#but if I miss it too much I'll buy it when it's on sale so I actually have a copy

[mariasont]

Laced With Love - A.H

summary: while hotch is away on a case, you do nothing but shop, and hotch insists you use his card who are you to disobey him? especially when what you buy benefits the both of you

masterlist

pairings: aaron hotchner x bimbo!assistant!reader

warnings: 18+ MDNI, reader spending hotch's money (it's giving sugar daddy af), so much teasing, fingering, oral fem receiving, hotch worshipping reader, some inappropriate comments made in front of morgan accidentally, they both just completely forget about dinner and don't mention so ya know my bad, dirty talk, soft dom hotchy poo

wc: 3.5k

You had a little problem.

It all started innocently enough: one coffee to-go, a quick window shop in your favorite boutique, and somehow that led to you walking out with a bag containing the most adorable pair of heels that you couldn't leave behind. Then it snowballed—another store, another bag. A perfume counter. A cute sweater that was on sale, and, well, that one really didn't count because it was practical. It was warm. Functional, even.

Okay maybe you had a big problem.

But it wasn't until your phone buzzed in your bag, pulling you out of a deep debate over whether you needed the floral dress you were holding, that you realized just how many bags were hanging off your arms.

Mr. Bossman flashed across the screen.

The name was completely ridiculous (and more than a little outdated now that he was your boyfriend), but it fit in a weird, nostalgic way. He'd been away on one of those long-distance cases, the kind where you weren't needed, and you'd been counting the days (and minutes) until he'd call. 

You grabbed your phone so fast you almost dropped the dress.

"Hi!" you answered, a little too quickly, your voice so giddy and sugar-sweet it could've given you a toothache. He always teased you for it, but right now you didn't care.

"Hi." His voice was warm, a little rough around the edges with exhaustion. "Just wanted to call and let you know I'll be home tonight."

Your heart practically leapt at his words. "Really? Finally! I thought I was going to shrivel up and die from boredom without you here. Okay, maybe not die, but like... what's the point of anything if you're not home to tell me I bought too many candles?"

"I'm not sure how you've lasted this long," he said. "Should I be worried about the state of the house? Or your bank account?"

"First of all, rude. Second of all, if you are so worried, maybe you shouldn't leave me alone for that long. Ever thought of that, Mr?"

His laugh came through the line, short and deep, and it hit you square in the chest. You closed your eyes, leaning into the sound like it could somehow bring him closer. You could see him so clearly--the way his face softened in a way that made him look ten years younger, the way his shoulders would drop, the way his eyes would crinkle. You missed him so much it hurt.

"Poor thing," he teased, still chuckling softly. "What's a girl to do when I'm not there entertain her? Besides spend my money, I mean."

"Don't worry, Aaron, your money is perfectly safe. My super respectable paycheck—you know, the one you sign—is covering me today."

"Hmm," he said, his voice still muffled. "Sounds like your boss is paying you too much."

"I don't know... I think you're getting a pretty good deal considering I keep you very taken care of. Would you like me to prove it later?"

"Hotch, tell me I did not just hear that."

You froze mid-breath, your hand flying to cover your mouth as a wave of heat rushed to your cheeks. That was Morgan’s voice. Morgan. You felt like a cartoon character with steam pouring out of your ears as your face burned red hot.

A nervous little squeak escaped you just as you heard Aaron fumbling with the phone, his voice clipped as he said something you couldn’t quite make out. There was a muffled shuffle, the sound of a door shutting, and finally, the blessed beep that meant he’d taken you off speaker.

"Christ, honey."

You peeked through your fingers, cheeks still burning as you tried to decide if you should laugh, cry, or maybe just dig yourself a hole and live there forever.

"So," you said, hesitating for a beat, "scale of one to ten, how dead am I? Should I preemptively file an HR complaint against myself, or just let Morgan handle my inevitable downfall?”

You heard him exhale sharply, the creak of a chair following as you pictured him leaning back with that half-smile he always gave when he was equal parts amused and exasperated.

“It’s fine. It’s a little embarrassing, sure. But nothing Morgan hasn’t done to himself ten times worse. He’ll give you a hard time for a day or so, Garcia will laugh, and then they’ll let it go.”

There was brief pause, and you could practically hear the smirk in his voice. “That being said, maybe think twice before making explicit promises while I’m at work, honey.”

You bit your lip, your gaze dropping to the shopping bag in your hand as you toyed with the strap absentmindedly.

"I mean, it's only fair I keep my promise now," you said softly, barely loud enough for him to hear. "It's the least I can do."

You heard a faint sound in the background—maybe him clearing his throat—before his voice dropped an octave. "You're already on thin ice today. Don’t make promises you can’t deliver on."

You let out a little huff, batting your lashes instinctively even though you knew he couldn’t see it.

"I don't know why you're doubting me, Mr. Hotchner. You should know I'm very serious about keeping my promises."

"You know, you're not making this easy on me, " Aaron muttered, his voice low and gruff. You could hear a faint groan, followed by what sounded like pacing on the other end. "Alright, I've really got to go now. Behave yourself. And how about you use my card for the rest of the shopping trip?"

"No, Aaron, I can't!" you said quickly, shaking your head as if he could see you. "You'd never trust me again with your card after the damage I'd do. Besides, you're already going to be shaking your head when you see what I got with my own money."

Aaron sighed, his voice going into that low, authoritative tone that always made your stomach flip.

"You will use the card." There was no room for argument in his words. "I want you to. End of discussion."

And just like that, the call ended with a click. You stared at the screen for a moment as if it might magically reopen the call so could argue your case one more time. But, of course, that didn't happen.

He’d told you to use his card—he demanded it, actually—but your fingers still hesitated, clutching the little piece of plastic like it was about to bite you.

You glanced at the white lace lingerie folded neatly on the counter, the delicate fabric practically winking at you. It wasn’t just pretty—it was the kind of perfect that made your heart flutter. Normally, you’d talk yourself out of something so indulgent, but this time? Well, Aaron had practically begged you to buy something… and you couldn’t think of a better way to treat both of you.

You only hesitated for the briefest moment before swiping his card, your heart doing a little flip as the cashier folded the lingerie into tissue paper with careful hands. It felt like a tiny secret between you and Aaron—a very fun secret.

By the time you got home, the sun had started to dip below the horizon, and you knew you had some time before Aaron made it back. He always gave you a pretty reliable ETA. It was the perks of dating someone so anal.

You lugged your shopping bags up to the bedroom, your arms aching a little, but in the best way possible. Once in the bedroom, you started unpacking everything like it was Christmas morning. Dresses went in the closet, shoes were lined up neatly, and you stashed the receipts in the nightstand just in case Aaron did ask how much damage you'd done.

Then you pulled out the piece—the one you'd bought with him in mind. The silk felt decadent under your fingertips, and the delicate lace was almost too beautiful to wear. Almost. It fit like a glove, hugging every inch of you like it had been tailored specifically for this moment. 

Feeling pleased with yourself, you made your way to the kitchen and slipped into your favorite frilly apron, tying the bow neatly at the back. Cooking wasn’t exactly your specialty, but you were determined to make this work. Pasta seemed foolproof enough (right?), and you threw together a salad and garlic bread for good measure. By some miracle, nothing caught on fire, and the kitchen actually smelled amazing.

You found yourself glancing at the clock every few minutes. When you finally heard the sound of a key turning in the lock, you glanced over your shoulder, heart skipping a beat.

"Hi honey!" you called sweetly, pretending as if standing in the kitchen wearing practically nothing was the most common thing in the world.

Aaron stepped inside, the door clicking behind him, but the second his eyes landed on you, he froze. His tie was loosened, his sleeves slightly wrinkled, and his hair looked like he’d run his fingers through it at least a dozen times today. But none of that mattered now—he stood there like he’d forgotten how to breathe, his dark eyes drinking you in.

You smiled at him, slow and innocent, brushing your hands lightly against the counter. "Dinner's almost ready."

"Sweetheart..." His voice was deeper than usual, strained and almost ragged, like he was trying to pull himself together and failing miserably.

"Yes?" you replied, acting as if you didn’t notice the way his eyes were glued to you while you turned off the burner and set the pan aside.

"What..." He swallowed hard, his throat bobbing as his gaze dragged down your body, lingering shamelessly on the curve of your ass. "What are you wearing?"

You turned to face him fully, the delicate lace tugging just slightly as you moved, drawing his eyes lower without him even realizing it.

"Oh this?" you said, gesturing vaguely to the piece. "It's just something I picked up today. You told me to use your card, so I thought I'd get something you'd like."

His jaw tightened, eyes scanning you slowly before lingering on the pink bows peeking out over the apron. "You used my card on this?"

"Mm-hmm," you hummed, your hands gliding down the soft lace as you took a step closer, looking up at him through your lashes. "I figured it was an investment. You know, for both of us."

Aaron groaned, low and frustrated, pinching the bridge of his nose for a brief second before letting his hand drop.

“Using my card for this…” His voice was rough as he closed the space between you in one long stride, his hands landing on your waist and pulling you flush against him. His lips curved into the faintest smirk as his voice dipped lower. “Was the one thing you’ve done right today. Now take this off—slowly, sweetheart—and let me see exactly what I bought.”

He pinched at the bow on your apron, his fingers tugging lightly, but you stepped back just enough to be out of his immediate reach.

“If you were that eager to see what I bought,” you teased, your fingertips grazing one of the straps of the apron, “maybe you shouldn’t have left me waiting so long.”

You slipped one strap off your shoulder, letting it fall halfway, then paused, tilting your head slightly as if daring him to come closer.

"Trying on pretty things, waiting for me to come home—must've been absolutely draining," Aaron shook his head slowly.

You pouted at him, pushing your bottom lip out just enough to make his eyes soften. He chuckled quietly, stepping closer until his hands braced the counter on either side of you, caging you in.

 "But you know what? I missed you too. And seeing you like this... makes being away feel like torture."

Your pout melted into a glowing smile as your hands found their way to his chest, your fingers brushing lightly over his shirt.

“You mean it? You really missed me?”

"Of course I did." His hands cupped your jaw gently, his thumbs brushing along your cheeks as if he couldn’t quite believe you were real. His other hand moved slowly to the bow at your waist, pulling the knot loose with an easy tug. "Now, angel, let me see what else I've been missing."

The apron slipped to the ground, forgotten, as Aaron’s eyes locked onto you. He blinked once, then twice, his expression unreadable except for the slight parting of his lips, like he’d been robbed of air.

His gaze traveled over you like a slow caress, taking in the way the lace hugged your curves, teasing him with everything it didn’t quite cover. His eyes lingered on your chest, where the sheer fabric exposed the peaks of your nipples, and you caught the subtle hitch in his breath as he swallowed hard, his jaw clenching slightly.

You tilted your head, letting your expression soften into something sweetly innocent as you leaned back against the counter. The lace shifted with the movement, exposing just enough to make his jaw tighten. Then, just for a second, you parted your legs, catching his sharp inhale as you gave him a soft, almost shy smile.

When he realized what wasn't under the lace, his eyes snapped back up to yours. Without a word, he dropped to his knees, hands sliding over your thighs until they rested just above your knees.

A soft gasp escaped your lips, heart skipping several beats as you stared down at him. You hadn't expected this. Not the way his knees hit the floor like it was second nature, not the way his palms spread wide against your skin, thumb brushing over the curve of your inner thighs as he looked up to you.

He must be exhausted, that was your only explanation. But then his hands pressed harder into your thighs, and the thought evaporated. His eyes weren't clouded with exhaustion—they were focused, like he was memorizing every inch of you. 

Your stomach twisted sharply, your legs suddenly feeling like they couldn’t hold you upright anymore. He was looking at you like you were the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. That singular thought settled in your chest, blooming like a flower, before curling low in your belly, leaving you breathless.

His lips grazed your thigh in the softest of touches, like he was savoring the moment. Slowly, he pressed another kiss, firmer this time, his fingers tightening around your thighs as his grip became more insistent. He kissed you again, higher and slower, his nose grazing your skin, breath fanning over you. A deep, contented hum rumbled from his chest.

"What have I done," he murmured, his voice rasping like the words have been pulled from his chest, "to deserve this? To deserve you?"

His eyes flickered up to meet yours. "Tell me, angel, because I'd do it a hundred times over if it meant to have you like this."

You wanted to tell him everything—the depth of your love, how he made you feel like the luckiest person alive—but the words lodged in your throat.

"Aaron... I... you're just..." you stammered, voice trembling as your fingers curled around the edge of the counter. 

Before you could gather your thoughts, he lifted one of your legs, hooking it over his shoulder, fingers digging into your skin. His lips brushed higher, dangerously close to your exposed cunt, and a soft, broken sound escaped you.

He hummed against your skin, the vibration shooting straight through you. 

"What's the matter, sweetheart?" His breath was hot against your thigh. "You always have so much to say. Don’t tell me you’re out of words already. I haven’t even started.”

"I was going to tell you how—oh, gosh, Aaron—"

Your words you had been trying to string together scattered completely, replaced by a shaky moan as his mouth pressed firmly against your clit. Your breathing stuttered, your chest rising and falling as waves of pleasure coursed through you, drowning out every thought but him.

His mouth was everywhere—warm, insistent, and impossibly skilled as his tongue traced over your clit with maddening precision. He worked like a man possessed, drawing sounds from you that you didn't even know you were capable of making. He was too good at this—too good at knowing exactly where and how to touch you, too good at making you fall apart with just his mouth.

Then he shifted, his hand gripping your other thigh as he lifted your second leg over his shoulder, leaving you completely at his mercy. The sound you made was somewhere between a gasp and a moan, your hands flying to his hair as your head tipped back.

Your back pressed against the edge of the counter awkwardly, a dull ache building in your lower spine, but it was nothing compared to the torrent of pleasure radiating through you. His tongue moved in devastating accuracy, his hands gripping your thighs like he was gluing you to himself. Your chest moved in shaky breaths, his name slipping from your lips in trembling cries that you couldn’t hold back.

"If I'd known this would be my reward," you gasped, tugging hard at his hair, your words faltering as your head tipped back. "I'd have emptied your whole wallet—oh, fuck—“

His lips closed firmly around your clit, pulling firmly in a way that destroyed your sentence completely. His hands tightened on your thighs, keeping you locked exactly where he wanted you.

"You must really mean it if you're cursing now." His tongue flicked over you again, making your back arch sharply. "Didn’t know you had that in you... let’s see what else I can get you to say, angel."

A warm flush spread up your neck and into your cheeks, heat rising faster than you could control. "I didn't mean to--"

You were cut off once again as his finger slid into your pussy. Any trace of embarrassment was gone, swept away by the overwhelming need pooling deep in your core, leaving nothing but raw desire in its place.

The pressure, coiling low in your stomach, was building so fast you could barely keep up with it. Every tell-tale sign was there—the trembling of your thighs, the way your chest shuddered in shallow breaths, and most incriminating of all, the words spilling from your lips before you could even think about them.

"I love you," you gasp, the desperation clear as ever. "I love you so much, I love you—Aaron, oh—"

He groaned against your clit, his tongue pressing hard as though your words were the fuel he needed to pull you apart completely. His finger curled again, hitting that spot that made you vision blur. His eyes flicked up, and you could tell he knew exactly what was happening. He always knew.

"I know, angel," he murmured, his voice muffled against your skin. "Now show me just how much."

Your orgasm hit you with staggering intensity, a wave of heat and pleasure crashing through you that left every inch of your body trembling. Your breath came in uneven, stuttering gasps as his name spilled from your lips, over and over, like a mantra you couldn’t stop repeating.

"That's my girl," Aaron murmured, his lips brushing against your sensitive skin as his finger worked you through the waves.

His lips pressed on last kiss to your thigh before he straightened, his hands immediately wrapping around your waist like he predicted you'd collapse without him. As soon as he lifted you, you clung to him like your life depended on it (and in that moment you were sure it did), your arms winding around his neck.

Everything felt distant, like you were floating somewhere above yourself. Your head rested limply on his shoulder, your lips brushing against the side of his neck. Your fingers curled weakly against the fabric of his shirt, and for a fleeting moment, you weren’t even sure your body had substance anymore—you felt soft, boneless, entirely his.

Aaron tapped the back of your thigh gently. "Come on, sweetheart, up."

You tried—really, you did—but your body wasn't cooperating. Your legs dangled uselessly, and you let out a soft, half-laugh, half-whisper. "Can't."

He huffed a quiet laugh. 

"Hopeless," he teased. He hoisted you up before you could process it, his shoulder pressing into your stomach as he flipped you over it. A surprised squeak escaped you, but his hand was already bracing your thigh as he started up the stairs. "I guess I'll just have to do all the work, as usual."

"You're so strong," you mumbled dreamily, your head lolling against his shoulder. "Like... disgustingly strong. It’s so hot."

Aaron laughed, his hand smacking your ass. "Keep talking like that, sweetheart and I'll start using you for my next workout routine. And I guarantee it'll be something you'll feel tomorrow."

"Mr. Hotchner!" you gasped, your voice half-indignant and half-giggling. "And you act like I’m the inappropriate one in this relationship!"

Aaron chuckled, shaking his head as he carried you into the bedroom. He lowered you down, tossing you onto the bed just hard enough to make you bounce lightly against the mattress. You let out a soft laugh, body sinking into the covers as you looked up at him. 

“The difference is, I have the good sense not to say things like that on speakerphone.”

You let out a small laugh, raising your eyebrows. “And you should have the good sense not to trust me on speakerphone. Really, Aaron, rookie move.”

He stood tall at the edge of the bed, his fingers slowly loosening the top button of his shirt as he tilted his head. "“That’s fine. We’ll call it even—after you make good on that promise."

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[oediex]

Were you devastated by the Mass Effect Trilogy or are you normal

[deal-right]

Blissfully thinking of doing comms again, i need july to be here already (and to have passed my dissertation by then sbdnfngnhm)

[tiktaalic]

pa said the well's run dry he said the bank came out yesterday and said we're gonna have to sell the blog and get work in the city like the rest of folks less we can come up with something real quick. he was all ready to sign the papers today but i begged him to wait to give me time to find something anything and he sighed and said he could give me a week and not a minute more. and i nodded and i cried because he was right when he said there was next to nothing i could do and even if i did find a miracle. all our neighbors shuffled off weeks months years ago because the posts dried up and the bank came knocking. i break open my piggy bank hoping there's enough drafts in there to tide us over. i sit there. and i have to decide if it's worth spending everything i have just to buy us an extra day. and i know this extra day will consist of walking around mute and shellshocked. and i decide. it's worth it. i give pa all my drafts and he looks at me and shakes his head and his voice cracks when he says i better keep hold of those for getting settled in the city. i could fight him. i don't. i leave all my drafts on the table and storm out the back door. there must be something. they must have just missed it. pa says he knows this blog better than anyone. but i grew up here, same as him. and as much as he loves it, i love it more. when i was seven years old he tore the place apart looking for me after i wandered off. but i wasn't lost. i'd found a tag to play in, happy as could be. he never found me, or the tag, i just wandered back out when i got hungry. it's pa's blog, but it's my home. i know where the creeks and streams and ponds are. i know if i look hard enough, i can find a new posting well.

day one, i strike out. i wake up before dawn. i come in after dusk with no posts to show for it. pa's boxing up our plates when i walk in. he doesn't say anything. i don't either.

day two, i wander a further. yesterday, i was following a map with areas of interest marked in order of likelihood of success. today, i pick a direction and walk. i have more to show for it, if only barely. i get home with one bucket of posts. pa tells me i should keep them.

day three i wake up because pa's dragging furniture into the yard for a yard sale. when i ask him what he's doing he says he'd rather be paid flop drafts by our neighbors than flop drafts by the bank. i walk back inside. get my map. i get home after midnight with empty hands.

day four. when i wasn't looking, the cold single minded determination turned into fear. i'm realizing i'm running out of time. i'm realizing the reason pa didn't put up a fight is because he knew there was nothing out here. i could kill him. what kind of farmer depends on one well? my heart isn't in it today. i head out after noon. i'm back before dusk. there's been a stack of empty boxes sitting outside my room since pa told me the news. i haven't touched them. tonight, i take one and put away some of my things.

day five. there's more ground to cover. it's more out of a sense of completion than anything. so that when we're in the city, i can say, i did everything i could. i looked everywhere. this was the only option. i stop midday for a rest. the ground i put my palms on is curiously softer than the rest. i dig. it comes away easily. it turns into mud. heart thudding in my ears, i keep digging. the mud gives way to a trickle of posts. ears roaring. i keep digging. hands covered in mud. the trickle turns into a stream. i start yelling for pa. i'm too far from the house for him to hear me, but i'm not thinking about that right now. i'm thinking about the posts in front of me, clear and fresh. text posts. gifs. amvs. there's enough to live another twenty years on this blog. i splash my face. i laugh. i fill my bucket. i'll have to bring more. we'll have to get the pump set up. because there are enough new supernatural posts here for me and my children to build a life.

[itsclydebitches]

Watching The Apothecary Diaries and from a character perspective I love the detail of the pipe, the one used in the warehouse explosion. In just a few, literal seconds of storytelling we're shown quite clearly who Maomao is:

She notes that she "accidentally" took the pipe with her. Despite being a poor commoner surrounded by luxury, she resists most temptations towards theft. There's one moment - was it when she went to Ah-Duo's palace? - where she notes that anyone with so many nice things wouldn't notice something small going missing, but then she knocks herself out of that thinking. Maomao isn't some #pure protagonist who'd never even consider such a thing, rather she's an upstanding and smart individual who realizes this is both wrong and, notably, a dumb move if she gets caught. Maomao is careful to ask for the materials she needs to pull off the bomb experiment and there are times when, even basking in a love of herbs, she will not pick them if they're from someone else's garden. Maomao respects others' property and not even her hyperfixations will override that (a common flaw in other single-minded protagonists). This also dovetails nicely into her admission that she and Luomen built a lot of things they needed because she grew up poor. Who's to say how hard someone else worked to make/buy/secure that object?

Sidenote: It's interesting to me that the exception here seems to be Jinshi. Just an episode earlier Maomao tried to fleece him of who knows how much through the sale of Granny's "educational materials," which, you know, is very much theft. Beyond the fact that the general wealth of a noble differs greatly from the specific possession of a commoner (or even a woman concubine), it feels almost... intimate to me? That's not quite the word I'm looking for, but I mean that Maomao allows Jinshi to influence her in ways she doesn't let others, at least outside of her immediate family. Another notable example of that is her unwillingness to fake an interest in him. We see many times over the course of the show - facing off against the women in the outer court, acting as a courtesan for the night, etc. - that Maomao is perfectly capable of playing the smiling, docile, hapless woman society expects. Yet from day one she's refused to apply that mask for Jinshi's sake and, in turn, despises when he turns his charm mask on her. Maomao wants people to exist plainly, just as she normally does... and a part of that is accepting that she's sometimes an imperfect, immoral person. Weirdly, trying to steal from Jinshi feels like an act of trust towards him, both on a safety level (I trust that you won't punish me too harshly if I get caught) and an emotional one (I trust you to see an important part of my character: that I'll bend and even break the rules for my family's sake).

Moving on, Maomao is also incredibly practical and is living under the realities of a) poverty and b) a patriarchal society. She notes many times throughout the series (this episode included) that Luomen is terrible at turning a profit and Maomao herself owes Granny a fair bit. Combine that with the reminder that she was just fired from one position after being kidnapped from another and of course Maomao thinks about selling the pipe. She didn't intentionally steal it and - crucially - she has no reason to think it's still important to the investigation, but now that it's in her possession she might as well make use of it. Clean it up, find a new mouthpiece, and sell it off for a good price. Maomao is constantly thinking about the price of things, particularly in the context of whether she, a commoner, deserves them and that leads to her likewise noting the everyday objects that could make a big difference in her life, things that others don't even notice. For Jinshi that's just a useless stack of papers to burn; for Maomao they're a potential source of income, translating directly to her father keeping a roof over his head. Class is HUGE in The Apothecary Diaries, so of course Maomao takes one look at a beautifully carved pipe and considers how much she could sell it for.

...but she doesn't. Maomao looks closer still, uses those keen deduction skills to assume the pipe may have sentimental importance, and decides to give it back. Laomen isn't in immediate danger of being evicted, she may have just snagged him a new customer in Lihaku, and Granny isn't hounding her too much, so soft-hearted Maomao is going to put practicality aside and return it. Because she is soft-hearted. This is the girl utterly committed to the big gestures - risking exposure to warn two mothers about the poison killing their babies - as well as the small: staying up night after night to sew pockets into everyone's clothes just so they might be a little warmer for one festival. Now here, Maomao decides to still clean up the pipe. It's not enough to just return it, she's going to return it in pristine condition, even though that won't net her anything other than a potential 'Thank you' now. For me, Maomao so often embodies the message that when peoples' basic needs are met, they're then free to be quite kind to one another.

Love this girl. So, so much.

[dwaekkicidal]

Any thoughts on daddy boyfriend Minho? x

DADDY BOYFIE MINHO?¿¿??¿?? 😣😣 many thoughts... i got a little (a lot) carried away and made this sugar daddy to boyfriend minho and a lot longer than i meant to lol.. hope you enjoy <3

warnings: gn!reader, last paragraph has pet play, daddy dom!minho

For some reason I instantly thought of Sugar Daddy Minho, who is only <10 years older than you but is well off due to his job AND gives off the dominant vibes that make you respect him as an 'elder' right off the bat. He first sees you in a coffee shop he goes to with one of his friends, you're too pretty for him to miss out on so he strikes up a conversation with you. His looks mixed with the confidence he gave off made you instantly attracted to him. So much so that you fold embarrassingly fast when he brings up a 'Sugar Baby' idea.

You trust him pretty easily right away because he made you both sign a contract containing agreements for both of your safety and HE'S the one who puts the 'no sex' rule in place: only asking for your companionship and occasional dates (he doesn't tell you right away but he only did it for your comfort, he makes it VERY clear how into you he is both emotionally and physically). After you find that out, you tell him you don't want the rule in place and he immediately throws it out the window. (& you two fuck that night hehe) Everything is still the same after this but now you two are dating and the contract hold less meaning the longer you two date (until he inevitably brings up vetoing the contract because he trusts you that much c':)

On the outside: You two look like any other couple! The only time people bat an eye is when you "Daddy! Can you buy me this?? Pleaseee~" to him in public after they just watched you kiss on the lips (LMFAO). And let me tell you, Daddy boyfie Minho spoils you rotten. Even more so now that you two have known each other for a long while so he's no longer afraid of being 'scammed by a stranger'. Now it's just the love of his life who he plans to marry soon enough is asking for a well deserved treat. He leaves no space for any ifs, ands, or buts from anybody when he decides that you deserve a new present. The store is out of stock? Tough shit. Order it now or show him the nearest store that has it in stock. Oh, it's not for sale anymore? That's unfortunate. "I'll pay you triple if you give me the last ones you have in the back."

"Don't worry kitty. I don't care how many places I have to drive to, you earned this this so you are getting this. Nuh-uh! No 'buts.'"

Oh, and Daddy boyfie Minho absolutely folds the second he sees your puppy dog eyes and pouted lips, no matter what is for. Whether it be for him to do something for you that he wouldn't do for anybody else or go somewhere with you that he doesn't want to go or anything that his friends wouldn't catch him dead doing. For you? It's done the second the request leaves your lips. That concert that you want to go to with him but he's busy that day? Oh look at that, the meeting was 'randomly' pushed back a day. That pretty piece of jewelry he told you to 'wait' for? "Don't give me those eyes, kitty.. You know I- Ah. Fuck it. Excuse me, can I buy one of those?" That person hurt your feelings? Realistically nothing much he can do but he will stare holes into their head and do everything in his power to get them far far away from you while cooing at you and comforting you.

"Kitty... you know I hate crowded places.." Pleeeease Daddy! It will only last a few hours! And I promise I'll make it up to you~

Daddy boyfie Minho who is an ass man and absolutely LOVES to spank you in any scenario. You're cooking a meal? Should've kept your guard up. -smack- Oh, you're minding your business doing work at your desk? Will literally go out of his way to stand you up, land a smack to your ass, then sit you back down and walk away. There will be days where he doesn't hit you on the ass even once, but that always means that he has already or will grab a handful and just sit there. Also does this in public and in front of your & his friends. After a while nobody is phased, and everybody goes on with the conversation as if he isn't grabbing at your cheeks like a freak.

In front of my parents? Really? "Sorry Jagiii. (he's not) You know I can't help myself! You're just too cute~"

Behind closed doors: Daddy boyfie Minho who you can't help but submit to immediately every time you're in the bedroom. You did it the first time you had sex and you can tell he felt something awakened in him. Now, after many many sessions, you default to kneeling on the floor in front of him while he stands or sits in before you and pets your hair softy like his little kitty<3. Even on days you're particularly bratty, you tend to just submit the second he's in a position with space between his legs for you. He loves being in power both in and outside of the bedroom, so any time you're below him and oh so submissive he's weak in the knees and his chest is swelling with pride & horniess.

"You're always so good for me, right kitty? Just a good little pet for your Daddy~"

Daddy boyfie Minho who, I literally can't stress this enough, loooves when you submit it him with no struggle. That being said, on particularly stressful days when one of you is pent up and wants a harder scenario, he can't lie to himself and say he doesn't enjoy if you brat out and make him work for it. But on days like that, just remember that he's in MeanRacha for a reason😉 Likes having you lay across his lap so he can swap between fingering you and spanking you (or on particularly fiending days, will use a dildo and/or vibrator on you hehe). Coos at you and smiles at your strangled moans and pleads of "Daddy please! 'S too much" , only to then push the dildo even deeper into you or the vibrator harder against you.

"Awww it's too much? Too bad. Now be a good little kitty and take what is given to you." >.<

I'm a firm believer that Daddy boyfie Minho would love to put a collar on you and keeps a whole collection for you to choose from depending on your outfit/mood. Discreet ones (aka general "submissive collars") for when you're going in public and not trying to be uncomfortable with other people's looks. But then he has very obvious ones for the bedroom, specifically ones with a biiig hole in the middle or a space attached to it so he can attach a leash to it. When you're sitting between his legs he likes to wrap the leash around his hand a few times and hold you close against his thigh, stroking your cheek and just sitting there enjoying the comfort of the moment. But it only lasts so long before he uses the leverage of the tight leash to fuck your mouth onto his dick <3

"Which pretty collar will it be today, my love? The black one matches your outfit, but you know I do love that mint one on you."

[stop-talking]

You're his ex, but he's desperate for a babysitter. (pt. 4)

Mike Schmidt x fem reader

2.4k words + 300 word epilogue

Tags: 18+, mike x fem reader, no use of y/n, exes, enemies to lovers, slowburn? sassy mike, sassy reader, pet names, banter, angst, fluff, comfort, happy ending.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

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Mike sits at his kitchen table, trying not to nod off into his cereal. Today is a quiet day. A lazy day. His one day off.

Except, not really. There's always work to be done. He just has to figure out what today's work would be. He's caught up on laundry and dishes, the house isn't too much of a mess... Hm. Maybe he should finally fix the dripping pipe in the bathroom. Or the living room window that's been stuck for years. Or one of the million other things wrong with his house.

He sighs and goes to take a bite of his cereal, only to realize he forgot the milk. Damn it. When he opens the fridge, he stands face to face with a little blue dolphin stuffed animal. Right... Abby's still testing him. He leaves it alone, she'll see it when she gets home from school and assume her "spell" still works. Pfft.

Mike nearly drops the milk mid-pour when he hears the phone ring.

*click.*

"Hello?" He mumbles groggily, a little annoyed to have his morning brooding interrupted.

"Hey, Mike? You free at all today?"

He immediately perks up at the sound of your voice. It's been two days since he last saw you, and he honestly wasn't sure if you'd ever speak to him again.

"Yeah, uh... It's my day off, actually."

"Good. I'm using that 2nd favor."

Mike's heart races. If this favor is going to be anything like the last one, he was definitely up for it.

"Oh? Missing me already, sweetheart?"

"As if. I need you to build me a shelf."

A shelf? Well, that was unexpected. Hm. Better than nothing.

"What, like build it from scratch? Are you expecting me to buy the boards, or-"

"No. I have all the pieces. It just needs to be assembled."

"You can't assemble a shelf?" Mike scoffs, but secretly he's pleased. Sounds like you just want an excuse to have him over.

"Mike. You know I'm no good with tools."

No, he didn't know that actually. Liar. You definitely just wanted to see him again. God, he felt giddy.

"Mhm. Sure."

"Just get your ass over here, Schmidt."

"Woah, what's with the attitude, Princess? I'm here to help." He can't help but let some smugness seep into his tone. Okay, more than some. He's a cocky bastard and he knows it.

"I've been working on the damn thing all morning. Almost three hours now. Not in the mood, jackass."

Shit. You sounded sincere. And really pissed off. Then again, what kind of a shelf took three hours to assemble? The fuck was it? A jigsaw puzzle?

"Alright, alright. I'll be over soon. See ya."

Mike slumps against the counter as you grumble something incoherent and slam the phone down. Damn, what is he getting himself into this time?

Only one way to find out.

・○・・・・・・○・・・・・・○・・・・・・○・・・・・・○・

When Mike finally arrives at your apartment half an hour later, he feels a bit silly. He put on a nice shirt and trousers to come see you, and here you are in sweats and a baggy t-shirt. Figures.

"Call for a handyman?" He greets you with a teasing smile, holding up his old rusted toolbox as he makes his way inside.

"Pfft. Someone's happy to see me."

Mike can't really say anything to that, so he doesn't try. He is happy to see you, even if you have attitude problems and dress like a bum.

"So, I bought the damn thing from a friend-of-a-friend, who got it at a garage sale. I swear, it has to be missing some parts or something, because-"

He nods as you rattle on and lead him to your bedroom, but he's only half-listening. He looks around your apartment, taking it all in. It's been at least six months since he last came over, probably longer. It doesn't look to have changed much. He likes your apartment. It's cozy.

"Anyways... can you fix it?"

Mike pauses in the doorway of your bedroom as you give him a sheepish smile and gesture to something in the corner.

Holy hell. Is that supposed to be a shelf? Mike can't help but think that the hideous agglomeration of boards and screws would only be good as a fire-starter. It looks more like a pile than a shelf.

"Uhh..." He bites his cheek, desperately trying not to burst into a fit of laughter. Maybe you really weren't lying about the whole "no good with tools" thing.

He finally loses it when you groan and flop down on the bed, hiding your face in a pillow.

"Ughh... Laugh at me, whatever. Just fix it."

"Jesus Christ. This has to be the sorriest excuse for a shelf I've ever seen. Sure you don't want me to haul it to the junkyard instead?" He snorts, sitting down on the edge of your bed and looking with disdain at the half-assedly assembled shelf.

Mike immediately shuts his mouth when you glare at him. Oops, right, you're in a bad mood.

"I mean, uh... you tried?" He laughs, shaking his head in amusement. He still can't believe you're actually this inept when it comes to assembly.

"Get to work, Schmidt."

Mike yelps as you kick him off the bed, but doesn't bother retaliating. He just grabs his toolbox and sits on the floor, examining the so-called "shelf".

"Well, the first step is going to be un-doing everything you did."

・○・・・・・・○・・・・・・○・・・・・・○・・・・・・○・

You lie on your stomach in bed, chin propped up on your hands as you kick your feet in the air and ponder the sight before you. Mike's back is turned to you as he quietly works away taking apart the monstrosity you assembled.

"How long is this gonna take?"

"Well, If it wasn't so..." He trails off, glancing at you and choosing his words more carefully.

"...sturdy, it'd be a lot easier to take apart."

"Hm? What do you mean?"

He gives you an incredulous look and gestures to a series of nails in a corner where two boards meet. It does look pretty ridiculous, the sharp ends pointing out the other side. Not your best work.

"You put nails in it, sweetheart." He scoffs.

"How else was I supposed to keep it together?" You give him your best pout, and gloat internally when he has to turn away. He's absolutely infatuated with you. Even the back of his neck is pink.

"It comes with screws for a reason, ya know."

"There's a difference?"

He turns and gives you a flat look, and you laugh. Damn. You can play dumb with him, but maybe not that dumb. Noted.

Still, it's a little boring just laying there and watching him grumble and pull nails from wood. You can't really mess with him too much either, because you really do what him to fix the stupid shelf.

"You want something to drink?" You finally break the silence, under the guise of trying to be a good hostess.

"Pfft. Need some whiskey to deal with this bullshit." He snorts, pulling yet another nail free. He'd almost gotten one board off. One. This was gonna take a while.

"I was thinking more along the lines of soda or tea."

"Jack and Coke, then?"

"Mike. It's hardly past noon."

"So?" He scoffs. "For me, this is like... evening, or something. I dunno. Sleep schedule's fucked with this new job."

That answer makes you pause.

"What is it you do now, anyway?"

He groans, finally prying one of the boards free of the clusterfuck.

"Night guard. Told you already, remember?" He tries to shrug the question off, but you're nosy.

"Where?"

"Uhh... Freddy Fazbear's Pizza..."

"Speak up."

"Ugh. It's this stupid rundown hellhole pizzeria. Honestly dunno why anyone would wanna break in there anyways. It's a dump."

"What kind of a pizzeria needs a night guard? Or any guard?"

"The haunted kind."

You decide not to ask about that, simply shaking your head as you walk to the door. He's truly a loon. A loveable loon, unfortunately.

"Just tell me what you want to drink, Mikey, or I'm getting you water."

・○・・・・・・○・・・・・・○・・・・・・○・・・・・・○・

Mike sits on the floor of your bedroom sipping his glass of water and wondering how he got here. If you'd told him a week ago he'd be building his witch of an ex-girlfriend a shelf, he would've gagged. Now...? Well, he just wants to go join you on that bed.

"So are you really just gonna sit there and look pretty while I do all the work?"

"Aww, you think I'm pretty, Mikey? You smile, lying on the bed with your feet kicking in the air, giving him a look of pure adoration. It wasn't hard to do.

"Pretty annoying, yeah." He turns away with a scoff, returning to his work. If only he could get this stupid nail untangled from the other two... why would anyone use this many nails?

"You know, I think I liked you better gagged."

"Oh I know, sweetheart. I could see it in those evil eyes of yours." He can't help but smirk a bit at the comment, though. Sometimes he liked himself better gagged, too. He shakes the thought away and keeps working.

"Why can't you just get on hands and knees and beg me to take you back already?" You huff dramatically and roll over onto your back, letting your head fall over the edge of the bed. He looks silly from this angle. Upside-down.

That question nearly makes Mike drop his tools. Were you serious?

"Why? So you can laugh me off again?"

Ouch. It was true you'd turned him down the last time he'd tried it, but that was six months ago.

"Maybe if you used those big brown puppy eyes of yours on me."

That only earns you a grunt, so you verbally prod him again.

"Besides, why can't I do both? Laugh at you, then take you back? Sounds fun."

"Pfft. Fun? To toy with me? You'd probably break up with me all over again just for shits and giggles." He responds bitterly, still refusing to turn around.

"Mikey. Look at me." You roll back over onto your stomach and rest your chin in your hands as he slowly meets your gaze.

"I didn't break up with you just for shits and giggles. You know that. I'm not letting you sit there and wallow in self-pity."

Mike goes stiff from your words, but your tone is soft, and your eyes even softer. You're still giving him that adoring look. Damn it.

"Well maybe I'd rather wallow in self pity than admit you were right all along."

"You've had six months to wallow. Grow a pair and come kiss me."

He can't say no to that. Not when you look at him that way. He shuffles over, kneeling by the side of your bed. On his knees for you again, damnit.

You kiss him. It's different from the lustful, sloppy kiss you shared last time. This one makes you feel warm. You kiss him again. And again.

Mike really doesn't want this to end, but the knot in his stomach forces him to pull away. He has to ask.

"Why? Why are you doing this, I mean? Do you really want... to take me back?" He sputters, looking down at the floor.

"I'm not completely sure yet." You answer honestly, shifting and lying back on the bed.

Damn. That's not the answer he wanted to hear.

"Are you-"

"Come here."

When you pat the spot next to you in bed, Mike melts. He's a wreck right now, but still wants nothing more than to be with you, in every sense of the word. He silently complies.

"It's not about right and wrong, you know. As much as I love being told I'm right." You give him a soft smile, breaking the silence and placing your hand on top of his as you both lie on your sides.

Damn it. He'd done this with you before, this and so much more. Why was such a small touch turning him to goo?

"What isn't?"

"The breakup. It's about growing as a person. As people. Both of us." You lace your fingers with his, and can't help but laugh as his face reaches a level of pink you've never seen before.

"And what exactly am I supposed to be growing out of?"

"Pfft. I don't know, the emotional unavailability? The way you never made time for me? Constant irritability?" You start to dramatically list off his flaws, using your free hand to count on your fingers.

"Okay, okay. I get it." He huffs, and grabs your hand before you can make fun of him more. Instead, he guides it to his side, pulling you in a little closer.

"And you're miss perfect?"

"No. 'Course not. I have flaws too." You give him a sly smile, and start listing your own "faults".

"Too hot and sexy, too intelligent, too kind, amazing, sweet and caring..."

That's as far as you get before Mike scoots closer, burying his face in your neck and giving you a playful nip.

"Too arrogant." He adds with a laugh, wrapping his arm around you and letting himself melt further into you.

"My arrogance is one of my best qualities, thank you." You reply haughtily, sliding your hand up his back and into his hair.

Mike couldn't speak, even if he could somehow find the right words to say. Everything in this moment felt so right. His arm around you. Your fingers in his hair. He lets out a soft groan instead.

You aren't exactly eager to let go of this moment either, and just hold him for a few minutes. It feels nice to play with his soft brown curls.

"I'll do better. Please." He finally mumbles something to you, not bothering to move his face from where it's buried in the crook of your neck.

"Please what, Mikey?"

"Take me back."

He finally pulls back, just enough to give you a glimpse of those puppy eyes of his. Damn it. How could you even think of saying no?

"Yeah. Okay."

You both lean in for another round of soft passionate kisses, and Mike feels himself relax completely. His stomach unknots and his mind goes numb. For the first time in months, he feels completely safe.

・○・・・・・・○・・・・・・○・・・・・・○・・・・・・○・

"So does this mean you'll babysit for me again?"

"Go finish the shelf, Schmidt."

"Yes, Princess."

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♡ Epilogue ♡

Over the past few weeks, you and Mike had fallen into a sort of rhythm.

He never did end up finding a new babysitter, and besides, you're the only one who could ever get Abby to finish her dinner. You had to graduate her from daily witching lessons to weekly ones, though, convincing her she needed to study for the more advanced spells. Secretly, Mike was just losing track of which objects in his house were supposedly invisible. It was quite amusing to watch.

Mike's favorite part of the day was coming home to you already asleep in his bed, and waking you up with a kiss. He'd then either lie down in bed while you shower, or hop in there with you, depending on how you felt. Either way, he loved the view.

The conflicting schedules made things complicated, but you were able to work around it. Mike slept better with you holding him, and consequentially, was a lot more agreeable. He did his best to make more time for both you and Abby.

He even started to open up to you for once, letting you take on some of his burdens. This man sure had a lot of guilt. You were certain he hadn't yet told you everything, but he told you enough. At least you finally knew what the fucking NEBRASKA poster on the ceiling was for. Now you kind of felt bad for all the times you teased him about it the first time you dated.

As for the damn shelf... well, he finished it. It was still hideous, but it was functional. There were holes in it from the nails, and the wood had even started to splinter in a few spots. You couldn't bring yourself to get rid of it, though. Not after how much work you both put into it. Even if most of Mike's work revolved around un-doing yours.

It definitely wasn't a perfect relationship, not by far. But Mike never promised to be the perfect boyfriend. He just promised to be better.

And he was, bit by bit, every day. Better. ♡

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Author's note:

Thank you all for the love!! This was my first time writing a fanfic of any kind so I'm really happy so many of you enjoyed it. Feels good to bring the story to an end.

Feel free to send me a request, I'd love to write more fics about Mike. Or any other J-hutch character for that matter, Mikey is just my favorite <3

[fiapartridge]

in my mind hazel is one of those super cool girls who wears so much jewelry she jangles when she walks

maybe for an anniversary beckett buys her some really expensive jewelry like tiffany and while hazel is like “omg he actually bought me tiffany!!!!!!!” she’s also looking up the necklace or ring or bracelet to see how much it was. she sees that it was like $600 or something and she’s so pissed he would spend that much on her but HE BOUGHT HER TIFFANY so she can’t be too mad

omg hazel is the coolest. i feel like she wears so much colorful + gold jewelry and she even makes some of it herself. she's our creative girl 🥲

but yes beckett noticed how much jewelry she wears and when he was asking his sister for suggestions for their anniversary, she suggested jewelry. "can't go wrong with a necklace," she said, smiling. though piper has never formally met hazel, piper knew all about the girl from the way beckett talked so candidly about her. and considering the fact that beckett has never talked to her about girls before, she knew this one was special.

"a necklace," beckett nodded, digesting it. "okay, i can do that."

so, on their anniversary, nestled in a small celeste blue box, shined a glistening silver star necklace. gasping, hazel wrapped her arms around beckett's neck, not being able to believe that he got her such a gift.

she also felt a bit bad. her gift felt measly and unthoughtful in comparison to his. she had bought him a box of chocolates and a pair of gloves that he had been having his eye on for a while. and even then, they were on sale for $100, so she felt a bit guilty.

"you got me tiffany?" she asked incredulously, a smile planted on her beaming face.

beckett laughed, his hands running up and down her sides. "piper helped me."

she smiled, standing on her tippy toes as she pressed a soft kiss to his lips. he closed his eyes, chasing her lips as she pulled back. "i'll be sure to say thank you to her then."

he rolled his eyes. "hey, it came out of my bank account."

hazel laughed, pecking his cheek with a kiss. "then thank you," she said, planting another kiss on his nose. "thank you, thank you, thank you," she repeated, spacing out each appreciation with a kiss somewhere on his happy, blushing face.

"you missed a spot," he beamed back.

"oh, really? where?"

"right here," he smiled, leaning down and kissing her lips.

later that night, she scoured the tiffany website, trying to find the exact necklace he had bought her. it wasn't that she was trying to make him look bad, but she was, out of pure self deprecation, trying to figure out how guilty she should feel.

but when she saw that number, somehow that guilt she was already feeling multiplied by a thousand.

because beckett spent $875 on her.

hazel's never even seen that much in her bank account, let alone in any of the jewelry she's worn. not even the ducks internship paid her that much.

knowing he stayed up late, she called him as she sat in bed, wondering what she should say to him. she was grateful, of course she was, but she also knew it was way too much to be spent on someone, especially her. he answered after the first ring, happy to see her name pop up on his phone.

"hey, haze," he smiled, his voice fuzzy over the line. "you okay?"

she nodded, forgetting that he can't see her before she responded, this time out loud. "yeah, i, um, i just wanted to ask you a question."

hearing the seriousness in her voice, he sat up in bed, turning on his bedside lamp. "okay...shoot."

she bit her lip, trying to think how to go about this. "how much was the necklace?"

he didn't want to lie to her, because if beckett sennecke was anything, he wasn't a liar. he sighed. "can i just say it was a lot?" he asked quietly.

hazel sighed. "you know you don't have to do that for me."

"what if i said i wanted to?"

"then i would tell you that i would still be obsessed with you if you got me a rock that you found on the side of the road. i mean, beck, you're living alone out here. i know you need this money for yourself."

"the ducks pay me a lot," he rebutted.

"i know, and i'm so grateful for that, and i'm so grateful for you and this gift, but beck, i'm not the kind of girl that--deserves this."

his heart broke hearing how she talked about herself. he knew hazel wasn't the most confident girl in the world, but he also didn't think she felt undeserving of love and gifts and anything, really. he knew she had insecurities but he didn't know they delved this deep.

"you do deserve this though. hell, you deserve the entire world, hazel. and i'll be damned if i never give it to you someday...just let me give it you, because you deserve it so fucking much."

all he heard was her breathing on the other side of the line, which scared him. maybe it was too much for her to hear. they hadn't been dating for that long. maybe she thought he was too attached to her; that he was moving too fast too soon; that he shouldn't like her as much as he did, but then he heard her cry and all he wanted to do was put on his shoes and go to her.

"i'm sorry," she spoke quietly, sniffles taking over her side of the line.

he shook his head. how could she still be sorry for him? "for what?"

"for just getting you gloves and chocolate," she laughed softly.

"they're my favorite gloves i have ever received in my whole entire life, if that makes you feel better?" he laughed, too.

she smiled, another sniffle escaping her. "you're not just saying that?"

"no, i'm not just saying that, baby," he chuckled, holding the phone closer to his ear. "i'm so grateful for you," he whispered. "and i'm gonna get you a rock next year."

"it better be from the side of the road," she smiled.

"i'll do you one better," he grinned. "i'll get it from a ditch."

"oh, thank you," she giggled. "yeah, i'll get you some trash from the dumpster."

"thank you, i appreciate it."

"you're very welcome."

taglist! (@bunbunbl0gs)

[stupidsagestars]

𝐜𝐞𝐗 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫! 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐮𝐤𝐚𝐰𝐚 𝐱 𝐟𝐞𝐦! 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 : food play [ ice cream ] , mentions of marks and scratches, inappropriate language, raw sex ( I might be missing some )

𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: matsukawa works at the local ceX to earn some extra cash, he meets you, a girl who has a bunch of odd stuff she wants to trade and a great sense of humor. One thing leads to another and things get spicy.

-★ this is so cheesy but I love it

---★---★---★

𝐜𝐞𝐗 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫! 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐮𝐤𝐚𝐰𝐚 who's been working part-time at the cex near his college for the past month and god is it the worst. Everyday he's had to deal with sweaty, obnoxious people trying to trade their gross shit, and buy stupid things, he doesn't even get paid enough to deal with it all. Well anyway there's no point in complaining it's not like he wanted to quit, he needed any extra money he could get.

𝐜𝐞𝐗 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫! 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐮𝐤𝐚𝐰𝐚 who quietly curses when he hears the doors open. He doesn't bother lifting his head to look at who enters, he's way too tired for that, instead he's playing subway surfers on his phone, tapping his fingers on the counter.

He snaps his head up at the sound of something hitting the counter. Immediately he locks eyes with the most beautiful woman he's ever seen in his life.

"Hi!" You say giving him a small wave.

"Hi. Uh what's all this?" He says, slipping his phone in his pocket.

"Just some stuff I'd like to sell." You hum, looking around awkwardly.

"You're welcome to take me through it." He mumbles.

"Great! So we've got this uh, half broken ukele." You say, pulling out a completely broken piece of loose strings and peeling paint.

Matsukawa scoffs. "Are you serious?" He asks.

"Excuse me this is perfectly playable!" You say, frowning at him.

"Oh my god, you're actually being serious." He says looking at you with shock although he was secretly enjoying this alot.

"Look, I can play something."

You strum the ukele and shockingly the last intact string breaks.

"Great." He says sarcastically.

"Give me a break, I'm sure none of the shit here is super clean and fully working."

He sighs before standing up and emptying the box.

"Let's make this quick for both of us." He says slowly.

"why'd you work here anyway?" You ask trying to make small talk. You couldn't help but steal glances at him whilst he looked through the junk you bought in. He was so goddamn attractive, it made you feel hot and bothered just standing next to him.

"college." he mumbles.

You scoff before saying, "I can't believe you!'

𝐜𝐞𝐱 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫! 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐮𝐤𝐚𝐰𝐚 who looks at you confused. "What?"

"A college student can't help another college student out??"

He can't help but chuckle at what you said.

"Hot" He says giving you a flirty look.

"I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear that." You say rolling your eyes at him although your mind is buzzing at the comment, A HOT GUY JUST CALLED YOU HOT Y/N!!!!!!!!!

"Did you go to a garage sale before coming here? There's so much random shit in here."

"Of course I went to a garage sale dumbass, I'm 21 years old why the hell would I have a toy xylophone lying around?"

He pretends to act shocked, "that's really mean because I actually own two of those."

You playfully stick your tongue at him to which he smiles at you.

He takes a look at the many items spread out on the counter.

" Well out of all these many, many, many things I'll trade 3."

"Lovely." You say sticking your hand out for him to shake. He firmly grips your hand making you feel incredibly flustered but you play it off quite well.

𝐜𝐞𝐗 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫! 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐮𝐤𝐚𝐰𝐚 who is absolutely mesmerized by you. You were just so.. so attractive? Your humour matched with his perfectly, your voice was so, soothing, imagine having that moaning his name?? Imagine if he had you ride him on that same chair, he wouldn't even mind fucking you on the floor.

Why did you make him so horny, maybe it was because he hadn't fucked in a while, I mean this stupid store seemed to be repelling every girl away from him but what if he was attracted to you, like properly attracted?

𝐜𝐞𝐗 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫! 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐮𝐤𝐚𝐰𝐚 who's trying to find the keys to his dorm when he hears a familiar voice from behind me.

"ceX guy!" you say but quickly regret it feeling your face get hot.

You're extremely surprised to see him, you're initially looking for your best friend Kiyoko who you're sure lived on this floor.

He turns round to see a familiar face behind him.

"sex guy?? so that's your little nickname for me?" He smirks at your stunned face that looked like it wanted to jump out of the window.

"shut up." Is all you manage to come up with.

"Well, here we are at the same college, we're in the same building, same year, we really are the perfect pair!" He laughs, scratching hair as he slowly eyes you up and down taking in all of your curves.

"unfortunately not, you play toy xylophones, I'm a bit more advanced I play toy keyboards." You hum, smiling at him.

He puts his hand on his chest in shock. " I can't believe you! How could you??"

Mattsun loves the feeling you're giving him just by talking to you, he hasn't felt this alive in ages.

"well I'll see you around, oh and do you know anyone called Kiyoko and does she live on this floor??"

"Tanaka's girlfriend? She lives upstairs I think." He mumbles, trying to think of an excuse to spend some more time with you.

"And also.. I mean I know I've known you for about 1-2 hours but can I don't know, have a fun little sleep over with you. I left my keys at the store."

You can feel your heart about to explode and your eyes about to pop out of their sockets.

"You?? Mr Sex Guy?? Sleep over??" You ask and he shrugs his shoulders.

"We could make the best fort and also I'm currently Mr ceX guy not Sex Guy unless you wanted the latter of course." He says enjoying the flustered look on your face

𝐜𝐞𝐗 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫! 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐮𝐤𝐚𝐰𝐚 who ends up following you up to your dorm, throwing in some flirty comments throughout the journey.

"we are 2 adults. 2 sexy adults, 2 adults who should be no strangers to some very freaky sex which I think we should indulge in, it's human nature honey"

"Are you drunk?"

"no but I'm super horny, I bet you're super kinky." He retorts.

You kick him in the shins before opening the door to your dorm.

"Are you like the official advocator for sex?" You say.

"Just for you honey." He says letting the nickname roll of his tongue.

"This place is nice." He says, kicking off his trainers and taking a seat on the couch.

"Ice cream?" You ask him, walking over to the fridge.

"Ooh yes, what flavour??"

"Uhh I got either Mint, Strawberry and Rocky Road."

"Why not all 3?" He asks and you chuckle, coming back with a massive bowl of ice cream and two spoons. Mattsun's eyes immediately travel down to your ass, thinking about how fun it'd be to spank it till it's sore. He's definitely take a picture, your ass with his handprint clearly marked on it, damn would that be great.

"Hold." You tell him so you could get the remote to which he replies, " I've got slippery hands, I don't know if I can manage."

"Well if you don't you're licking it off the floor."

"I bet you'd love that."

"Maybe."

"Fuck. That makes me want to do it now."

"I'm not stopping you."

𝐜𝐞𝐗 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫! 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐮𝐤𝐚𝐰𝐚 who's never felt better sitting down with a girl who he's extremely attracted to and watching fallen angels. This. This is the sort of life he's been yearning for. The two of you weren't cuddling or sitting closely with each other yet somehow each others presence seemed comforting.

"this film's so confusing yet so good." You mutter, eyes glued to the screen whilst you licked the ice cream off the spoon.

Even though this was one of his favourite films Mattsun was only interested in you. Your pretty little face that had the most angelic smile he had ever seen.

He immediately turns red when you turn to notice him staring at you.

"Are you admiring me?"

"Yes."

𝐜𝐞𝐗 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫! 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐮𝐤𝐚𝐰𝐚 who can't control himself anymore and decides to move closer to you and kiss you. He was expecting to just give you a small peck on the lips but instead gets to indulge in a long sensual kiss.

You both are left to stare at each other breathless and drooling.

"Fuck." You breathe out.

"Well are we going to continue?" He says impatiently, biting his lip.

" I mean we might as well."

𝐜𝐞𝐗 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫! 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐮𝐤𝐚𝐰𝐚 who's got you spread on your bed completely naked, his tongue alone has made you cum twice. He's got the bowl of ice cream in his hands and he's giving you the most sensual look ever.

"if anything you're the kinky one." You say in gasps, still unable to talk properly after continuosly moaning his name for god knows how long.

You immediately moan from the sensation of the cold delight touching your stomach.

Mattsun licks it with ease, sticking his tongue at you before swallowing.

"d'you want some?"

You nod at him, eager to know what he would try next.

This time he scoops a handful of ice cream and smears it across your breasts.

"oh no! I made a mess." He says in a raspy voice letting his saliva fall down onto your breasts.

You can't help but moan loudly at the sight infront of you. He lazily swirls his hand in the mixture of ice cream and saliva and shoves it in your mouth.

"tastes good doesn't it?"

You nod, making sure to swallow everything.

He slips of his boxers finally making him fully naked and immediately pushes his girthy length inside of you.

"oh my god- why is your dick so big." You moan thoughtlessly, seriously shocked.

"I dunno, d'you like it? I mean I've already shoved it down your throat, I'd assume you were used to the size by-" He stops himself with a deep groan.

Your walls are sucking him deeper and deeper into your pussy, the thought of having to pull out was so so painful.

"Ugh honey you're pussy is addictive." He moans out as he continues to pound into you at a shocking speed.

Your moans are so addictive to him, the way your eyes roll back, it's all so sexy.

Mattsun being Mattsun though, he can't just fuck your pussy boringly not without the bowl of ice cream that was lying next to him. There's still some left and he doesn't want to waste food. He lets one hand rest on your hips and uses the other to pick up the bowl.

His hands can barely hold the damn thing properly because of how weak he feels, how weak you're making him feel. Your moans are shorter and even more ragged which tells him you're close. He lets the ice cream fall onto the floor, ignoring how the bowl shatters, as he pulls out and cums on the sheets. You cum straight after and you don't have the energy to say or do anything. Your legs are sore and your whole chest is decorated with scratch and bite marks.

𝐜𝐞𝐗 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫! 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐮𝐤𝐚𝐰𝐚 who has just enough energy to pull you under the covers with him before falling asleep.

--★---★

LIKE FOR A PART 2 WHICH IM HONESTLY SO TEMPTED TO DO, MAYBE LIKE A MORNING AFTER OR A FEW WEEKS? THIS WAS ACTUALLY SO FUN TO WRITE I HOPE YOU GUYS ENJOYED , LIKES, REBLOGS AND FOLLOWS R APPRECIATED.

[the header is from Pinterest, credit to whoever made it!!]

[ellisgirl]

Ellis Twilight — Villain’s Night Story Event

Chapter 1

I do not own any contents of Ikemen Villains. This story being uploaded in this blog belongs solely to CYBIRD. Please support them by downloading their games and buying their stories. Both English and Japanese are not my mother tongue languages, please keep in mind that there will be mistakes and added words for my own preferences. I translate for my personal entertainment and for my own practice only.

On the eve of Halloween, the smell of sweet sweets drifted in the kitchen of Crown Castle.

Victor: "It's about time to finish baking. Now, take the scones out of the oven."

Ellis: “Miss Kate, let me do it, I don't want you to get burned.”

Kate: "Thank you very much. Ellis, please be careful.”

Ellis: "Hmm. ......Oh, it's baked beautifully."

Victor: "Ahahaha, it’s my secret recipe for scones with extra butter.”

We cheered as we looked at the scones, which were perfectly baked as if they were for sale.

Tomorrow, October 31st, Halloween will come to England, and the city will be bustling.

I was talking with Ellis about whether we could do something for the people of the town.

I decided to hand out scones after learning from Victor.

We don't live in the sunshine, but it shouldn't be a bummer if we do this every now and then.

(.....It's so Ellis to be so friendly and kind to the people of the town that he wants to distribute sweets.)

Victor: "Are you going to distribute this tomorrow?"

Kate: "Yes, I intend to do so."

Victor: "That's very nice. As expected of my kind-hearted Ellis and Kate!"

Ellis: “Victor... You hug is a little bit too strong."

Victor: "Oops, my apologies! My love has overflowed."

Victor: "But be careful of one thing. Tomorrow is 'Night of the Moonbeams'."

Kate: "Night of the Moonbeams…?”

Victor: "Oh, I see. Kate, I haven't told you yet."

Victor explains it to me.

Every few years, when Halloween falls on a full or new moon, it is said that the "sin of the cursed will be intensified".

It is also known as "Night of the Moonbeams" because moon flowers bloom to coincide with the festival.

(...Such strange things happen. Maybe it's because of the phases of the moon?)

Kate: “Thank you for your concise explanation. So, what actually happens when sin intensifies?'

Victor: "As much as i’d like to tell you, I don't really know what will happen!”

Kate: "Eh?"

Victor: "The last time the Moonbeams Night happened was 20 years ago."

Victor: “Twenty years ago...Most of the children of Clowns weren't even aware that they were cursed, were they?"

Kate: “Yes, that's right. Let's see, Ellis, 20 years ago...”

Ellis: "...I wonder if I'm finally able to speak?"

Kate & Victor: ".............Cute"

Ellis: “...Fufu, both of you are sharing the voices of your hearts.”

Kate: "Oh, I'm sorry. I just...”

Victor: “Ahem. So, to sum it up, tomorrow is your first dangerous night in 20 years."

Victor: “You never know what's going to happen. You have to be back before the moon rises in the sky.”

…

Ellis and I carry the cooled scones and wrap them one by one.

Kate: “By the way, the decorations in this dining room are amazing...”

Ellis: 'It's a tradition. I help Victor every year."

Ellis muttered something in between the casual conversation.

Ellis: "Is it okay if you come with me…..tomorrow?"

Kate: “Eh…..?”

Ellis: “Aren't you afraid of me, Miss Kate?”

Ellis: "If you're even a little scared, I'll stop being with you."

Ellis: ".....I just want to make you happy, but I don't want to scare you."

(Because you never know what might happen on the Moonbeams Night, right?)

To be honest, I don't know what will happen tomorrow, either.

(I only know that Ellis will never do what I don't like.)

(Besides, I don't want to be afraid of Ellis.)

Kate: “I want to be with you. It's our first Halloween together."

Ellis: ".....Thank you, Miss Kate. ...Actually, I also wanted to be with you."

Ellis's sweet smile makes me smile too.

Kate: “Then we're in this together."

Ellis: “…Yes, together.”

Ellis: “But I can't even imagine what a heightened sin of my curse would look like.....”

(Huh? Speaking of which.)

Kate: "I still haven’t known about Ellis's curse."

Ellis: "Oh, is that so?" :0

Ellis: "......Then guess what it is." :D

For example, William is the curse of the king of self-righteousness, so I think sin is self-righteousness and condemnation.

(Ellis comes with Thorn curse. So to think.....)

Kate: “.....Do you stab the other person?"

Ellis: “Fufu, lovely. Slightly incorrect."

Kate: “U-uh, well then—“

Ellis chuckled as he stared at my thinking face.

Ellis: “I think I'll just shut up for a bit because you're so cute looking for answers.”

Ellis: "......If possible, I want you to keep not knowing."

Ellis: "If you know the answer, tell me."

…

Then, on Halloween day, we headed out into town with our wrapped scones in hand.

It is said that Halloween in the UK lacks excitement, the city is found to be livelier and more buoyant than usual.

An old woman who sells fruit: "Oh, Ellis, little girl. Happy Halloween."

Ellis: "Hello, Anna."

Ellis: "Hey... Trick or Treat?”

An old woman who sells fruit: ".....? Trick or treat?”

Ellis: “Yes, treat. ...Here you go."

An old woman who sells fruit: “Oh my God. ......Are these homemade? Oh roastie, thank you, you two."

Bookshop owner: "Hey, Ellis! Miss Kate! Those are sweeties, aren’t they?"

Bookshop owner: “Well, then, be my guest. Trick or treat!"

Ellis: “Here you go. It's got lots of butter, so it's bound to be good.”

A child dressed as a ghost: "Brother, sister! Trick or Treat!"

Ellis: "Be careful not to fall.... Yes, please."

(Fufu, Ellis is very popular! And everyone seems to be having fun.....)

…

When the sun began to set, the scones in the basket were empty.

Kate: "Wow... All's gone now. It went by so fast."

Ellis: "Yeah. Oh, that's right."

Ellis: “Miss Kate, do you want to trick-or-treat with…me too?”

(…..With you?)

Kate: “…Trick or Treat?”

Ellis: "Yes, please. I hid the last one for you."

Kate: "B-but if I get it, I'll get Ellis's share...”

Ellis: "I'm fine. .....If you're happy, that's enough."

Ellis: "Or do you want to play a trick on me?"

Kate: 'O-oh, sweets are good. Thank you."

Ellis: "Fufu, you're welcome."

(Ellis really is always thinking about people's happiness, isn't he?)

He puts his own desires aside and always puts other people's feelings first, that's Ellis I know.

To give me the last of the sweets without any hesitation.

Every time I see Ellis like that, I admire his kindness, and then I feel a little lonely.

(I wish I could make you happy, Ellis, instead of just having you do things to me.)

Bar owner: “Ellis, missy! Stop by the tavern. I'll buy you a drink for the scones."

Me and Ellis look up at the sky at the same time.

The sun has just started to tilt, and it seems that there will still be time before the moon appears.

Ellis: “Miss Kate, are you leaving now? Or do you want to go to the tavern with me?”

Masterlist

Chapter 1 >> Chapter 2 >> Premium End >> Epilogue

[vole-mon-amour]

Hey guys, can someone please recommend me a farming simulator similar to Stardew Valley and Wylde Flowers? I miss raising crops and caring for it and maybe for animals, but I no longer can play those games due to spending way too much time in it.

I tend to stay away from pixel and anime games and prefer 3D, more realistic looking game (but it's a hit or miss, so gotta look it up first).

Must be available on PC (mostly Steam, but it doesn't matter much). I'll keep this post updated to the best of my abilities.

UPD July'24:

I tried and hated:

Ocean's Heart, Cloud Meadow

I tried and disliked:

Graveyard Keeper, My Time at Portia (and My Time At Sandrock), Slime Rancher, Farming Simulator 2019, Littlewood, Sun Haven (cool concept in this one, but it's furry pixelated fantasy anime that overwhelms me completely with its mechanics and its style.)

I tried and mostly liked:

Coral Island (but the game is still in development, more than a half story is missing and I regret buying it in the early access. A buggy mess that I do not recommend to buy until they finish the plot and fix the bugs. I had to restart the game, lost all my progress, pushed through, and the devs still add content that was promised, like, a year ago. If they ask to restart the third time, I'm gonna be VERY mad.) Fae Farm (tried the demo, seemed really nice, will buy with a huge discount. the mining seems tedious, the writing is not the greatest, not a lot of romance options, way too expensive for what they're asking, but the farming mechanic itself is really nice). Snacko (tried the demo. Due to the progress not being saved I'm not bothering to try it again. The writing is a bit annoying, but, surprisingly, the farming aspect seems alright. Would try it again when on a big sale.) Palia. Finished romancing Jel and completely lost interest in the game. Free-to-play & multiplayer is not for me, but the farming aspect is not really that big. 5-8 crops, no animals, nothing to see here. Plus, it costs real life time to do anything & I find that really wasteful.

Similar games I liked that aren't exactly farming sims and I'm not looking for, but I'll name them anyway:

Banished, Stacklands, Kingdoms and Castles

I didn't spend enough time in it, but the vibe/style/mechanics/etc were off:

Settlement Survival, Timberborn, Summer in Mara, Fabledom, Farm Together (costs real life time, not much to do there, no plot, feels like a free-to-play mobile game)

I got recommended, but I tend to stay away from it:

Farlands (pixels), Story of Seasons (anime and cultural differences I don't agree with. I believe I tried it, but noped myself out of there immediately), Moonstone Island (pixels, anime)

On my wishlist, haven't tried yet:

Disney Dreamlight Valley, Roots of Pacha, Little Witch In The Woods (questionable, just like most of pixelated games, but hasn't deleted from my wishlist yet), Kynseed

Any other farming sims I'm not aware of?

[sirfrogsworth]

The Manfrotto Saga Conclusion

You ever go past being upset to the degree it becomes funny?

I finally got the courage to open the email.

And it's bad.

But I actually got a good laugh, so at least there is that.

This is what they sent me...

"Thanks for reaching out. We're sorry to hear that this happened.

Unfortunately, this can happen from time to time. The cost of parts and labor are not usually too bad, but when you add tax and shipping, it can become close to the point of it not being worth it.

We don't usually do this, but as a show of support, I'd like to offer you a 30% coupon code to aid in offsetting the cost of a replacement. The code is good on anything on the Manfrotto website, excluding sale items or close-outs. It will expire in 30 days and is not replaceable."

Yes, it was the tax and shipping that put me over the top. Not the actual repair cost being more than the item is currently selling for as new.

Now, you might be thinking that is the funny part.

The funny part is the 30% coupon.

You might also be thinking, "30% is a decent discount! SCORE!"

But you may have missed the "Manfrotto website" detail.

You see, manufacturer's website pricing is mostly used so the actual retailers can point to those prices and say, "Hey, look at this great sale!" even if that is the item's perpetual price.

So, let's look at this geared tripod head on their website. It's what I would upgrade to if I were to stick with their brand.

So with a 30% discount I am down to about $175. Plus those darn taxes and shipping.

Say, what is this going for on Amazon with free shipping?

So, basically what I've learned is... Manfrotto just sucks.

When I bought this originally, I was a photography noob. I didn't realize they were a bit like the Nickelback of photo gear. Very popular, but most experienced photographers try to avoid them if possible. Mainly because they use proprietary plates. If you need a ball head for landscapes and a fluid head for video and you want to easily switch between them, you need two heads from Manfrotto. They trap you in the ecosystem.

Whereas other brands mostly use "arca swiss" plates which are standardized. You can put one plate on the bottom of your camera and switch to any head from any brand that has that mount.

So I am going to save up for something with an arca swiss mount. Something that isn't fucking Manfrotto. Someone already donated about half of what I need (thank you so much) and I think I am going to sell a few things to cover the rest.

IN THE MEAN TIME... I spent all Friday night digging through my basement. I bought my tripod like 10 years ago and I knew it had some kind of head on it originally. And in the recesses of my stuff I found an old ball head.

And while I hate ball heads and think they are a pain in the ass, it will do everything I need at the moment.

Also, it doesn't wiggle.

My big upset about all of this was mostly how wasteful it is. They are going to trash something that can be fixed because they have purposely marked up the parts to force people to buy a new thing. It does not cost Manfrotto $127 to make the parts needed. I'd be surprised if it cost them $10 for those parts.

And it is my big fear that if we win the "Right to Repair" fight, all manufacturers are just going to mark up their parts like this.

But the repair company seems a little scummy as well. I emailed them before I sent in the head for repair. I showed them the video and they did a basic diagnosis.

"The lever may be loose, or the top housing may be damaged."

And they were right, the top housing was damaged.

But they didn't say, "Hey, parts for this are super expensive. It may cost over a hundred dollars to fix."

They didn't say, "We charge $30 to ship it back to you."

I suppose I should have asked, but never in my wildest imagination did I think this repair would cost that much. It was just a wiggle!

So, I'll just get something that suits my needs better. I was planning to do that eventually, but this just accelerated those plans.

[tailoredshirt]

I was tagged in this book meme by @lemonlyman-dotcom and @guardian-angle22 a while back, and I'm finally doing it!

Last book I…

Bought

Apollo 13 by Jim Lovell and Jeffrey Kluger / Trials of Life by David Attenborough

I mostly borrow books from the library these days, so I only tend to buy books my library doesn't have. I'd been really wanting to listen to Apollo 13, and it was part of Libro.fm's BOGO sale. I also added Trials of Life, which is nonfiction about animal behavior.

Borrowed

The Terror by Dan Simmons (audiobook)

I’ve had the paperback for ages, but I've been reading so much by audiobook lately that I thought that might be best, since it's so long. I had to wait quite a while for it to become available, and yesterday it finally was! 🎉 I've been reading a ton about polar exploration lately in preparation. After I finish it I'll finally be able to watch the TV show!!

Was gifted

The Hurting Kind by Ada Limon

I don’t get gifted books very often! Probably because I have too many already, and also because I mostly read ebooks and audiobooks. But it was on my wishlist (I tend to put poetry on my wishlists because I like reading poetry from physical books), and my mom got it for me for Christmas. Haven’t read it yet.

Gave/lent to someone

I usually give my mom a book for Christmas, but I don't remember what I got her last year. Unfortunately I don't have a ton of people in my life who read.

Started

Guard! Guards! by Terry Pratchett (audiobook)

I’ve never read any Pratchett (chorus of shocked gasps), so I decided to start with the first of the Night Watch books. It’s very fun so far!

Finished

Labyrinth of Ice: The Triumphant and Tragic Greely Polar Expedition by Buddy Levy (audiobook)

I've been obsessed with the history of polar exploration lately, particularly the ones that went horribly wrong somehow (sorry to this man). It's a really interesting story. I found a good map of the region online and was able to track all of the landmarks and locations they mentioned while I listened.

Didn’t finish

A Murder Was Announced by Agatha Christie (audiobook)

I’ve been reading a bunch of Agatha Christie lately, mostly Poirot novels, but this would be my first Miss Marple. I just couldn’t understand the narrator. 😩 The other books were narrated by Hugh Fraser, who I’ve enjoyed. I think this one was narrated by Emilia Fox. I cannot distinguish between British accents, but something about hers was difficult for me to understand against the ambient noise of my bus ride. Two minutes in, I noped out and returned the book (via Libby). I'll probably try it again sometime when I'm at home and can hear it better.

Gave 5 stars

11/22/63 by Stephen King (audiobook)

This gave me the worst book hangover. It’s about a guy who travels back in time to 1959(ish?) and lives in the past for a few years as he prepares to try to stop Kennedy’s assassination. It’s not actually a perfect novel, but I think I listened to it as fast as humanly possible because I was so engaged. (32 hours long!) I love time travel stories.

Gave 2 stars

A Limited Run by Karen McQuestion (audiobook)

This had a Truman Show-like setup, with actors living - in character - in a gigantic enclosed 1940s neighborhood. All of that was an immediate yes for me, but the story itself was very boring and contrived.

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Idk who to tag for reading memes, but please consider yourself tagged if you want to do it! And tag me so I can see what you're reading.

[ausefulblogforputtingthingsin]

Hello! Would you be willing to elaborate on what you eat almost every day? I'm hunting for food that will keep me not-malnourished and chicken tilapia asparagus yogurt squash and I know I'm missing something- is this a set meal you make every day or do you rotate between things?

I am entranced.

Sure! I basically rotate through combinations of those foods every day, with various other little additions. It's cheap, simple, and tasty, and because it's got a lot of protein and fiber, it's satisfying and filling. Also, everything is pretty much a one dish dinner, to minimize dishes, though you might need something to store leftovers. Depending on what's on sale and how much time/spoons I have, sometimes the veggies are fresh, and sometimes they're frozen.

The chicken and tilapia are frozen, and I also started getting frozen salmon too. The tilapia is probably the cheapest of the proteins but the chicken is the most convenient since it's already cooked:

They're from Walmart but sometimes the chicken is on sale for way cheaper at Fry's (Kroger).

For the chicken I throw it in a big bowl with whatever frozen veggies (usually broccoli but sometimes onions and bell peppers, brussel sprouts, squash, or whatever caught my eye at Trader Joe's). You can use any frozen veggies. I microwave it for like 4 minutes, add a sauce or salsa (it can be anything, but I usually go with pasta sauce, salsa, or masala sauce), then mix it and microwave it another couple minutes until it's evenly heated. Sometimes I sprinkle cheese on top or add like 1/3 of a can of black beans for the last minute of microwaving. That's what I often eat on weeknights when I'm tired. It's nice because it takes no planning and there's enough variety that it's not boring.

For the fish, I usually roast it with asparagus. It takes a bit more time but it's super easy. I only buy asparagus on sale (though I do get it frozen for the meals I talked about earlier), and as soon as I get it home I break off the bottom of the stems and put it in mugs of water in fridge. It'll last at least a week like that before you cook it. This can also be done with brussel sprouts, fresh broccoli, cauliflower, squash, or any other veggie, and you can make just one piece of fish for one dinner, or cook several at once if you want leftovers.

I toss the veggies in some olive oil (or use an olive oil spray) and some garlic powder or a steak seasoning blend, then put them in a Pyrex roasting pan. I roast them for like 20 minutes while I thaw the fish (I use the weight defrost on my microwave). Different veggies need different times, and I just look that up on the internet. I season the fish with olive oil and some salt, and sometimes spices, and then I put it in the same pyrex with the veggies and put it all back in the oven to finish cooking. I just use the cooking time on the package of fish. For the salmon, I scoot the veggies over and put it skin side down on the pyrex, and for the tilapia, i put it on top of the veggies so it doesn't stick and get shredded when I try to move it. Basically I find out how long the fish needs to cook, and I start the veggies and cook them enough that they can finish cooking in the time it takes the fish to cook. When I add the fish I'll often sprinkle the asparagus with parmesan if I have some - it's so good! If you use a smallish baking dish, like a 9 inch brownie one, you can even eat your dinner right from that and not make extra dishes.

For Squash, I'll slice up some yellow and/or gray squash, or even zucchini, and sautee it, and I'll add black beans and some cheese for protein, and then add salsa. It's good for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and I often make a whole bunch so I can have leftovers to take for lunch. That's really good with eggs too.

Canned tuna is always good, and I mix in some avocado and eat it in a sandwich or with celery sticks. It's great with nori flakes too

For yogurt, I usually just thaw some frozen berries or get berries when they're on sale, and just put them in a bowl with some yogurt. Sometimes I'll also throw in a handful of trail mix or some of the chocolate covers espresso beans from Trader Joes lol. I prefer plain Greek yogurt, because you can do more with it. Every now and then, I'll mix some yogurt with lemon juice or with masala sauce to make a dressing or to add some creaminess to a sauce I'm putting on ckicken or fish.

I probably made it sound more complicated than it is, but yeah I mix and match all the foods I mentioned, and some are fresh and some are frozen.

[castkorb]

You said you were playing the first FT game and now im kinda interested in getting it myself (if it goes on sale). Can you give me some thoughts on it when your a decent bit through it? Thanks

Okee~! Long post ahead

I'll be fully bluntly honest the main (and mostly only) reason I bought it was because Sting and Rogue are playable characters lmao

I'm like halfway there, I haven't advanced much into the story after unlocking stingue as I spend more time running around with the sillies instead of actually progresing into the game but alas

Reviewing what I've played: it's a mediocre game, but like I was expecting that already so it didn't come as a surprise

Story-wise you play throughout the games and tartaros arcs, with like half of the scenes missing because not all the characters appearing in the arc have rendered models so they just, skipped their parts. A few exceptions exist only in dialogue–not even voiced dialogue by the way, just the square of text ☠– so yeah don't expect an amazing adaptation of the story

(By the way you know those fully rendered, movie-like cutscenes these games usually have? You would expect important moments in the story to have this style of cutscenes right, such as idk the games finale, or future Rogue's defeat or fuck idk the main character's fights right

Unsurprisingly and kind of funny, only scenes featuring the girls have these type of cutscenes, making sure to have a full shot of their boobs in the process, I love this series !)

What I'm personally enjoying the most: the side quests. All of the playable characters have their own story quests and the progression system involves ranking up the guild by doing comissions in which your team gains friendship points that level up and unlock more side stories between them.

Essentially you have at least 3 side quests with every combination of two characters plus their own separate story quests

This leads to lots of interactions between characters and lots of silly moments that I personally enjoyed a lot, they added good depth to a lot of the relationships and honeslty I'm just a huge fan of little extra bits that exist outside of the main story and characters that usually don't interact doing so. (There's an entire side quest of Rogue being jealous of Sting spending too much time on Fairy Tail fyi, as a bonus <3)

Combat-wise it's cool, if not a little long with attack animations that you can't skip, the mechanic of doing unison raids with any pair of characters you like was dope, lots of other ways of making combined attacks and lots of upgrades available if you like to grind like me

There's also the photo mode, because what is the point of any game if I can't take silly pictures whenever I want. This is the first game I've played that allows you to just, put all the characters in one frame and pose them however you like, usually it's like 4 at most but here you can just pile everyone in there lmao

Idk if you're interested in any DLCs, I know there's a couple that add more playable characters such as Lyon, Levy, Lisanna and idk who else I haven't bought those, I did buy the set of Sting and Rogue's skins, obviously. They're cheap but it's three separate skins per each playable character (I had to buy six in total) whatever you consider worth it ig. There's a free recolor of each characters' regular suits which are cool, but nothing to cry about

Like I said before, I knew this game was overall not good but these two bitches have me in a chokehold and I knew I'd buy it at some point, I was dissapointed by some stuff but meh, I'm used to getting dissapointed by this series anyways

Summarized: Is it a good game? No, am I guiltily enjoying it? Absolutely

[dykehayleywilliams]

may I ask about the mitski curse or is it secret knowledge

*LONG POST INCOMING* It all started in 2016.

I've been a Mitski fan since 2014 when First Love/Late Spring premiered on Stereogum and desperately wanted to see her live. The chance finally came after I moved to New York; I had tickets for her show in February 2016 at The Knitting Factory. But then. A freeze hit the city that weekend, resulting in a pipe in the shitty apartment bursting so I missed the show because I had to wait for the emergency repair guy to come by. Okay, well that's a bummer, I though. I've been waiting for almost two years to see Mitski but surely I'll get another chance. July 2016. I was living in Texas for the summer, a few hours away from Austin, where Mitski had a show scheduled. Perfect! I can drive up to the show! My old, barely functioning truck can handle the drive! It did not. My car broke down two hours outside Austin.

November 2016. Third try to see Mitski in a year is the charm, right? Oh wait, I waited too long to buy a flight to my grandma's for thanksgiving and I had to fly out the day of the Mitski show because every other flight was $500 more expensive.

By 2017 I was starting to get worried. I had tickets to see her April 2017, but I got horrific food poisoning and couldn't get out of bed for three days.

I didn't get another try until late 2018 on the Be The Cowboy tour during her 4 night residency at Brooklyn Steel. Except Mitski's popularity had blown up significantly and I couldn't get tickets when they went on sale the first three shows. BUT THEN a fourth show was added, on a Monday night, and I finally got tickets! Perfect! Until I had a final project for one of my classes scheduled the same night that I could not miss without failing the class, and I desperately tried to find tickets for another night but none were available for under $300.

At that point I was convinced: I was cursed. There were no tour dates I was even able to TRY to make, and then in September 2019 Mitski played Summer Stage (two weeks after I moved from New York) and announced it would indefinitely be her last live show.

October 2021: Mitski releases Working for the Knife and announces a tour. The closest tour date to where I was living was 8 hours away, but I fought for my life for tickets and was determined I would finally break the curse.

I got COVID two days before Mitski's Denver show in March 2022.

BUT WAIT! Mitski was announced as one of the openers for HSLOT's European stadium leg! And my friends and I planned a bar trip to Scotland that lined up with the weekend of Harry's show in Glasgow! Okay, maybe seeing Mitski as an opener at a stadium show isn't ideal, but I was desperate. Except, of course, the stadium entry was a complete mess, and we didn't get into the show until the very end of Mitski's set. I had finally seen her live, but for 8 minutes and at what cost.

I wasn't happy, but I told myself it wasn't the end of the world because I already had plans to see Mitski at the All Things Go festival in October, so redemption would come soon enough. Then Hurricane Ian hit and my flight to DC that had a layover in Orlando was cancelled the day before I was supposed to leave. At that point, there was nothing I could do but laugh. Why did I think it would go any differently this time? No. I couldn't take it anymore. I dropped wayyyyy too much money on a different flight to DC with no layover. That flight was delayed by 5 hours, but I made it. Nothing was going to stop me.

Mitski's set starts. We're in the pit, I'm 5'2" so I'm on my tip toes, straining my neck to keep my eyes on Mitski. And then. Everyone's BeReals went off during Francis Forever and the crowd became a sea of phones. I was crushed. I had broken the curse, but 9 years too late.