#ch | dapper

[pxppetafterdark2]

JJ tends to go a little 'nuts' when he tops, which is why he rarely gets to. Can't have him getting too disobedient!

[mcytblrconfessions]

I wish I could main Dapper. They'd do some crazy grindy shit on stream then a few minutes later be like "ah yes, I gotta go child" and go slam people into the ground while placing slander on signs or do the horrors for fun! They'd play fnaf fan songs on stream too 100%

[nhlclover]

𝖭𝖤𝖶 𝖸𝖤𝖠𝖱𝖲 𝖤𝖵𝖤 𝖳𝖱𝖤𝖵𝖮𝖱 𝖹𝖤𝖦𝖠𝖱𝖲

word count 1.39k summary on new year’s eve you finally decide to tell trevor how you feel warnings brief mentions of drinking + smoking, making out

I sat at my vanity, putting the final touches on my makeup for the New Year's Eve party I was attending that night. Tate, my best friend, was in the ensuite bathroom straightening her hair and my getting-ready playlist was blaring through a speaker.

“Please tell me this new year I'm not going to be spending midnight next to you?” Tate asked, poking her head into the bedroom.

“You don’t want to welcome the new year with me by your side?” I retort.

Tate rolled her eyes. “That’s not what I mean and you know it,” she said, pointing her flat iron at me. “I know you like Trevor.”

I made eye contact with Tate through the mirror at the mention of him. Trevor and I had only met in September but had become really close in the span of almost 4 months. Trevor never failed to make me laugh, and I never failed to cheer Trevor up, especially after a bad game. Sure, I found Trevor attractive. I maybe even wondered sometimes what it would be like if we were in a relationship. However, neither one of us had done anything to suggest we should be more than friends. And I didn’t like Trevor like that…right?

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I replied, continuing to apply my blush. “I don’t like him like that.”

“Bull fucking shit!” Tate countered. “You have such a fat crush on him.”

“I do not!”

“Y/n, be so for real.” she said, walking into the bedroom and standing next to me. “I think you should kiss him at midnight.”

“What?” I asked, slightly taken aback by her, almost out-of-pocket, suggestion.

“Listen, just ask him if he has someone to kiss at midnight and if he doesn’t you won’t either so boom!”

“That’s never happening.”

“Oh come on.”

I continued to apply my makeup, not fueling the conversation any longer. “Consider it.” Tate sang out, walking back into the bathroom.

I rolled her eyes but the idea of kissing Trevor at midnight stayed with me. When I thought about it, I got nervous. What would his lips feel like? What would he taste like? Would he be soft and gentle? Or passionate and strong?

I caught myself mid-thought and dispelled it. I didn’t like Trevor like that. End of conversation.

The two of us finished getting ready and ordered an Uber to take us the short ride to Trevor and Jamies’ home. When we arrived, there were already quite a few people there, spilling out onto the front lawn. We maneuvered our way into the home, pushing past drunk people and fanning away clouds of smoke, before finding ourselves in the living room.

“It is so hot in here.” I whined, fanning myself. The smell of the air was a combination of drugs and sweat, making my stomach turn.

“Look who I found.” Tate says, waving to someone behind me. I turn around, seeing Trevor walking toward us with a happy smile on his face.

It was clear he put effort into his look tonight as he donned a fresh haircut and a loose cream polo with dress pants. He looked good put together and I would be lying if I said my breath didn’t catch in my throat as I took in his look. He bent slightly, wrapping his arms around my torso, and giving me a soft squeeze. “Welcome, girls.”

“Thank you for having us.” Tate said, accepting a side hug from Trevor. “You look dapper tonight.”

Trevor chuckled, motioning to his outfit. “Thank you, I am in my new year's eve best tonight.”

I look him up and down, admiring the way his pants are snug around his thighs. The sleeves of his button-down are rolled up, exposing the intricate tattoo of an angel on his forearm. I go to look at his face, only to realize he is looking me up and down as well.

“Hey stop eye fucking each other in front of me.” Tate said, pulling our eyes off one another.

My eyes widen and I give Tate a smack on the shoulder, while Trevor laughs it off. “Listen, there are drinks in the fridge if you guys want anything.” He tells us, changing the subject.

“Trevor!” We all hear someone shout.

All of us turn and see Mason walking into the room. “Happy new years guys!” he shouts, pulling us into a group hug. It was clear Mason had already made his way through a shot…or four. “Trev, Matty just got here, I want you to meet him.”

Mason begins to pull Trevor away before he can protest. Before leaving the room, Trevor turned back to us. “I need to see you before midnight! Please find me!” he calls to me, just as he is dragged out of the room.

I turn to Tate, a mixed look of shock and realization on my face. “Oh my god, Tate. I’m in love with that boy.” I say.

“I knew it!” She squeals.

“What do I do?” I panic.

“You find his ass at midnight and kiss him.” She says.

“No, it’s not that easy.” I sigh. “What if he doesn’t share the same feelings?”

“After the way he looked at you there? No chance you’re just a friend to him.” Tate tells me.

I look back at the doorway he just left through, a smile coming onto my face. “Oh you’re so cute when you’re pining after someone.” Tate gushes. “Alright, let’s go get drinks.”

She drags me to the kitchen, finding drinks in the fridge for us. Trevors’ choice of words replays in my head. I need to see you before midnight. Please find me.

I can’t help but wonder what he means. Why did he say he needed to see me? What if he did want to kiss me at midnight?

These thoughts occupied my mind for the rest of the night. Each new room Tate and I walked into, I scan for his face, to no avail. About an hour before midnight, Tate’s boyfriend Eric arrives and suddenly I’m hardcore third-wheeling. I now get desperate in my search for Trevor, his words almost tormenting me now. For a little bit, they help me look for him, but eventually, I can tell they want some alone time, so I leave them and make my way to the backyard.

With less than 30 seconds till midnight, I found myself alone on the patio, looking out at Trevor and Jamie’s view of Anaheim. It was so beautiful, seeing all the lights, especially the moon bouncing off the water in the distance.

Behind me, I hear the door slide open and then shut, briefly letting out the sound of people counting down from 10. I looked over my shoulder, expecting to see a couple looking for alone time, but instead saw Trevor with grateful eyes. The butterflies in my stomach took flight, seeing him with the top two buttons of his shirt undone and his silver chain catching the moonlight.

Trevor walked over to me, a smile on his face. I tucked my hair behind my ears as he approached me, unsure of what was about to happen. As the people indoors reached the end of their countdown, Trevors' hands found my face, grabbing it and connecting our lips. It took me by surprise but by no means did I want it to stop.

He slowly separated himself from me, but not backing away more than a couple of inches. He stared into my eyes for a moment before catching himself.

“I am so sorry, it just happened I-I-”

I lightly grab his chin, causing Trevor to halt his rambling. “Please don’t ever apologize for kissing me.” I say.

I resume the kiss as Trevor, less tense now thanks to my reassurance, slid his hands down to my waist, finding a grip on my hips. My hands fell to the back of his neck, pulling him into me. I slip my tongue past his lips, deepening the kiss and sliding my hands up to his hair. We only broke apart when we heard the sliding door open. People streamed into the backyard, some jumping into the pool.

“Happy New Year.” Trevor said, tucking a piece of hair behind my left ear.

“Happy New Year, Trev.” I replied.

[lefaystrent]

Me, Myself, and These Guys Who Kinda Look Like Me Ch. 1

Fandom: Sanders Sides

Pairings: Thomas/Sides

Summary: It starts with dreams. Then Thomas starts seeing the dream people in the waking world.

Thomas doesn't know how to bring it up to anybody or if he even should at this point.

AKA, Thomas has to acknowledge the six colorful characters in the room, much to their long-awaited delight.

AO3 Link: click here

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It starts with dreams.

The first one, he stands in the middle of his living room. Everything is exactly where he left it, contrary to many of his previous dreams where reality constantly shifts. It's different this time, because it's so real, like he actually stood there with his socked feet on the carpet, lights and lamps on and the windows dark outside. He breathes, and he feels his lungs expand, and he speaks. He talks. There are people standing around him in a semi-circle. One by the stairs, one on the bottom step, a couple in front of the TV, and the others in front of the blinds. And they have distinctive colors and cadences, so vivid in their mannerisms. They argue, they debate, they laugh, they listen.

It starts with that first one, a dream yes, but for some inexplicable reason Thomas finds himself gasping awake in a cold sweat. He throws off his covers and sweeps around the room, unable to get past the nagging sensation that he is not alone.

More dreams persist, to lesser degrees. There is nothing to do about them but experience them. He dreams of horseback riding with a prince, riding fast through wind-swept lands. He lays under a starry night and points out constellations with someone who knows more than he ever could. He bakes cookies and hums 'Sweet Caroline' with another voice keeping harmony. There is wine and he shares a drink with a cloaked, dapper fellow. He falls into the ocean and meets what lurkes beneath, hears cackles beneath the waves. And he lets hands nestle protectively over his ears and tell him to breathe in and breathe out.

For weeks, the images of these- people? They haunt him in his sleep like wisps of smoke. So real in the moment, but fogged over when his eyes open. He tries to recall the things said, their exact expressions, who they remind him of. There has to be a reason they plague his nights. A connection he missed. Why it seems to matter, he doesn't know, only that it did. Incredibly so. Thomas could write off the dreams. If it was just some really specific, lucid dreams he kept having, fine, he can deal. Maybe refer to a dream dictionary, see what might be bugging him in real life.

Then he starts to see the dream people in the waking world.

He's filling his thermos in the kitchen and out of the corner of his eye, he catches a black polo shirt and blue tie. When he looks at the sink, there's no one standing by it. He turns around, but Thomas is definitely alone in his house. He shakes it off. Rationalizes it. Moves on.

He stands in the store, contemplating the pros and cons of protein bars versus candy bars. A yellow hand flashes, and he swears he glimpses a hatted figure., but as Thomas spins around in the aisle, there's just a mom and her kid. No one dressed that formal or intriguing.

Thomas gets together with his friends. They're working on a new video, a music mash-up because those have done well in the past. For a second, he blinks and there's a figure dressed in white and red standing next to a hooded figure, and it's like they're a part of his friend group, just goofing off. But when Thomas blinks again, there's no one standing behind Quil, and Terrance is waving his hand in front of Thomas's face to get his attention.

He goes to bed, dozes and peeks the eyes that stare at him from the open closet door. There's a shine of sequins and jazz hands. Before his heart can start, there's a soothing weight at his side. It reminds Thomas of when he had nightmares as a kid, how his dad would sit at his bedside and tell him goofy stories with the most serious voice. The prescence remains even as he drifts to sleep. It follows him into his dreams.

For weeks, it goes on, and Thomas doesn't know how to bring it up to anybody or if he even should at this point. How does one say, "I think my imagination has dreamed up whacky characters who are now haunting me." They'd tell him he's working too hard, that he should get more sleep, or that he's always been so creative. Worse, they'll think it's more serious. It can't be that serious. It can't be actual hallucinations, right? He's not really interacting with them, and though it feels real for those half-a-seconds, it's not concrete. It's out of focus, and somehow not alarming. Should he be alarmed?

It's a whole mishmash of indecisiveness. It's the American way, to say, "Well I'm not dying, so I don't need to go to the hospital yet." He's just one Floridian man with a lot on his plate, and yeah, maybe he's working too hard, maybe his head had been hurting more lately from all the whiplash of trying to spot the men from his dreams. Maybe he's just going through a weird phase. If he waits long enough, surely...

He works himself to exhaustion. And his head really has been hurting more than usual. It pounds through the back of his head and erupts behind his eyeballs. He's starting to toss and turn more in bed until he gives up altogether. One day, he goes out to meet Joan and Talyn. They take one look at him and send him back home. The bags under his eyes have bags, and they claim they can hang out just fine with him resting at his apartment. And the crowd of colors follow, the ghosts hanging close but always in the peripheral. 

He wants to tear his hair out in frustration at himself. He kind of does think he's going insane.

Then to no one's surprise, he gets sick. Really sick.

The headaches are insufferable. He's running a fever. He doesn't know how high. He lost his themometer at some point and told himself that he would eventually get around to buying another one. He can't leave the house to get another one. Hell, he can barely leave the bed. And he'd be damned if he calls anyone for help. The most he allows is a text to his mom letting her know that he needs to cancel coming over for lunch, that he's staying home to rest. She sends back a series of well wishes and love, and Thomas thinks of how lucky he is to be her son and thinks in spite of himself that she was here to take care of him.

He's never been that good at taking care of himself, and this latest illness brings it into perspective. He's got pills somewhere, Ibuprofen that could bring the fever down and ease the overwhelming ache, but it's like admitting defeat. They haven't been doing anything for his head lately anyway. There's definitely voices edging around him, reminding him of what he should do, how foolish he's being. How if he could only listen...

Thomas rebels and curls up into a shivering ball under his covers.

He doesn't keep track of time. The curtains hanging over his bedroom window are too thick to let much light in anyway. There's darkness, and there's pain. He comes out of another dream, half-awake and bleary-eyed. The pain in his head comes to a blinding, boiling point. It's far too much and Thomas full-out whimpers. Weakly, his body contorts to try to find some relief that he knows is not there.

"Medicine," he hears a voice. He doesn't know if it's one of them or himself begging. The fever has him in a death-grip and he questions if he ever truly woke up. "We've got to get him to take some medicine."

"I'm working on it!"

"I know this situation is worrying, but please try to remain calm. Let me try-"

Thomas gasps as a knife twists inside his skull. He sees little stars and fireworks, and it spins him so off-kilter he thinks he's about to faint or throw up. Belatedly, he realizes that he's crying. A dull panic envelopes him. He regrets not calling for help sooner. He thinks he's dying now. He wants his mom desperately.

"I don't like this."

"None of us like this!"

"He looks pale, like a corpse. Do you think he's dying?"

"Not at all. He's perfectly healthy, don't you see?"

"You're okay Thomas, we're here. I just wish-"

"Logan's got it! He managed to grab it, he's bringing it-"

"Okay, but how do we get him to take the medicine anyway? In case you forgot, we can't touch people!"

"Please don't yell, I'm trying to concentrate."

"Sorry."

It doesn't make sense, and Thomas isn't entirely convinced the chatter is outside of his head. It's so hot and so cold, and Thomas wishes he knew where he left his phone or how to make his muscles co-operate, or ya know just how to stop his head from exploding.

There's shuffling and the whisper of cloth moving. His bed dips? He swears someone is sitting on his bed right beside him. He hears the subtle swishing of a pill bottle, the cap opening. There's more words being said, but he can't concentrate past the ringing pitch in his ears.

He opens his eyes, not realizing he had closed them again. There's something being pressed to his mouth, a pale wrist hanging above his face.

He doesn't think, just grabs the wrist.

Dimly, he's aware that the chatter muffles. Mostly though, his clammy hand has the wrist in a frantic clutch. It's cold, and he kinda wishes he could pull it to his forehead, a cooling balm.

He whines again in misery and a voice clears their throat. Hands touch at his shoulders. First one, hesitant, then more. He's being sat up, and it does nothing but wrench his equalibrium into a joyride. Moaning, he sits in a gasping slump and waits for whatever is to come.

There's a couple of pills forcing their way into his mouth. He doesn't fight it, a part of him realizing someone is trying to help him. They slide past his tongue, and then a water bottle presses to his lips. They tilt his head back to allow him to pull slow sips.

It's not magic. The pain doesn't disappear, and the fever doesn't sporadically abate. He's still a mess, but there are hands lending him strength. They ease him back down on the bed. They right his T-shirt where it's bunched up and shift the covers. They push back his hair, and Thomas wants to weep when a wet cloth settles over his forehead.

There are whispers, soft and sweet and awed.

Drained, he falls unconscious.

***

When he wakes next, the headache is still there. However, it's a low thrum in a way that Thomas hasn't experienced in days. That in and of itself is no small miracle in his eyes.

His fever must have abadated at some point in his rest as well. He finds the covers have been kicked off of him, the vent from the AC blowing against sweat-damp skin. He feels gross and tender, and he can't remember the last time he ate anything substatial or had a proper shower. All in all, he might as well have been a piece of wet laundry that had been beat over a railing and left out to dry.

Can insides be bruised just by sickness alone? he thinks as he blinks lazily. There's the ceiling, white above him. In his room, there's a hush, and he knows even before he sits up that there's a crowd.

His arms shake as he pushes himself up. He's too tired to do anything but stare at nothing in particular. There are six people around in his room. It's not the biggest bedroom, so they're rather sandwiched in where they can.

He recognizes them of course. Thomas first sees the bowler hat. The guy who wears it sits in his only chair in the corner, legs crossed. A man decked out in sparkly green sits on the floor beside him, hair fluffed with a shock of white in the bangs. Standing at the foot of the bed, arms mid-pinwheel, is the prince. He's staring down at Thomas like- well, Thomas isn't really looking at his face, so he's not really sure, but it's like he's cut himself off mid-sentence once Thomas sat up.

There's another figure standing to Thomas's immediate right. It's the black polo shirt and blue tie. Glasses. The man's wearing glasses. Somehow, Thomas never noticed and he doesn't understand why his brain is latching onto this fact as if it's ground-breaking information.

Beside him on the bed sitting criss-cross applesauce is another guy with glasses. It's the one he dreamt of baking cookies with. He's hovering to his left, a hand raised in the air towards him but not going any farther.

"Hey there, Thomathy. Feeling any better?" He's got a polo shirt on too, but light blue. It looks like very soft fabric. The cardigan tied around his neck even softer.

Thomas doesn't react. Doesn't know how he's supposed to react. He still doesn't look directly at any of them, and he's not all the way convinced this isn't another dream.

"Hey Colon Sanders!" the green guy hollers. "Hey! HEY!"

"You know those people who think they can get through language barriers simply by being louder?" Bowler Hat says. "That totally works is what I'm saying, do keep trying."

The green guy does nothing more than blows a raspberry. "Poop. And shit. Poop shit."

"I... suppose it was a little much to hope," the prince gives a little chuckle, but it's sad.

"Is he still sick?" a gruff voice asks below Thomas and to the right. Out of view and almost missed. Thomas focuses on the purple hoodie. He's crouched beside the bed, arms barely taking up any room on the mattress by Thomas's hip. His fists are clenching. "Maybe he's gonna hurl. Does he look like he's going to hurl?"

"He is undoubtably still sick," Blue-Tie announces. "It will take time for him to recover, and we managed... much more than we thought possible last night. There is victory in small successes."

"Has anyone tried touching him again though?" the prince asks hopefully.

In answer, Thomas twitches his hand until it lands on Purple Hoodie's fist. There is definitely a hand there under Thomas's own. The cuff of the sleeve slides against the side of his hand. It's real too. Purple Hoodie gives a barely perceptible choking noise. He's gazing up at Thomas like he's sprouted wings and laid eggs. Thomas doesn't exactly meet the stricken stare, but it's close.

Around them, the others don't notice at first. They've started arguing, and wow is it weird to be able to hear all the words finally. He hears some of their names, and he hears their voices with crystal clarity. And all the while, the fist under his hand is beyond stiff and unmoving.

Cardigan, from Thomas's left, gasps. His hands fly up to his cheeks.

"Patton Pending?" Prince asks in response.

"Thomas is holding hands with Virgil, look!"

And everyone does.

Six pairs of eyes hone in on Thomas holding hands with a guy, and it's the least gay thing ever.

"I don't think I'm dreaming," Thomas declares. He picks up Virgil's hand for good measure, and the dude lets him. He's got this deer-in-the-headlights expression going on, and the eyeshadow he wears is impressive, but Thomas is more concerned with testing the weight of the hand. It feels like a hand and moves like a hand. Therefore, it must be a hand.

Thomas drops the hand. "Yeah, I don't think I'm dreaming." He grabs the water bottle left on his bedside table and calmly drinks some. He can't bear the tacky feeling in his mouth. He needs to brush his teeth at some point.

"Holy shit," Green Guy surmises. Bowler Hat has uncrossed his legs and sat forward with intent.

"Thomas?!" Prince and Cardigan and Blue Tie all say in varying stages of alarm.

"That's my name," Thomas agrees. He's so tired. He sits the bottle in his lap in favor of rubbing at his face. He thinks he remembers crying at some point. God, what a mess he must look like.

"You can see us?! Like you can actually see us?!" Prince exclaims. He staggers one knee onto the foot of the bed in his haste. His eyes are so bright they make Thomas's squint. "Thomas, please say you can see us. Don't let this be a dream."

"I've seen you guys in my dreams," Thomas murmurs. He doesn't know how else to answer. If he's matter of fact, maybe things will be easier to process.

To that, Prince is at a loss. An excited loss, but still a loss. He wears a half-cocked grin of question, glancing to Blue Tie and Cardigan and Virgil. And Bowler Hat is now standing beside him.

"Patton, do us all a favor and poke him," Bowler Hat commands.

Patton pokes Thomas's shoulder. It's gentle enough and sways Thomas minutely. With rapt attention, Patton pokes him again.

"I poked him," Patton says with wide eyes.

"You poked me," Thomas confirms.

And that's when the chaos erupts. They're all talking at once, some of them trying to get his attention again. Virgil's got a vice of a grip on the bedsheets. Prince tries crawling onto the bed, only held back by Bowler Hat. Green Guy grins at him in the most bewildered fashion. Blue Tie is gesturing for everyone not to talk over each other, and Patton keeps poking Thomas's shoulder while saying, "Poke, poke, poke."

It's a lot to take in for a guy who thought he was dying a few hours ago. With that same calm in place, Thomas drags his legs over the side of the bed onto the floor. Virgil scrambles back to give him room. Thomas wonders if he should apologize, and then reminds himself that this is his room and that dream people shouldn't exist.

"Thomas?" someone calls, he doesn't know who.

"I'm going to go get a shower," Thomas announces.

No one stops him. They get quiet again, and he can feel them watching him. His body is sore and his head won't shut up, but he manages well enough. Blue Tie steps out of his way so he can grab some clothes from his dresser. If anyone tries to say anything more to him, he ignores it completely. He's too busy barricading himself in the bathroom.

[megidonitram]

Everyone's Running From Something (ch. 4)

A Baldur's Gate 3 University Professor AU

Rating: M

Quick Summary: Astarion and Gale are two University English professors precariously mentoring a troubled 19-year-old and falling in love.

💖Main Pairing : BloodWeave,(Astarion/Gale) 💕Side Pairings: Shadowheart/Nocturne, Karlach/Dammon, Wyll/The Dark Urge, Tav/Tav 💔Past Pairings: Gale/Mystra, Astarion/Sebastian, Astarion/Tav

<=Previous Chapter | Master List | Ao3 | Next Chapter =>

**Please see Master List Entry for Full Content Warnings**

⏰Chapter Warning⏰ None

The all-hands meeting for the beginning of the semester went the same way every all-hands meeting at the beginning of semesters go. Every professor and TA in a humanities field got squeezed into a conference room that wasn’t quite big enough, had a powered sugar donut or a couple cubes of assorted melon with half a Styrofoam cup of burnt coffee, and listened to the departmental dean give an un-rousing speech about being on the same page with the other departments. Then he talked at nauseam about school policies and ran a quick training session over a new time-tracking software that would be implemented in 3 weeks’ time.

Gale scribbled down notes on a big yellow legal pad and tried to ignore Jen and Astarion, making faces at each other as he wrote. He’d been in academia long enough to know they’d both be crying to him in a few weeks when they messed up their timecards.

As the meeting drew to a close, a dapper man with slicked-back chestnut hair and a car salesman smile stepped into the room. Astarion went stiff like a cat puffing up to defend itself. The dapper man just gave him a plasticky, knowing smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

The dean perked up a bit as he noticed the man lingering in the back of the room. “Raphael, what a pleasant surprise! I had no idea you would be joining us,” he exclaimed, “We were just finishing up. Are there any words of wisdom you’d like to impart to our humanities faculty?”

“Oh, nothing so important,” Raphael said, and suddenly Gale understood why Astarion was so on edge. Everything about the man oozed with a disingenuous charm that made Gale’s hair stand on end. “I just realized I forgot to send out a notice about the upcoming donor gala the next coming Friday. I realized you were all in a meeting right now, so I thought I’d pop in and remind you in person.”

Raphael’s eyes landed directly on Astarion as he spoke his next sentence. “There is a reasonable expectation that faculty attend these events.” Out of the corner of his eye, Gale saw Astarion’s expression go steely. “After all, we want to show up and show out for the people who allow us to do so much.”

“Of Course!” The dean chirped. “I know I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

The meeting adjourned, and Astarion immediately made a break for the door. Gale hurriedly gathered his things in one arm, instinctually following after the only person in the room he really knew, like a baby duck.

Raphael stepped into Astarion’s path before he could get out of the meeting room. “Ah, we meet again, Dr. Ancunín!” Raphael’s voice dripped with sugary contempt. “I will see you at the donor gala, won’t I?”

“Perhaps. Are you thinking about calling in that favor I owe you?” Astarion’s voice was clipped, his face unnervingly blank.

“I think I’d like to wait on that a little longer, but I would like you there in case I change my mind.” Before Astarion could respond, Raphael’s gaze slid off him and onto- “Dr. Dekarios! Wonderful to see you. Are you settling in well?” He reached out a hand to him.

Gale stuffed his legal pad into his work so he could shake Raphael’s hand. “Exceptionally well!” he replied. “Everyone’s done their utmost to make me feel very welcome!”

“Oh, you don’t have to fib on your new colleagues’ account, Dr. Dekarios. I’m more than familiar with how surly certain members of the English department can get.” Raphael laughed congenially, but Astarion shot him a poisonous look.

“I’m not lying to you, sir,” Gale replied. “Astarion’s been nothing but professional.”

“Well, perhaps he’s going a bit soft.” There was a flash of something dangerous behind his eyes. He turned to Astarion. “I shall see you next Friday.” It was a command more than a farewell, but he walked away all the same.

Astarion muttered under his breath. Gale didn’t catch what he said but could make an educated guess. Astarion exhaled a deep breath like he was equalizing pressure.

He turned to Gale and said, “Thank you.”

Gale blinked. “Of course.”

Astarion opened his mouth to say something else, but the words couldn’t or wouldn’t form.

Shadowheart stepped in between them, too concerned with responding to a text message to notice the weird tension. “Karlach wants to get drinks.” She said. “She got stuck in traffic and doesn’t want to drive all the way down here for nothing.”

“Roveer’s?” Astarion asked, a very weary resignation in his voice.

“Yes, probably.”

“Nothing like running into your students at a sports bar a week before classes start…” Astarion grumbled. “Fine. Let me finish here, and I’ll meet you there in, oh… 15 minutes.” He turned to Gale. “Are you coming?”

“To the office?”

Astarion gave him a perplexed look. “To the bar.” He clarified. “You should take the opportunity to meet Karlach.”

Gale could feel himself going bright red as Shadowheart snickered. “Right. Yes. I would love to.” He replied.

“I’ll let Karlach know you’re coming. She’ll be thrilled.” Shadowheart replied, giving Gale a warm smile. “I’ll go lock up. See you in a bit.”

“Come on then.” Astarion replied, nodding for Gale to follow him.

***

The all-hand meeting was on the third floor, so by the time they’d returned to the basement and back up a floor to leave, Gale was starting to fear his knees wouldn’t survive the week- let alone the semester. “There has to be an elevator in this building.” Gale huffed and puffed as he hoofed it up the last flight of stairs. He didn’t want his new colleague’s first impression of him to be of him on his hands and knees wheezing. “I can’t take much more of this…”

“There is, but personally I don’t like chancing it unless I really don’t want to be in a meeting.” Astarion slowed to a stop at the top of the stairs to wait for him. He didn’t seem any worse for wear, but he also seemed much trimmer than Gale was- or at the very least, his shirt accentuated the pleasing nip of his waist. Gale wondered if Astarion was a swimmer. “A history adjunct got stuck in it overnight a few years past, and it still reeks a little bit when it gets hot enough.”

Gale laughed, but Astarion very pointedly did not.

The conversation lulled a little bit.

“Do you mind if I ask you something?” Gale asked.

“That entirely depends on what you want to ask.” Astarion stepped into the hallway, taking a moment to slip into his grey wool peacoat before they ventured outside.

“Raphael, is he always…”

“Such an ass?” Astarion finished his thought. Gale wouldn’t have used such a strong word, but Astarion had gotten the spirit of the question right, at least. “He’s usually much worse.”

“Oh?”

“He’s a glorified middleman with too much power and time on his hands.” Astarion scoffed. “He enjoys putting things in people’s way and watching them try to wriggle their way out of problems he created. My advice is to deal with him as little as possible.”

“Is he who you went to talk to earlier?”

Astarion gave him a poisonous look that only confirmed Gale’s suspicion.

They walked across campus in uneasy silence. The bitterly cold wind whipped and whistled, tossing the last remnants of fall leaves across the concourse. The few student residents who’d gotten in that morning had either decided to hold up in their rooms or were enjoying their free time in more exciting corners of town. Gale found himself wondering what Xenia was doing... He hoped she wasn’t all alone in an empty dorm.

“Does Xenia have many friends?” Gale asked as they approached a crosswalk leading to the block of shops across from campus.

“Hm?” Astarion tapped the pedestrian-call button, which commanded them to ‘wait!’ in a mechanical voice. “I think she probably has more friends than she realizes she does. Kids like her tend to think they’re alone in everything.”

“Poor kid… Seems like she’s been through enough.” Gale sighed. There was something heartbreaking in the phrase ‘kids like her.’ It was sad to think that there were more 19-year-olds out there carrying emotional burdens far too heavy for their age- sadder still to think that if there weren’t, then Xenia would be alone.

“She’ll figure herself out eventually. She’s not like…” Astarion paused, seemingly a little shocked by what he was about to say. He leveled a wary glance at Gale. “She’s not a quitter, I mean.”  

“I’m sure she’s not. I just hope she doesn’t run herself ragged.” The walk light flashed, and they hurried across the street.

***

They were comedically out of place in Roveer’s Roadhouse. A group of grown adults in Oxford dress crowding around a sticky Bud-Lit branded high top surrounded by a bevy of flatscreen monitors playing every sports broadcast under the sun. Shadowheart was already nursing a syrupy cocktail out of a chipped margarita glass.

An extremely tall woman with a red tipped mohawk and smiling eyes bounded over to Gale and clapped a firmly friendly hand on his shoulder. “You’re the new Adjunct, I take it?” She asked. “I’m Karlach, Professor Cliffgate, if you’re nasty.”

“Gale Dekarios.” He reached out to shake her hand. She fist-bumped him instead, and Gale got a glimpse of a nasty burn scar peeking out from the sleeve of her jacket. “It’s a pleasure!”

“Aw, I have a great-aunt named Gale!” Karlach replied.

“I get that a lot…” Gale sighed. “I like your hair!”

“Thanks!” Karlach tussled her own hair. “Told my kiddos they could pick what color I dyed it if they all passed their benchmarks.”

“Does Balduran give benchmarks?”

“Oh, no. Teaching university is my side gig,” Karlach replied. “I’m actually a full-time middle school teacher.”

A spindly girl with bleach-blonde hair pulled into space buns sidled up to the table, clutching a notepad. “Can I take your order?” She seemed quite put upon being asked to do actual work on a slow day.

“Vodka Soda,” Astarion replied, holding his ID out to the server.

She took it and dropped it in her apron, jotted something down on her notepad, and turned to Gale with an expectant look.

“I’ll, uh, take a Corona,” Gale replied. He’d never ordered a Corona in his life, but it seemed like an acceptable ‘getting drinks with colleagues’ kind of an order.

The server stood there staring at him a moment long before she asked, “ID?”

“Oh, um…” Gale patted for his wallet and realized he left it in his desk drawer. “I didn’t realize I would need it…”

“You didn’t realize you’d need an ID at a college bar?” Astarion asked dryly as he turned to the server. “Just put it on my tab.”

The server nodded and walked away without asking if they needed anything else.

“Wow Gale, just one day on the job, and you’re already bumming free drinks off the department chair.” Shadowheart teased. She took a sip of her drink crinkling her nose at the taste.

Gale flustered. “I-I was going to pay with my phone, I swear! I wasn’t planning this.”

“Relax. We’re not so underpaid that I can’t afford to buy you one beer.” Astarion rolled his eyes. “You can return the favor when you get your first paycheck.”

Gale blushed. “Alright.”

The server brought them their drinks without another word, then plopped down at the end of the bar to scroll on her phone. Gale pushed the lime through the neck of his beer bottle and watched it fizz as it sank to the bottom of the dubiously golden liquid.

“So, did I miss anything important at the all-hands?” Karlach asked idly, stirring her bourbon and coke.

“You know you didn’t,” Shadowheart replied. “We’re changing timecard systems, and Raphael and Astarion are in another one of their weird power struggles-there, I saved you an hour and a half.”

Karlach’s eyes lit up, and she turned towards Astarion. “Before the semester even starts?” There was a conspiratorial glee in her voice. “What the fuck could he have possibly done this time?”

“Why spoil the mood by ruminating on that rat bastard?” Astarion said. He picked the lemon slice out of his drink and laid it on a napkin. “I’ll tell you later.”

“Fair.” Karlach shrugged. She turned back to Gale and fixed him with a warm smile. “So, Gale, what brings you to the wonderful world of higher education?”

Gale had thought a lot about what he would tell people when they asked him why he wanted to teach college. He’d written little speeches in the shower about the joys of teaching language and the satisfaction of helping students reach their goal, but sitting in a group of other English professors, that suddenly all felt very trite.

“I was a public librarian, but I had to step away from my last position when I got divorced.” He admitted. “I found a job at a community college teaching database management, and I realized I’d just always missed teaching.” He took a long pull of his beer. The sour of the lime battled with the bitterness of the beer on his tongue.

“Library science might be a harder industry to break into than academia. It must have been tough to leave that behind.” Astarion mused.

“I do miss it terribly sometimes… but my ex helped me get into graduate school and got me my first library job. If I stayed, I would never be able to make anything that was truly mine.” Gale sighed. He could see the wheels spinning in Shadowheart’s head as she tried to figure out his age.

“You talk like you’re as old as this bag of bone,” Karlach pointed a thumb at Astarion, who glared daggers at her. “But there’s no way you’re that old.”

“I’m 35.” Gale clarified.

“That’s a little bit older than I thought, but still nowhere near as old as Astarion,” Shadowheart said.

“You are barely two years younger than me.” Astarion snapped.

“Barely a decade older than Gale, too.” Shadowheart shot back.

Astarion rolled his eyes and muttered something into his drink. “Did you go to get your master’s straight out of undergrad?” he asked.

“Yes, why?”

Astarion shrugged. “That’s just quite young to be with someone that well-established in their field.”

“Oh, we didn’t get together until I graduated.” That wasn’t entirely true. They didn’t get together publicly until he graduated. He didn’t know why he was still defending Mystra. It wasn’t like any of his new colleagues would ever meet her.

“I wasn’t trying to imply anything…” Astarion lied.

“Of course not.”

They both took a sip of their drink, holding awkward eye contact.

“Well, here’s to making something for yourself then,” Shadowheart said, holding her drink out to Gale for a cheers.

Gale clinked the neck of his beer bottle against her glass. “I’ll drink to that.”

[simpinghour]

Cake and Pears at 2am Hange x fem! reader (ch 2)

Summary: What is meant to be a casual night out to hang with Mikasa and friends leads you to meeting the very dapper, very suave even though they sometimes remind you of a golden retriever, Hange.

This was meant to be a mafia AU and there are light mentions of it but that’s not the focus. Here you’ll read about a fem!reader who is 14 years younger than a nonbinary Hange but doesnt let that stop her from dating them.

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: Nonbinary Hange, gothkasa, Strap on sex, loss of virginity with strap on, this is smutty as hell and I have no regrets, side Eruri, Side Eremika, Squirting, Oral Sex, Fingering, also side Mikenana, Yelena needs her ass kicked, age gap, but not a creepy age gap I promise, I had to do so much research about strap ons for this damn fic

link to chapter 1

Ao3 link

Chapter 2

You were nervous the entirety of that following week, unsure if Hange was going to contact you. After going through several scenarios in your head, you finally put on a horror film to serve as a distraction. Just as you began screaming at the screen, telling the main character that she was an idiot to go out into the dark to investigate a strange sound, you got a text from an unfamiliar number Thursday evening.

‘Hi! Sorry it’s late, but I didn’t want to keep you waiting. It’s Hange, we met at Levi’s bar. If you were waiting, that is. I don’t want to assume. I’d love to meet you for lunch or coffee one day if that’s okay.’

A full-on scream left your mouth, and immediately you felt like a jackass. You weren’t in high school and Hange wasn’t your first crush, but somehow you were easily reverted to a swooning schoolgirl.

It was a few minutes before you replied, not because you wanted to play it cool but because you felt like an idiot and didn’t know what to say. Finally you told Hange that you’d love to meet them for coffee.

You insisted that you were fine with meeting at Starbucks, but they were adamant about wanting to take you to some café you’d never heard of.

“It sounds like Hange finally texted you,” Mikasa says dryly when you answer her call the next afternoon. “Does this mean you’re going to stop moping around like some sad emo?”

“I was not moping and I wasn’t acting like an emo,” you protest.

“Yeah, anyway. So are you two going out soon? Please tell me you made plans.”

“Yes, Mikasa, damn! We’re going to meet up for coffee next weekend.”

“Great,” she replies in a dry tone. “I’ll be there bright and early to do your hair and makeup. Also to do an outfit check because you know when you get nervous that focusing on anything is like trying to hold onto a snowball in hell.”

“Beautiful analogy, and fine. I’ll let you know what time when I speak to Hange again.”

As promised, Mikasa shows up bright and early, smelling of clove cigarettes with her makeup kit in tow.

“Have you showered yet? Did you wash your face? Did you moisturize and put on spf?” she asks in a tone that sounds somewhat accusatory.

“Yes to all of the above, boss,” you tell her mockingly. “And I’m not wearing this,” you continue, gesturing to your old Siouxsie tee shirt and leggings. “I sweat when I get nervous and I didn’t want to ruin my outfit.”

“Well of course you’re not wearing that,” Mikasa says, rolling her eyes. “Let’s go, I want to see what you picked out.”

Your date outfit is laid out at the foot of your bed, and Mikasa eyes each piece critically. A simple but cute blouse, skirt, cardigan and boots all in earth tones is what you picked out.

“Okay, that works with the type of makeup I have,” Mikasa announces while shoving you into a chair.  

Your best friend’s brusque manner of speaking was completely contrary to the way she delivered personal attention. Perhaps that was why your friend group had no issue with letting her practice makeup on them; it was relaxing enough to make one fall asleep. And that was why you found yourself almost dozing off from the almost ASMR-like sounds of compacts snapping shut and different brushes stroking over your face.

Mikasa works on your hair last, and you move your head as directed when she uses a spritz bottle to revive your curls. She arranges it in a style that is cute but also out of your face, which she knows you hate. Your makeup is perfect; Mikasa has the ability to do makeup that almost looks like a filter on one of those apps. There’s just enough color on your eyelids, cheeks and lips and you’re enthralled with everything.

“Yes, I know, my work is impeccable,” Mikasa tells you as she begins repacking her makeup kit. “Now get dressed.”

“You’re so damn bossy. But I love you anyway.”

***

An hour later, you drive to a quaint part of town that you’d only driven through. The coffee shop turned out to be gorgeous; instead of traditional tables and chairs there were squishy sofas and armchairs, and a real working fireplace. Everything was done in warm tones, and decorated with autumn and Halloween items as it was the beginning of October. You asked the waitress if you could take a cornered window seat, since there were two comfortable looking armchairs with a low antique table in between. waiting in a window seat, hoping that you wouldn’t have to wait long.

One in the afternoon was the chosen meeting time, and it’s five after when you get a text when they apologize for running late. When they finally arrive and find you sitting at the small table with the open menu spread out, they immediately grin and wave.

“Sorry, sorry,” Hange says after they sit down, taking the jacket that was thrown over their shoulder and draping it on the back of their chair. As they move you try to avoid the graceful column of their throat that’s peeking out from the unbuttoned collar of a light blue button down. Their long legs are encased in slim, tan trousers and they have on a matching red belt and suspenders. Their shiny auburn hair is messily pulled back just like before to expose a slanted smile, and you can feel your heart kick up a notch. “It took me forever to find my car keys.  I swear, I could trip over them ten times in an hour when I don’t need them but the moment I do? They sprout legs and walk away. You look amazing, by the way.”

“Thank you, so do you. I almost wondered if I’d got stood up,” you say jokingly, and Hange looks aghast.

“Definitely not!” they reply adamantly. “Levi told me I was a dumb ass for not asking for your number that night, along with Miche. But after that graceless encounter with my ex, I didn’t want to seem pushy.”

“Nah, you would have definitely got my number,” you assure with a grin. Just as you lean forward with an elbow on the table, a waitress comes over and asks if you two are ready to order.

“I didn’t get to ask you much about yourself the night we met,” Hange says after you two have placed your orders. “You let me ramble on and didn’t stop me.”

“I liked listening to you,” you admit with a shy smile. “What do you want to know?”

“Ehh, anything. Favorite food? When’s your birthday? What are your hobbies? Do you have any pets and if so, can I meet them?”

You tell Hange about yourself and they do the same. You find out they’re a chief scientific officer of a lab on the outskirts of the city. That in itself sounds fascinating and Hange is all too eager to talk about their work.

“Wait, I thought you and Levi and everyone else…” you trail off, wanting to ask about the whole mafia thing but unsure if that question would be well received.

“Oh, that,” Hange replies with a small smile. “Let’s just say it helps to have someone around with my background.”

“I gotcha. Do you have any pets?”

“No, unfortunately not. I like cats but my place isn’t exactly the safest place for one.”

“I could always see if there’s a cat café. Maybe we could go together.”

“Cat cafes?! Those exist?!”

Hange looks so excited and adorable that you want to kiss them.

The date lasts a little over two hours. Despite the age difference, you find that you and Hange have a lot in common and a million things to talk about. You’re sure you could have talked to them some more only the waitress is apologetic when she brings the check, stating that they have a two-hour seating limit.

When you reach behind the chair to grab your purse, Hange immediately stops you.

“It’s my treat since I invited you,” they continue, pulling out a wallet to withdraw a silver card and place it in the bill holder.

“Fine. But can I leave the tip? The waitress was really nice.”

“Something tells me it’s futile to argue with you so I’ll concede,” Hange tells you teasingly.

Once the bill is paid, you and Hange head out to the parking lot. It’s clear that neither of you are ready to part ways just yet, and you end up standing outside talking for another twenty minutes.

“Okay, as much as I hate to say goodbye it’s clear that you’re cold,” Hange tells you when they notice you shivering despite your upper half being covered in a thick cardigan.

“I don’t either,” you tell them in a pained voice with a grin, “but yeah, I am getting a little cold. This is that weird part of autumn when it’s hot one minute and cold the next.”

“Well I’m hoping we’ll see each other again? Sooner rather than later?” Hange asks hopefully.

“Oh trust me, we will,” you admit. “I had a good time today. This was nice.”

“Yeah, it was,” Hange sighs, slumping back against their car door. Then they straighten up and sort of turn towards you. “Is it okay if I hug you goodbye?”

“Yes, it’s definitely okay,” you answer, and immediately step closer to them.

“Damn, you smell good,” you murmur against their neck upon catching a whiff of what smells like tobacco and sweet vanilla.

“So do you,” Hange says in a similar tone, their head almost buried in your curls. “Your hair smells amazing.”

“You aren’t making us having to part ways any easier,” you tell them in a slight whine.

“Okay, okay, I’ll stop.” Hange lets you go and reaches into their pocket for their car key. “Will you let me know that you got home safe?”

“Will do!” you reply, turning to get into your car.

***

When you text Hange upon getting home, they immediately text you back and tell you that it was nice to see you and they look forward to your next date.

Later that evening after dinner and a bath, you find yourself online searching for a local cat café. You’re surprised to find a cat café that isn’t too far, but it’s a thirty-minute drive away.

You text Hange and ask if they’re busy next Saturday and if not and they want to hang out, you’d love to take them somewhere. Hange calls you pretty girl and says they’ll go anywhere with you. They also state that they’ll meet you at your house if that’s fine because their house isn’t exactly close to anything.

Hange is excited to be in the passenger seat and is surprised when you let them connect their phone to your car so they can put on a playlist.

“You really don’t mind?���

“Nah,” you reply. “There isn’t much I don’t listen to so I’m sure I’ll like whatever you put on.”

The easy beat of indie music fills your car, and you laugh after hearing a handful of songs by bands you also listen to. Talk of music and bands you both like takes place the rest of the ride, and soon you’re pulling up to the destination.

“What! You found one!” Hange yells when they see the glass window of the cat café. On it are adorable hand drawn kitties frolicking about between mugs and plates of desserts.

They continue losing their shit after you two walk inside, and soon they’re seated with a latte that has a cat face drawn into the foam, which goes ignored for the hazel-eyed grey tabby who leapt onto Hange’s lap to sniff their sleeve.

“Ooooh, aren’t you cute!” Hange coos, holding out a hand. The cat ends up shoving their head into Hange’s palm, demanding to be petted.

While Hange is busy meeting the demands of their new furry friend, you slip away to find a dispenser that sells cat treats. After you return to the table, you slide some of them in Hange’s direction and they immediately pick up one and the cat politely takes it from their hand.

“Oh my goodness, he ate it! What a good boy!” they enthuse, happily stroking his head.

The rest of the afternoon finds you and Hange seated on the floor near the cat towers, dispensing treats and cuddles. A striped tabby with white socks found its way to your lap and keeps hugging you, and you laugh when she nuzzles her face against yours.

“I want to take you home,” you tell the kitty, on the verge of tears with joy when she purrs contently as you stroke her back.

Eventually it becomes apparent that multiple cups of lattes and macarons aren’t enough sustenance, and hunger drives you two to finally leave. Then it turns out neither of you are ready for the date to be over, and you both get takeout sushi and bring it back to your place.

“Today was fun, thank you,” Hange tells you later after you’ve finished eating. Now you two are on the sofa with hot mugs of tea before you on the coffee table, and Hange is sticking their legs out straight and flexing their toes in the thick fuzzy socks you loaned them. “These are cute. And comfortable.”

“You can’t relax properly at home until you have on comfy socks,” you reply, then something else comes to mind. “Can I ask you something?”

“Yeah.”

“Why did you look surprised when I paid for our stuff at the café?”

“Did I?”

“Yes, you did.”

“Ah. I think it’s because besides my friends, I’ve never had a date offer to pay.”

You stare at them incredulously with your mouth open. “Hange… what kind of derelicts did you date?”

They give you a sort of embarrassed laugh while ruffling their hair.

“Did Yelena expect you to pay for everything? Even if she was the one who offered to take you out?”

“Ah…I think so?”

“Hange!”

“What?”

“You can’t let people take advantage of you like that.”

“Well, I didn’t think it was a big deal. I did make more money than her, which she even pointed out so—”

“That makes it even worse! No wonder Levi hated her entitled ass—whoops, pretend you didn’t hear that.”

Hange laughs raucously though they no longer sound embarrassed. “I guess Mikasa told you about that. It’s true though; he didn’t like her. Actually, neither did the rest of my friends.”

“Now Mikasa didn’t tell me this, but I’m guessing Levi said she was selfish. Am I right?”

“Yes. How did you know?”

“Lucky guess. But I know her type; there was a time when I was surrounded by selfish people but I was too involved to realize. You know that analogy about not seeing the forest for the trees? That was me.”

“I see. Was that an old boyfriend, or…”

“Boyfriend, friends, and family. I’m twenty-six now and it took me twenty-one of those years to get to a point where I no longer tolerate selfish people. It’s funny how many people no longer like you when you force them to respect your boundaries. It’s fine though; I have really great friends now.”

“You’re a good person,” Hange murmurs. “How are you single right now?”

“Have you met some of these people?” you ask, giving a dry laugh. “It’s not that hard, believe me.”

“I suppose you’re right. Though now I am curious; have you been with someone like me before?” Hange asks, leaning their head against a hand while peering at you.

“What do you mean, someone who’s super smart, nonbinary, or the whole organized crime thing?”

You say the last part in a sort of whisper and it makes Hange laugh. “You’re cute. Either or.”

“Both, but if it matters I don’t have much experience with seriously dating anyone of any gender.”

“What? That’s surprising.”

“The dating world is a cesspool,” you explain, thinking back to all the secondhand knowledge you gained at the expense of your friends and their failed relationships. “The last few guys I went out with were so charming— at first. It was a damn case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde; one demanded a blowjob because he paid for my one cider at the bar. The other ran up a $200 drink tab and claimed he forgot his wallet when it was time to pay the tab. Mind you I only had a couple of sodas because I don’t get drunk around people I barely know.”

“What the hell! How did that night end?”

“The bar owner gave him two choices—either wash dishes or go to jail for the night. I paid for my two drinks and left before he made a decision.”

“So no old girlfriends?”

“Crushes, yes. Girlfriends… no.”

“And why is that?”

“Because I was too shy to tell a girl I liked her,” you confess, cringing as you think back to the few times you made an attempt at flirting with a girl. “Though one time we all went to a club and two girls literally made me into their sandwich filling and danced with me most of the night. And by dance, I don’t mean in the ‘leave enough room for the Holy Ghost’ kind. Anyway, I asked one of them for her number at the end of the night, and she told me she was straight and seemed so offended that I even considered her like that. Embarrassed doesn’t even begin to describe how I felt.”

“They were probably using you to keep other guys away, but that’s only supposed to be done with a friend or consenting person,” Hange explained. “That way no one is hurt or offended.”

“Is that what that was about?!” you exclaim, mouth hanging open. “I felt so confused for the longest and wracked my brain but kept coming up empty.”

“Unfortunately yes.

“On the topic of dating and such, do you mind if I ask what happened with Yelena?”

“I don’t mind. Yelena and I were off and on for the last few years but things got really bad since last summer. You know what they say about ignoring red flags when they’ve been there all along?”

“Yes, unfortunately.”

“Well, that happened. The last straw was coming home to find that she’d trashed my place and stole some of my things. The only reason she didn’t finish is because Levi has a key to my place and stopped by to drop off something and caught her in the act. He told her to get her shit and get out before he snapped her neck and buried her carcass where no one would ever find it.”

“Yeah, he seems like he can be scary.”

“Only if he doesn’t like you,” Hange says brightly. “He never did like Yelena but I didn’t listen to him. He turned out to be right when he said she was a selfish narcissist with a toxic personality. But you said the same thing happened to you?”

“Well, not exactly the same but the narcissist thing? Oh yes, only it was a friend. That’s sort of how I met Mikasa and Armin. I was friends with this girl and when I turned 21, she swore we had to go to a club and get shitfaced. Personally I hate the feeling of being so drunk that I want to puke, but she and her little clique thought that was the only thing to do on the weekend. Anyway, I got ditched because she wanted to hook up with some random guy.”

“What?! That’s horrible.”

“I know. What makes it worse is I was always the mom friend who stuck to one or two drinks or didn’t drink at all, only because I knew those idiots were going to get knee-walking drunk and end up needing to have their hair held back while they puked out their guts. Actually, that’s how I met Mikasa. She found me crying in the bathroom after I was sick and she helped me fix my makeup because by then, I looked like a raccoon. I ended up hanging with her and her friends the rest of the night and they made sure I got home safely.”

“That sounds like Mikasa,” Hange replied. “She and Levi are similar like that; they look like they’ll cut you but deep down they’re both very kind. Mikasa offered to help deal with the Yelena situation but I didn’t want her to get into trouble.”

“So is Mikasa into, err, the same things as you all?”

That makes Hange chuckle. “No, Levi would have a fit if she did anything untoward, but let’s just say Mikasa can hold her own. That’s the only reason Levi isn’t too worried about Eren; he knows if he were to try anything Mikasa would turn him into mincemeat but between you and me, I think Eren is okay. He’s young and a bit simpleminded, but he’s loyal and he’d kill someone if they tried to hurt Mikasa.”

“Yeah, I believe that but damn, I just wish Mikasa would focus on the time and not his cock when we’ve made plans to meet up somewhere.”

Hange laughs raucously and even though you were being serious, you end up laughing with them.

“I swear, I’m not bitter or anything,” you continue. “I couldn’t believe it when her stoic ass met him. It was like someone switched on a damn light or something. Everything was about Eren; Eren this and Eren that. But I tolerated it because I knew she was in love.”

“So what about you? When was your last relationship?”

“Freshman year of college, I think? Surprise, surprise, it didn’t last long. He had the nerve to be shocked when I got mad at busting him screwing his lab partner. You know what he told me? ‘Well I have to get it from somewhere’, all because I declined his gratuitous offers of blowjobs or quickies when his roommate wasn’t around.”

“He sounds positively charming.”

“He held all the charm of a public bathroom at a gas station along the freeway. And not a good gas station, but a no name one with stale shitty snacks that you can only find on that one freeway.”

“And the filthy bathroom with no toilet paper and a broken door.”

“Exactly. See? You get me.”

“I like you. And this sofa; it’s dangerously comfortable,” Hange says through a yawn. “If I don’t get up now I won’t make it home.”

“I mean, I’m definitely not in a hurry to kick you out,” you reply casually. “I take naps here all the time. Say the word and I’ll grab some pillows and blankets. I’ll even grab a tee if you want to get more comfortable.”

“Well, it’s not like I had anything pressing to do tomorrow. Sounds good, let’s do it.”

A glance down at both your outfits are an instant reminder of the cat café; you’re both covered in cat hair and it makes you laugh.

“Okay, what about a shower first?” you suggest, plucking one of the hairs off your shirt. “You can use some of my sweatpants; sorry in advance because I’m sure your ankles are gonna be sticking out.”

“I’ve got these so I’ll be fine,” Hange replies, pointing down to the stripy fuzzy sock and wriggling their toes.

After taking turns in your shower and changing into comfortable clothes, you and Hange are buried beneath your comforter on the sofa. You both get through fifteen minutes of a horror movie before falling asleep against one another, and when you wake up to the sound of screaming, you realize that you’re both lying flat on the sofa. At some point you began using Hange’s shoulder as your pillow but apparently they hadn’t minded, because they’ve got an arm slung around you. You wonder if you should move but decide you’re too comfortable and end up shutting your eyes.

[st4rry-fruitz]

i love watching fit and phil do egg tasks together bc its like every time they turn around an egg is doing something insane.. fit says "RAMON GET OVER HERE" then phil turns around and oh look chayanne is in a tree OH ANDD dapper is grapple hooking and Oh come on now ramons placing tnt AND WTF CH–

[callm3-q]

WIP

disclaimer: Starhalo/sweetduo, Marriage, homosexuality[ don't know what else you'd expect from the LGBTQSMP]

-Summary-

-Bad and Ètoiles get married in the span of 15 hours, cause they don't know any better, and why the hell not :D

-Fluff

-WIP

Just a long term alliance, not a marriage proposal

[Ch 1- Isn’t that how it’s done?]

WHAT!? BAD! NO NO NO NO NO! AHHHHH! NO NO NO BUT ALSO FUCK YESSSSSS! BAD YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED! HOLY SHIT! IN I-IN LIKE… FUCK! IN LIKE 10 HOURS!? OH MY FUCK…

You good now?

Y-you’re getting married…YOU’RE- YOU, YOU, MARRIED!?

Well… I wouldn’t call it that… More of a… Long term alliance

Of course you would call it that…

Chill out Baghs, I already dealt with most of it

Really?

W-What? Of course! I’m not some soulless person who would give someone a crappy wedding! What kind of monster do you think I am?

Bad said, sounding kind of genuinely sad that she would think that.

W-Well… You are a demon…

…One thing you may not know about demons Baghs… We can through one heck of a party

…

…

…

Ok! 5 hours left… Hmmm… I cannnn… Ooh! I can make a new ring , I just needed one quick for the… asking for the long term alliance… Definitely not a proposal. Anyways! The store bought ones are always just straight terrible all gross and basic [for how expensive they are], non of which are anything close to what Ètoiles is, he’s just… The best. And he deserves the best, obviously. Why else would I marryyyyyy- suggest a long term not proposal alliance. 

…But how should the ring look… We need something that is easy to wear during combat, something that will stay on, and it has to be small, not to much, not to little, something that will suit him. Hmm… Maybe… Stars! That’s literally what “Ètoiles” stands for, something like… Like, we could, make thin outlines of stars around the ring, thin lines, so it doesn’t get caught on anything. I want him to be able to wear it all the time so people know that he’s in a long term alliance with me and not anyone else.

Bad had zoned out, not even noticing Dapper watching him from around the table. He only noticed when he felt a small tug on his cloak.

Oh! Good morning Dapper!

Good morning dad, what were you thinking about?

Oh, nothing important

Well, important or not I wanna know

Well, ok then. I’m going to a wedding in about 5 hours

What? Who’s getting married?

Me?

WHAT!?

What?

YOUR GETTING MARRIED DAD?!

Yeah?

TO WHO?! I’LL KILL THEM

Please don’t, and it’s not a ‘marriage’ per say, more of a long term alliance

Your getting married

I guess you could say it like that, if you really wanted to

To who though? Who do you find good enough to marry you. I’ll kill them, nobody is good enough for my dad

That’s sweet Dapper, but please don’t kill Ètoiles…

Ètoiles?! Two of the people most known for not wanting to be tied down are getting married, what a sight to see

Not married Dapper, just an alliance

Yeah Yeah whatever. What about this ‘alliance’ were you thinking about

Well, I was thinking about just making him something

A ring?

How did you know? But yeah, I wanted something better that the stupid store bought ones, those ones stink

I agree, what design were you thinking of doing?

Well… I’ll draw it out for you, but be nice, I’m not an artist Dapper

…

…

…

It’s so pretty dad!

Thanks  Dapper… But like I said I’m not an artist…

Just give yourself the credit you deserve, but I would like to make a small sudjestion

What is it?

Make the jewel thingy on the top red

You sure?

Yep

Well If you say so Dapper, I’m gonna get to work

Ok, I’ll help!

…

…

…

What do you think Dapper?

It’e perfect!

That’s good to hear…

Are you ok?

Yeah…

Nervous…?

Kind of I guess…

It’s normal to be nervous dad

I know…

You’ll be great, and I’ll be there, right by your side cheering you on

Thanks Dapper

Bad choked out, not expecting to be crying. He brought Dapper into a hug, holding him tight. Crying into the top of his head, Dapper gladly accepted the hug. He felt bad, but proud. It was nice to see Bad getting this rush of emotion, felling so deeply about this, trusting someone enough to, finally, have a bigger bond that just a really close friendship.

You’ll do great dad…

All Dapper got in return was sobs, soft and quiet, but still audible.

Dapper looked slightly to the side, hearing the warp stone go off. He saw a small figure peeking out from the door. He signaled Pomme to come in, trying to not disturb Bad, who seemed to not hear the swoosh sound of the warp stone

Are you ok dad?

I-‘m ok Pomme

What happened…?

Pre-wedding jitters…

W-

Pomme paused, not wanting to make her dad more upset or nervous, but still having questions, having not heard about this until just now

You’ll do great dad… I’m sure the person your marrying will be  so happy to be with you

Yeah! 

Dapper replied, patting his dad’s shoulder softly

Calming Bad’s sobs down into small hiccups

T-thank you kids…

No problem Dad… How much time before you’ve got to go?

Li-ke 2 hours…

Why don’t we get you dressed then

Pomme snickered, a wide grin sprawled onto her face 

Ok Pomme

Bad replied with a chuckle

…

…

…

You look so pretty dad!

Pomme said, ecstatically 

You think so?

We know so

Dapper replied proudly

You guys want to go get ready? I made sure I got you something you would like to wear, as a surprise from me to each of you specifically.

Ooooh yayyyy!

Pomme and Dapper ran into their bedrooms to get changed

…

…

…

Let’s get going…

Your gonna do awesome dad..

Thanks Dapper… Ok… let’s go…

…

…

…

Woahhhhh, this place looks amazing

Pomme said looking around, mouth agape in awe

Thanks Pomme…

Bad replied with a small smile spreading across his face

You did this dad?

Dapper looked up to Bad in shock

Yeah…

Woah…

Dapper had the same reaction as Pomme, mouth agape

I know it’s kinda crappy-

It’s amazing!

Well… I’m gonna go to, whatever that place is

Ok, see you later dad!

Bye Pomme, bye Dapper

…

…

...

[Dappers POV]

There were a lot of people there, guess word really spread fast, people were crying in joy? Pride? I don’t really know, but still, a ton of people. It would probably make dad freak out a bit.

Dapper kinda was wondering who would walk Bad down the aisle, kind of having a sneaking suspicion of who would. Not wanting to assume anything though.

Dapper saw Ètoiles walk out first

He looks… Fine… I guess… Nothing compared to my dad though.

Following he saw Sunny, Pomme, Empanada, Tallulah, and Leo. Pomme leading the group proudly, even though she had just figured out she was a flower girl. 

[End of POV]

Pomme, and all the other little huevitos in their little flower petered dresses, perfectly matching the color theme of the beautiful setting around them. Matching Almost all the things Ètoiles had told in secrecy to Bad, matching the things that he loves. All the colors, down to matching all the tones perfectly, the music, the setting, the time of night, all the stars visible through the glass roof. It was perfect.

Ètoiles saw Bad standing at the entrance, and my god did he look stunning. He felt his face get red, how could he not. He also saw Foolish? Walking him down the aisle, shocked that Foolish would agree. It also looked like he was crying? Again, shocking. But it was cute, they really do care about each other.

Once they had gotten all the way up to where Ètoiles was, Foolish went to stand to the side, behind Bad wiping the tears from his face. Ètoiles took in all the little details of the masterpiece that was in front of him, the luminous glow of Bad’s eyes to every little barely noticeable scar that covered his face, and even the barely visible freckles that were splattered perfectly on his face. He truly was just the definition of beautiful.

The outfit he had on just solidified it even more in Ètoiles’s mind, Bad was wearing a white suit, tailored to a perfect fit. He had on matching white shoes, guessing Pomme had helped him with the outfit, cute. But his suit, my god his suit. It was perfect, almost dress like, but not fully there. It was flowy and moved softly in the wind, like water. That’s what gave it away that Pomme and the other kids helped Bad with the outfit, always making Bad wear these kinds of things, Ètoiles wasn’t upset by it though, better for him. Bad can just find a way to make any outfit look good.

…

Bad inspected Ètoiles just as closely, seeing the way his hair effortlessly falls perfectly on his face, despite the wind blowing in the opposite direction, looking at his eyes, the light green blush spread across his face, the mask that usually hid the details of his face now gone. Ètoiles was so handsome, unbelievably and upsettingly so, how can he just so effortlessly look this good. And the black suit he was wearing suite him perfectly.

Both thoughts were quickly stoped when Dapper and Pepito came with the rings, holding them carefully.

Bad picked it up and put in onto Ètoiles’s finger, as Ètoiles stared in awe, at the intricate work of the ring, ‘Ètoiles’ inscribes into it, with a small red ruby on top, seeing how well put together this was, Ètoiles was ashamed of how sloppy his would look compared to Bad’s.

Ètoiles picked up the second ring and slipped it gently onto Bad’s finger, Bad was shocked that the islands greatest fighter was able to pull something so intricate off, the ring looked almost spiraled, The word ‘Halo’ inscribed on the inner walls of the ring, a small emerald embedded on the top.

…

…

…

Blah Blah Blah, after all the other boring wedding stuff

Vows

Recession

Procesional

Readings

The officiant

Etc

Let’s skip to the good part

[The Kiss]

Bad had gotten Max to officiate the wedding, seeing that he’s done it time and time again for the islanders.

…

Do you, Ètoiles, take BadBoyHalo, as your lawfully wedded husband

I do

Ètoiles stated, with no hesitation whatsoever

And do you, BadBoyHalo, take Ètoiles, as your lawfully wedded husband

I do

Bad said, with somehow less hesitation than Ètoiles

Then, by the power invested in me, I pronounce you husbands. You may kiss the Groom

Ètoiles grabbed Bad and immediately kissed him, dipping him. 

Bad didn’t fight back, gladly accepting everything that Ètoiles did. 

They stayed like that for a bit longer, before standing up straight again. Only looking at each other, only letting a quick glance out to the crowd. Seeing the Huevos still covering their eyes in disgust from the kiss made them laugh. They looked back to each other, love visible in their eyes. Ètoiles took Bad’s hands in his, noticing that they were way smaller than his. How they fit perfectly into his, how soft they were.

Ètoiles saw how happy Bad looked, he had never seen him so exited or happy before. It felt nice to see.

Bad looked lovingly into Ètoiles’s eyes, seeing him look back with just as much love. He had almost never felt so happy, first being when he got Dapper. Oh! Dapper! Where was Dapper? Bad looked around for him, quickly seeing him sitting with Richarlyson, Pomme, and Cheyenne by the kitchen. He smiled at Dapper, before looking back at Ètoiles

…

…

…

You did so good dad!

Dapper stated proudly

Y-Yeah

Pomme said, sobbing

Calm down Pomme

Bad said with a small chuckle

I-I-I Can’t! My- my dad-s j-ju-st got m-married!

Pomme said, still sobbing

Bad brought Pomme into a tight hug, gently patting her hair. Dapper squeezed his way into the hug, not wanting to be left out.

[Ètoiles’s POV]

Ètoiles was talking to Baghera, who was probably crying just as much as Pomme. But… Not out of happiness for him, more out of anger for not asking her for permission to marry her younger-brother-figure… Nice… But it’s not even like I knew, or even hoped the question! I only figured out I was getting married like, 15 hours ago! It was sudden, but still the best “Long Term Alliance” proposal I could of asked for.

Look Baghera, how could I have asked for your permission when, first, I wasn’t the one who proposed. And two, I didn’t even know I was getting married until 15 hours ago… sooo, how could I have asked for your permission?

Wait… 15 HOURS?!

Yeah…?

HOW!?

Isn’t that how it’s done?

NO?!

Oh

“OH”?!

Well either way, shut up about me not asking for your permission, be mad at Bad for not asking. I’m going to talk with Bad now, bye!

[End of POV]

Ètoiles walked over to Bad, hugging him from behind. Resting his head on Bad’s shoulder.

Oh, hi Ètoiles

Hi…

Are you ok?

Yeah

You sure?

Mhm

Ok

Hi dad!

Pomme said, running up to Ètoiles, hugging his leg

Hi Pomme, hi Dapper

Hi Ètoiles

Are you feeling ok dad?

Yeah, why?

You just seem a bit sad is all

Pomme said, moving back to look Ètoiles in the eyes

I’m alright, just tired I guess

You can go chill somewhere quieter if you want, I can keep everyone else entertained

Bad said softly, turning his head to look towards Ètoiles.

It’s ok

When you need to rest you need to rest, it’s nothing to be ashamed of love. It was a busy day

I know, I’m just waiting for you to be able to go with me

Ètoiles whispered the last part, placing a gentle kiss on Bad’s cheek

[dewdropple]

Hey all!

Unfortunately, I've been swept up in a recent wave of layoffs, and will be out of a job next month. I do have enough for rent for a few months, but utilities and food will be a bit of a struggle while I look for something else.

So, I've decided to open commissions!!

I write for QSMP, Fuga Impossivel, and DSMP, but I'm open to discussing other fandoms and characters as well, especially within the mcyt sphere!

Right now, the rate is $10 per 1000 words, or $5 per 500 for something shorter. It's sometimes difficult to know how long one thousand words are, so here's what that can look like:

A detailed scene

- Murder on the Quesadilla Express, Ch 3, Scene 1 (just the first chunk until the line on the page, 1.5k words)

A shorter fic

- No Sé Si Vuelva a Verte Después (1.6k words)

A concept plot or short fic inspired by a song

- The Scientist (900 words)

Of course, this list isn't a menu. If you would like something longer or shorter, or you have a different idea in mind, let me know!

If you want to look at the other things I've written, please stop by my ao3!

I also have a ko-fi if you'd like to help without commissioning me.

Please dm me if you're interested!!!

Thank you! <3

(More examples of what I've written under the cut)

At the End of the Potato Field (4.1k words) - a story about Chayanne discovering what it means to be a warrior

A Little Bit of Light in Your Life (3.1k words) - a story about Dapper, Pomme, and Richas taking things a little too far and trying to fix it before it gets worse

Hide and Seek (2.2k words) - a short story about Roier and Cellbit looking for Richas in the castle while also playing hide and seek against each other

Knowing that Hunger, That Taste (2.1k words) - a story about Pac reliving his worst nightmare in the mines during the QSMP Prison Event

[splatteredfandoms523]

Ghost of the Manor (Ch. 5)

Jamesy taught me some sign now! We've been together for a couple months now! I never knew I could be this happy. I'll do anything for him to show him I love him.

He says I'm like a clumsy kid when I sign, but he loves that I'm trying. Of course I'd try to learn! I want to understand him better!

While he's teaching me, he does project his voice in my mind for now though. It makes things easier, but I am trying my best! We had a whole conversation in sign yesterday! He had to help me a bit, but I still figured it out.

But, we have been going on some downright lovely dates lately.

He showed me this adorable bakery with the cutest cupcakes you've ever seen! I bought so many, I think I bought all of the ones they had. I had to get enough to share with everyone, that way everyone could see how great this bakery was too!

Jamie seems to think I'm just a dope that loves sweets, but I'm his dope that loves sweets, so there! Dark and I do talk a bit now, but I think that he's happy being my friend and watching me be happy too. He told me as such.

Jamie took his chance on an absolutely horrendous night to try to cheer me up when I didn't know I could be cheered up. Then, he started teaching me sign, and I think he's also teaching me how to be a better person overall. He's just so kind and sweet to everyone, and I've been trying to do that too. Everyone seems happier now.

But, before ya know it, it's been 3 months since that awful night. Now, I'm happier than ever! I never knew that anyone could make me feel this loved until Jamie. I shower him in gifts and love and sweets to try to tell him all the time that I love him. He's also trying to expand my wardrobe as well as my heart and mind too. A little turquoise looks great on me.

Jamie even took me to this quaint little hat shop where he finds his bowler hats! He convinced me to try a fedora, and I have to say, Jamie hasn't been wrong yet! He said it would make me look dapper and handsome, and I definitely agree! Now, when we go out, I wear it with him so we can both wear hats together! We get all sorts of compliments! Even the Septiceyes, who I thought would tear me apart, said they liked the hat and how I make Jamie happy. I did get the threat of bodily harm if I ever hurt him, but if I ever hurt Jamie, I would definitely deserve it. I won't make the mistake of hurting him.

Tags: @southerndragontamer @iamvegorott

[pxppetafterdark2]

Oh so he's STRONG strong!

[uptoolateart]

All the Missing Pieces - Ch 23

Chapter Preview:

Adrien had it all planned to the last detail.

First, he tracked down the owners of the building where he’d set up the candles on the rooftop as a teenager. There was a restaurant on the ground floor, with the upper floors leased out as offices, all managed by one owner who was easily persuaded, with a little money, to hire out the roof for a night’s use.

‘Very romantic,’ the man said. ‘But don’t tell too many people, or you’ll shame the rest of us.’ He gave a little wink, and Adrien suppressed a laugh.

Then he talked to Sabine, who readily agreed to take all three children for the full weekend. ‘It’s important to have time to yourselves and remember who you are together without the children,’ she said. ‘Especially on your anniversary. Tom and I always made a point of going out without Marinette on our anniversary.’

These were reassuring words, because Tom and Sabine had been together about a thousand years and were his ultimate ‘ship’.

Next, he had a formal invitation drawn up on creamy card, with gold leaf lettering, hand-delivered to Marinette at her office, while he waited in agony for her response.

At last, his phone beeped.

Marinette: An invitation?? I don’t recognise the address I’m supposed to meet you at.

Adrien: Just be there.

He grinned. Of course she wouldn’t recognise it. Who paid attention to addresses when travelling by stick and yo-yo? But she would remember it when she was up there. The rooftops had once been their own private landscape.

Finally, he ordered roses – from a florist rather than plundered from his mother’s memorial – and candles, with his own money rather than the credit card Gabriel had granted him in lieu of love. Even after all these years, this simple act felt like one of the most adult things he’d ever done.

In the rare moments when he managed to capture some of Marinette’s attention at home, she pressed him for details. ‘I wonder what you’re up to,’ she said.

‘Hmm, me too!’ he replied.

And sometimes there were texts from her.

Marinette: What are you up to, Mr Agreste?

Adrien: I’m eager to find out – aren’t you??

By the time the weekend arrived, he was jumping out of his skin with anticipation. He’d done his thing of imagining everything in vivid detail, and now had to talk himself down so he wouldn’t be disappointed if it didn’t all go exactly as he’d planned.

‘Stay in the moment,’ he told his reflection in the bathroom mirror. Then he gave himself a smile of encouragement, took a deep breath, and went to the living room, where Hugo had gathered the twins and their overnight bags.

‘Very dapper,’ Hugo said.

‘Thank you.’ He’d put on one of his best suits, something he hadn’t worn since his modelling days. To his great relief, it still fit. He might have broken down on the floor if it had been too snug.

He dropped off the kids with their grandparents, then headed over to the building to set things up. The manager offered to help, but he wanted to do it himself, like he’d done all those years before.

‘But there are so many candles!’ the manager said.

‘I’m good,’ said Adrien.

He tucked away her anniversary gift in a safe spot, then headed downstairs, to the meeting point outside the stairwell entrance. He was early, so he pulled out his phone and started scrolling through social media posts until he’d exhausted the supply. Then he started up a word game. Between games, he looked around, checking for Marinette, but she wasn’t there yet.

After he’d got through five rounds of the game, he checked the time and….

Okay, no big deal. So she was fifteen minutes late. That wasn’t too bad…was it? It wasn’t like an hour.

Keep reading at Ao3

[brookston]

Holidays 7.18

Holidays

Anti-Bigot Day

Billy Joel Day (New York)

Boxer 718 Day

Chrysanthemum Day

Constitution Day (Uruguay)

Global Lifting Awareness Day

Hug a Fat Bald Person Day

Insurance Nerd Day

International Day of the Vaquita Marina

International Laquita Marina Day

Jane Austen Day (Indiana)

Lollapalooza Day

Make A List of the People You Love Day

National Hamiltons Day

National Black Men’s Mental Health Day

National Dapper Your Data Day

National Emma Day

National Hamiltons Day

National Monica Day

National Mortgage Brokers Day

National Peyton Day

Nelson Mandela International Day (a.k.a. Mandela Day; UN)

Perfect Family Day

Perfect 10 Day

President’s Day (Botswana)

Pyramids Day

718 Day (New York)

Shawm Day (French Republic)

Tony the Tiger Day

Weinermobile Day

World Listening Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

International Brewers Day

National Caviar Day

National Sour Candy Day

National Tropical Fruit Day

St. Anou, Bishop of Metz's Day (patron saint of brewers; a.k.a. St. Arnulf, Arnould, St. Arnold)

Independence & Related Days

Constitution Day (Uruguay; 1830)

Prsänëa (Declared; 2012) [unrecognized]

Vietnam (Becomes U.N. member; 1977)

3rd Thursday in July

Get To Know Your Customers Day [3rd Thursday of each Quarter]

Latitude Festival (Suffolk, UK) [3rd Thursday thru Sunday]

National Dole Whip Day [3rd Thursday]

Protect Swimmers Day [3rd Thursday]

Throwback Thursday [Every Thursday]

Weekly Holidays beginning July 18 (3rd Week of July)

Restless Leg Syndrome Education & Awareness Week (thru 7.28)

Festivals Beginning July 18, 2024

Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival (Chincoteague Island, Virginia) [thru 7.20]

Cookin' on Kampeska (Watertown, South Dakota) [thru 7.20]

Delaware State Fair (Harrington, Delaware) [thru 7.27]

Durban International Film Festival (Durban, South Africa) [thru 7.28]

Fantasia International Film Festival (Montreal, Canada) [thru 8.4]

Jazz in Marciac (Marciac, France) [thru 8.4]

Jerusalem Film Festival (Jerusalem, Israel) [thru 7.27]

Johnson County Peach Festival (Clarksville, Arkansas) [thru 7.20]

Lexington Restaurant Week (Lexington, Kentucky) [thru 7.28]

Miami Valley Steam Threshers Show (Plain City, Ohio) [thru 7.21]

N.C. Peach Festival [Candor, North Carolina) [thru 7.20]

New Horizons International Film Festival (Wrocław, Poland) [thru 7.28]

Picklesburgh (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) [thru 7.21]

Porter Peach Festival (Porter, Oklahoma) [thru 7.20]

Port Fish Days (Port Washington, Wisconsin) [thru 7.20]

Riverfront Food Truck Festival (Hartford, Connecticut) [thru 7.20]

Taste of Galesburg (Galesburg, Illinois)

Taste of Park Ridge (Park Ridge, Illinois) [thru 7.20]

Venice International Festival of Contemporary Dance [Biennale Danza] (Venice, Italy) [thru 8.3]

Verbier Festival (Verbier, Switzerland) [thru 8.4]

Feast Days

Arnulf of Metz (a.k.a. Arnoldus; Christian; Saint) [Belgium; brewers] *

Bernd Fasching (Artology)

Bobby Henderson Day (Pastafarian)

Bruno of Segni (Christian; Saint)

Camillus de Lellis (optional memorial, U.S. only)

Day of Arstat and Copper Woman (Everyday Wicca)

Eadburh (a.k.a. Edburga) of Bicester (Christian; Saint)

Eid-e-Ghadir (Iran)

Elizabeth Ferard (Church of England)

Feast of Saint Arnoldus (Belgium)

Feast of Teneu

Fionn Mac Cumhail (Celtic Book of Days)

Frederick of Utrecht (Christian; Saint)

Giacomo Balla (Artology)

Hunter S. Thompson (Writerism)

Hyacinthe Rigaud (Artology)

Jabotinsky Day (Israel) [29 Tammuz]

Leroy (Muppetism)

The Lunch of the Forward Goblins (Surprisingly Fairies Only; Shamanism)

Marina of Aguas Santas (Christian; Saint)

Maternus of Milan (Christian; Saint)

Nebet-Het (Birthday of Nephthys, Egyptian Goddess of Beer)

Nephthy’s Day (Egyptian Goddess of Death; Pagan)

Odulph (Christian; Saint)

Pambo (Christian; Saint)

Philastrius (Christian; Saint)

Rabelais (Positivist; Saint)

Symphorosa and her Seven Sons (Christian; Martyrs)

Theneva (Christian; Saint)

Theodosia of Constantinople (Christian; Saint)

Thomas Morton Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Vitulatio (Feast to Vitulatio, Ancient Roman Goddess of Exultation, joy & life)

Water Pistol Day (Pastafarian)

William Makepeace Thackery (Writerism)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Day of Bad Omens (Ancient Rome) [1 of 2]

Prime Number Day: 199 [46 of 72]

Shakku (赤口 Japan) [Bad luck all day, except at noon.]

Unfortunate Day (Pagan) [41 of 57]

Premieres

Aliens (Film; 1986)

Arachnophobia (Film; 1990)

Bad Boys II (Film; 2003)

The Betty Boop Limited (Betty Boop Cartoon; 1933)

Bosko’s Holiday (WB LT Cartoon; 1931)

The Bowling Ally-Cat (Tom & Jerry Cartoon; 1942)

City Kitty (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1952)

A Clockwork Orange, by Anthony Burgess (Novel; 1962)

Closer, by Joy Division (Album; 1980)

Consider the Oyster, by M.F.K. Fisher (Food Essays; 1941)

Copy Cat (Animated Antics Cartoon; 1941)

The Dark Knight (Film; 2008)

Davy Crockett and the River Pirates (Film; 1956)

Day Nurse (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1932)

Don’t Bother to Knock (Film; 1952)

Entourage (TV Series; 2004)

Eureka (TV Series; 2006)

Friends with Benefits (Film; 2011)

George of the Jungle (Film; 1997)

God Only Knows, by The Beach Boys (Song; 1966)

I Love to Sings (WB MM Cartoon; 1936)

Johnny English (Film; 2003)

Jurassic Park III (Film; 2001)

The Mahagonny Songspiel, by Bertolt Brecht & Kurt Weill (Song; 1927)

Mamma Mia! (Film; 2008)

The Minute and a 1/2 Man (Hector Heathcote Cartoon; 1959)

Mrs. Brown (Film; 1997)

The Nun’s Story (Film; 1959)

Pink Blue Plate (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1971)

Planes: Fire & Rescue (Animated Film; 2014)

Porco Rosso (Studio Ghibli Animated Film; 1992)

RWBY (Anime Series; 2013)

Sex Tape (Film; 2014)

Sketches of Spain, by Miles Davis (Album; 1960)

The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, by Thomas S. Kuhn (Science book; 1962)

Symphony No. 8 in D Minor, by Ralph Vaughan Williams (Symphony; 1956)

Tweet and Lovely (WB MM Cartoon; 1959)

UHF, by Weird Al Yankpvic (Soundtrack Album; 1989)

Used Cars (Film; 1980)

Wouldn’t It Be Nice, by The Beach Boys (Song; 1966)

Today’s Name Days

Answer, Arnold, Arnulf, Friedrich, Ulf (Austria)

Emil, Emilian (Bulgaria)

Bruno, Emilija, Frederik, Ljuba (Croatia)

Drahomíra (Czech Republic)

Arnolphus (Denmark)

Eerika, Erika (Estonia)

Riikka (Finland)

Frédéric (France)

Arnulf, Friedrich, Ulf (Germany)

Aimilianos, Emilianos (Greece)

Frigyes (Hungary)

Calogero, Giusta (Italy)

Rozālija, Roze, Rozīte (Latvia)

Eimantė, Ervinas, Kamilis, Tautvilas (Lithuania)

Arnulf, Ørnulf (Norway)

Arnold, Arnolf, Erwin, Erwina, Kamil, Karolina, Robert, Roberta, Szymon, Unisław, Wespazjan (Poland)

Anna (Russia)

Kamila (Slovakia)

Federico, Marina (Spain)

Fredrik, Fritz (Sweden)

Alfie, Alfred, Avery, Federica, Federico, Fred, Freda, Freddie, Freddy, Fréddy , Freed, Frederic, Frédéric, Frederich, Federik, Frederick, Frédérick, Frederico, Fredrick, Fredy (Universal)

Fred, Freda, Freddie, Freddy, Frederica, Frederick, Frederico, Fredrick, Fredy (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 200 of 2024; 166 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 4 of Week 29 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Tinne (Holly) [Day 12 of 28]

Chinese: Month 6 (Xin-Wei), Day 13 (Guy-Wei)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 12 Tammuz 5784

Islamic: 11 Muharram 1446

J Cal: 20 Red; Sixday [20 of 30]

Julian: 5 July 2024

Moon: 90%: Waxing Gibbous

Positivist: 3 Dante (8th Month) [Rabelais]

Runic Half Month: Ur (Primal Strength) [Day 10 of 15]

Season: Summer (Day 29 of 94)

Week: 3rd Week of July

Zodiac: Cancer (Day 28 of 31)

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 7.18

Holidays

Anti-Bigot Day

Billy Joel Day (New York)

Boxer 718 Day

Chrysanthemum Day

Constitution Day (Uruguay)

Global Lifting Awareness Day

Hug a Fat Bald Person Day

Insurance Nerd Day

International Day of the Vaquita Marina

International Laquita Marina Day

Jane Austen Day (Indiana)

Lollapalooza Day

Make A List of the People You Love Day

National Hamiltons Day

National Black Men’s Mental Health Day

National Dapper Your Data Day

National Emma Day

National Hamiltons Day

National Monica Day

National Mortgage Brokers Day

National Peyton Day

Nelson Mandela International Day (a.k.a. Mandela Day; UN)

Perfect Family Day

Perfect 10 Day

President’s Day (Botswana)

Pyramids Day

718 Day (New York)

Shawm Day (French Republic)

Tony the Tiger Day

Weinermobile Day

World Listening Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

International Brewers Day

National Caviar Day

National Sour Candy Day

National Tropical Fruit Day

St. Anou, Bishop of Metz's Day (patron saint of brewers; a.k.a. St. Arnulf, Arnould, St. Arnold)

Independence & Related Days

Constitution Day (Uruguay; 1830)

Prsänëa (Declared; 2012) [unrecognized]

Vietnam (Becomes U.N. member; 1977)

3rd Thursday in July

Get To Know Your Customers Day [3rd Thursday of each Quarter]

Latitude Festival (Suffolk, UK) [3rd Thursday thru Sunday]

National Dole Whip Day [3rd Thursday]

Protect Swimmers Day [3rd Thursday]

Throwback Thursday [Every Thursday]

Weekly Holidays beginning July 18 (3rd Week of July)

Restless Leg Syndrome Education & Awareness Week (thru 7.28)

Festivals Beginning July 18, 2024

Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival (Chincoteague Island, Virginia) [thru 7.20]

Cookin' on Kampeska (Watertown, South Dakota) [thru 7.20]

Delaware State Fair (Harrington, Delaware) [thru 7.27]

Durban International Film Festival (Durban, South Africa) [thru 7.28]

Fantasia International Film Festival (Montreal, Canada) [thru 8.4]

Jazz in Marciac (Marciac, France) [thru 8.4]

Jerusalem Film Festival (Jerusalem, Israel) [thru 7.27]

Johnson County Peach Festival (Clarksville, Arkansas) [thru 7.20]

Lexington Restaurant Week (Lexington, Kentucky) [thru 7.28]

Miami Valley Steam Threshers Show (Plain City, Ohio) [thru 7.21]

N.C. Peach Festival [Candor, North Carolina) [thru 7.20]

New Horizons International Film Festival (Wrocław, Poland) [thru 7.28]

Picklesburgh (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) [thru 7.21]

Porter Peach Festival (Porter, Oklahoma) [thru 7.20]

Port Fish Days (Port Washington, Wisconsin) [thru 7.20]

Riverfront Food Truck Festival (Hartford, Connecticut) [thru 7.20]

Taste of Galesburg (Galesburg, Illinois)

Taste of Park Ridge (Park Ridge, Illinois) [thru 7.20]

Venice International Festival of Contemporary Dance [Biennale Danza] (Venice, Italy) [thru 8.3]

Verbier Festival (Verbier, Switzerland) [thru 8.4]

Feast Days

Arnulf of Metz (a.k.a. Arnoldus; Christian; Saint) [Belgium; brewers] *

Bernd Fasching (Artology)

Bobby Henderson Day (Pastafarian)

Bruno of Segni (Christian; Saint)

Camillus de Lellis (optional memorial, U.S. only)

Day of Arstat and Copper Woman (Everyday Wicca)

Eadburh (a.k.a. Edburga) of Bicester (Christian; Saint)

Eid-e-Ghadir (Iran)

Elizabeth Ferard (Church of England)

Feast of Saint Arnoldus (Belgium)

Feast of Teneu

Fionn Mac Cumhail (Celtic Book of Days)

Frederick of Utrecht (Christian; Saint)

Giacomo Balla (Artology)

Hunter S. Thompson (Writerism)

Hyacinthe Rigaud (Artology)

Jabotinsky Day (Israel) [29 Tammuz]

Leroy (Muppetism)

The Lunch of the Forward Goblins (Surprisingly Fairies Only; Shamanism)

Marina of Aguas Santas (Christian; Saint)

Maternus of Milan (Christian; Saint)

Nebet-Het (Birthday of Nephthys, Egyptian Goddess of Beer)

Nephthy’s Day (Egyptian Goddess of Death; Pagan)

Odulph (Christian; Saint)

Pambo (Christian; Saint)

Philastrius (Christian; Saint)

Rabelais (Positivist; Saint)

Symphorosa and her Seven Sons (Christian; Martyrs)

Theneva (Christian; Saint)

Theodosia of Constantinople (Christian; Saint)

Thomas Morton Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Vitulatio (Feast to Vitulatio, Ancient Roman Goddess of Exultation, joy & life)

Water Pistol Day (Pastafarian)

William Makepeace Thackery (Writerism)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Day of Bad Omens (Ancient Rome) [1 of 2]

Prime Number Day: 199 [46 of 72]

Shakku (赤口 Japan) [Bad luck all day, except at noon.]

Unfortunate Day (Pagan) [41 of 57]

Premieres

Aliens (Film; 1986)

Arachnophobia (Film; 1990)

Bad Boys II (Film; 2003)

The Betty Boop Limited (Betty Boop Cartoon; 1933)

Bosko’s Holiday (WB LT Cartoon; 1931)

The Bowling Ally-Cat (Tom & Jerry Cartoon; 1942)

City Kitty (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1952)

A Clockwork Orange, by Anthony Burgess (Novel; 1962)

Closer, by Joy Division (Album; 1980)

Consider the Oyster, by M.F.K. Fisher (Food Essays; 1941)

Copy Cat (Animated Antics Cartoon; 1941)

The Dark Knight (Film; 2008)

Davy Crockett and the River Pirates (Film; 1956)

Day Nurse (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1932)

Don’t Bother to Knock (Film; 1952)

Entourage (TV Series; 2004)

Eureka (TV Series; 2006)

Friends with Benefits (Film; 2011)

George of the Jungle (Film; 1997)

God Only Knows, by The Beach Boys (Song; 1966)

I Love to Sings (WB MM Cartoon; 1936)

Johnny English (Film; 2003)

Jurassic Park III (Film; 2001)

The Mahagonny Songspiel, by Bertolt Brecht & Kurt Weill (Song; 1927)

Mamma Mia! (Film; 2008)

The Minute and a 1/2 Man (Hector Heathcote Cartoon; 1959)

Mrs. Brown (Film; 1997)

The Nun’s Story (Film; 1959)

Pink Blue Plate (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1971)

Planes: Fire & Rescue (Animated Film; 2014)

Porco Rosso (Studio Ghibli Animated Film; 1992)

RWBY (Anime Series; 2013)

Sex Tape (Film; 2014)

Sketches of Spain, by Miles Davis (Album; 1960)

The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, by Thomas S. Kuhn (Science book; 1962)

Symphony No. 8 in D Minor, by Ralph Vaughan Williams (Symphony; 1956)

Tweet and Lovely (WB MM Cartoon; 1959)

UHF, by Weird Al Yankpvic (Soundtrack Album; 1989)

Used Cars (Film; 1980)

Wouldn’t It Be Nice, by The Beach Boys (Song; 1966)

Today’s Name Days

Answer, Arnold, Arnulf, Friedrich, Ulf (Austria)

Emil, Emilian (Bulgaria)

Bruno, Emilija, Frederik, Ljuba (Croatia)

Drahomíra (Czech Republic)

Arnolphus (Denmark)

Eerika, Erika (Estonia)

Riikka (Finland)

Frédéric (France)

Arnulf, Friedrich, Ulf (Germany)

Aimilianos, Emilianos (Greece)

Frigyes (Hungary)

Calogero, Giusta (Italy)

Rozālija, Roze, Rozīte (Latvia)

Eimantė, Ervinas, Kamilis, Tautvilas (Lithuania)

Arnulf, Ørnulf (Norway)

Arnold, Arnolf, Erwin, Erwina, Kamil, Karolina, Robert, Roberta, Szymon, Unisław, Wespazjan (Poland)

Anna (Russia)

Kamila (Slovakia)

Federico, Marina (Spain)

Fredrik, Fritz (Sweden)

Alfie, Alfred, Avery, Federica, Federico, Fred, Freda, Freddie, Freddy, Fréddy , Freed, Frederic, Frédéric, Frederich, Federik, Frederick, Frédérick, Frederico, Fredrick, Fredy (Universal)

Fred, Freda, Freddie, Freddy, Frederica, Frederick, Frederico, Fredrick, Fredy (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 200 of 2024; 166 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 4 of Week 29 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Tinne (Holly) [Day 12 of 28]

Chinese: Month 6 (Xin-Wei), Day 13 (Guy-Wei)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 12 Tammuz 5784

Islamic: 11 Muharram 1446

J Cal: 20 Red; Sixday [20 of 30]

Julian: 5 July 2024

Moon: 90%: Waxing Gibbous

Positivist: 3 Dante (8th Month) [Rabelais]

Runic Half Month: Ur (Primal Strength) [Day 10 of 15]

Season: Summer (Day 29 of 94)

Week: 3rd Week of July

Zodiac: Cancer (Day 28 of 31)

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

A Deadly Game by Laraine Stephens

Reggie Da Costa Mystery #3

Excellent in every way ~ Couldn’t put it down ~ First time reading this author but not the last!

What I liked:

* Reggie Da Costa: seasoned well respected crime reporter, dapper dresser, has plenty of sources, enjoys the finer things in life, loving & protective son, willing to share his experience, thinks he might be ready to settle down soon, intriguing, deeper than his first impression might suggest

* Ruby Rhodes: intelligent, responsible, quiet, sedate, close to her brother, doesn’t believe her sister’s death was an accident, willing to go undercover to find a murderer, stronger than she realizes, grows a lot in this book and begins to truly come into her own

* Dusty Rhodes: younger than his sisters, budding journalist, hired to work with Reggie as an assistant-apprentice, protective, would like to see more of him

* Horace Striker: criminal-gangster, wants revenge-justice for the murder of his nephew, assists Ruby in her undercover endeavor

* The backstory that explains the secret Ruby is carrying and why she feels so strongly that she needs to find her sister’s killer

* The tie-in to archaeology, Egypt, and stealing of antiquities

* The plot, pacing, setting, era, and writing

* Some of the news stories tackled in the book

* The costumes, settings, and details pertinent to the era and being able to “see” things as they no doubt were in the 20’s.

* All of it really but mostly, reading an excellent book by a new-to-me author

What I didn’t like:

* Who and what I was meant not to like

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more in this series/by this author? Definitely!

NOTE: This is third in a series but easily read without reading the previous books

Thank you to NetGalley and Level Best Books – Historia for the ARC – this is my honest review.

5 Stars

BLURB

A secret life exposed Melbourne, 1925. Reggie da Costa, The Argus ’s celebrated crime reporter, takes a break from investigating gangland crime to assist Ruby Rhodes, whose identical twin sister has died in mysterious circumstances. Together, they investigate how Katherine could afford a house, motorcar, expensive jewellery and a wardrobe of the latest fashions on the wages of a museum assistant. With Reggie’s assistance and protection, Ruby assumes her sister’s identity and infiltrates the illegal gambling dens and risqué social clubs of 1920s Melbourne to uncover the truth. A Deadly Game is the third in the Reggie da Costa Mysteries .

AUTHOR INFO

After nearly forty years of working as a teacher-librarian and Head of Library, Laraine Stephens decided to experience life on the other side of the bookshelves and became a writer of historical crime fiction. Her debut novel, 'The Death Mask Murders', the first in the Reggie da Costa Mysteries, was published by Level Best Books, in 2021. 'Deadly Intent' followed in May 2022, with 'A Deadly Game' slated for June 2023. When she isn’t writing, travelling or playing golf, Laraine finds inspiration from her work as a volunteer guide at the Old Melbourne Gaol. Laraine lives in Beaumaris, a bayside suburb of Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, Bob, and her maladjusted red toy poodle, Zoe.

[callm3-q]

FINALLY BACK WITH AN UPDATEEEEEEE

Just a long term alliance, not a marriage proposal

[Ch 1- Isn’t that how it’s done?]

WHAT!? BAD! NO NO NO NO NO! AHHHHH! NO NO NO BUT ALSO FUCK YESSSSSS! BAD YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED! HOLY SHIT! IN I-IN LIKE… FUCK! IN LIKE 10 HOURS!? OH MY FUCK…

You good now?

Y-you’re getting married…YOU’RE- YOU, YOU, MARRIED!?

Well… I wouldn’t call it that… More of a… Long term alliance

Of course you would call it that…

Chill out Baghs, I already dealt with most of it

Really?

W-What? Of course! I’m not some soulless person who would give someone a crappy wedding! What kind of monster do you think I am?

Bad said, sounding kind of genuinely sad that she would think that.

W-Well… You are a demon…

…One thing you may not know about demons Baghs… We can through one heck of a party

…

…

…

Ok! 5 hours left… Hmmm… I cannnn… Ooh! I can make a new ring , I just needed one quick for the… asking for the long term alliance… Definitely not a proposal. Anyways! The store bought ones are always just straight terrible all gross and basic [for how expensive they are], non of which are anything close to what Ètoiles is, he’s just… The best. And he deserves the best, obviously. Why else would I marryyyyyy- suggest a long term not proposal alliance. 

…But how should the ring look… We need something that is easy to wear during combat, something that will stay on, and it has to be small, not to much, not to little, something that will suit him. Hmm… Maybe… Stars! That’s literally what “Ètoiles” Means, something like… Like, we could, make thin outlines of stars around the ring, thin lines, so it doesn’t get caught on anything. I want him to be able to wear it all the time so people know that he’s in a long term alliance with me and not anyone else.

Bad had zoned out, not even noticing Dapper watching him from around the table. He only noticed when he felt a small tug on his cloak.

Oh! Good morning Dapper!

Good morning dad, what were you thinking about?

Oh, nothing important

Well, important or not I wanna know

Well, ok then. I’m going to a wedding in about 5 hours

What? Who’s getting married?

Me?

WHAT!?

What?

YOUR GETTING MARRIED DAD?!

Yeah?

TO WHO?! I’LL KILL THEM

Please don’t, and it’s not a ‘marriage’ per say, more of a long term alliance

Your getting married

I guess you could say it like that, if you really wanted to

To who though? Who do you find good enough to marry you. I’ll kill them, nobody is good enough for my dad

That’s sweet Dapper, but please don’t kill Etoiles…

Etoiles?! Two of the people most known for not wanting to be tied down are getting married, what a sight to see

Not married Dapper, just an alliance

Yeah Yeah whatever. What about this ‘alliance’ were you thinking about

Well, I was thinking about just making him something

A ring?

How did you know? But yeah, I wanted something better than the stupid store bought ones, those ones stink

I agree, what design were you thinking of doing?

Well… I’ll draw it out for you, but be nice, I’m not an artist Dapper

…

…

…

It’s so pretty dad!

Thanks  Dapper… But like I said, I’m not an artist…

Just give yourself the credit you deserve, but I would like to make a small sudjestion

What is it?

Make the jewel thingy on the top red

You sure?

Yep

Well, If you say so Dapper, I’m gonna get to work

Ok, I’ll help!

…

…

…

What do you think Dapper?

It’e perfect!

That’s good to hear…

Are you ok?

Yeah…

Nervous…?

Kind of I guess…

It’s normal to be nervous dad

I know…

You’ll be great, and I’ll be there, right by your side cheering you on

Thanks Dapper

Bad choked out, not expecting to be crying. He brought Dapper into a hug, holding him tight. Crying into the top of his head, Dapper gladly accepted the hug. He felt bad, but proud. It was nice to see Bad getting this rush of emotion, felling so deeply about this, trusting someone enough to, finally, have a bigger bond that just a really close friendship.

You’ll do great dad…

All Dapper got in return was sobs, soft and quiet, but still audible.

Dapper looked slightly to the side, hearing the warp stone go off. He saw a small figure peeking out from the door. He signaled Pomme to come in, trying to not disturb Bad, who seemed to not hear the swoosh sound of the warp stone

Are you ok dad?

I-‘m ok Pomme

What happened…?

Pre-wedding jitters…

W-

Pomme paused, not wanting to make her dad more upset or nervous, but still having questions, having not heard about this until just now

You’ll do great dad… I’m sure the person your marrying will be so happy to be with you

Yeah! 

Dapper replied, patting his dad’s shoulder softly. Calming Bad’s sobs down into small hiccups

T-thank you kids…

No problem Dad… How much time before you’ve got to go?

Li-ke 2 hours…

Why don’t we get you dressed then -Pomme snickered, a wide grin sprawled onto her face 

Ok Pomme

Bad replied with a chuckle

…

…

…

You look so pretty dad! -Pomme said, ecstatically 

You think so?

We know so

Dapper replied proudly

You guys want to go get ready? I made sure I got you something you would like to wear, as a surprise from me to each of you specifically.

Ooooh yayyyy!

Pomme and Dapper ran into their bedrooms to get changed

…

…

…

Let’s get going…

Your gonna do awesome dad..

Thanks Dapper… Ok… let’s go…

…

…

…

Woahhhhh, this place looks amazing -Pomme said looking around, mouth agape in awe

Thanks Pomme… -Bad replied with a small smile spreading across his face

You did this dad? -Dapper looked up to Bad in shock

Yeah…

Woah…

Dapper had the same reaction as Pomme, mouth agape

I know it’s kinda crappy-

It’s amazing!

Well… I’m gonna go to, whatever that place is

Ok, see you later dad!

Bye Pomme, bye Dapper

…

…

...

[Dappers POV]

There were a lot of people there, guess word really spread fast, people were crying in joy? Pride? I don’t really know, but still, a ton of people. It would probably make dad freak out a bit.

Dapper kinda was wondering who would walk Bad down the aisle, kind of having a sneaking suspicion of who would. Not wanting to assume anything though.

Dapper saw Etoiles walk out first

He looks… Fine… I guess… Nothing compared to my dad though.

Following he saw Sunny, Pomme, Empanada, Tallulah, and Leo. Pomme leading the group proudly, even though she had just figured out she was a flower girl. 

[End of POV]

Pomme, and all the other little huevitos in their little flower petered dresses, perfectly matching the color theme of the beautiful setting around them. Matching Almost all the things Ètoiles had told in secrecy to Bad, matching the things that he loves. All the colors, down to matching all the tones perfectly, the music, the setting, the time of night, all the stars visible through the glass roof. It was perfect.

Ètoiles saw Bad standing at the entrance, and my god did he look stunning. He felt his face get red, how could he not. He also saw Foolish? Walking him down the aisle, shocked that Foolish would agree. It also looked like he was crying? Again, shocking. But it was cute, they really do care about each other.

Once they had gotten all the way up to where Ètoiles was, Foolish went to stand to the side, behind Bad wiping the tears from his face. Ètoiles took in all the little details of the masterpiece that was in front of him, the luminous glow of Bad’s eyes to every little barely noticeable scar that covered his face, and even the barely visible freckles that were splattered perfectly on his face. He truly was just the definition of beautiful.

The outfit he had on just solidified it even more in Ètoiles’s mind, Bad was wearing a white suit, tailored to a perfect fit. He had on matching white shoes, guessing Pomme had helped him with the outfit, cute. But his suit, my god his suit. It was perfect, almost dress like, but not fully there. It was flowy and moved softly in the wind, like water. That’s what gave it away that Pomme and the other kids helped Bad with the outfit, always making Bad wear these kinds of things, Ètoiles wasn’t upset by it though, better for him. Bad can just find a way to make any outfit look good.

…

Bad inspected Etoiles just as closely, seeing the way his hair effortlessly falls perfectly on his face, despite the wind blowing it in  opposing directions, looking at his eyes, the light green blush spread across his face, the mask that usually hid the details of his face now gone. Etoiles was so handsome, unbelievably and upsettingly so, how can he just so effortlessly look this good. And the black suit he was wearing suite him perfectly.

Both thoughts were quickly stoped when Dapper and Pepito came with the rings, holding them carefully.

Bad picked it up and put in onto Etoiles’s finger, as Etoiles stared in awe, at the intricate work of the ring, ‘Etoiles’ inscribed into it, with a small red ruby on top, seeing how well put together this was, Etoiles was ashamed of how sloppy his would look compared to Bad’s.

Etoiles picked up the second ring and slipped it gently onto Bad’s finger, Bad was shocked that the islands greatest fighter was able to pull something so intricate off, the ring looked almost spiraled, The word ‘Halo’ inscribed on the inner walls of the ring, a small emerald embedded on the top.

…

…

…

Blah Blah Blah, after all the other boring wedding stuff

Vows

Recession

Procesional

Readings

The officiant

Etc

Let’s skip to the good part

[The Kiss]

Bad had gotten Max to officiate the wedding, seeing that he’s done it time and time again for the other islanders.

…

Do you, Etoiles, take BadBoyHalo, as your lawfully wedded husband

I do

Ètoiles stated, with no hesitation whatsoever

And do you, BadBoyHalo, take Etoiles, as your lawfully wedded husband

I do

Bad said, with somehow less hesitation than Etoiles

Then, by the power invested in me, I pronounce you husbands. You may kiss the Groom

Etoiles grabbed Bad by the waist and immediately kissed him, dipping him. 

Bad didn’t fight back, gladly accepting everything that Etoiles did. 

That was the first time they had kissed, and it probably went the best way possible. It went just the way both of them had imagined for so long

They stayed like that for a bit longer, before standing up straight again. Only looking at each other, only letting a quick glance out to the crowd. Seeing the Huevos still covering their eyes in disgust from the kiss made them laugh. They looked back to each other, love visible in their eyes. Etoiles took Bad’s hands in his, noticing that they were way smaller than he thought. How they fit perfectly into his, how soft they were.

Etoiles saw how happy Bad looked, he had never seen him so exited or happy before. It felt nice to see.

Bad looked lovingly into Ètoiles’s eyes, seeing him look back with just as much love. He had almost never felt so happy, first being when he got Dapper. Oh! Dapper! Where was Dapper? Bad looked around for him, quickly seeing him sitting with Richarlyson, Pomme, and Cheyanne by the kitchen. He smiled at Dapper, before looking back at Ètoiles

…

…

…

You did so good dad!

Dapper stated proudly

Y-Yeah

Pomme said, sobbing

Calm down Pomme

Bad said with a small chuckle

I-I-I Can’t! My- my dad-s j-ju-st got m-married!

Pomme said, still sobbing

Bad brought Pomme into a tight hug, gently patting her hair. Dapper squeezed his way into the hug, not wanting to be left out.

[Etoiles’s POV]

Etoiles was talking to Baghera, who was probably crying just as much as Pomme. But… Not out of happiness for him, more out of anger for not asking her for permission to marry her younger-brother-figure… Nice… But it’s not even like I knew, or even poped the question! I only figured out I was getting married like, 15 hours ago! It was sudden, but still the best “Long Term Alliance” proposal I could of asked for.

Look Baghera, how could I have asked for your permission when, first, I wasn’t the one who proposed. And two, I didn’t even know I was getting married until 15 hours ago… sooo, how could I have asked for your permission?

Wait… 15 HOURS?!

Yeah…?

HOW!?

Isn’t that how it’s done?

NO?!

Oh

“OH”?!

Well either way, shut up about me not asking for your permission, be mad at Bad for not asking. I’m going to talk with Bad now, bye!

[End of POV]

Etoiles walked over to Bad, hugging him from behind. Resting his head on Bad’s shoulder.

Oh, hi Etoiles

Hi…

Are you ok?

Yeah

You sure?

Mhm

Ok

Hi dad!

Pomme said, running up to Ètoiles, hugging his leg

Hi Pomme, hi Dapper

Hi Ètoiles

Are you feeling ok dad?

Yeah, why?

You just seem a bit sad is all -Pomme said, moving back to look Ètoiles in the eyes

I’m alright, just tired I guess

You can go chill somewhere quieter if you want, I can keep everyone else entertained -Bad said softly, turning his head to look towards Etoiles.

It’s ok

When you need to rest you need to rest, it’s nothing to be ashamed of love. It was a busy day

I know, I’m just waiting for you to be able to go with me -Etoiles whispered the last part, placing a gentle kiss on Bad’s cheek, making him blush.

Well, we can leave whenever your ready -Bad said, reaching down to hold Etoiles hand- You don’t need to feel bad about it

I know, but we should stay around longer -Etoiles stood up straighter, still holding onto Bad’s hand

your probably right love

Well, do you want to go socialize?

Mmmm… Sureee

That was the most unconvincing ’sure’ I’ve ever heard -Etoiles said with a small laugh

He has a very low social battery -Dapper reminded

True true, I can do the socializing then

Thank you

…

…

…

It had almost been a good hour, and it was almost morning. So Bad, not having slept for a good 30 hours, was extremely tired.

*Yawn* -Bad rubbed his eyes, blinking slowly.

Are you tired mon cheri, we can leave now if you want

Nooo, if *yawn* you can stay awake this long, then I can too

It’s ok Bad, people are leaving already too. It’s been almost an hour, and I’m sure Pomme, Dapper, and Richas are tired already. So we can excuse ourselves

Mmmm… Ok. I’ll go get the kids, then we can leave. My place right?

Yeah, I’ll go get Pomme and Dapper, you can just go get Richas.

Ok, see you in a bit love

…

Bad walked over, carrying a tired Richas. While seeing Etoiles carrying a sleeping Pomme in one hand, holding Dappers hand in the other.

Let’s go home -Bad said sleepily

Yup -Etoiles agreed

[Ch 2- Home Sweet Home]

~in next update~

[If you saw my spelling mistakes... no you didn't >:'D]