, and the two of you like to trade outrageous jokes throughout the hug

If you’re sitting down, you both like to scroll through your phones while cuddling together, showing each other memes that get gradually more surreal

I think Fukunaga is a very affectionate person, he and you like to cuddle or be touching frequently

I think he’s big on holding hands

I also headcanon him as a fiddler (not the instrument... although-) he likes to tap tunes on your back, arms or legs, draw patterns, fiddle with your hair or fingers, just be touching you at all times

I think he also likes to ask for permission for hugs, even if it’s a given - it’s become a little thing between you

However, he has freezing hands - the rest of him is pretty warm - but not his hands

Often, if you hug him out of nowhere, he’ll make a little ~oh?~ noise and it’s really cute - he’ll just look at you in surprise

He loves you a lot and looks at you with his cute lil face all lit up in adoration

He squishes your cheeks a lot, either with both of his hands or he’ll squish his cheek to yours, mid hug

He hugs you round your middle

He hugs you like one would hug a plushie

Also, he love love LOVES it if you give him a massive hug and a big kiss on the cheek

He also kinda likes being picked up, I think he’s pretty light and, if you’re strong, he likes to be lifted slightly off of the ground from the force of your hug

Does the thing where he runs towards you with his arms open

He just squeezes you ok, like a massive squeeze because he loves you 

Gets this adorable, happy little blush on his face whenever you hug him

Inuoka Sou:

This kid's like a puppy, all bounce and smiles and that definitely bleeds into his hugs

He’ll bound towards you and sweep you hug into a hug, probably lifting you off of the floor with the momentum of it

He has this tendency to swing your arm while you hold hands or rock you while you hug

Spends the entire hug complimenting you

The two of you are definitely the type to have fluffy pyjama cuddles, you’ll sit on the sofa and watch disney movies while cuddling in your fluffy, animal onesies

He always wears something really cozy and will always wrap you up in or lend it to you

Rubs his cheek on your head while you hug

Will talk very happily and quickly about his day and how it’s gone

He will encourage you to do the same

His has his hair down after school and he’ll let you play with it

Always asks for help with his homework while cuddlings - the two of you will be leaning on each other while one of you explains the other’s work

Often, he’ll hug you on sight and then hand you your favourite snack

Will text you saying that he wants hugs

Likes to ‘wiggle’ you when you hug - idk how to describe it but it’s like he’ll put his hands on your sides and move them, each doing the opposite of the other, up and down

He hums catchy tunes he’s heard on the radio while you cuddle

He closes his eyes during a good hug, he’s that happy

Haiba Lev:

*lightly clears throat* TALL BOY

This boy is a GIANT - especially to the shorter ones of us (5′2″ / 5′3″ peeps anywhere?)

His arms are so long and you can wear them like the cord of a dressing gown, wrapped entirely around your waist

He sometimes has one hand in your hair, long fingers making a mess of the strands, or he’ll gently rub your head or cheeks

He has 2 hug modes, calm and reserved hugs and-

Energy hugs!

He either sits there calmly and quietly, head resting on yours, on your shoulders or between your shoulders 

Or he’ll bound up to you and pull you in so fast and tight you could get whiplash

He sways you rapidly and picks you up, kissing you all over and listening to you giggle with love in his eyes

He’ll always have one hand on your waist or head

If the two of you are sitting down to watch a film, he’ll completely encircle you

He’ll place you in his lap and wrap his arms and legs tight around your body, using you as a head rest, and let you lean into him while he steals popcorn from whatever you’re eating it from

Sometimes you’ll both wrap up with a blanket and snuggle inside a joint cocoon

Pulls you to his chest from behind and reaches over you to grab stuff

Complains about training while you give him small massages

He’s freezing (he’s like a stick ok, there’s no f a t (like there is on me, he can have some of mine) boy’s got no insulation) but that just means that your hugs are his personal radiator

Pouts for hugs

Shibayama Yuuki:

He’s pretty shy about hugging you at first, but the two of you soon get used to the affection

He is very sweet with his hugs, they’re all very gentle and soft

He doesn’t squeeze you but his arms aren’t loose either, he just holds you to him perfectly

Hums softly to you while you hug

Once he’s become fully comfortable hugging you, he’ll start to hug you from behind a lot, he thinks it’s the comfiest position

Sometimes, he’ll be feeling a lot stronger, and will grab you into a firmer hug as a result

He likes to talk to you about your day while you hug too

Warm hugs lol, he’s just a comfy hugger

Likes to rest his head on your stomach while you talk, he might even fall asleep

Teshiro Tamahiko:

He can instantly pick up upon when you need a hug and will be there at your side in an instant!

He's got lovely hugs, very sweet about it but just knows what you need

He'll always ask 'Can I hug you?' and will listen unless you're saying know at a time when he knows that you really need a hug

Then it's no holds barred, big squeeze

He nuzzles his head onto your cheek and shoulder

His hands are pretty warm, and they'll rest on your back

He likes to hug you from behind too, when you're sitting down, and will let you lie on him and fall asleep while he strokes your arm

[nyxdelanuit]

We All Fall From Heaven

Hello my little constellations! Here is the third chapter of mine and @mammonrightsYandere House of Lamentation series c: Please be aware of the tags, and enjoy! I also will not be adding my usual tag list to this due to the themes involved, so please let me know if you’d like to be tagged in future chapters!

MASTERLIST

WARNINGS: YANDERE THEMES, DUBCON/NONCON, Abusive/Obsessive Relationships, Branding/Marking, senpai/kouhai kink, Anal, uHH,,tails... and of course, SMUT ABOUND~ Please be sure to mind the tags <3

It was easy to convince Lucifer to let you stay home that day, your throat, raw from crying, conveying a sickness you didn’t have even through the shut door. You waited until all noise faded away, longer still until you were sure all the brothers were gone for the day. Only then you changed into loose sweats, comfy clothes for a day of wallowing in bed. You considered using any of the presents Asmo left in your room, but the thought churned your stomach. Maybe another day. Maybe when your head was a little more clear.

 Food you could handle. You didn't bother with making yourself presentable, merely padding through the halls on bare feet. The kitchen was only next door, after all. It still took you a bit of time to recognize what foods were okay for you to eat, avoiding Beel's food and any that wasn't… fit for human consumption. The names still threw you off a bit, but it tasted close enough to what you were familiar with that you could stomach it. You had to, at least for now.

 You were so caught up in searching for food so that you could lock yourself away for the day, that you didn’t notice another presence in the kitchen. Turning around with arm-fulls of food, you ran into another sweat-clad figure. Both you and Levi jumped back, nervous and flushed, for entirely different reasons.

"Oh… I was coming here to grab some of those snacks." Levi looked away nervously, and you were tempted to just thrust all the food into his hands and run back into your room. "You're skipping today, right? Come watch this new anime I found with me! T-then we can share the snacks…" Your every cell was yelling, begging at you to run. But this was Levi, he was just as touch-averse as you were now, he just wanted someone to share his hobbies with. Plus, what better way to distract you from all the problems rattling around in your head than escaping into some fantasy world, where things were predictable and made sense.

 So with that, you followed Levi to his room, the swirling blue bringing a sense of calm you hadn’t felt in days. You weren’t sure you even felt it now, but the ambiance sure helped you pretend. It was even… comfortable, lounging on Levi’s couch as the two of you bickered about whether the protagonist was good or cheesy. You could almost forget. At least Levi could be your safe haven.

 Your eyes lit up when you remembered that he was the third brother, above both Belphie and Asmo. If you told him, would he protect you? He was stronger, after all. Maybe you could make an actual pact with him. If he believed you at all. You fidgeted as you thought about it, not noticing the shrinking space between you and Levi.

 Static passed between you as your fingers touched his, both of you pulling away. Levi yelped, and you couldn’t help but chuckle nervously. Even so, you put your had back where it was and focused on the show while Levi… red-faced and not looking at you or even the show, slowly encompassed your hand with his own. There was something so sweet, so innocent about it that set your heart thundering.

 The credits rolled on the last episode. Your hand was still nestled in Levi’s carefully, kind of clammy grip. His nervousness helped ground you, and you couldn’t help but feel butterflies in your stomach every time his eyes drifted to yours only to look away and blush.

 “Levi… the show’s over.” You didn’t really want to leave, but if you didn’t go now, the rest of the brothers would get home before you could lock yourself in your room. “I should go, for now.”

 “W-wait!” Levi jumped up from his spot on the couch, offering you a hand. “Let me walk you to your room?” You chuckled and took his hand, letting him help you up.

 “I’d like that.”

 You walked in silence, Levi's grip on your hand feather-light. He wanted to be sure you could pull away if you wanted to; in fact, he almost seemed certain that you would. He stopped at your door, staring at your intertwined hands.

 “D-do you want to skip tomorrow too? We could cosplay together… I found a few premade outfits on Akuzon I could have ready for you.” He rubbed his neck nervously until you nodded. One more day locked away in the sanctuary of Levi’s room felt just like what your heavy heart needed. With a furious blush, Levi placed a chaste peck on your lips and slithered away, leaving you blinking at his quickly moving back.

 For once, you laid in bed with a smile on your face. You couldn’t help but trace your lip lightly, daydreaming of what tomorrow would bring.

 Lucifer was not as accommodating the next morning, and you were glad you passed out dressed in your comfy outfit from the day before. He forced you down for breakfast at the very least, and you felt the tension in the air as Asmo and Belphie abandoned their usual seats to place themselves on either side of you. One hand fell to your hip, one to your thigh, and you could feel your breath catch.

 Across the table, Levi caught your eye. The look in his eye was indecipherable, but you hoped that he saw your plight. You shuffled the food around your plate, your appetite suddenly gone, pulling worried and hungry stares from Beel. He accepted the plate when you slid it over to him, but the look on his face was akin to a kicked puppy.

 Breakfast passed with a quiet tension as Levi’s eyes hardened on his brothers, the grip on his silverware turning his knuckles white. As soon as his food was clear, Levi pushed away from the table. He grabbed your arm, dragging you from your seat and the grips of the hands on you.

 "I'll make sure the normie stays in bed today, so she feels better tomorrow." Lucifer rolled his eyes at Levi's tantrum but nodded.

 “It is important that they stay healthy and do not miss too many classes. Please see that you do.”

 You thought that maybe Levi had meant it when he said he’d keep you in bed by the way he stomped out of your room after breakfast, but after an hour or so, a timid knock sounded from your door. Levi stood at the threshold, looking nervous.

 "You ready?" He couldn't meet your eyes, but you timidly reached for his hand, and he didn't pull away. The two of you walked the halls much like you had the night before, hand-in-hand and bashful. "I got a couple different ones for you to try on… I have a matching one for each cosplay… like a c-couple's cosplay." You thought you had seen the full range of red that Levi could display, but it seemed as if you had been wrong with how his face burned. You nodded, escaping to his bathroom to try the first one on. "I-I'll change out here!" He called after you.

 You examined yourself in the mirror as much as you could. All things considered, it could have been worse. All your bits were properly covered, and although you couldn't see too well from the waist-down, it didn't seem like the skirt was too short.

 You had barely stepped out of the bathroom when Levi suddenly appeared in front of you. He seemed frozen in time, taking in your figure with an ever-reddening face. You went to reach for him, but he crushed you to his chest, kissing you fervently. He pulled away panting. “I’m sorry… you just look too cute.” He allowed himself a touch to your cheek before he pulled away, but your hands tangled in his shirt. “P-please. I don’t know if I can control myself,” He covered his face with his hands as he whined, trying to distance himself from you.

 He was giving you a chance to go. To run, but you were still here, clinging to him. Why were you still here?

  He peeked through his fingers to see you standing before him, not even a step where he left you. His eyes roamed your figure like he was seeing you for the first time, stopping where your hem ended against your thigh. Your breath hitched as he took in the delicate lines of Belphie’s mark peeking out from the delicate fabric. Horror raced through your veins as you saw the red fade from his face only to be replaced by the look he sported during breakfast.

 Jealousy

 You took a step back as he approached, and another until your back hit the tank's glass wall. His arms caged you in, and he gave a hollow laugh.

 “I should be excited, it’s my first time actually kabedoning anyone, but for some reason I’m not happy about it.” You barely registered his shift, unable to tear yourself away from the look in his eyes. His tail wrapped around your bare thigh, tightening over Belphie’s mark before continuing its ascent. His eyes widened as the tip of his tail brushed over Asmo’s mark.

 "It's not fair," he whined, closing in on you. "I understood! You weren't going to be my Henry, but you were supposed to be my player two." The warmth of Levi's tail trailed over your panties, mixing with the icy chill of his eyes and sending a shiver through you. "Still you let them touch you, take you from me, it's not fair."

“L-Levi, I didn’t ask for this.” You trembled under his gaze.

 "Taking their older brother's things…" He tilted your head up with a firm grip on your chin. "I'm going to show you that you're mine." His tail slipped under your panties to rub against the slick, slowly accumulating, the tip of his tail curling gently around your clit as he kissed you.

 It was different from the kiss from last night, more malicious, but your head was full of soft, nervous Levi. You couldn’t help but give in as he bit at your lip, letting his tongue consume the moans falling from your mouth. His tail kept moving, eventually sliding into your heat with a lewd sound. You were filled so suddenly that you had a hard time keeping yourself upright, your legs shaking underneath you.

 Levi chuckled mirthlessly, grabbing at your arms to keep you from tumbling to a heap on the floor as his tail writhed within you. "Uwaah! It's just like in those H-games. Keep showing me that face." He quickly slid the fabric of your outfit under your chest, wasting no time in propping you against the cool wall so he could sink his fingers into each breast, his face joining soon after.

 It seemed the further he indulged himself, the more his jealousy faded. He might not have been the first to have you, but he at least got to have you like this, trembling as he smothered himself in your tits. He gave one nipple a gentle lick, testing the water as you squirmed, the mild pleasure mixing with the overpowering passion of his tail and coalescing in a rising heat in your stomach.

“I’m not going to stop until you make that face." He chuckled, enveloping a nipple with an amateur suck, too harsh and painful, but your body responded all the same. The sharp cry that left your mouth only pushed him further as he rolled and pinched the others in his fingers. The pain drug you further to your peak, and with a last thrust of his tail, you came.

 Levi watched you the whole time, enraptured as his tail worked faster to prolong your release. Your mouth fell open as your cries echoed through the room, and you could feel drool spilling out the side as he brought you to the edge over over-stimulation. Levi followed the trail from your chin to your lips with his tongue, giggling as he covered your mouth with his own.

 "So good, what a good kouhai I have." He picked you up easily, keeping his tail planted inside you as he walked the two of you over to the couch. The same one you spent the day on yesterday, watching anime and holding hands like first-crushes. He maneuvered your limp body over the arm of the couch, your bare breasts roughly rubbing against the coarse fabric. He flipped the skirt of the cosplay over your ass, clearly enjoying the sight of your tail-filled pussy covered by the wet fabric of your panties. You keened as he slowly removed his tail, enjoying the way you squirmed at the sensation.

 Once it was fully removed from you, he used his tail to rip your panties from your body, baring you to his sight. You weren't sure what embarrassed you more, the knowledge that sweet, nervous Levi was staring at your bare core or the obscene noises coming from the demon behind you. He wasted no time in pulling himself from his pants, palming himself with quick strokes before plunging into you. His tail had prepped you well, only the pleasure of being filled consumed you, causing you to arch off the couch.

 Levi was clearly inexperienced, his thrusts much too quick for your liking, but your body still hadn’t recovered. Bliss flowed through your veins unbidden, and you tried desperately to hide your reaction in the cushions. Levi didn’t seem to mind, gripping your hip and pushing down on the base of your spine to keep you pinned.

 “They got you first, used you like some toy, but I wonder if they got here too?” Levi’s obsessed voice drifted through your ears, but you were unable to decipher their meaning until you felt the tip of his tail trailing above your slit, circling the tight ring of muscle.

 “Levi, please-”You tried to plead with him, but before you could finish your sentence, his tail was breaching your ass.

 “Begging for me already? You really are the perfect little kouhai.” He ignored your struggling as he pumped his tail in and out of you, going further with each pass.

 "Please, it hurts, Levi!" You cried out. Levi chuckled, realizing his guess was correct: You hadn't been taken there, not yet.

 "Call me your senpai, and I might listen to you." He mocked, "But since I'm such a nice senpai, I'll help distract you from the pain until you get used to it. The hand on your spine heated, and you tensed for the pain you knew was coming.

 It seemed even worse this time, the pain traveling through your spine and spreading to every nerve throughout your body. You faintly recognized the moans drifting through the air as Levi's as your body tightened and locked up against the pain.

 Marked, again.

 At least Levi was true to his word, once the burn subsided, all you could feel was the bursting pleasure of Levi’s tail rubbing the thin tissue separating it from his cock pistoning in your heat. It was overpowering, feeling both at once. Each thrust made you more sensitive, and you could feel your mind start to fade as his dick and tail worked in tandem.

 “S-Senpai, please.” You had finally broken, bending to Levi’s will. Anything to get you just a little further, to let this pleasure finally crest.

 “Such a good little kouhai, cum for me.” He purred in your ear, spurred on by your words. He thrust into you mindlessly, losing himself in the tightening in your cunt. With a press to the still tender skin of your lower back, you came, clenching so sweetly around Levi’s dick that he had no choice but to follow you over the crest.

 He panted on top of you for what seemed to be hours. “My heart is beating so fast. You’re so cute like this, begging for me.” He talked about you like you were one of his idols, cooing over your every reaction. You felt exhausted, your limbs not responding to your urge to make them move. Levi seemed to prefer this, posing you on his lap when he plopped onto the couch as if nothing had happened. He fixed your hair and outfit with tender fingers, wiping your face until he deemed you satisfactory. Your stomach turned as he fidgeted with his DDD, opening the camera to snap a few pictures of the two of you in your cosplays.

 You only hoped that no one noticed the fucked out look on your face, and that the cum you felt seeping onto your thighs wasn’t visible.

taglist: @marvel-imagines-yes-please @johannakhalafalla

[dansnaturepictures]

15/03/2022-Birds and butterflies at Lakeside and home 

I took the first two pictures in this photoset of the tree out the back with the beautiful blossom looking even more in concentration on and stunning, like yesterday it did glow so well in the morning sun which I enjoyed seeing and an interesting cloud formation. I was happy to hear I believe a Blackbird but it might have been a Robin singing so well out my fairly wide open window which was a beautiful sound track to working it was so nice to hear and together with feeling warmer made it feel very spring time like. 

For my lunch time walk at Lakeside around the lakes a walk I did with my Dad for the monthly walk he joins me for the sun shone so well and it felt very spring like. To add to this I was so happy to see a handful of green specs drifting through the air across the country park, Brimstone butterflies a species I had a feeling may be one of the first butterflies I saw this year. I also saw a Small White possibly by the blossom in full bloom which attracted a Brimstone too at the north eastern kissing gate entrance and definitely saw a Small White on the greens out the front on the way back. After the Comma yesterday in Winchester it felt amazing to see two more butterflies and I feel the route around the lakes helped me see some. It felt ever more like the awakening of spring as my butterfly year list compared to past year lists at this stage soared ahead to four.

It feels so exciting starting to see the all season species, the precious first glimpses of these flamboyant much missed insects after the core winter months. Its interesting that the Brimstone is one of my earliest ever sightings of the species in a year and the Small White is the earliest I’ve ever seen one in a year. In 2020 as spring abound in the lockdown days and then also into the summer the season was ahead of itself for when butterflies emerged and it felt like I spent hours that year checking to see if certain butterfly species were my earliest ever sighting of one in a year and most of them were it seemed. The sightings this week seem to show it could give it a run for its money with the early sightings. I am so looking forward to the butterfly season developing more. 

For a walk I remarked to my Dad had been stolen by the butterflies as opposed to birds during the walk, it did still have brilliant bird moments and I was particularly pleased with the amount of bird photos I took even in a day I kept my photo yield down with an early start for another day working in the office tomorrow. This included the third, fourth, sixth and eighth of a cute pair of Black-headed Gulls, one of a four Greylag Geese in pairs it was nice to see closely together with them preening a lot which always looks great, a very beautiful Lesser Black-backed Gull a bird I love seeing here and a Magpie I got such a great view of. It was nice to see Great Crested Grebes as they gear up for their breeding season now and a Coot in the pools in the northern fenced off area for the second Lakeside walk running for me after Friday, notable as they seem to be there more so in the spring and summer months and I think they might nest there. I won’t be taking a camera to work tomorrow so don’t know if there will be a Tumblr post so felt like adding to my recent ones about the Peregrines in Winchester that an egg has now been laid at the cathedral so it seems Winnie has taken well to the new partner. So this is an exciting breeding season development.

I took the fifth and seventh pictures in this photoset of buds and a view over beach lake on the walk. The blossom, buds and green patches painted the landscape so well today. Beautiful spring time scenes. I took the final two pictures in this photoset of the camellia in the front garden with a bit of it about to burst out in flower it feels a great scene to take in with a flower on the balcony looking nice too and a nice orangey sky scene one of a few scenes like it that looked nice tonight. A hopeful early spring day, I hope you all had a good one.

Wildlife Sightings Summary: My first Brimstone and Small White butterflies of the year, one of my favourite birds the Great Crested Grebe, Mallard, Coot, Greylag Goose, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull and Herring Gull another great day of gulls, Jackdaw well at home, Magpie, Feral Pigeon with two courting a bit again, Woodpigeon, Starling, Goldfinch, Long-tailed Tit well at Lakeside, bee, spider, fly and I heard the Blackbird/Robin.

[shreddedparchment]

A Playful Family

OTP Challenge 10/02/2020

Pairing: Thor x Reader          Word Count: 2,003

Warnings: Adult themes, language, LOTS of more fluff, sexy talk

A/N: This is for @thefanficfaerie​ ‘s OTP Challenge. I’m really enjoying these! Writing these out and just getting them out right away without worrying too much about plot. Just character stories with a family I already love. If you happen to reblog, thanks so much for helping me spread my work! xoxo

“NO!” Thor shouts, nearly pushing your heart to stopping as he jumps towards you from the stairs.

You jump and gasp, pressing your hand against your chest as you try to catch your breath.

“Thor, what the fu-?”

“Ah-ah!” Thor chastises you, frowning. “Little ears abound, my sweetest, beautiful, loving, and most of all forgiving wife.”

He closes the distance between you, putting his hands on your hips and pulling you against his chest.

“What did you do?” You ask him, suspicious but he chuckles and kisses you, bring both hands up to hold your head still as he does.

His kiss is sweet and warm, a fluttering of his lips prompts yours open and he tastes you, guiding your head to the right as his own goes left and he wraps his arms around you to support your weight as he dips you to the side and very nearly sweeps you off your feet.

Your eyebrows shoot up into your hairline as your arms go limp and you drop your sewing bag. Without its weight, you reach up and wrap your arms around his neck loosely as Thor kisses all of your senses away.

He draws his tongue out slowly, letting it trace the center part of your upper lip as he stands you upright again. When you’re straight he gives you one final peck.

You’re not unaware of the fact that you’re standing there with your arms around him, lips still puckered, and your eyes shut as your now foggy mind begins to clear.

Holy fuck, this man can kiss.

“Now I know you did something.” You mumble.

Thor laughs but reaches down to take your bag and hurries around to hang it in its spot by the door. Your little bungalow, gifted by Tony when Thor had left you pregnant—though in his defense he didn’t know you were pregnant when he left you—hasn’t changed much. There are new additions to your walls and tables. New pictures with Thor and Rosie and Ben looking bigger and happier with his sister and his daddy at his side.

Your little kitchen with it’s round table is more scuffed than before with Thor here to add his own rough touch to it every now and then. Ben’s booster seat is gone as he’s grown enough to sit without one, but Rosie’s highchair sits among the other three, pink and yellow and green. And all throughout an array of pumpkins, both plaster and plastic, Rosie’s color changing ones on the island counter by the jar of Splenda packets.

Ben’s spoopy mirrors are hung upstairs along the hallway, wrapped in pulled cotton spiderwebs.

“I have done nothing. That is to say, nothing worth you getting angry at me over.” Thor corrects himself when you look skeptical. “May I ask a favor?”

With your arms hanging at your side, your coat still on, Thor slides behind you and helps you take it off. “Depends on the favor.”

Thor nods, moving to stand before you as he folds your jacket neatly and works out the creases you’ve made throughout the day. “What if I told you it was more a favor for Ben, than for me? Would that make you more amenable?”

You glare at him, reaching down with his hands nice and busy, and slide it far back enough that you can reach his butt and give it a pinch.

He jumps, “Hey!”

“You using our son to get me to agree to play your sick games?” You accuse.

Thor smiles slowly, softly, and the look in his eyes drives all teasing from you and makes your stomach flip. How can he look at you like that? How can he mean it? After everything you two have been through to get to this happy place—this happy home—you still can’t believe that Thor picked you.

“Only if it works.” He admits.

“Fine.” You sigh.

Thor smiles more widely then moves around you to hang your coat.

His heat suddenly wraps around you from behind, his hands tracing all the way down to your wrists then the backs of your hands which he cups gently, taking hold of them as he presses himself against you.

You can feel his pelvis pressed against your bottom, the subtle rubbing he’s teasing you with probably to punish you for the pinch to his butt.

When he speaks, the heat of his breath wafts along your ear and neck, chills erupting along your skin as your heart begins to pound and your panties become suddenly soaked.

“Close your eyes.” He whispers, voice so deep you can feel it in your hoo-haw.

“Thor-” You plead, hating him every bit for torturing you.

He leans a little further forward and presses a kiss to your cheek. “Please?”

You sigh but do as he wishes, shutting your eyes tight.

He takes hold of your head again, tilting it back and sideways until your lips meet his and he gives you another world melting kiss that leaves you breathless and hungry for more.

“I’ll be right back.” He tells you, then abandons you and what sounds like sprinting up the stairs.

“You’re gonna break the house!” You call to him, but he doesn’t reply.

A few minutes pass and your patience grows thin. You open your eyes and look up at the second floor landing but find it empty.

“Thor? How much longer?!”

“Do you have your eyes shut?!” Thor booms down the stairs.

You sigh, shaking your head as you turn slowly and press your hands over your eyes. With a smile you wait, your mind racing with all the possible surprises Thor and Ben might have cooked up in your absence.

“Okay! They’re shut.”

You try not to turn instantly when you hear Thor’s footsteps coming down the stairs accompanied by the sound of much smaller feet at his side.

You can hear Ben’s quiet giggle, his voice a little hiss. “Mommy will wuv it, wight daddy?”

“She’ll love it.” Thor whispers back and your heart could explode with the love you have for your boys.

They stop walking and a moment passes before Thor clears his throat. “Okay, you can look now.”

You turn, much too eager to see what they’ve been doing to take it slow and you very nearly fall to your knees at the sight of them.

All three of them, Thor, Ben at his side, and Rosie kicking and slapping her hands against Thor’s chest in excitement are dressed in footie pajamas.

Thor’s are black, the outline of bones along every inch of it making him look like a walking skeleton. Ben’s a little scarecrow with brown shoes, green pants with sewn in patches, a checkered red and yellow shirt with a patched up brown vest. Just above where the shoes end, where his pants end, and where his shirt meets his neck and wrists are tufts of soft stringy sun colored threads and fabric to make it look as if he is indeed fill with hay.

In Thor’s arms, Rosie’s own onesie is black on the top with what looks like the outline of what should be a corset that runs into the skirt of her pajamas stitched into the onesie, and then her legs are purple and green, made to look like a witch’s socks.

“Oh my goodness!” You gasp, genuinely pleased by the sight, downright tickled by how adorable your babies look but you play up the reaction for the benefit of your little ones.

Ben giggles, jumping once but remembers the rule about jumping in the house and stops immediately.

“You wike it, mommy?” Ben asks, clinging to Thor’s free hand tightly.

“I love it, sweet pea. Oh you all look so amazing! Come here, come give me a hug!” You drop to your knees and open your arms for him and he flies right for you, clinging tight when he’s in your arms.

“Surprise!” Thor exclaims, grabbing Rosie’s hand and shaking her little fist in celebration, then speaks for her. “Surprise, momma!”

“My Rosie, look at her, she looks so dang cute, Thor! Where did you find these?” You let Ben pull away from you as he runs into the living room, excited and eager to expend the extra energy that this little show has given him.

“At the shop, when we went to buy the decorations. I have yours upstairs. Yours is all white, with a shocked ghost face on it. Kinda looks like you did when I startled you.” He chuckles, teasing you heartlessly.

“Jerk.” You laugh, getting up and reaching for Rosie. She throws herself at you and you smother her cheek with kisses as Thor marches into the living room after Ben.

“Alright, son, we’ve shown your mother the pajamas. It’s time for bed.”

Ben gives a small defiant whine but then struts to the stairs and with lead in his feet and a pout on his lips, he walks up the stairs with Thor trailing behind him.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Are you really trying it on?” Thor calls from the room, waiting for you to make your appearance in your Halloween themed PJs.

“Of course. I need you to see me in it.” You tell him, wicked and knowing as to what you’re about to do.

He deserves it. He really deserves it after what he pulled downstairs.

“You’re not looking right?” You check, waiting with your hand on the door to your bathroom.

You’d left him sitting on his side of the bed, facing the large glass sliding doors that lead to the tiny balcony attached to your room. He’d already drawn the curtains thankfully.

“No. I’m not looking. I won’t cheat.” He promises and you believe him.

“Okay, here I come!” You announce then pull the door open and step out into your room.

He’s really still sitting facing the doors.

“What do you think?” You ask him and watch him lift his left leg onto the bed to traverse and turn towards you as best he can.

He might have been expecting the ghost pajamas but what you give him instead is soft gray baby doll lingerie set, with lace that looks like twisting dead tree branches along the top of your bust. The V neck ends between your breasts where the clasp holds the skimpy nightie shut. The layers of thin sheer fabric flow out at uneven lengths but hide just enough of the matching gray panties to tempt and give tantalizing sneaky peeks.

Thor’s jaw drops. He freezes. His eyes devour you from head to toe, but he doesn’t speak as you give him one quick spin that gives him a generous amount of you to ogle, the stop and pretend to only just remember the finishing touch.

“Oh! I almost forgot.” You move around the bed towards your small vanity by the sliding doors and reach for the headband with small black horns.

You slide them onto your head and turn back to Thor, smiling when you see that his gaze has followed you from one side of the room to the other.

“Well? What do you think?” You give him another spin then sigh. “Maybe I should just go put on the ghost?”

You pretend to think about it.

“Yeah, I think the ghost would be better. Right?” You nod and make to move back around the bed to the bathroom but Thor’s arm shoots out at you like a cobra and with an easy pull he’s got you falling onto the bed on your back, bouncing as you laugh.

“Woah,” You laugh again. “Okay, maybe I’ll keep this one on then.”

“No.” Thor shakes his head, reaching down between your knees to trace his hot calloused fingers along the soft flesh of your inner thighs. “No, I think you should take it off.”

His hands makes you breathless and as his fingers find the elastic edge of your underwear, you gasp, and he swallows hard.

“Here, let me help you.”

[ace-trainer-risu]

oh here! i’ll come ask you for book recs lol. do you have any spooky and/or autumn-y book recs? or just your fave books :)

First of all, I'm sorry this took me SO long to answer. I want to say I've been busy but it's just been general [waves hand vaguely] life.

ANYWAY thank you for asking! I actually don't read scary stuff a lot b/c I'm a wimp, but I have a few spooky/autumnal books up my sleeves! Let's see what we've got!!

1) The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters

Let me just start by saying that Sarah Waters is one of my absolute favorite authors ever! All her novels are suspenseful, twisty historical novels with great female and queer characters. Although, fair warning, actually The Little Stranger is like her one novel that isn't queer, but it is VERY good. If you read The Little Stranger and like it, please read Fingersmith and/or The Paying Guests.

The Little Stranger is set in the countryside of post-WWII England and follows a mild-mannered doctor as he becomes increasingly involved in the lives of the family living in the local, increasingly decrepit, possibly haunted mansion. Think Downton Abbey but creepy. Strange things keep happening inside the house, from dog bites to mysterious sounds to creepy black spots. Literally just typing that gave me goosebumps. It seems like someone may be out to get the family, but who...or what? Is it simply the ghosts of their own painful memories, or is something more? Sarah Waters is excellent at lush, intricate historical detail, and she leans into that here to create an atmosphere of slowly building dread and horror and mystery.

That being said, as a person who isn't normally a fan of horror, I don't think this book is too scary. It's more of an atmospheric, psychological horror than a jump-scare, bloody horror. It's not a book that will give you nightmares (probably), but you might lie awake thinking about it.

Also. Pro-tip. As a haunted(?) house story, the house is obviously fairly central to the story. Dear fellow Americans, keep in mind that the British refer to the floors of a building differently than us. For Americans, the ground-level floor is called the first floor, the floor above that the second floor, etc. For the British, the ground-level floor is the ground floor, and the floor above that is the first floor, etc. There's all sorts of creepy references to characters hearing noises above them on the first floor, but I was just like, Why are they always in the basement?

2) Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno Garcia

This and the above are two very different books, and yet they are both set in the mid-1900s and both are about weird, creepy, maybe-haunted houses. What can I say, I like gothic fiction.

After our heroine, Noemi, receives a bizarre, borderline incoherent letter from her beloved cousin, she sets out to visit her in the literally decaying mansion she resides in with her husband and his new family deep in the countryside of Mexico. All Noemi wants to do is persuade her cousin to come back home with her, but her cousin's new in-laws are very determined not to let that happen...or to let Noemi leave either. Secrets abound in the bizarre house and even creepier nearby cemetery, and soon Noemi finds that she too is suffering from bizarre dreams and visions...although, are they just dreams?

This book is so weird, but in such a good way? I read it for a book club and every week we had increasingly bizarre theories about what was going on, we were googling alchemy and fungi and St George, and some of our theories were even right. Although definitely not all. Another very twisty one that keeps you guessing.

In terms of scariness, interestingly I think there's more overtly creepy and horrifying moments in this novel than The Little Stranger, but I found TLS more overall scary? But that may be because I read it quickly, which I think is the ideal setting for suspenseful stuff, and I read Mexican Gothic over a longer amount of time since it was for a book club. This one does have some more typical horror elements to it, but I don't think it's more creepy than terrifying.

3) The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey

I listened to this one as an audiobook and the audiobook is excellent so would recommend that, but have no doubt it would also be great to physically read.

Oh my god this book...it's more thriller than horror, but I think it fits the brief. There were multiple moments listening to this book that I literally gasped or said "OH MY GOD!" out loud, and there are moments which are very creepy and horrifying. There's a particular scene in the backyard... Again, incredibly suspenseful and twisty. And the character development and character psychology is just! really really good! There's also really interesting and knotty feminist stuff which is a lot more complicated and nasty than some of the "girlboss" stuff which is popular right now.

Super minimal summary: All you really need to know is that it is a sci fi novel about a scientific researcher trying to pick up her life after her marriage has imploded, only for everything to go BATSHIT WRONG. Trust me, that's all you need to know, it's better to go into this not knowing what's going to happen or what to expect. I had no clue what this novel was about when I started it, and holy shit. Very good book, absolutely recommend this if you want some super suspenseful, creepy sci fi that will make you say "oh my GOD" repeatedly.

Okay, shifting gears a little now b/c autumn isn't just spooky, it's also cozy and restful and daydreamy!

4) The Thinking Woman's Guide to Real Magic by Emily Croy Barker

This isn't maybe a cozy book per se, but it's a great book to cuddle down with on a dreary day and lose yourself in. If you've ever asked yourself, "What would it be like if you crossed Pride and Prejudice with Howl's Moving Castle except the wizard was way worse but somehow still sexy" - then you should read this book! I actually came across this book b/c I was like, I wanna read a book that's a portal fantasy but for adults, and this book was like OH here's everything you wanted.

It's about a grad student, Nora, who has totally stalled out on her dissertation and is at a shitty wedding when she accidentally wanders through a portal into a beautiful, fantastical fairy world. At first, everything is amazing and literally perfect...but surprise surprise, not all as is it seems, and soon everything goes to, how should I put it, shit. Nora escapes, but rather than returning home, she finds herself trapped in a far more dreary realm. But not one without it's own charms and it's own magic, and Nora finds herself the student-slash-sorta-captive of the crochety, sexy, maybe-killed-his-wife magician Aruendiel* and she begins to learn magic herself.

Unlike the above books, this is not a fast-paced, twisty book, and I think if you go into this expecting high fantasy along the lines of Game of Thrones, you may be disappointed. It's not really a typical high-fantasy novel, it's more of a cross of an 18th/19th century realist novel, a fairy tale, and a fantasy novel. But if you want that, then it's REALLY good! I loved this book! And the magic in it is so cool, something about the way its described feels so visceral and real and like you could really do it if you just tried hard enough. There is a romance and it's totally, intentionally hashtag problematic, but it's very laid back, very slow burn, so I think even if you aren't a person who digs romance you can still enjoy this. If you're looking for a feminist-leaning fantasy novel that you can just sink into and lose yourself in, this is the perfect book. You will long to magically fix broken plates.

5) The Ruthless Lady's Guide to Wizardry by C.M. Waggoner

Honestly I can't even justify why I think this one is an autumn book. It simply is. It's autumn colored in my head. It is the coziest book I have ever read about necromancy and crime. Also I just want to recommend it. This is another one that I listened to as an audiobook and it's also a good audiobook, for those who are interested. But it also means I will not be able to spell absolutely any of the character's names.

This novel follows Delly, an enterprising young scoundrel of a fire witch with a teeny tiny gin habit as she attempts to support herself and her hot-mess of a mom in the roughest neighborhoods of Fantasy-City-That-I-Can't-Remember-The-Name-Of. Lice...gate? When Delly comes across an advertisement for a bodyguarding job for young women for a hefty fee, it seems like the answer to definitely not all but at least some of her problems. She accepts, along with an interesting assortment of other sorcerous young ladies, including a wonderfully bitchy Absentia (my love), a young woman who can turn into a boar, boar girl's necromancer mother, and the very sexy part-troll Winn, who in my imagination looks like Gwendoline Christie and talks like Miranda Hart. Which. Perfect woman. Winn being a fine, wealthy young lady, Delly can't help but think to herself that it wouldn't be such a bad thing if Winn happened to fall in love with her and carried her off to be rich and spoiled the rest of her life.

Of course, things quickly don't go to plan, and soon Delly and her companions find herself caught up in wicked schemes of murder, drugs, and an undead mouse named Buttons who says BONG. I love Buttons SO MUCH.

This book is just a silly romp of a novel which worms into your heart and your brain. It's fun and cute and gay, and also it made me cry. I haven't stopped thinking, "Not quite regulation hammerball" since I listened to it like half a year ago.

Also, while I'm here, this novel is set in the same world as and features a few of the same characters as Unnatural Magic. Which is also a hell of a book. Literally the best bisexual relationship I have ever fuckin read. It's a winter book tho, so I simply can't go into it here.

Aaaaand...that it's! Happy autumnal reading :)

[fanfictiondreamscape]

S/O Volunteers at a Daycare

Request: Im not entirely sure how to request but I did read your rules! So is it alright if I request DTK and Ciel with an S/O who works at her mother’s daycare during the weekends?

Title: S/O Volunteers at a Daycare 

Genre: fluff abound, and maybe a little comedic 

Pairing: Death the Kid/Ciel Phantomhive x Reader (separately) 

Notes: Okay, so this prompt made me flat out UwU shamelessly. Seriously, this was an adorable idea! That said, these are two of my favorite characters, so this made it even better!

So, thanks for the request! It made me feel bubbly and motivated, despite being almost stuck over the past week. Otherwise, the only things I would want to make you aware of are that I wrote them as headcanons because I felt that they would work best for the request, I tried to provide a small story for each set of headcanons, and - I think that’s it! I hope you enjoy it! (It also may be a little short, sorry!) 

Below the cut! 

Death the Kid

straight outta the gate, he knew about your work at your mother’s daycare

he had to deal with a particularly dangerous kishin that attacked the workplace a while back, and he saw you as he took care of the tainted soul despite you already prepared to use your arm to fight against the monster

but what he didn’t know was that you worked so well with the children.

your intelligence is what drew him to you, and though he had his suspicions about your great understanding of children

this was unexpected.

he seriously thought that you would be more likely to take up the receptionist position.

you were very sociable, so that was where he thought you’d decide to volunteer as it would utilize your sociability and intelligence.

but this was odd.

he was patrolling around Death City, not failing to notice what he needed to

but this?

yeah, no - this was new.

he saw you and your mother, standing outside beside the playground with the kindergarteners

pushing them on the swings and lifting them onto higher structures if needed

frankly, the sight was adorable.

he noticed the way your eyes lit up when you were around the children, almost a motherly appeal in them

and when he saw the whole picture, he was even more starstruck by you.

you are so good with children,. 

like seriously.

most of the time, they look at him and look away or decide to make a fuss about his - shiver - hair. 

so this was something only he could dream about. 

it’s only when he brings this up to you that you realize he had seen you that day. 

“so, dear, you volunteer at the kindergarten downtown?”

holdup- 

“uh...yeah. why are you asking?”

“well, i was asking on behalf of an event that you could participate in.”

turns out he wanted to invite the kids to see the DWMA, and wanted to know if you’d be willing to go with him and guide the group despite it being a weekday. 

if your mom was down, so were you

luckily, your mom was ecstatic

and lord death was 100% down for it

so this was happening

eventually the day came, and all of the students were so happy to hear that they would be seeing the big school that they always saw from different points in town. 

when they saw you, though, they all ran to hug you tightly.

the sight made kid a little jealous lol

either way, they also spotted the boy beside you, and a few of them questioned who he was.

so, before he could go on a formal route, you stopped and introduced him yourself

“his name is death the kid, and he’s lord death’s son.”

“is he your boyfriend?” 

cue the matching tomato faces

your mom knew, she loved him

and normally she would stop this immediately, 

but the scene right in front of her eyes was entertaining and not harmful so- 

the tour of the school started, and as you and kid introduced the rooms and class system to the kids,

he had an almost vice-grip on your hand the whole time. 

sometimes, his grip could be painful, but this was one of those secure ones where you didn’t feel like you were going to slip at any second.

it made you feel happier, maybe a little more confident to present what you were presenting

until it hit lunchtime, where the children gathered around you and listened intently as you told stories of goings-on at the DWMA

kid and your mom listened to the occurrence from behind

“so you and my daughter?”

“miss/ms./mrs., if i may-” 

overall, though, the whole scene left the dual color-haired teen feeling even more happiness at the sight of you.

intelligent, gorgeous, talented, and kind and sweet? 

what more could a man want than someone as perfect as you?

following the tour, you and kid sat down and talked.

after some time, you and him came to the conclusion to take him with you sometimes.

because some of the kids really were starting to like him. 

eventually, it became a common occurrence for him to join you when volunteering on the weekends.

at one point, they targeted kid and called him big brother when you brought him to the kindergarten.

so yeah, you and kids? the sight is the perfect way to get him to turn firetruck red, so use it. 

and him and kids? vice versa, he can and will use it. 

Ciel Phantomhive

listen, he knows you’re the closest thing to an actually good angel

but this was a whole new level of angel

he never really completely understood why you decided to do what you do, but he knows you’re pure-hearted

so could someone please explain to short blueberry wealth over here why he was surprised to see that you volunteered at a kindergarten?

let’s just say that when your mom was called upon to answer questions about the last time she had seen a notorious burglary suspect

and he saw you interacting with the children inside on his way out.

he blushed.

he couldn’t help it! the scene was too cute, and it made him feel something domestic!

(yeah, sebastian had a field day with the scene of ciel trying to cover his completely red face with his outerwear.)

anyway, the event made him see you in an even brighter light.

your kindness knows no bounds, does it? 

either way, he had to uphold an image.

as much as he wanted to gush about how sweet it made him feel and how much more beautiful it made you, he couldn’t

whether that was because he just couldn’t be overly sweet by nature or if it was his mature aura he had to exude to do business, he didn’t know

but yeah

he loved the image, and he went to any lengths to see it happen.

in fact, he took some extreme lengths for the children the kindergarten.

after doing some basic research on the kindergarten, it didn’t charge much for people to send their children there. 

at all. 

so he became aware that it was a kindergarten for poor families. 

(and he became flustered again. sebastian saw, teased him for it, then got commanded to clean up whatever mess the other servants of the manor had made.)

with this knowledge, he had specifically asked for Funtom toys to be sent to the kindergarten and gifted to the children. 

he originally planned to keep his name out of the endeavor, but that plan went bust when he remembered the image.

again, the domesticity that he felt from the image just- 

yeah, he was blushing again

and this was his reason behind showing up at the kindergarten and formally giving the children the toys.

you hadn’t known that he was going to do this, so your shocked face was very obvious.

the kids were shocked, but very grateful.

one of them even called him brother, and though it was odd, he found the statement oddly endearing and awkwardly patted the small boy’s head.

that’s when you blushed. 

after all of the children had their gifts and were sent off for nap time, your mother thanked him face-to-face. 

you were stood beside her in the doorway, trying to simultaneously keep an eye on the children and keep an eye on your short significant other

the blush never left your cheeks, and as you saw his hesitance to show any real “emotion” (if you get what i mean) you chuckled.

ciel still found the image so loving, and he still couldn’t help but get flustered but,

after all of this and the many times after that he provided support for either the kindergarten itself or the kids, you started to tease him.

(on the sidelines, sebastian was teasing the two of you which always resulted in him being instructed to do some offhand task elsewhere as a ploy to get him to leave the room)

(good times) 

[vv3nti]

BIRD BOSS (part three)

[social media hybrid]

summary: y/n wants to rush her recovery process, putting her hero career on hold for what should have been a simple injury was devastating. she was ready to give. but the number two hero had an irresistible proposition. but he lands himself in a rocky situation as a crush develops on y/n; who quite frankly wants none of his shit. will hawks win her heart or will someone from her past steal it away?

warnings: language!!, angst, fluff, some ooc—sue me, CRACK, and LANGUAGE, pay no attention to timestaps, adult talk??? excuse the mistakes pls and ty

2.4k words

SERIES MASTERLIST

NO. NO. NO. NO. Your eyes widen as they fell upon your boss’ relaxed figure, chatting with your friends. What the hell was he doing here, and why did he look so casual among your peers? There was still time to make a run for the door; no one had even noticed you descend from the bathroom; feigning sickness didn’t sound like a bad idea right about now. This wasn’t the plan; Hawks was supposed to go home and meet you on sunday, not stay and mingle. He was ruining the atmosphere; people were gawking and staring at the pro, bringing unwanted attention to your table. Why would he think, showing up to a mediocre downtown club was a good idea? You didn’t have much time to dwell because Mina exposed your existent as she called you over. She smiled brightly, countering your set grimace. Keigo turned around slowly, a smirk decorated his lips and a glint in his eyes. He knew what he was doing; he found it quite amusing and rather eventful.

“Y/N! Look! It’s Hawks.” Mina gleamed, her drunken state failing to keep her excitement from bubbling over; she was practically bouncing off the floor. The time you told her you’d be working for the pro-hero, she went ballistic, bombarding you with a profound number of questions. Sure, the girl did have a special love for heroes but let’s not forget Hawks’ popularity due to his appearance, which granted him a few extra points in Mina’s book. It took a lot of self-restraint not to roll your eyes at your starstruck friend as you traveled to the booth.

“Yes, I see. What is he doing here?” you emphasized, turning to Hawks, the previous glare returning to your expression. If your eyes had mouths of their own, they would have told him to fuck off in a multitude of ways. You hoped he’d take the hint and leave you be, but to your luck, Keigo either didn’t notice or choose to ignore. You bet on the latter.

After a few seconds of your stare off, Keigo straightened his posture, flashing his pearly whites. “Hello, babybird.”

“Answer the damn question.” That earned you an elbow to the gut from Mina.

“Well, I know I told you to give me the bill on Sunday, but I thought it’d just be easier to take it straight from the source.” He scissored his centurion black card between his pointer and middle finger. He feigned surprise before reaching down on the table, grabbing a white iridescent clutch. “And you forgot this.” Hawks confessed, handing you the bag. You knew you didn’t take a purse to the gala, and you knew Hawks knew you didn’t take a flashy purse to the gala. So what the fuck was this expensive piece of material doing in your hands. “Consider it a thank you for showing up tonight; finding a last-minute date would have sucked.”

The explosive blond spoke up, all attention rushing his direction. “You gave her your card already; a simple verbal thanks would have done.” He snapped with a scowl. To say Bakugou had a distaste for the pro-hero would be an understatement, and he has zero hesitation voicing his dislike. It was painfully obvious Bakugou was envious of Hawks; number two hero, highly on almost all charts, and good looking, he had it all and at the mere age of twenty-three. In truth, you believe he looked up to the wing hero, but even if that were the case, her friend would never admit it.

Keigo took notice of the boy's irritated persona; he wasn’t a stranger to haters, but right now, he’d rather Bakugou not ruin the moment. Absent Mindlessly waving his hand around, Hawks remarked, “Well, maybe, I like to spoil my employees, Ground Zero.” The quick look of surprise on Bakugou’s face satisfied Hawks, as did Mina praising how sweet he was. “I’ve seen you on TV before; your quirk is just as explosive as your personality, too, huh?” He sassed, the snarky response earning a few giggles from your friends.

Bakugou rolled his eyes, grumbling incoherently as he sunk further into the plush seating. If this went on any longer, you swore you’d choke on the testosterone.

You turned towards the booth. “Hey, he’s only messing around with you, Katsuki. Just let it all out by order drinks, yeah?”

The smug expression vanished from Keigo’s face rather quickly, a confused one taking its place. You're on a first-name basis with this guy? He thought, though, he tried to mask his it as best he could when you focused your attention back on him.

“Listen, thank you for the drinks and this.” You lifted the clutch in your hand. “I appreciate it, but I-” The pink-haired girl to your left softly tugged your arm. The desperation in her eyes caused you to look away only to meet the begging stares the rest of the group bore into your figure. Guilt crept up your spine—no, you shouldn’t be feeling this way, but you didn’t want to disappoint your friends. So much for a night off.

You signed, dragging a hand down your face. “Fine, you can stay.”

The night progressed relatively smoothly; it was a surprise to you how well Hawks mixed with your friends. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves in his presence. Well, everyone except for Bakugou, who continued to sulk by himself. His sour attitude prompted you to a stand, reaching your open palm in his direction. Bakugou ignored your offer, but you were persistent and wouldn’t take no as an answer.

“Katsu, please.” A whine pulled from your throat, attracting the attention from the winged-hero talking with Momo, Kirishima, Denki, and Mina. “I want the legendary ‘Lord Explosion Murder’ mix, and you’re the only one who knows the order, c’mon.”

You squealed as Bakugou grumbled in agreeance; you clutched his wrist and started your departure to the bar. The rest of the table paused their conversation, watching you leave. Hawks didn’t remove his gaze until you were entirely out of sight; confusion racked through him again. He found himself wishing you talked about your personal life more because as he’s out with you now, he doesn’t seem to know anything about you.

“That’s the nicest Bakugou gets.” Denki laughed. “And I have to say I’m jealous. What a world, him not hating me.”

“Well, you should’ve snatched him up first,” Momo replied, giggling profoundly when the yellow-haired boy glared. Not that he would ever admit it, but when they first met, Denki had quite the crush on Bakugou. “And maybe he’d be your boyfriend, huh.”

Mina’s entire being jumped in her seat, eyes wide and lips pursed. She slapped Momo’s shoulder sharply, giving her a pointed look, one that a mother would give their child when they’re acting out in public. “Bakugou is not her boyfriend.”

“Maybe if he ever got around to confessing his feelings to L/N. It’s been years at this point.”

Oh, was this interesting? Hawks shouldn’t find this as intriguing as he did; this was his assistant, for fuck’s sake; he should be professional instead of indulging in this drama. But, hey, when has he ever been known to keep things traditional. Keigo deemed his attraction to you a given crush; isn’t it abound to happen to two people who work closely and spend a lot of time together? Right? Whatever the reason, he couldn’t seem to just enough. You’re a drug, and he’s addicted, obsessed, always wondering when he’ll get his next fix.

Mina rolled her widen eyes. The girl was far too biased to even indulge in the conversation, but she couldn’t help but peeve. Mina had her money on Hawks swooping into your life before Bakugou ever got over himself. “A girl can only wait so long.” She huffed, perking up as the explosive blond rounded the table. “Where’s Y/N?”

Bakugou mumbled something about you taking too long to order, causing the group to erupt loudly. He was never great showing his affection around other people, huh?

“You left her up there?”

“By herself?”

“What the hell, Bakubro?”

“What about the Lord Explosion Murder.”

“Dude!”

All noise ceased as Hawks stood up, his chair sliding back against the dark wood. “I’ll go check on her; I need a refill anyway.” The bass of the club drowned the sound of ice rattling against his glass.

You tapped your finger to the rhythm on the beat as you waited, watching the bartender move from person to person. Unfortunately, they were out of orange citrus syrup—to key ingredient to Bakugou’s said drink mix—so you had to find something else to get. You didn’t mind waiting, though. Reading the odd cocktail combinations was quite entertaining as long as you didn’t have to go back and face Hawks.

“Hey.” Keigo’s voice caused you to glance behind you. He leaned over your shoulder to place his glass on the bar, his warmth mixing with your own. Hawks was exceedingly close to your body; you were able to smell his spicy cologne as his front lightly grazed your side. You partially expected him to pull away, put some distance between your bodies but part of you knew he would test the waters. “What’re thinking?” he asked smoothly, eyes grazing the menu. “This sounds good.” Angel Wings was the name of the daiquiri, how cute.

You felt your cheeks begin to flush, this was too far, and you’re intoxicated. Keigo’s usual teasing comments and flirty gestures you could effortlessly ignore, but this was entirely different. There was no room to shuffle away from his figure, for someone occupied the space next to you. Why did he find so much pleasure messing with your head? Truthfully you aren’t surprised; this is what Hawks does; he reels girls in and leaves a trail of hearts in his wake. You’d witnessed it a handful of occasions. Angry, pained, desperate girls trying to either enter the agency building or spam your social media to reach the hero. You will not fall victim to his charms, but as you turn to the side, your eyes meeting his yellow ones, you felt your facade grasping for dear life.

A chillingly squeaky voice pulled you from your trance. “Can we please take a picture with you?” Two petite girls stood feet away, clutching phones in their shaking hands. “Sorry, we just have never had the chance to meet a pro.” You don’t think you’ve ever been so thankful for quirky drunk people.

On the opposite spectrums of things, Keigo internally cursed; he was so close. And although he had no clue what he was close too, it felt right. But thing one and thing two had to show up and spoil it. Before acknowledging the two, he turned back towards you only to see you’d moved away from his touch and started conversing with the bartender. Fuck. Despite his frustration, Hawks equipped his award-winning smile and accepted their request.

“Sorry bout’ that, babybird.” Keigo hummed sheepishly. He knew you dislike the alum of attention he attracts when performing mundane activities, and by the slight squint in your eyes, he figured the distaste settled in you once again.

“Hmm, here.” Your fingers grazed his own as you handed him a fresh drink. Of course, you knew his order. “I'm used to it, gotta take care of the fangirls.” The prior encounter was still fresh on your mind; you cursed yourself for allowing Hawks to get into your head like that. Your walls stood up pretty high, but tonight, he almost made it over the top for whatever reason.

“I'd much rather it be you be one of my fangirls.” And the teasing was back. Classic. “I could always make some exceptions for you, take a few pictures.” He suggested, lips curling into a sinister smirk.

You rolled your eyes, your head lolling to the side. A part of you wanted to play his game, ruffle his feathers a bit, but on the contrary, that would successfully add gasoline to the raging flames. You took a sip of your drink. “My friends really like you.”

Keigo couldn't say why, but the compliment made his heart flutter. He wanted acceptance from your peers. Made him feel like he was doing something right for once in his godforsaken life. Running into you was his golden ticket; Keigo never hesitated when it came to you; he’s always so sure. That’s one reason he keeps you around because as much as you invade his thoughts, you also focused his mind. “Not all of them.” Why would he bring him up? “What’s his problem, huh? Got a crush on you.” Keigo said teasingly, masking the sour taste in his voice.

A stream of air blew from the nose as you shook your head with a small smile. “Aha, no. Katsuki, he…” you trailed off, searching for the right words. The mood dampens. “He blames himself for what happened. He took it remarkably hard, so he’s kind of protective. But no, he does not have a ‘crush’ on me.”

Hawks wanted to ask more questions, he craved to fill the gaps, but he refrained. He wanted you to open up to him on your own will; although he was reasonably comfortable around you, Keigo knew you still put walls up around him. He respected it, but that didn’t mean he’d stop trying. “Either way, he has a major stick up his ass. Popularity charts are gonna be rough on him.”

“I know,” You want Bakugou to succeed as a hero; it’s all he's ever wanted. But his hostile disposition was going to hold him back. “You should teach him the rings,” You joked, partially.

“No can do, I'll be too busy teaching you, babybird.” Hawks was quite the optimist, but you figured he was just trying to make you feel better.

You looked down, stirring your drink. “Tch, whatever.”

“It's true; we’ll be an unstoppable duo!” Hawks beam, waving his hand in the air enthusiastically.

“If I take your offer.”

“Oh babybird,” Keigo paused, inhaling through his teeth. “You signed a contract. You're stuck with me for life and the afterlife.”

“Sounds like a nightmare.” With that, you left him standing at the bar. Not only did you want the last word, but you also wished to get back to your friends. This was their night, after all. “Hey, take care of your fan club before joining us.” You motioned to the group of people gawking at the winged pro.

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