#eat food together and used to call ourselves forever

[gayweeddaddy69420]

A passage from Life of Pi, on the perception of the ethics of zoos:

Well-meaning but misinformed people think animals in the wild are “happy” because they are “free”. These people usually have a large, handsome predator in mind…The life of the wild animal is simple, noble and meaningful, they imagine. Then it is captured by wicked men and thrown into tiny jails. Its “happiness” is dashed. It yearns mightily for “freedom” and does all it can to escape. Being denied its “freedom” for too long, the animal becomes a shadow of itself, its spirit broken. So some people imagine.

This is not the way it is.

Animals in the wild lead lives of compulsion and necessity within an unforgiving social hierarchy in an environment where the supply of fear is high and the supply of food is low and where territory must constantly be defended and parasites forever endured…The smallest changes can upset them. They want things to be just so, day after day, month after month. Surprises are highly disagreeable to them…In the wild, animals stick to the same paths for the same pressing reasons, season after season. In a zoo, if an animal is not in its normal place in its regular posture at the usual hour, it means something…a reason to inspect the dung, to cross-examine the keeper, to summon the vet. All this because a stork is not standing where it usually stands!

But let me pursue for a moment only one aspect of the question.

If you went to a home, kicked down the front door, chased the people who lived there out into the street and said, “Go! You are free! Free as a bird! Go! Go!”-do you think they would shout and dance for joy? They wouldn’t. Birds are not free. The people you’ve just evicted would sputter, “With what right do you throw us out? This is our home. We own it. We have lived here for years. We’re calling the police, you scoundrel.”

…Animals are territorial. That is the key to their minds. Only a familiar territory will allow them to fulfill the two relentless imperatives of the wild: the avoidance of enemies and the getting of food and water. A biologically sound zoo enclosure-whether cage, pit, moated island, corral, terrarium, aviary or aquarium- is just another territory, peculiar only in its size and in its proximity to human territory…Territories in the wild are large not as a matter of taste but of necessity. In a zoo, we do for animals what we have done for ourselves with houses: we bring together in a small space what in the wild is spread out. Whereas before for us the cave was here, the river over there, the hunting grounds a mile that way, the lookout next to it, the berries somewhere else- all of them infested with lions, snakes, ants, leeches and poison ivy- now the river flows through taps at hand’s reach and we can wash next to where we sleep, we can eat where we have cooked, and we can surround the whole with a protective wall and keep it clean and warm. A house is a compressed territory where our basic needs can be fulfilled close by and safely. A sound zoo enclosure is the equivalent for an animal…Finding within it all places it needs- a lookout, a place for resting, for eating and drinking, for bathing, for grooming, etc.- and finding that there is no need to go hunting, food preparing six days a week…an animal will take possession of its zoo space in the same way it would lay claim to a new space in the wild, exploring it and marking it out in the normal ways of its species, with sprays of urine perhaps. Once this moving-in ritual is done and the animal has settled, it will not feel like a nervous tenant, and even less like a prisoner, but rather like a landholder…defending tooth and nail should it be invaded. Such an enclosure is subjectively neither better nor worse for an animal than its condition in the wild; so long as it fulfills the animals needs, a territory, natural or constructed…One might even argue that if an animal could choose with intelligence, it would opt for living in a zoo, since the major differences between a zoo and the wild is the absence of parasites and enemies and the abundance of food in the first, and their respective abundance and scarcity in the second. Think about it yourself. Would you rather be put up at the Ritz with free room service and unlimited access to a doctor or be homeless without a soul to care for you?...Within the limits of their nature, they [animals] make do with what they have.

But I don’t insist. I don’t mean to defend zoos. Close them all down if you want (and let us hope that what wildlife remains can survive in what is left of the natural world). I know zoos are no longer in people’s good graces. Religion faces the same problem. Certain illusions about freedom plague them both.”

I just think that 'animals are living intelligent creatures that have feelings and deserve to be respected' and 'when done properly farming is beneficial to both people and animals and there's nothing wrong with raising and killing animals for food, clothing, and other products' are concepts that very much can and should coexist

[lovemeanslife]

a very heartfelt playlist i made // losing friends and adulting

[wild-karrde]

Hi Karrde! Might be a little late but congratulations on the 400, that's an awesome thing to celebrate over!

If there's still time and you're willing: can I have a "I'll stay for as long as you let me" and "Stay forever then." with Tech?

HELLO ANON! Thank you for the kind words! And you were not late at all. If anything, I am late as I'm slowly poking away at these (but it's the holidays, we're NOT putting pressure on ourselves. IT'S ALL GOOD). This one got super soft on me, and I see an emerging theme between the last two ficlets I've written: I just want our boys to rest. I HOPE YOU LIKE THIS ONE AND THANK YOU AGAIN!

Pairings: Tech x GN!Reader

Rating: M (implied sexual content, nudity, showering together)

“Hello, darling.”

Your heart flutters as his tall, thin silhouette materializes in the doorway of your apartment, helmet in hand. You put down your datapad, sweeping him into an embrace. His arms wrap around you, and you bury your nose in his chest, inhaling deeply. He smells like blaster smoke, sweat, and the soap you bought him last time he was on Coruscant. Tech was never one to allow himself even small indulgences, not seeing the practicality in it, so you’d made a habit of gifting him small luxuries here and there. 

“Missed you,” you whisper. 

“And I you.” 

You take his helmet from him, setting it on the table to be cleaned eventually. There are a few more scuffs and dirt streaks than normal. Tech carefully steps out of his boots, leaving them by the door so as not to dirty your floor. You help him remove the rest of his armor, which you’ll meticulously clean in the way he showed you later. 

“Are you hungry?”

“Starving,” he replies, giving you a small smile. 

You note he’s carefully stripping out of the top of his undersuit, wincing slightly. 

“Are you hurt?” 

“Just a few abrasions.” 

You nod, knowing he’s downplaying it but not arguing with him. You know making a fuss won’t change the number of injuries he has, nor the likelihood that he’ll sustain more like them. “Sit down, I’ll bring you some food and get the medkit.” 

He’d only given you a few hours notice, so the best you could scrounge up was leftover stir-fry from the night before and some cookies, but Tech devours it as though it were a gourmet meal. While he eats, you carefully clean and bandage his wounds. You know he could do this himself, but he’s always told you that you do a better job. You’re not certain that’s true, but you never have called him out on it. It’s nice to have him appreciate your medical skill, and you’re more than glad to put it to use on him. 

You’d met in the med ward here on Coruscant. He was escorting his much larger brother in after a mishap with a faulty explosive. Wrecker had been lucky, only burning his palms and breaking a finger. Tech had stated he’d normally have dealt with it himself, but they hadn’t restocked their medical supplies yet, and most of the other clone medical centers were full of more serious injuries at the moment. You’d assured him it wasn’t a problem. 

At first, you’d been annoyed at how he’d hovered over your shoulder, watching you carefully as you cleaned and bandaged Wrecker’s hands. When you’d gone to grab another roll of gauze, he’d followed you, and you’d finally whirled on him, allowing your annoyance to get the best of you. 

“Do you think I can’t do my job without your supervision?” you’d snapped. 

“I apologize if I gave you that impression. My presence was more intended to calm Wrecker. He often looks to me to determine if an injury is worse than it looks. I was hoping that by watching you closely and showing no alarm, it would calm him down.” He picked at his glove a little sheepishly, and you’d ducked your head in embarrassment. 

“I… I’m sorry. I thought-”

“I understand how you could come to that conclusion,” he assured you. “I’m sure you noted the injury on the side of his head. When he sustained that, it was severely downplayed by the civilian medic that treated him. The medic then made him feel as though he were overreacting and exaggerating his pain levels, but the damage was quite severe, and that instance bred a sort of mistrust for medical professionals that aren’t me.” 

You nodded, reaching for the gauze. “I’m sorry he went through that. No one deserves to have their pain downplayed like that.”

He smiled at you. “I agree.”

You moved to step past him, but he hesitantly laid a hand on your arm. “For what it’s worth, I think it’s admirable how you care for him. Many consider us to be expendable, but it’s apparent how attentive you are and how you’re paying careful attention to his reactions and pain. I know he appreciates it. As do I.” 

Your face flushed with heat, and you returned his smile. “Of course.” 

You’d completed your work on Wrecker, suddenly noting that the large clone occasionally shot his brother a nervous look as he watched over your shoulder, and Tech would give him a reassuring nod when he caught his eye. It was so subtle you’d have never noticed it without Tech telling you, but now that you knew, all you wanted to do was wrap them both in a hug. After you’d completed bandaging Wrecker and he’d mumbled his thanks, Tech had asked you to dinner under the pretense of learning about the technique you’d used when splinting the broken finger, but you both knew that was a bold-faced lie. 

You’d never minded. 

Now, you gently applied bacta to a blaster burn on his shoulder, smoothing the gel over the damaged skin there. Tech hissed slightly between clenched teeth. You pause, whipping out your penlight to look more closely at the wound, worried you’ve missed something. Tech chuckles quietly as he watches you over his shoulder, immediately knowing what you’re thinking. “The bacta was just colder than I expected. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Better to be certain.” 

“One of the things I love about you.” 

You smile, giving the burn one last cursory look before carefully bandaging it, placing a light kiss next to it when you are done. He catches your hand in his as you stride past him to replace your supplies, kissing the back of your knuckles. 

“Thank you, darling.”

“Of course, my love,” you reply, leaning down to press your lips against his forehead. He leans against you, and you can feel the exhaustion in his muscles. Quickly, you clear his dishes from the table before leading him down the hall to your bedroom. 

You help him shower, gently washing the dirt from his skin and ensuring not to scrub too hard at the fresh bandages peppering his chest, arms, and back. He allows it, watching you without protest as you lather his skin carefully and massage his scalp with shampoo. You know letting someone else take control is a struggle for him, and you appreciate that he’s finally comfortable enough to let his guard down around you, to allow you to take care of him in the way he deserves but will never ask for. 

When you’re both rinsed clean, you stand for a while, your bodies pressed together as the water trickles down your skin. You hope the constant patter of the water on his shoulders is working some of the tension from his muscles and spine as he presses chaste kisses along your neck and shoulders, finally allowing his chin to rest there, his arms wrapped around your torso. 

“I love you very much,” he whispers. 

“And I love you,” you reply. Those three words had always come easy to the two of you, neither of you feeling the need to choose a “right” time to express your affections. It had just come out of him one night as you sat next to each other on your couch, and you’d never hesitated in saying it back. You and Tech both had discussed early on that you were fine with being upfront about your emotions and feelings. War didn’t allow for the luxury of beating around the bush when it came to important things being said. 

You feel him sag against you slightly, and you take that as your cue to retrieve the fluffiest towel you own, helping him dry off before leading him to bed. 

The two of you slip under the sheets together, him pulling you close so that your back is pressed against his chest. One arm slips under your neck, the other wrapping around your waist. You resist the heat swirling in your belly, knowing he needs rest right now and to heal. If he’s still here in the morning, you know there’ll be time for other activities, but for right now, you just want him to sleep peacefully next to you without any expectations beyond that. 

“Do you know how long you can stay?” you ask, knowing he probably doesn’t have a definitive answer. 

“I’ll stay for as long as you let me.”

You reach down, interlacing your fingers with his and pulling his hand up to your lips, brushing his knuckles with a kiss. “Stay forever then,” you whisper.

You both know it’s impossible, that eventually his comm will go off and he’ll be whisked away once more on some mission he can’t tell you about on some world you’ll likely never visit. But it’s nice to pretend, if only for a few moments. As pragmatic as Tech is, he allows himself the indulgence this once, nuzzling against the back of your neck as he breathes you in. 

“I just may.”

Thanks for participating in my 400 Follower Celebration!

Tag List: @seriowan @partoftheeternalsoul @rosmariner @misogirl828 @ellichonkasaurusrex @the-sith-in-the-sky-with-diamond @gjrain20-starwars @staycalmandhugaclone @redheadgirl @fordo-kixed-rex @wizardofrozz @ariadnes-red-thread @extrahotpixels @justanothersadperson93 @leftealeaf @dnxgma @meekaielmyerhs99 @kaminocasey @moonstrider9904 @teletraan-meets-jarvis @rain-on-kamino @ladykatakuri @sleepingsun501 @arctrooper69

[fumikomiyasaki]

i can’t just be your friend ( Celestine and Yuzuha )

my lips were made to meet yours ( Alioth and Achlys )

of course i was jealous ( Ame and Yuuichi )

in that dress you could have anyone you want ( Sayoko and Sylva )

Subtle Romance starter I only did three.

As part of the Harvest Festival approaching Yuzuha was glad about at least one thing, it was a day where he didn't have to put up his perfect facade and do things, he just could walk along and not be in the center of attention. Not that he didn't know how to use it... but that Facade he build up was an annoyance at times. He enjoyed teasing some people but... it grew tiring to always play the perfect host... and there was one he wanted to finally see show a reaction... he looked over Asunas shoulder who was enjoying some pie to look at Celestine... they kept quite the casual bond, especially cause he was interested in her but more.... how to get through to her. But over time this interest turned more into a deeper interest.

Eventually as Asuna didn't look the host stood up from his table grabbing his portion of food and sad next to Celestine...

"Its you again... did you come here to ask about the project we talk about last time."

He shook his head and leaned to look into her eyes.

"No matter how much I try you really don't see it huh?"

"What do you mean, Yuzu?"

"The small lines, the times I helped you out, the help outs. What do you think we are?"

She slurped her tea and looked back at him.

"I have accepted you as a friend for a while if that is what you mean."

He had a chuckle on his lips before looking closer to her.

"I can’t just be your friend really...for that my interest has grown too deep."

He did lean his hand on the table. "Aren't we both people who have to represent something... play our role... but when we are together... we can let loose of our image... just be ourselves... and its a thing why I less grew tired of how life has been so far. You understand me right?"

She gave a calm nod and put her hand on his.

"If you are fine with someone like me... I can't deny I enjoy the time with you... even if my face doesn't seem like it."

"I know... even if I would love to see it break one day for me. Kidding~"

"Then I will accept being more than just friends with you. But know to not overdo it, Yuzu."

"Of course Celly. I am at your back and call."

The two looked around, nobody was looking as Celestine pressed a small kiss on his lips.... it was quick but enough for the host to shut up making more remarks and teasing... he was fine to just eat and look forward to this.

Being done with his activities Alioth jumped with excitement... finally he saw the sunset outside and looked forward to his trip to RSA... he planned to visit his beloved Soul mate in his eyes... Achlys... and he just had the right place to bring him too. Eventually he reached his destination and held his hand as they strutted along a wide reaching Garden... following along a path of tons of blue and purple flowers.

"Your sigh seems heavy, whats the matter my precious?"

"Its fine, the place is calming I guess... was just a lot to do today... plus I am unsure about your words from before."

"You mean about us being soul mates? True its something I believe in... something I am passionate about but I see how mortals grab this concept less."

"Isn't it kinda blind to think you stay with one person your whole life."

"Well I have a long life... and know it will be hard to say the word forever but... I am certain my heart brought me here to meet you."

The Dragon leaned down to Achlys and grabbed his chin... sitting down with a smile.

"And I feel... my lips were made to meet yours today." As he said that he placed a small kiss on his lips to see his boyfriend puff his cheeks.

"H-hey you moron. Stop saying such things."

"But I do truely believe it."

"Fine... if it makes you happy."

With a soft smile... Alioth looked at him... Sure its not easy being in his shoes even if he is lucky to have a boyfriend who will live long with him... forever is not forever... and even he knows that many seek after his happiness... wanting to interfere. So he wanted to enjoy each moment he could... being the most honest he is.

As usual Ame was up to shenanigans. Floating through walls, jumpscaring some students, she had her laughs and fun just messing with people again... however eventually she dropped by one hallway seeing something that upset her... as Cielo chatted with Yuuichi and they both had a laugh.

"Urgh its that himbo again... why do they have to be so close?"

She bit her thumb untill he left as she tried to fade into the ground... slowly appearing before Yuuichi to leave a small fright on his face as she smiled.

"Come on master, can't you take a little surprise... its me you cutie."

"Ame, what did we say about suddenly appearing?"

"Boohoo, can't I have a little fun. You look precious like this. Fine I am sorry."

She turned back to normal and settled her feet on the ground just to click her heal and put her hands on his shoulder.

"Its like you always appear after Cielo talks to me... could it be-"

She pouted and looked at him. "Of course i was jealous. Master only belongs to me alone... and I can't stand the way you smile and get red around him."

He sighed and put his arms around her. "I am sorry but its just a reaction...you don't have to worry about it, I said before I am with you, right."

"I know just... it irritates me at times... I feel given he is a himbo he doesn't think on how close he can get before it ticks me off."

"Then how about next time you join us talking."

"I... am not fond of it either... I know master has important things to discuss and I would only want attention."

"Ame...."

She gave him a wink and leaned down to place a kiss on his forehead.

"But you have to make sure to give me lots of attention after, okay?"

A chuckled left Yuuichis lips. "Of course I will."

[imaginecolby]

roomies || c.b

summary: you and colby finally decide to start living together.

“why don’t we spend the weekend at your place? so we can have a place to ourselves.” colby suggested. you were on the phone with him, planning your weekend. you agreed to this, and set your plans in place.

friday night rolled around, and you had just finished sprucing up the living room before colby got there. you'd placed your food in enough time for it to arrive around the same time colby said he would get to you.

as it got later and later, you were wondering how much longer it would be until he showed. you picked up your phone, noting the time, and just was you were about to call him, you heard his key fit into the front door lock.

“oh my god, i’m so sorry im late. traffic was the worst getting here.” he said as you walked over to him. he dropped his bags by the door and pulled you into a tight hug.

“it’s friday evening, so that’s to be expected,” you said, pressing a kiss to his lips. “but im glad you’re here now. i’ve been waiting for you to get here so we could eat together.” you said, taking him over to the table.

you sat down and ate dinner, talking about your days and making additional plans for the weekend. after dinner, you and colby sat in the living room, turning on a movie. before it even got too into the story, you both started to fall asleep. you were woken up by a loud noise from the movie, and heard faint snores coming from colby, who was leaning on your shoulder.

“babe, c’mon. let’s go to bed.” you yawned, pulling him up from the couch. you both stumbled into your room and clumsily changed into sleep clothes before flopping into the bed. you made yourself comfortable and colby slid in next to you. he wrapped his arm tight around your waist and nuzzled into the crook of your neck.

“i could stay like this forever.” he whispered. you smiled and gently squeezed his hands.

the weekend you spent together ended up being pretty boring, but you enjoyed nonetheless. you loved getting to spend time with colby. you spent all weekend inside, watching movies and catching up on the shows you watched together, going out only to get food. 

once sunday night came around, colby knew he should probably get going, so you could get ready for your work week. he groaned as it got later, knowing that he was going to have to sit in traffic during his drive. he looked up from his phone at you as you loaded your laundry into the washing machine. suddenly, it dawned on him.

he stood from the sofa, and walked over to you, wrapping you in his arms and flushing his chest to your back.

“move in with me.” he said softly. you dropped your laundry basket and turned around to face him.

“what did you just say?” 

“lets live together.” he said, placing his hands on your hip.

“my love, you already have two roommates. i don’t think you need a third.” 

“why not? you and i both know its absolute hell driving back and forth from our places to see each other. we live too far from each other and i need you closer to me.”

“i mean, i guess thats not a terrible idea. your house is closer to my job. the lease is almost up on this place and i was undecided if i wanted to renew.” you sighed. “you think we’re ready for this?” you asked.

“we’ve been together for almost four years. i think we’re more than ready.” he said with a small smile.

“how come you immediately suggested i move into your house? why cant we get a place of our own?” you asked. realistically, you knew him and sam living together was the best for them in regards to their channel. you loved their home, you just wanted to give him a hard time.

“oh, well, -” he stammered.

“i’m just teasing.” you laughed.

a few months passed, your lease was coming up on it’s end, and you were almost entirely moved into their home. sam and colby were still in the process of furnishing their home, so a lot of your furniture went to use in some of the other rooms. you may have just lived in a one bedroom apartment, but it was still helpful. 

the moving process was a little stressful, as you and colby were starting to butt heads about decor. you had a lot of stuff out in your room in your apartment, but he had a certain dark aesthetic to his room. making things match and deciding on what you were going to leave out or put away was already starting to make you think this may not have been a good idea.

on your last day in your apartment, you did a final walkthrough, making sure you had all your things. you took a deep breath, truly mulling over if moving out was truly the best decision.

“well, it’s too late to go back now.” you said aloud. you left, and returned your keys to the office. once you arrived to colby’s house, he met you out in the driveway with a wide smile on his face.

“welcome home!” he said, taking your keys from you.

“what are you doing?” you asked.

“well, you already have a key. i wanted to present it to you as if it were new.” he laughed. he found the key on amongst the others and placed it gently in your hand.

“you’re so weird.” you laughed, kissing him softly. you went inside and up to his room so you could finish unpacking. you were in the closet, putting your clothes up in the space that colby made for you. 

once you finished, you walked out into the room and you felt your heart swell at the sight. colby was standing at his shelves, putting up some of the trinkets and other things you had out in your room at home.

“what do you think?” he asked.

“i think it looks perfect.” you smiled.

“me too.” he said, wrapping his arm around your shoulders. “i told you we were ready for this.” he said, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. 

later that night, while you were getting to bed, you set your phone down on the nightstand and started taking your jewelry off. you were caught off guard by a new addition to the area on the top of the nightstand.

“did you put this here?” you asked, pointing to it. it was a framed picture of you and colby from a little photoshoot you did on your first anniversary, which you had sitting on your nightstand back home. 

“yeah. i found it in your stuff, and i know you had it out in your room. i figured you’d like to have it out here too. its a cute picture of us.” he explained. 

you climbed into the bed and leaned over, pressing a deep kiss to his lips.

“i love you. so much.” you said, kissing him again.

“i love you too.” he said with a smile, the two of you sharing another kiss.

[mydarlingdahlia]

“Anthropophagist.” Pt.1 | Pt.

(This is the second chapter/part of this series. Read part one if you haven’t already.)

Warnings: see pt. 1.

Dead Dove Do Not Eat: I know, I killed it myself and now it haunts me in my sleep.

Reblogs and feedback are welcome!

You have been warned.

All of them just stood around in the living room, just in utter shock and horror. No one spoke, no one could speak.

Charlotte’s phone screen read: “Tanjiro-disconnected.”

She tried to call him back, but each time she did, the phone buzzed and said, “This user could not be found.” The slight sliver of hope that she had, the hope that Tanjiro had possibly escaped with his life, had vanished from her as quickly as it came.

Now Zenitsu was on the loose. What if he somehow found a way to her family? What if he came for all of them next? There was no way of predicting what his next move would be.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, Tengen spoke up.

“Alright, everyone. It seems we have gotten ourselves into a…dangerous situation. We need to take course of action as soon as possible! It would be best for our own safety.” he said.

“But what should we do, Lord Tengen?” Suma asked nervously. Tengen thought about her question for a short moment.

“I know! Everyone, go to every room in the house and lock all of the windows, then find any doors that may lead outside, and lock those up as well. Make sure to double check all of the locks on the windows and doors.

Then I reckon we should close all of the curtains and board everything up. We should make the place look abandoned as possible, as to not attract attention.” Tengen said, crossing his arms.

“But what if we run out of food? We can’t just all sit in here and starve!” Mitsuri replied.

“Good point, Kanroji! Hmm…how about this? If we happen to run low on food, Gyomei and someone else will go to the store and buy all of the food we need. But stick to the back streets, as to be better hidden.” Tengen said.

“That makes sense…” Charlotte thought to herself. “Since Gyomei is the strongest, and being in pairs is probably safer than going alone…”

Everyone either nodded or murmured in agreement, and then they all got to work.

Mitsuri and Shinobu were sitting on the couch with Kanao, consoling her over Tanjiro’s death. The butterfly triplets made sure to bring all of their toys in from outside and anything else that was necessary. Aoi and Muichiro were on kitchen duty; making sure there was enough food to go around for a good while, and things like that.

Gyomei, Giyuu, Rengoku, and Sanemi ran around the house, closing and locking the doors and windows, shutting the curtains, boarding them shut. Suma, Makio, and Hinatsuru put everyone into designated pairs, so that no one should ever have to end up alone in a situation.

And Charlotte and Tengen double checked everything. Made sure all of the doors and windows were secure, made sure food was stocked, everything was brought inside, basic inspection, really.

Tengen checked all of the upstairs and the attic, while Charlotte had downstairs and the basement. Tengen decided it was best to leave the back door unblocked, since going out of the front would be blatantly obvious.

The back door would be guarded and securely locked when not being used, but it would remain functional. Tengen and Charlotte checked the kitchen together, and secured everything around the house before locking up.

Charlotte was in the living room, about to close the curtains to a window, when she saw something flash out of the corner of her eye to the right. She slowly opened a bit of the curtain, and her heart almost stopped.

She could’ve sworn, on the Bible and her grave, that she saw a flash of orange and yellow near the house. She quickly closed the curtains out of fear of being seen before she could get a better look, though.

“Hello there, Charlotte! Are you alright? You look like you’ve seen a ghost!” Rengoku exclaimed, coming up from behind her.

“O-Oh! Hey, Rengoku! Sorry, I uh…thought I saw something outside.” she said, her eyes glancing over at the closed window again. It couldn’t have been him…could it?

No, that’s impossible…just a trick of the light…

Right?

Right.

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

It’s been weeks now, and Charlotte still couldn’t stop thinking about what she saw in the window that first day. It shook her to her core, like nothing had ever before. It gave her goosebumps every time she thought about it.

Gyomei and Giyuu headed out about thirty minutes ago, and it was growing dark. Everyone hoped they’d be back soon. Charlotte did too, but she felt that something was wrong. Off, so to say. She had a bad feeling about tonight.

Was something going to happen? She sure as hell hoped not… But she just had this gut feeling that would not go away. It made her more on edge, and everyone noticed. And by everyone, Tengen did.

“Hey. What’s going on with you? You seem a little…down.” Tengen said, sitting next to where Charlotte was on the sofa.

“I…I honestly don’t know, Ten. I-It’s just I feel like something’s not right…it’s this gut feeling I have…” she replied softly, hugging her knees to her chest. She looked up at him, and was met with a totally different person.

It wasn’t the usually boisterous, playful, with-a-slightly-annoying-ego Uzui Tengen she was used to.

His face had changed. Normally, whenever he asked her when something was wrong, he always had a comforting grin on his face. Now, there was no smile of any kind detected. His face had softened, his eyes had deepened a little bit. Eyebrows slightly curved, and, even if they were faintly there…barely noticeable dark circles under his eyes.

His voice had changed, too. Not loud and obnoxious like compared to Rengoku, but quieter. Gentler. Like a weary traveler after a long journey. He seemed…tired.

“Well…do you wanna tell me about this supposed ‘gut feeli—’” his sentence was interrupted by Charlotte suddenly embracing him in a tight hug. Tengen froze. This wasn’t normal behavior for Charlotte. Most times when they touched it was either a friendly punch on the arm or something of that nature.

This…was unexpected, to say the least.

“Uhhhh…what’s all this about..?” Tengen asked suspiciously, hugging her back after a few moments.

“I’m sorry, I just…I don’t wanna lose you, Uzui.” she said softly. Tengen froze again. He hadn’t heard her call him that name in years. She never called him that… That only meant she was really serious about this.

“Lose me? Whaddya mean by that? I ain’t going nowhere!” Tengen said, pulling back from the hug with a slight chuckle.

“I…I don’t know…I think I’m just a little stressed with this situation and all…” she said, fidgeting with the hem of her sweatshirt. Tengen nodded and patted her shoulder.

“Hey, it’s alright. I’m your best friend, and can trust me, okay?” he said, a small smile on his face.

Charlotte nodded.

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

About fifteen minutes later, Gyomei and Giyuu came back. Food was made, and everyone went to bed shortly afterwards. Charlotte couldn’t sleep, though. She tossed and turned most of the night.

She would’ve gone downstairs to get water or something, but she was too afraid to. She kept hearing noises that she swore were footsteps. She kept telling herself that it was just her imagination, but she couldn’t shake the feeling the something was in the house. Something that was definitely unwelcome.

After an hour, she finally decided to get up and go downstairs. She went to grab her phone to use her flashlight, but it wasn’t on her nightstand. She must’ve left it downstairs.

Charlotte slowly made her way through the darkness and down the steps, and into the living room. There it is!

She grabbed her phone and was about to head back upstairs, but she felt the hairs on her neck stand up. She quickly turned on her flashlight and turned around, but thankfully, nothing was there. She sighed out of relief.

But then her eye caught something.

A board on a window looked out of place. Had it always been at that angle?

“Probably just imagining it…” she mumbled to herself before heading back upstairs. As she headed back upstairs, she noticed a strange smell, although she couldn’t tell where it was coming from.

She merely shrugged it off and went back to her room.

When she woke up, it was already morning. She put on her slippers and slowly made her way downstairs. She yawned as she reached the bottom step.

“Morning, Ten.” she said as she made her way over to the kitchen. No response.

“Ten?” she said, looking around the room. Weird…he was always the first one awake…

“I’ll go check his room..” Charlotte said as she went back upstairs again. When she reached Tengen’s room that he shared with his wives, she had the intention of knocking, but she noticed the door was left slightly ajar.

She slowly pushed open the door, and that smell hit her again, but it was much more potent and stronger than when she had smelled it the night before. The room was dark, too. She couldn’t see anything.

“Ten…?” she said softly, before flipping on the light switch. What she saw almost made her sick to her stomach. There was blood. So, so much blood. The room was a mess, furniture and belongings thrown ajar all over the place…

Tengen and his wives were nowhere to be seen.

“Tengen?!” Charlotte said frantically, now beginning to search the room. The closet, the entrance to the attic, under the bed, nothing. Suma, Makio, and Hinatsuru had vanished. But, she still hadn’t checked the bathroom…maybe they were alright! God, please let them be alright.

She tried the door handle, but it wouldn’t budge. She pulled harder, still nothing.

“Oh, fuck this.” she grumbled, grabbing a chair and smashing off the door handle herself. She immediately kicked open the door, and she fell to her knees.

She saw a golden bicep ring, without its owner. The curtain to the shower had been pulled shut. She slowly crawled over to it, and pulled the curtain back slowly.

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

The others awoke with a start, hearing a bloodcurdling scream from Uzui’s room.

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

Thank you for reading part two of my series! Feel free to put/tell me your guesses as to who you think will become victim next~

[ongolecharles]

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS (DSR) 📚 Group, Sun Aug 18th, 2024 ... The Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Reading 1

---------

Prv 9:1-6

Wisdom has built her house,

she has set up her seven columns;

she has dressed her meat, mixed her wine,

yes, she has spread her table.

She has sent out her maidens; she calls

from the heights out over the city:

"Let whoever is simple turn in here;

To the one who lacks understanding, she says,

Come, eat of my food,

and drink of the wine I have mixed!

Forsake foolishness that you may live;

advance in the way of understanding."

Responsorial Psalm

----------------

Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

R. (9a) Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

I will bless the LORD at all times;

his praise shall be ever in my mouth.

Let my soul glory in the LORD;

the lowly will hear me and be glad.

R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Glorify the LORD with me,

let us together extol his name.

I sought the LORD, and he answered me

and delivered me from all my fears.

R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,

and your faces may not blush with shame.

When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,

and from all his distress he saved him.

R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Reading 2

---------

Eph 5:15-20

Brothers and sisters:

Watch carefully how you live,

not as foolish persons but as wise,

making the most of the opportunity,

because the days are evil.

Therefore, do not continue in ignorance,

but try to understand what is the will of the Lord.

And do not get drunk on wine, in which lies debauchery,

but be filled with the Spirit,

addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,

singing and playing to the Lord in your hearts,

giving thanks always and for everything

in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.

Alleluia

--------

Jn 6:56

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood

remains in me and I in him, says the Lord.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

--------

Jn 6:51-58

Jesus said to the crowds:

"I am the living bread that came down from heaven;

whoever eats this bread will live forever;

and the bread that I will give

is my flesh for the life of the world."

The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying,

"How can this man give us his flesh to eat?"

Jesus said to them,

"Amen, amen, I say to you,

unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood,

you do not have life within you.

Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood

has eternal life,

and I will raise him on the last day.

For my flesh is true food,

and my blood is true drink.

Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood

remains in me and I in him.

Just as the living Father sent me

and I have life because of the Father,

so also the one who feeds on me

will have life because of me.

This is the bread that came down from heaven.

Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died,

whoever eats this bread will live forever."

***

FOCUS AND LITURGY OF THE WORD

“For my Flesh is true food, and my Blood is true drink.”

This Sunday is the fourth of five Sundays this summer when our Gospel Reading comes from John chapter 6.  This entire chapter is one long series of narratives in which St. John the Evangelist shows Jesus leading others deeper and deeper into the mystery of the Eucharist:  the mystery of His Real Presence as the “Bread of Life”.

Jesus has told the Jewish crowd, “I am the bread of life.”  But they ignore his words.  For our own part, we need to ask ourselves what we are ignorant of.  If we’re willing to ask that question, and listen to the answer, we may grow in wisdom.  Here’s one of the differences between a computer and a human person created in the Image of God:  a computer doesn’t know what it doesn’t know.  A computer only knows what it’s programmed to know, and no more.  But a human person can desire to know more, and can search outside himself for the answers, or at least for someone to help him find the answers.

It’s a fairly common experience for us to be frustrated by a situation, and to have no idea what to do next.  For example, we may feel ignorant before a jigsaw puzzle, or before a report that’s due next week, or even before a person whom we do not understand.  So we ask ourselves, “what am I to do next?”  The missing piece to the puzzle is often right in front of our eyes, and we cannot see it.  We need someone else to stand before us and point out the missing piece to us with His finger.  We need a teacher.

Jesus, like any good teacher, responds to their ignorance with compassion.  He takes the initiative, because they don’t even know what they’re ignorant of.  “The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, ‘How can he give us his flesh to eat?’”  Jesus replies, not by saying that “eating his flesh” is just a figure of speech.  Instead, Jesus replies by saying, “if you do not eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink His Blood, you have no life in you. … For my Flesh is Real Food and my Blood is Real Drink.”

Jesus is speaking about the flesh and blood that he is going to offer on the Cross on Good Friday.  Jesus, at this point in the gospel, cannot offer this real bread and drink just yet.  It’s not yet His Hour.  He’s trying to prepare them.  He does not say, “The bread I am giving you is my flesh.”  Instead, He says, “The bread I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world.”

Jesus gave His Flesh and Blood for us when He died on the Cross on Good Friday.  But He established the Sacrifice of the Mass on the night before He died, on Holy Thursday evening.  In that Upper Room, with His apostles, He prepared a banquet for those in the future who would be willing to admit that they are nothing without Him.  This banquet is for those of us who are without understanding, but who at least know what we don’t know.  We know we must be like Christ to truly live.  But we cannot imitate Christ through sheer will-power.  We must be nourished by God Himself.  Only when He dwells within you can you live your life as He led His.

This is why we need to prepare ourselves to receive the Holy Eucharist worthily.  This is why we need to be generous in spending time with Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration.  This is why we need to turn to Jesus for the answer to life’s most important question, and not to technology, or politics, or the entertainment industry.

In that Upper Room at His Last Supper, “on the night He was betrayed, he took bread and gave”[God the Father] thanks and praise.  Jesus broke the bread,” and offered it to His disciples just as He offers it to you and me every day in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.  Every day, He says standing plainly before us:  “Take this, all of you, and eat it.  This is my Body which will be given up for you.”  The question before us when we come to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist is, “do we know enough to know how hungry we are?”  Or do we think that we are in control of our lives?

***

【Build your Faith in Christ Jesus on #dailyscripturereadingsgroup 📚: +256 751 540 524 .. Whatsapp】

[clanaspenheart]

She likes helping. Well, she mostly likes knowing, but she's found the easiest way to know things is to get involved. And she enjoys writing--the little scritch of a quill on parchment is pleasing--so she is a natural choice for someone to take notes. Eventually, she graduates from note-taker to coordinator, then organizer, then manager. She doesn't have any political clout--which is good, she doesn't want that--but she gets to have an ear to the ground on nearly every topic. Which dragons are part of which group, who needs which resources, who has which valuable skills, which specialties are whose... In time, she has to point out the obvious. The dragons gathered around the Wild Sanctum, working together to study and measure and map the flow of magic, have formed a nascent clan. The announcement is greeted with blank looks and sputtered protests. She waves off the 'but we're just research groups' and 'none of us will be here forever' and sets to work organizing the infrastructure that a clan needs: comfortable lair space for all different species, a deep store of food of every type, a secure place to hoard the items that make life a little easier. And she sorts the less-physical necessities, like who prepares food for scholars who forget to eat, who repairs clothing and tools, who takes care of the books and scrolls in a naturally-wet area prone to mold and insects. A few dragons help her without protest, without obligation, without expectation. Her favorite is Xerxes, the sweetest dragon she's ever met, who has a near-eerie ability to assess a dragon's emotional and physical well-being. She relies on him to tell her if someone has an unmet need that they haven't mentioned yet (or, perhaps, haven't noticed yet themselves). She deftly sidesteps continued protests of clanhood by calling it a council, a club, a coalition. 'We need a name,' she repeats, and no one volunteers an idea until she visits Xerxes with his flowers. 'These are pretty,' she observes. 'What are they?' Xerxes smiles with eyes alone at her, full of gentle warmth. 'Aspen flowers,' he replies. 'The heart of the trees, no matter how brief they bloom.' She stares at him for a moment, frills slowly fanning out in slow-motion delight. 'Aspenheart!' she chirps, and he blinks at her. 'That's the name! That's what we can call ourselves! Aspenheart!' 'Oh,' Xerxes murmurs, eyes crinkling in another smile. 'I like that very much.'

[at-the-end-of-days]

To the next verse of Joel 2, the new international version

Rend Your Heart

12 “Even now,” declares the Lord,

“return to me with all your heart,

with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

13 Rend your heart

and not your garments.

Return to the Lord your God,

for he is gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and abounding in love,

and he relents from sending calamity.

14 Who knows? He may turn and relent

and leave behind a blessing—

grain offerings and drink offerings

for the Lord your God.

15 Blow the trumpet in Zion,

declare a holy fast,

call a sacred assembly.

16 Gather the people,

consecrate the assembly;

bring together the elders,

gather the children,

those nursing at the breast.

Let the bridegroom leave his room

and the bride her chamber.

17 Let the priests, who minister before the Lord,

weep between the portico and the altar.

Let them say, “Spare your people, Lord.

Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn,

a byword among the nations.

Why should they say among the peoples,

‘Where is their God?’”

So we’re facing a HORDE of grasshoppers. Locusts. They’re eating everything, we’re hungry, we’re waking up to bugs in our rooms, we’re NOT having a good time.

But Gd still has hope for us.

We should think on our sins and repent of them, and realize that Gd is necessary in our lives. Who is Gd? What is Gd? Our love for our fellow man? Respect for creation? Trusting in some higher power? I cannot define who Gd is for you, or who Gd is for me in my heart of hearts.

How do you find Gd? By denying yourself? Ramadan just ended. And while I know that practicing other religions is… well, it brings to mind a lot of issues, certainly, it isn’t a bad idea to try and deny ourselves to focus on what matters. Christians have Lent after all, even if that’s practiced more by Catholics than Protestants.

Now, rend is to tear. Tear your heart, not your clothes. People used to do that, rip their clothes, stomp their feet, tear their hair- but we need to do a deep reflection. Who are we? What do we value?

Now, we don’t give offerings anymore to Gd. Not since the son of Gd died. But one interpretation that we could have here is that if one is steadfast and true.. perhaps the locusts will not destroy all of your crops. But we should give of what we have regardless. Can we afford a donation to charity? Some canned goods, if nothing else?

And the rest of the verse.. is there anything so important in our lives that we can’t stop, and take a minute, and pray?

I would say this: if the locusts come this year.. what if we did fast? Not forever.. but a week? Would that be so bad? To remind ourselves of the punishment being held by the others around us? To make us think about what is being paid by so many? And how would we do it?

“But biblical fasting didn't usually mean going without food or drink 24/7. The Jewish custom was to fast during the day but eat and drink as soon as it was dark. Jesus encouraged in his followers an intentional approach to fasting as a spiritual tool, not a biblical law.”

And so, Islam and Christianity and Judaism aren’t all that different. If we can, save for disabilities, and other physical needs, and age- perhaps it is something we should consider doing.

But who knows when the locust plague will begin?

But is it ever too soon to open our hearts?

[sophsdigitaldiary]

just came across this and i’m 🥺 this was a long long time ago now so here’s the final answers to these questions.

who said i love you first?

definitely 100% you, you’re the type of person that as soon as they get along with someone it feels like you have known them forever which makes you more inclined to say i love you first. our first ‘i love you’ was no big deal tbh i don’t even remember it. all that i remember is us being super clingy from the start.

who would have the others picture as their phone background?

still me. i doubt that’s gonna change for a very. very. long time. it’s always gonna be wildies let’s be honest here you’re never getting over them. i think once you use a phone more maybe i have a chance of being your wallpaper haha.

who leaves notes written in fog on the bathroom mirror?

probably not something i’d do, i’m always out of the shower before you so i’d assume that you would most likely do it after getting out and call me back in to show me!

who buys the other cheesy gifts?

i feel like lately this is a very middle ground. i’ve been enjoying giving gifts lately. cheesy gifts, would you class weird gifts as cheesy? because having 30+ protein bars here waiting to be sent off to you is not normal.

who initiated the first kiss?

well we predicted this one right! was me ofc. best moment ever i remember it so clearly. you covid testing me in secret after i’d flew over to see you! TAKE PRECAUTIONS GUYS! after the test being negative and we both took off our masks and were sitting together at your front door with the house all to ourselves. it couldn’t have been better nor more comforting having that moment with no other cares in the world. a memory i’ll treasure forever in my heart <3

who kisses the other awake in the morning?

100% me i love giving you forehead kisses while you’re sleeping especially when you fall asleep on me it’s so <3 my favourite girl i love you sm!

who starts tackle fights?

i think neither of us have the energy for that! but don’t worry i will threaten to tickle you that’s not gonna change. 👹

who asks who if they can join the other in the shower?

i think it’s definitely you! sometimes i shower on my own when im over but i never remember you showering without me 🥺 im always waiting for you to hurry your butt up and get in before i’m ready to get out! you take forever sometimes 😭.

i miss our showers together :(

who surprises the other in the middle of the day at work with lunch?

you, you, you. i’m hopeless at packing lunches. you have promised to make me lunches for work when we are living together. i’ll look forward to your cute little lunch boxes full of good food. ft an image of you packing sushi for the beach <3

who was nervous or shy on the first date?

i don’t even know what you would class as our first date?

our first outing together? - that was so fun we both enjoyed ourselves so much and you found gummy the dinosaur which i ended up ordering for you for our anniversary 🤭

our first movie night together? - we kept looking at eachother and missing eachother and i find it so funny, i still have the recording till this day. i believe we were watching fourteen and hello my name is frank.

our first meal date? - that was chaos we are not eating from a shitty food court place ever again 😭

who kills/takes out spiders?

all i have to say is definitely not me.

who loudly proclaims their love when drunk?

i think the answer is still the same but the point i found most funny is being worried about coming out to your mum if you were. not something you need to worry about now.

i love you so much! always and forever pinky promise

@daaedoodles

us because we can totally be together rn :((

who said i love you first?

i THINK it was me, and you think so too so 🤔🤔🤔 im not surprised because the first time i met nabila like 5 hours later i was like omg would it be weird to say ily and she was like no 😭‼️ *cries*

who would have the other’s picture as their phone background?

YOU! you kind of already have me as your phone background, plus with the locket thing i am technically there hUAHHAAHHAAH i love you

who leaves notes written in fog on the bathroom mirror?

ME ME ME?1!?££ my sick-after-showering-ass would stumble over to the bathroom mirror and draw a massive heart on it and call you in to find it‼️

who buys the other cheesy gifts?

easy peasy it’s me 🕺 me and my tendency to offer to buy things for everyone all of the damn time, plus, our rings 🥺 i did kind of ask if you’d let me buy it for you multiple times so,,, next time it’s on me.

who initiated the first kiss?

itll be you for sure, i’ll just go attack you and cling onto you like a koala bear to a tree the second i see you and probably too busy bawling my eyes out, plus like,, i’m great at talking and communicating but i’m too shy to make the first move

who kisses the other awake in the morning?

you because i don’t wake up (like ever, much less in the morning) early enough to beat you too it, and as we have seen you’re ALWAYS awake before i am even on weekends and EVEN THOUGH you’re three hours behind me.

who starts tickle fights?

maybe it’s just because i’m really sick and i feel like i don’t have the energy to but like,,, you i think? i’d say something and then you’d probably tickle me to death. and plus you with (her little sister) leah aaaAh crying you’re so cute with her and that time you were tickling her and she was laughing i just felt like the luckiest girl in the world even though i think that was before we started dating

who asks who if they can join the other in the shower?

me bc id ask you to shower me on my bad days when i’m too exhausted to move 🥺

who surprises the other in the middle of the day at work with lunch?

ME! you never pack lunches and always buy them instead so i will fricking steal all of nats baking abilities and cooking skills and cook you the cutest bento lunches and you are eating them ‼️ no more buying meatball subs i will bonk you

who was nervous and shy on the first date?

we are not the most conventional couple 🦅 first date more like pining for eachother for weeks and then having like 20 conversations about the possibility of loving eachother as more than friends and then continuing like nothing happened for a bit until it finally set in and now we are way more sappy and cute and 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩 but i’d say you because you were too shy and nervous that i didn’t feel the same and i was the one bringing it up always sooo that’s our equivalent 😙

who kills/takes out spiders?

ME because you 1. hate spiders and 2. i’m always catching them for nat or taking them out for her so i’m used to it. i’ll save you from all the spiders like a big strong man 💪‼️ (sophie straightened era? defruited?????) /j

who loudly proclaims their love when drunk?

honestly both of us but maybe i’ll be louder because i’m already that much of a blabbermouth sober 🕺 plus when you drank a little on new years you were chilled out and not screaming your head off or giggly like i am. 🧎‍♂️praying i don’t say anything about you when i get my wisdom teeth out when i’m like drunk on painkillers if not i’ll get disowned real quick 🚶‍♂️ bye mom AHAHAHAHHA.

i love you <3 you’ve fallen asleep now but you’ll see this tomorrow 🥺

[genshin-scenarios]

With an Adeptus!Reader...

A/N: Warning for spoilers of their backstories and Liyue's archon quest!

Characters: Zhongli, Xiao, Venti

Considering the hardships you went through before becoming an adeptus, Zhongli didn’t want to tie you to him with a contract; Liyue wasn’t in need of new warriors, and he was no longer leading the nation as Morax. Immortality erodes the spirit and memory, and with time comes a loneliness that can be hard to bear - thus Zhongli approached you with concern when he found out about your change.

What he hadn’t expected was for you to greet him with a smile and lighthearted conversation (it’s something he infinitely admires you for, really). Zhongli answers your questions pertaining his experience as an adeptus patiently, observing your reactions and body language to try and gauge if you're alright.

...You were a bit nervous about this transition though, and so Zhongli gives you a soft smile and places a reassuring hand on yours. Whenever you need him, don’t hesitate to reach out. He'd be more than willing to support you and listen when you have something to get off your chest. As both an experienced adeptus and friend, he’d like to be someone you can rely on. 

The talk ends with you finally dropping your strong front and laying in his arms (it’s not as if he couldn’t see right through you anyways, though Zhongli knew better than to poke at it while you were coming to terms with becoming an adeptus.) 

You still joked around even even as he was running his fingers through your hair (a calming motion), so at least that told him that you were fine. Zhongli can't help but chuckle when you point out that you match with him a little now, with your extra appendages/markings on your skin.

“You’d already brought light into my life when you were mortal.” Zhongli would remind you. “I will never lose sight of how our story began, nor take the rest of the time we have for granted.”

You’d laugh fondly, regarding him with a gentle gaze. “I thought you wanted to end this on a light note?”

“What could be lighter than the happiness you give me?”

Oh? “In that case, I’d have to thank you as well for painting my days in gold. Not just as Morax, but Zhongli as well.”

You’ve fought by Xiao’s side so many times that he could trace your movements as if they were his own. You weren’t from his generation of yakshas, but your purpose and combat prowess was something that he could comfortably rely on. He was proud to be able to say that you were comrades (and friends, and maybe a little bit more - Xiao was always cute when you teased him about that)

Like Madam Ping, you’ve opted to live amongst mortals to understand how to better support them in other ways. It’s quite a curious life you live, playing as a citizen by day and leaving for ‘work’ whenever needed, departing with a mysterious smile when asked about it.

Neither side of you was more ‘real’ than the other; as a citizen it was relaxing to indulge in mortal pastimes and learn to cook (regardless if you were very good at it), while traversing the land you love as an adeptus felt freeing, and battles always did give you a sense of purpose as it was something you’ve done for so long.

Though it’s always more fun when you can share the weight of a fight with Xiao - it’s nice how neither of you have to hold back in fear of hurting each other, and you share a familiar understanding that surpasses friendship, carefully built over time together.

Since he's so used to your presence, it sometimes surprises other people how casually he interacts with you (or even knows your habits/quirks), but you enjoy that little privilege that comes with your relationship. After all, once you've bonded on the battlefield for centuries, it's hard to call the other an acquaintance, right? It's not like it isn't mutual either~

“Hey, don’t forget that you can call my name too.” You nudged Xiao. “I’d never be late to a friend in need.”

He eyed the almond tofu that you’d abandoned for the sake of talking. “And have to argue about food with you after every patrol?”

“I said I’d cook!” You huffed. “You’re just stubborn. Eat more almond tofu and your muscles will become as soft as one.”

Xiao swiped your bowl from you, earning a yelp of protest. He wore the slightest of smirks as he finished it. “You said you wanted ‘real’ food. We can order more from downstairs.”

The first time he met you, Venti was only vaguely aware of you being an adeptus. He was visiting Liyue to have a drink with Morax but got a little lost (or so he said). He learn later that you were indeed in allegiance with the Geo Archon, though your contract was looser than the others as it was to look after Liyue’s people in general (the methods would be however you saw fit, and evolved as they did.)

“What a shame… You really signed your free time off to serve that blockhead, huh?” While you knew he was joking, you’d always wondered what he meant when he said it was a shame… You sometimes ponder this as you’re reminded of him, be it through the greeting of a breeze or singing of the birds.

Sometimes you’d visit Mondstadt during a mission, after which you would be invited by a certain bard to stay a bit longer, be it for some food or to catch the sight of the sunset from a different nation (Venti was always good at finding reasons to spend time together)

After Morax stepped down, Venti came to Liyue to check on you - he was aware of how the adepti respected and cherished his old friend, and offered his company as comfort. He’d sing, play the lyre or flute, or whatever that made you feel better. While he may joke about it, he really does admire your dedication to Liyue.

You laughed as a familiar pair of arms wrapped around your shoulders from behind. Venti’s greeting was cheerful as ever as your name rolled off his tongue. No matter how many times this has happened, it never stopped your heart from skipping. 

“Aren’t you ever worried we’d fall over when you jump on me like that?” You turned to look at him.

“Well, I know my brave warrior is strong enough to catch me!” Venti winked. “And if not, the wind will save us!”

Always a charmer, huh? You’re reminded of a past conversation as he took your hand and started leading you away, telling you something about the Windblume preparations for this year.

‘Sometimes I wish we could stay like this forever.’

‘In that case, might we form a little contract for ourselves? I’ll promise you my forever if you do the same.'

[chocominnie]

One Last Time 04  —  Pjm. (M)

⇢ pairing: Jimin X Reader

⇢ Genre: Idol!Jimin, Exbf!Jimin, model!reader, sad au, fluff, tons of smut, angst

⇢ Synopsis: Your idol ex boyfriend Jimin cheated on you. You two have been broken up for a while now and the media has been keeping track of you and him. You’re trying to get over him, but the things that happen inbetween makes you re-think the entire breakup, and so does Jimin…

⇢ Song : xxxxx

⇢ Previous : 00 01 02 03

⇢ Word Count : 4.7k

⇢ Warnings: dominant jimin, makeout sessions, this is honestly a sad angsty au, cheating, pregnancy, unprotected and protected sex, a bunch of sex, no really a LOT of sexual themes too, I know I’m forgetting some but sorry in advance!

⇢ Copyright: please do NOT repost, translate, or modify my works in any way, shape or form, on any platform. If found doing so , it is considered as plagiarism and appropriate LEGAL action will be taken

⇢ Authors note: This is my mini series for the summer! Get your tissues, things to take your anger out on, and sit back and watch the drama unfold. Shall we begin?

Last night can’t get out of your mind. It’s not like you to do such a dumb thing. Kissing Jimin... you didn’t know what had gotten into you last night. The last thing you’d ever want to do is have someone go through the same thing you did with Jimin when he had cheated on you. Your mind raced all night thinking if that kiss, that one sole kiss, would make you the bad guy? Make this whole situation worse? 

Wrong.

Both of you were vulnerable and just not the same. Of course you’re still tender to the subject of and about him, and forever will have have a soft spot for Jimin. You didn’t expect that to happen though. 

‘‘ Yes.. Yes.. Okay.. I understand.”

You drone on for the millionth time today. Only 9 am and calls are making their way to you. You’ve been caught. Someone spotted you and Jimin last night walking to your apartment. Luckily the pictures were only garage scenes of you and him. Jimin’s head hanging low trailing a distance behind you while you hold your sore arm. Thankfully, by the looks of the new articles every damn hour, they think that you had hurt yourself and Jimin was supposedly there for you for comofort.

The fanpages are going to have a field day with that.

Your manager continues to lecture you about how this could start a scandal, how you should of been more careful, and finally that those words everyone has told you before. He wasn’t good to you, move on.

‘‘ Listen im just going to be with Ryan today and she’s bringing Jungkook. We are heading over to Ryan’s office to discuss things and what not.’‘ You sigh into the phone, wanting to hang up already.

Your manager on the other line is hesitant for you to go, but gives in once you say you’ll only be an hour in and out. That’s the only way you’ll get to go out today. Whenever small scandals like this brew up, the management company would make you stay low for the next three days. 

You both say your goodbyes and then hang up. Finally. Somewhere in the room Clara lets out one of her tiny meows making you smile to yourself. The day planned ahead is way more exciting than you worrying to yourself

‘‘ Baby please. I have to go’‘

Isabel smirks lowly while shaking her head. Jimin watches her intensively as her hands roam all around his now bare chest, that was covered with a shirt two minutes ago.

‘‘ Jimin, you and I both know that we haven’t had much time to ourselves lately.’‘

Her dainty fingertips trace over his forming abs one by one staring him straight in the eyes. He bites his lip hard just before letting out a useless groan with his head thrown back in the chair. It’s true. With all the celebrity show appearances they’ve had, the quality time together has been cut short.

He ries to pry her hands away from his jeans but it’s no use. “ I have to leave, Jungook wants me at Ryan’s office in twenty minutes.”

Her face turns into a pout, lifting her hands from his jeans.  ‘’ So he’s more important than your girlfriend?’’

‘‘ Well I mean he is my blood broth- Fuck!’’

It’ was quick enough to where he didn’t feel it coming. Before he knew it, his jeans were unbuttoned and her mouth glides across the imprint of his shaft hiding behind his boxers. “ We can stop and you can leave.. if you want..” She knows exactly what shes doing by making sure her voice is low and those round eyes meeting his. 

His groans only become louder when she takes a long, slow lick from the base to the tip. There’s no way on hell he’ll miss this opportunity to get some head. Jimin’s craving for sex has been high lately and with no time to recieve pleasure, he damn sure wasn’t gonna let up this offer. “ Fuck that. Keep going my love.”

Grabbing a fistful of Isabel’s hair, he yanks his boxers down revealing his thick, hard member hat springs up to his belly button. Isabel smirks at him just before taking the whole thing down her throat making Jimin moan out louder in pleasure. The sound of sucking, wet noises fill the studio’s ambiance.

Jimin watches her intensely while letting out low groans and growls as her bobbing head becomes quicker. This isn’t what he wants truly.  What he wants is you. You is who he wishes who’d be pleasuring him right now. The way you’d sometimes gag on him when his dick filled your mouth completely was something he’d always enjoyed seeing. The way your eyes water with him stuffed in your mouth but determined to go on was a major turn on for him. He wants you and only you. Right now in this moment Isabel doesn’t mean shit to him but you do. 

He can’t help but to lean back in his chair and close his eyes waiting to chase his high, all with the thoughts of you and your guises past sexual encounters turning him on even more with the lost track of time in the back of his mind.

You on the other hand, wait with Jungkook and Ryan who are getting a bit anxious waiting for the boy’s arrival. You of course didn’t want him to come. It’ll only make things more complicated than it is right now. Essentially you were going to leave when Jungkook said he’d be inviting Jimin.. yet again. 

Seeing as though when you were on your way to the office, you had glanced at the clouds and could see a big thunderstorm brewing. You’d rather not take your chances of being rained on while walking back to your apartment.

‘‘ Geez where is this guy? He’s always late ever since he’s been with Isa-”

A shove by Ryan shuts him right up before finishing his sentence. Ryan gives him a glare and a few utters of words to him before turning back to the giant window that gazes over the bright nightlife of Seoul.

One part of you wishes for Jimin not to actually show up but the other does. Just to see his face and reaction too you ever since yesterday. But just for the sake of it, you won’t bring it up. Play it off like it never happened.

‘‘ Was it really necessary for us to come at night? We couldn’t of just come during the day?’’ Jungkook says, walking over to her.

He snakes his arms around his waist placing gentle butterfly kisses around her neck. The reflection off the mirror shows her facial expression, a slight smile as they sway from side to side. A ping of happiness shoots through you at the sight of them. It reminds you of you and Jimin. That happiness quickly shuts down.

You smile to yourself, “Well i’m a model, Jungkook and his brother are idols, and you’re an upcoming fashion designer dating said Idol. ”

Jungkook clears his throat before placing his arm gently around Ryan, “ Yeah she’s MY girlfriend.’’ He says proudly. Ryan shakes her head while playfully rolling her eyes. 

You giggle along with her. It’s only been a short while since he’s asked her and he seems so happy and proud with her. Something you wish that Jimin wouldn’t have ruined for you two.

‘‘ Nobody knows we are dating and If paparazzi catches you coming to my office it’s going to stir up something rather it be little or not.’‘ Ryan sighs, sitting down next to you on the white couch.

Jungkook pauses to be silent for a second but continues on, “ That would happen regardless because paparazzi comes out at any time of day. We just so happen not to get caught.’’

Your frail hands begin to play with the sleeve of your shirt at the wrists. Something you do when anxious but trying to keep calm. You’re starting to get annoyed with this couple talk. You’re happy for them but rubbing it in is starting to hurt a bit. Where is he at?

‘‘ You know what im tired of waiting. If he comes he comes. If he doesn’t oh well we already knew he’s an asshole because of that girl now.” Ryan scoffs.

She folds her arms as she leans onto Jungkook who’s now sitting on the arm of the couch. He chuckles at her pouting and sudden anger just before giving her a kiss on the forehead.

You take in the sight of them. Two love birds that mean the world to each other. You wouldn’t dare want nor try to break them up. You knew Jungkook has been waiting for that moment to ask her. When he did on that day Ryan couldn’t of been even more happier.

And if as on cue, that familiar face comes in quietly with two large brown bags in his hands. You choose not to make eye contact with him when he stops infront of the couch, glancing at you.

‘‘ Im sorry im late. I bought food for us..” He pleads for forgiveness. If it was up to you then you wouldn’t have forgiven him. Hell, you still don’t want to forgive him for that act last night. Yet you can’t be a hypocrite because you’re just as guilty.

Jungkook takes the bags from him due to the way to familiar scent coming from them. Jajangmyeon. His favorite noodles of all time. A quick way to earn his forgiveness of anything.

‘‘ You are forgiven don’t let it happen again,”  He says, smiling ear to ear as he pulls out his serving of noodles.

Ryan hands you a pair of chopsticks and your serving of noodles. You thank her and look down at the bowl. If you did eat it that means you forgave him, if you didn’t that means you wont. Your mind doesn’t know which one to pick.

While everyone sits there talking amongst themselves you sit there with chopsticks in hand zoned out. You seen the hickies when he had came in. When he had tilted his head announcing his arrival, thats when you saw it peeking from under his scarf. that The dark bruises peaked up and back into hiding whenever he moved.

‘‘ You don’t like the noodles?” Jungkook says, taking a big bite of noodles then slurping them up.

Ryan gives you one of your guises code looks but you give one back to say you are fine. ‘’ Im sorry I was just zoned out.’’

You don’t engage on any of the conversation instead you sit there eating your noodles quietly until they’re gone. That is until the real reason why you are here is brought up.

‘‘ We are here because me and Jungkook have thought about you guys.” Ryan glances at the boy who’s now wiping his face free of sauce.

Great. When are people going to stop doing that though?

‘‘ Ryan come on now, I honestly don’t care. He’s happy with her and I am with myself. Im serious. Please stop thinking about things like this. Im happy can’t you see that! ‘‘ By this point you know you’re all worked up.

It isn’t the truth, but you just want everyone to stop worrying so you could move on. Bringing the whole situation up all the time is draining for you and you’d rather not be reminded of Jimin and what he does and how he’s doing.

Jimin keeps quite with a stare that’s intense on you. You stare right back at him with an emotionless expression. The both of your eyes never leave each-other but you knew it had hurt him. Saying that you’re fine but he knows you’re bothered a lot.

Jungkook sighs heavily, “Baby-Cheeks don’t get all upset now. We are just worried solely on you. Even Jimin is and we all came to an agreement to have this civil conversation right here and now because all of it needs to be addressed.”

You cock your head slightly to the side not leaving Jimin’s eyes. You knew for a fact that this entire conversation is his doing just by Jungkook saying that last sentence. 

“ I told you to stop worrying about me. I really meant it. I’m fine. I am F I N E .’’ You spell out the words, then shake your head clearly pissed off. 

‘‘ But you aren’t. You constantly lose focus and don’t talk as much. Im worried for you so much that it pains me to even see you like this.” Jimin bites his lips to prevent from breaking down. You know that expression all to well.

That still doesn’t mean he should be worrying about you. You two are no longer together and no matter how many times you scream it to the top of your lungs each time, nobody listens to you.

‘‘ I am fine. I promise you guys. I’ve just had a comeback and they set me on a strict diet for the next few months and I go to the gym more than I used to because that’s what us models do. Since I have been absent for a year now my break time is over. The reason I zone out is because I have a busy schedule and sleep is whenever I can get it so that makes me tired often. I am fine.”

Your explanation is partially true and you do feel bad for lying on some of the parts but knowing them they will keep doing whatever to make things right. It’s time for you and them to stop worrying about Jimin and your relationship with each other.

The group doesn’t say anything after that. You tried to keep the best serious tone you had to explain that to them. Luckily they fell through and believed it. All except Jimin.

‘‘ Now can we move on? Is everything okay now?”  You ask, looking at both Ryan and Jungkook. They both shake their head slowly still unsure of what to think.

‘‘ Well since that is over with, lets all take our leave yeah?” Ryan sighs, collecting everybody’s trash from the food. You nod your head and begin to help her while the boys go somewhere in the room to talk privately together.

You don’t care enough to want to know about what they’re saying. As long as they don’t bring anything of worriedness about you again then it’s okay. Soon after the room is all cleaned up you grab your coat and scarf. Jungkook grabs Ryan’s and helps her into hers, zipping it all the way up.

‘‘ My baby can’t catch a cold.” He giggles before placing a kiss on her forehead. Ryan turns a deep red in her cheeks as he continues to dress her properly for the snow outside.

‘‘ Can we talk privately again?’‘ A quite voice says behind you. You knew it all to well. But you don’t turn around at all while slipping your coat on.

‘‘ I’ve thought I made myself clear. I don’t need to say it again. Please just accept it.”  The maroon colored scarf is gently placed around you from behind.

You grab his hands to stop him but he’s quick enough to come in-front of you and begin to wrap it for you. “ You lied. You can fool them but not me.’’

You break his hands away from the scarf, making sure to glare at him before you storm out of the office. All of the pressure and just concern in general is getting to you. It’s not like you to get worked up to this point. You hate making scenes and you knew that when you left like that it’s going to spark more curiousness.

The heel of your black suede thigh high boots click down the hallway fast as tears feel the brim of your eyes. Why wont they just leave it be?

After taking the long way out and going down three flights of stairs from the emergency exit, you make it down to the lobby and out the rotating doors.

When you do you almost choke out a whimper at the sight at Jimin greeting Isabel with a hug in which she pulls him down to a deep passionate kiss while waiting in-front of his car.

He was just upstairs dressing you properly, but kissing on her a few minutes later. Typical Jimin.

You bite your lip hard enough for the taste of blood to fill your mouth to prevent from crying right then and there. You can’t show her any sign of weakness. This is what she wants you to do. Cry and breakdown in-front of her to gain victory. She can’t have it. She wont have it.

You slip your hands into the coat pockets and begin your journey down the street. Catching a taxi would be no use. The cold harsh wind mixing with the hard drops of rain feel euphoric but numb to you.

‘‘ What are you doing? You’ll catch a cold for walking in this type of weather!” A voice yells far from behind you.

You don’t bother to look back at him. You up your pace just by a little to get that voice far away from you as possible. He kissed you last night, but kissed her right infront of you. The lump in your throat is sore and your heart hurts with each step you take.  Is this how the game goes? It hurts. It hurts a lot. 

 The wind blows harsh and the rain blows on your face making your makeup wet but not smeared. The mascara running down your face doesn’t matter from your wet tears.

 The stop lights turn yellow, red, and then green a couple of times. You count the number of changes before walking past it. Three times total.

Yellow

Red

Green

then back again.

The thunder roars causing you to jump a bit, but you’re numb to any noise around you anyways. You sniffle repeatedly to stop your nose from running but why not just let it run? Why not just let everything go. Let yourself go. Yeah that sounds about right. Let yourself g-

The blackness of your vision is sudden. No chance to react when the sound disappears from it. To the ground your body goes, laying there in a puddle of water. Your eyes blink slowly when you wince in pain upon bringing your hand up to your head. Vision goes in and out, in and out. You can’t hear the disorted person above you screaming and shaking you just before blacking out again.

The look of horror on his face and adrenaline runs through his body as soon as your eyes close. He thinks it’s his fault. His fault for wanting to keep talking to you. His fault for kissing you last night. His fault for stressing you out to your limits for you to walk home instead of asking him for a ride.

Running his hand through his hair, he slowly picks up your limp body. He saw that fall, and that fall was hard. You slipped on a decent sized amount of a dirt and mud mixture from not paying attention. Tears roll down his eyes when he places you in the passenger seat to buckle your seatbelt where your chest rises up and down. A sign of life.

The ride to your house is hell for him. Constantly hitting the steering wheel out of anger from himself and crying loudly wishing for you to be fine and okay. The hospital wasn’t an option right now. If paparazzi saw him taking you in unconcious right after the small scandal, he’d be sure that he’d be on the news for the next two weeks for supposedly abusing you, which isn’t the case.

It doesn’t take him long to arrive, considering he was tokyo drifting through the streets of Seoul. Laying your body on your bed, he sees the bottom of your outfit is dirty with mud. At first he hesitates but keeping muddy clothes on you wouldn’t be right of him.

After picking out some sweatpants, he moves on to your hoodie collection and spots one in the back of the drawer folded into a ball. Jimin lets out a small laugh when he realizes its one of his. It must of ended up here in transit when packing from the old apartment.

Nevertheless, he decides it’s that one you’ll be wearing and not anyone of the others. When it comes time to undress you, he looks away when taking off your clothes and putting the new clothes on. He tucks you in when done, planting a small kiss on your forehead just before going to get an icepack for you to place it on your head.

The sound of cartoons playing in a distance wakes you up. Your eyes stir open until full view. The throbbing of your head makes you wince a little. You’re just as more confused as to when you made it into your apartment let alone your room.

‘‘ You’re awake?’‘

He places the icepack on the back of your head but when he goes to grab your hand to make you secure it, your heart skips a beat when his soft hand touches yours. It’s been a while since you last had his warm touch against yours. 

The thoughts in your head stops when he lets go of your now cold hand. ‘‘ Why are you here?”  You say, finally looking at him.

‘‘ You fell. You fell on a puddle of mud while crossing over to the next sidewalk.” He sighs, eyes staring at you with anger yet relief. Instead of fighting back for the sake of your throbbing head, you just look down.

Thats when you notice the new set of clothes on your body. You certainly weren’t wearing this hoodie before. In fact you knew for a fact that this particular hoodie was balled up in the back of your dresser drawer. It’s his. 

 “ You undressed me?” You yell, furrowing your eyebrows at him. You pull the cover closer up to your body out of embarassment but Jimin doesn’t care. He’s more worried about the fall than the undressing.

“ Do you fucking know how got damn worried I was?” Jimin walks over to you with his arms crossed and jaw clenching. You want to hide right about now. “You’re more worried about if I was a pervert or not but news flash, I didn’t even look at you while undressing you. I’m not the asshole you think I am.”  

Silence is golden.

‘‘ We all shouldn’t have been out there with a storm coming, but we came to the office for your sake. You keep putting yourself at risk, just stop!‘‘ He semi-yells at you. 

You know he’s correct but that doesn’t stop you from forming the lecture into an arguement.

‘‘ Risk? I don’t take risks unless necessary. I was just minding my business and walking home. I guess I wasn’t mindful for that the weather wasn’t suitable for walking. Thank you for tending to me.’’

The boy scoffs with a sarcastic smile on his face backing away from your bed. You close your eyes knowing you shouldn’t of said that. ‘‘ Wasn’t mindful? Really? Why can’t you just listen to me whenever I need you to?”

‘‘ You were with Isabel. I don’t have anything to do with your guys relationship at all. I didn’t want to seem like a threat to her. ‘‘

Jimin sighs and rubs his temples, ‘’ You know you’re hard headed right? Do you think I give a flying fuck if she was there or not? You health and you yourself are important to me. ‘’

Here we go again.

‘‘ I said don’t worr-’‘

Jimin raises up quickly with anger and sadness written all over his face, ‘’ I don’t care what you say. Fucking listen to me when I say so! I’m going to worry about you until the day I die and cannot breathe anymore! Accept it okay?’’ He semi- yells, chest heaving up and down fast.

You keep your eyes away from his. You knew it would happen. You knew he would blow up somehow today.

‘‘ Im not going to accept it. Want to know why? I’m not your girlfriend anymore. I have to accept the fact that you no longer are in a relationship with me Jimin. You need to too.’‘

Jimin sighs, pacing back in forth across the wooden floor while running his fingers through his hair repeatedly, “ I was hoping it wouldn’t have to be like this. I’m not letting it happen anymore. From now on I will be checking on you everyday. Understand?’’

‘‘ No I don-”

‘‘ Understand?’‘ He growls, head whipping towards your direction.

There it goes. Pissed off Jimin. The side of his dominance that he dares anyone to overpower.

‘‘ Jimin you cannot come he-”

He shoots you a glare wanting his question answered now. You bite your lip making sure to shut the fuck up at this point. Anything you say after you know would do damage. ‘‘ Do you. Fucking. Understand?’‘

You nod your head. When he becomes like this there isn’t any way to stop him or change his mind.

‘‘ Good. Im not leaving for the night.”

You furrow your eyebrows, “Woah Jimin. Okay that’s too far. That’s considered cheating on Isabel.”

‘‘ It’s not. Not if im not with her anymore.’‘

Your heart jumps at those words. Not with her anymore?

‘‘ You honestly didn’t have to break up with her for me.”

You know you’d honestly feel very bad, but not as bad because she honestly deserves it for being a homewrecker. Then again, what does that make you?

‘‘ We technically are on a break. Im planning to break up with her in a couple of days.” He says, turning the blaring hot heater that was turned on prior to you waking up, onto it’s low settings.

You decide that’s enough of questions and to just enjoy his company there while it lasts. Putting the cover back down, you pick up your phone from the nightstand. A few texts from your manager, a missed call from Ryan. By the looks of it they both don’t know what happened and that somehow relieves you. 

Looking back up at him, you notice him turned around about to take off his shirt. His back muscles are evident and flex whenever he moves. You miss those. The way they’d feel under your hands and nails when he used to be ontop of you giving you the best nights of your life.

You hadn’t known he had turned around because you’re too deep in thought recalling those nights. “ Im assuming you like what you see?”

So you’ve been caught. “ No. Put your shirt back on.” Its a lie but you can’t admit to daydreaming about him.

‘‘ Hush im just changing into new clothes.’‘

You watch him go to your bottom left dresser and it all clicks to you. Back when you both shared an apartment Jimin kept extra clothing for emergencies always in the left bottom drawer.

You don’t know why, but you felt that it was tradition to put his extra clothing inside the bottom left drawer when you moved into here. Jimin had left the box of emergency clothing, on accident, with you as the both of you moved out.

When things had arrived here and you started unpacking you had seen what was inside the box. Instead of calling him to retrieve it, you just placed them in the bottom left drawer of your dresser in case something had ever happened where he was in need.

And that scenario just so happened to play out today.

You close your eyes as he casually slips his pants off in front of you. You want to peak but choose not to. ‘‘ Why are you covering your eyes? You’ve seen all of me before.”

And you want to see it all again.

‘‘ Yeah whatever. Im sleepy.’‘

 You rub your eyes and let out a quite yawn. You can feel his eyes staring into you so you turn to face him while getting comfortable under the covers.

Jimin turns out the lights first and then the t.v. Pitch black just how you like it.

‘‘ I forgot how cute you can be.’‘ He shakes his head, pulling you closer to him to where you’re laying on his chest with his arms wrapped around you.

His heartbeat is relaxing to you. So relaxing that soon enough, the both of you are fast asleep tangled in each-others love.

Once again, you fell for his sweet-talking and little white lies. All because you want another chance, one last time.

[p1nkfr1day]

blow

eren x black reader

summary: when a rocky start of date night with eren ends well.

warnings: light smut, cursing, use of n word, aave, fingering, happy couple, a little arguing, that’s it I think.

word count: 1.6k

he’s supposed to be taking you on a date and he making y’all late with his unorganized ass. he won’t tell you where you guys are going so therefore it’s a ‘surprise’ date. but it’s not anything too special because you’re wearing casual closing.

he’s supposed to be taking you on a date and he making y’all late with his unorganized ass. he won’t tell you where you guys are going so therefore it’s a ‘surprise’ date. but it’s not anything too special because you’re wearing casual closing.

you were wearing a cute off the shoulder white blouse, some regular dark jeans, with some blue one’s. and you made sure to ask him multiple times if this was good enough for where you were going. eren wore a regular white tee with a brown plaid flannel, some jeans and brown one’s. so you didn’t have to change this time.

he came down the stairs and kissed you on the forehead while pulling you out the door. “wait nigga, let me at least lock my damn door first!” you yelled at him.

“babe stop. you know momma don’t play that.” he looked at you from leaning on the car.

“I told you so many times about calling my momma your momma. she don’t like you fool.”

“she do.���

“she don’t.” you kept going back and forth with him until you got the door locked and walked to the passenger side of the door, getting in and sitting down. seem like every time you wanna go somewhere you gotta wait for eren big nasty ass.

“how you supposed to be taking me on a date but taking forever to get in the car.” you complained from inside the car while eren got in.

“shut up, _____. my god. we not gonna be late, it opens at 9:00” he calmly told you. but you could tell he was getting frustrated with all your complaining.

“boy don’t tell me to shut up. I don’t know what type of hood hooligans you been messing with before me, but you know I don’t play that,” you paused and thought for a second until you continued. “and if it start at nine why the hell you had me getting ready to go at seven.” you asked looking at him crazy.

“calm down baby. and because you know how long you take.” he said smoothly. it instantly gave you butterflies. his voice was soft but stern at the same time.

the time was 8:13 so it probably wouldn’t take you guys long to get there. the drive there was silent, but you guys were both comfortable. he kept his eyes on the road, occasionally looking at you every time he got to a red light, and he would squeeze your thigh with his hand just a little to make you look up at him from your phone.

“we’re here.” he stopped the car in front of the skating rink. you looked up from your phone to the building that had the big words “skating rink” painted on the side and then to eren. you smiled. “baby, can you even skate?” you asked him while interlocking your fingers with his on the arm rest.

“let’s find out.” he said back, kissing your hand.

that’s how you ended up here. in the dim building with fluorescent lights flashing everywhere and skating to ‘can we talk’ with a bounce beat in the back. (sorry y’all, I’m from New Orleans and our staking rink play old school bounce.😭) eren was behind you, holding your hand as you went around the rink trying not to laugh at him.

he looks like a lost puppy following behind you, almost falling many times but balancing himself out and pushing forward. it took him a good hour to learn how to skate right. “baby slow down, I just got the hang of it.” he yelled over the music. you only giggled and kept skating.

the place smelled like cologne (axe), fabric freshener and feet. but it was still fun and you were glad eren brought you here and tried to skate even when he couldn’t. it made you feel bad for starting with him in the car and in the house before you got here. you wanted to take a break so you led him off the floor to an empty table.

“you having fun?” you asked looking at him sitting across from you.

“I’m having fun anytime I’m with you, _____.” not eren being sweet you thought.

“I’m sorry I was bitching in the car.” you apologized to him.

“you good babe. I know you don’t like last minute stuff, but I felt like we needed this time to ourselves.” he explained while getting up to sit on the side of you.

he wrapped his arm around you and laid his head on top of yours. “uhn uhn boy. I love you and all, but I just got my hair done and I can’t have no fly aways, imma look crazy.” you pushed him off playfully.

“bet.” he said laughing. he got up and went to the dj booth and told the dj to play your favorite song and you jumped up to grab him and skate while singing to him.

“don’t be all under me now, you can’t have fly aways remember?” he says skating away from you. you go after him and grab his arm. “stop playing with me eren.” and you started singing to him. he only laughed, but started singing with you.

after about two hours of skating eren took you to Buffalo Wild Wings to eat, because lord knows the food at the skating rink was too high to be so nasty.

he took a couple of pictures at the skating rink, and had other people that pictures of you guys together. there was one where you were sitting on his lap and smiling at the camera but he was looking at you, another one where he was looking at you and you looked back at him smiling, another one where you guys were in the rink holding hands skating and you guys also took pictures in the photo booth they had there.

he posted them all on his Instagram in a thread and captioned it date night. little did everyone know that skating and dining in a restaurant wasn’t the only thing you guys did.

once you guys finished eating, he took you to his house where zeke was out of town and it would be just you and him.

he kissed you as soon as you got into the door and started to feel on your body. he took his flannel off, then his shirt. eren picked you up and brought you over to the sofa still kissing you.

“you taste like ranch.” eren commented, then went back to kissing you.

“then stop kissing me nigga.” you pushed him off and he laughed.

“I didn’t say that I didn’t like it.” he whispered into your ear. it gave you chills. (ms. kitty was most definitely purring.) you kicked your shoes off and unbuttoned your jeans still kissing eren losing your breath. he pulled the jeans off of you and cupped your heat.

“shit.” he sighed almost happily. he knew what he was doing to you and it made yours face heat up. lucky he couldn’t see that shit, thank melanin.

“‘ren stop teasing me please.” you begged and led his hand to your clit. before you knew it, his hand was already inside your underwear.

“you’re so fucking wet,” he groaned, palming your soaking folds before moving two fingers to play with your clit. His fingers, covered in your slick allowed him to move against the sensitive bud with delicate, circular strokes.

you were gripping his forearm with your nails digging into his skin as you tried to hold back your moans. it was hard. it was so hard. you found it hard to stop your moans because when he suddenly sunk two fingers inside without warning, you lost it.

your whimpers echoed through eren’s apartment while he slipped his fingers in and out of you. he only buried half, until he had his two whole fingers reaching your most sensitive spot. your eyes were half-lidded but he enjoyed the look on your face as he toyed with your tight cunt.

with every passing second you got closer and closer to your high. your toes were curling and your eyes were in the back of your head, you started shaking and before you knew it your juices were all over him. he looked a little surprised because you weren’t a squirter but he definitely made you one.

“since when did you start sq-“ he started but you cut him off with a groan.

“eren shut up.” the couch was soaked in your slick and god you were lucky that it’s leather or zeke and eren would literally kill you. he laughed a little and told you to get up and get over it. you didnt move so he picked you up and slung you over his shoulder and carried you to his room. that was not the last time you made a mess everywhere.

——————————————————————————

do not claim my work as your own, do not repost as your own, all reblogs are encouraged and greatly appreciated.

[tipsycad147]

Secular Witchcraft: Witches Without the Gods

Religion and witchcraft need not be joined together forever. For some witches, like Wiccans or Christian Witches, the union may be part of their practice and part of who they are. For others, called Secular Witches, there is no desire, drive, or need to work with or worship deities. Some secular witches might be atheist. Others might deem things besides deities “holy,” much like the Druids might have viewed trees. Some secular witches might believe in an unseen universal energy that pulses through all of us, and some might believe that each of us is a tiny universe in ourselves with our own divine powers.

As Above, So Below; As Within, So Without

The thing with secular witches is this, no two will have the same exact beliefs. Secular witches come from all walks of life and all belief systems. Some secular witches will hold strict athiest beliefs, knowing in their heart that deities do not exist. Other secular witches might take a more agnostic approach to their practice, knowing in their heart that deities might exist but it doesn’t matter to them. Still, some secular witches acknowledge the existence of deities but choose not to involve them in their witchcraft. All three of these types of secular witches are valid in their own right.

Where do secular witches get their beliefs?

From their Past

Many witches today were raised in an organized religion like Christianity or maybe in no religion at all. Becoming a witch doesn’t mean you have to leave things you like about yourself or your beliefs behind. Maybe you really enjoyed the practice of eating food with family and friends after church service. Maybe you were part of a religion that practices fasting as a form of spiritual awakening. Or maybe you enjoyed meditation as part of your past religious practice. If you like it, keep it! Your path is about your and your connection with magick. Take what fits and leave what doesn’t.

From their Research

Witches do a lot of research.

As you probably know, 80% of what witches do is absorb knowledge — knowledge about plants, crystals, divination, deities, the supernatural, types of spells — all that good stuff, right? Not everything you read or try is going to work for you. Some of it will though.

For example, Wicca is an attainable religious and spiritual path for new witches. It is what many of the readily available books are written about. While many witches will remain Wiccan forever, some will move on as they absorb information just as many of us moved on from our former paths. So perhaps, as a result of the Wiccan introduction you received, you continue to believe in the “harm none” philosophy.

Aside from religious influence, think of all you have learned about colors, crystals, and herbs. Maybe there is an herb that you include in every spell that is perhaps non-conventional, but works for you every time! Or maybe you started incorporating herbs into floor washes and rinses such as those found in Hoodoo and folk practices around the world. It’s okay to take inspiration and to create something new for yourself because again, it’s about you!

From their Inner Self

This one is the most forgotten resource of all, the self. We all grew up in a world that teaches us to look outside of ourselves for ideas and answers which is at least a little absurd. Who could possibly know what you feel to be true and what you believe better than you do? No one.

“If it harms none, do what you will” – Wiccan Rede

Here is a good exercise. Imagine you are starting a new religion or spiritual program for others. On a piece of paper, write down ten truths for your imaginary followers. Truths such as: “The universe is governed by an unseen energy. All things are connected.” Or “A circle must be cast in order to cast a safe and effective spell.”

Just write down what you believe. You have more opinions than you think you do!

So if there are no deities, who is in charge?

As you can probably guess, there are a number of different beliefs among secular witches as to who is in charge or what created the universe. Some witches only recognize The Big Bang while others recognize The Big Bang as well as Divine intervention. The point is if you think that secular witchcraft is for you, it’s up to you to decide just what that means to you.

The most common thread of belief that seems to surface among secular witches is the idea that we all come from a single energy source (much like God, but not quite). This energy source ebbs and flows, creates and destroys, and connects all living things like a thread flowing through us. If that resonates with you then wonderful. If not, then that’s okay, too!

Do I have to know everything before I can be a secular witch?

Learning to cast Real Spells

Absolutely not! You just have to know that no spiritual shoe has yet to fit you. That’s all! Regardless what kind of witch you are, the name of the game is learning. There will always be another idea, another influence, another technique. The beauty of secular witchcraft truly is the opportunity to broaden your horizons and change comfortably over time.

You may have been taught that change and growth weren’t options. Society really convinces us that once we believe something, we believe it for life. They say that once political views align a certain way they will never change. If you liked purple as a kid, you’ll always like purple. Dog people can’t later become cat people! Society tells us that rigidity in beliefs is the only thing that makes sense, but are we sure it makes sense at all? As we grow up, experience life, and experience other people, we are bound to change a little here and there. So no, you don’t need to know every belief you will ever hold. Just start owning your own path! Start taking steps to find new beliefs and practices, new ideas that enlighten you and make you feel your best. Really, you got this!

But wait! What about holidays?

Wheel of the Year

This is a common question for secular witches since there is no religious element. What about holidays? A lot of people really enjoy holidays and the events that come with them. Gathering with your family, cooking together, and sharing gifts are all wonderful holiday experiences. You don’t have to let that go if you don’t want to. Many secular witches still observe whatever holidays their family does. If your family celebrates Christmas, then great! It will just mean something different to you than it would to them. For them it’s about the birth and joy of Christ. For you it’s about the joy and warmth of being with those you love. That’s okay too.

Another great option is to recognize the holidays as they occur on the Wheel of the Year. This isn’t just for Wiccans! It’s based on the cycle of the Earth and crops throughout the year, and that’s for everyone. Wiccans have their own folklore around it, and that’s great too, but practice what you feel is right.

The last option for celebrations is to decide your own holidays. It sounds crazy, but hang in there! You already have one personal holiday, your birthday! So no matter what, you have that at least. But what you should consider is if there are any days that are holy to you or worth celebrating. If that still doesn’t make sense, consider this: Is there a certain scent or sight that occurs throughout the year that means something to you? The first scent of honeysuckle on the trees? The way wisteria begins to bloom in the trees? Then have a party to celebrate Spring each year!

What about fall food? Do you love cinnamon apple pie and pumpkin cookies? A good cider? Have a fall celebration each year! This is your own personal spiritual path. This can’t be stressed enough — It’s about you.

So, that’s it? I can be a secular witch?

Witch Crafting Skills

Of course you can, if you’d like! As a disclaimer however, understand that there is nothing wrong with following a more structured and organized path. That may be just as important to you as it is unimportant to others. Secular witchcraft is a wonderful way to bring in different elements of your ancestry, your life experience, your spiritual knowledge, and so much more. If you are happy and fulfilled on your current path, stay there!

One type of witch is not superior to the other. There is no need to make hasty changes or fervently research new ideas to compile a new personal belief system. Take your time, walk your path slowly, and grow as you go.

https://spells8.com/secular-witchcraft/

[tobesolonely]

birthday dinner

summary: harry and y/n’s daughter turns seventeen and reveals she has a boyfriend within the timespan of like, 2 days, and harry cannot process it </3

a/n: this gif has nothing to do with the story i just think he looks so hot❤️ i literally wrote this all today it just came to me... kinda proofread but kinda not?! 

warnings: no smut but like one very brief mention of sex, fluff, maybe like 1 angsty part? kinda? not really , mentions of drinking alcohol

word count: ~3.6k 

my ko-fi! thank you :)

let me know your thoughts!!

When you and Harry excitedly told your family and friends almost seventeen years ago that you were expecting your first (and unbeknownst to you at the time— your only) child, you were both over the moon. The people in your life who already had children told you to cherish every moment, the good and the bad because she’d be all grown up before you knew it. You took everyone’s advice graciously but of course, as an expectant mom, there was no way for your mind to even think that far ahead. 

Everyone was right, though. 

Now your daughter, Mona, was nearly seventeen— you felt like all you did was blink and she was this independent, beautiful, young woman. She was the perfect mix of both of you. She had her father’s kindness, patience, and determination. She had your willpower, grace, and wit. Neither one of you could be any more in love with the beautiful human being you’ve created. 

In the months leading up to your daughter’s birthday, you constantly badgered her about how she wanted to celebrate. She would always respond with a nice dinner with you and Harry— unlike her father she tended to shy away from attention— but Harry wasn’t on board with the idea of anything that wasn’t a ginormous party.

“She doesn’t want that,” you told him one evening as you were setting the table for dinner. “You know how shy she gets. She’s not like you.” Harry rolls his eyes at your comment. 

“I feel like tha’s supposed to be an insult, but I’ll ignore it,” he leans against the counter, arms crossed. “You only turn seventeen once. We gotta do somethin’ she’ll never forget.”

“Well, we’re not the ones turning seventeen, hmm? That was quite some time ago if I’m not mistaken.” Harry gives you a cheeky grin.

“So happy she’s not anything like us when we were seventeen. ‘Member all the shit we used to get into when we were her age?” 

You laugh, shaking your head as you recall memories from your teenage years. “Yeah, we’re raising an absolute angel compared to what we were.” Your husband hums in agreement, walking the short distance to the dining table to snake his arms around your waist from behind. 

“Speaking of our little angel,” he places wet kisses to your neck. “Still got a bit of time until she’s home from volleyball practice, haven’t we?”

You move away from Harry, giving him a warning look. “You’re insatiable, I swear! I’m still recovering from last night,” Harry laughs at how dramatic you were being. “We’re not as young as we used to be, y’know.”

“Oi, don’t remind me, love,” he places a quick smack to your butt, walking out of the room before you can reprimand him. 

Just as you finish tossing the salad and reach for your phone to check and see where your daughter is, she walks through the front door, tossing her sports gear in a messy pile at her feet.

“Mom, dad,” she calls loudly. “I’m home!” 

“You don’t have to tell us,” Harry calls back from upstairs, probably in his office. “Can smell you from all the way up here.” 

You giggle silently to yourself, already able to see the look of annoyance on your daughter’s face. She rounds the corner and appears before you in the doorway of the kitchen, her curly hair a mess and her face slick with sweat. 

“Hi mom,” she chirps sweetly, a dimpled grin on her face. “What’s for dinner? I’m starving, mom. Our coach made us run sooooo much today and we had to do all this conditioning and my legs literally feel like jelly.”

Your daughter reaches her hand in the salad bowl to grab a cucumber and you quickly slap it away, tsking loudly. “Mona! I haven’t seen you wash your hands yet!” 

“Mom, my hands are clean. I used hand sanitizer when I got in my car after practice,” she tells you matter-of-factly, rolling her big, brown eyes at you. “You’re such a germaphobe.” 

“What’s this ‘bout callin’ your mum a germaphobe?” Harry walks into the kitchen, his curls now pulled back with one of his daughter’s many headbands. He presses a kiss to the top of her sweaty head and wrinkles his nose. “Yeah Mo, you smell a bit. Why don’t you go get washed up before we eat?” 

“Dad,” your daughter responds, clearly exasperated. “You don’t understand. I’m literally starving.” 

“Mo,” Harry imitates your daughter. “You don’t understand. You literally smell like shit.” 

Your eyes widen and you smack Harry on the chest as he bursts out laughing, not being able to help himself once he sees the annoyed look on his daughter’s face. “Don’t be an ass!” you scold, placing your hands on your hips. “She’s hungry. She can wash up after.” 

“Thanks, mom,” Mona says, turning her head dramatically to face you. “Dad is so mean sometimes.”

“I’m just messin’ with ya, Mo,” Harry tells your daughter, nudging her gently. “You smellin’ like shit jus’ means you’re workin’ hard at practice. So I’m proud of you.” Your daughter rolls her eyes for what seems like the hundredth time since she walked in the door, quickly moving away from your husband to wash her hands.

“You’re seriously so annoying,” Mona mumbles, shaking her wet hands all over the tiled kitchen floor. “Can we eat now? I think I’ll faint if we don’t eat now. Seriously, guys.”

Your daughter takes her usual seat at the table, immediately reaching for the salad bowl and filling her plate. She avoids all the tomatoes and onions, opting for just lettuce, carrots, and cucumbers. She watches you closely as you take the lasagna out of the oven and you swear you see her drool a little bit.

“So,” Harry says after you and Mona have fixed your plates. “Your birthday’s comin’ up, Mo.”

Mona shoves a big forkful of lasagna in her mouth, wiping her mouth with a paper towel before speaking. “Yeah, two days.” She has a big smile on her face. “I’m so excited, dad. Did you and mom look into that place I showed you? For dinner?”

“Yeah, about that,” Harry takes a sip of water. “Y’sure you just want a dinner? No party? Your mum and I can put together a party for you last minute with no problem, bub.”

“Dad, I already told you that I’m not really into parties like that.”

“But you’re turnin’ seventeen.”

“How is it any different from sixteen?”

“Mo–”

“Harry,” you interrupt, placing your hand over his. “It’s her birthday. If she just wants a nice dinner with us then so be it.”

“Actually…” your daughter looks between the both of you. “I wanted to know if I could bring a friend.”

“‘Course y’can, Mo,” Harry’s eyes light up. “You can bring as many people as you want, darlin’. Jus’ lemme know ahead of time so I can make the reservations…” He trails off, already making a mental note to ask his assistant about making reservations for Mona’s restaurant of choice.

“Well,” Mona begins picking at her cuticles, one of her nervous habits. “It’s just one friend. Uh, a boy. I mean, I guess he’s more than a friend. He’s kinda like, my boyfriend?” Your daughter has a giddy look on her face, but it’s quickly replaced with that of fear when she sees the incredulous look her father has.

“A boyfriend? You have a boyfriend, Mona?” he slams his fork down on his plate. “Since when? What did your mum and I tell you about dating?”

“I don’t know dad, it’s new! Why do I have to wait until I’m in college to date but you and mom have been together since you were my age? How is that fair?” Your daughter is staring back at your husband, beyond irritated.

“I know what sixteen-year-old boys are like, Mo! I was one!” Harry raises his voice. “Absolutely not, Mona. You’re not allowed to date and he’s not allowed to join us.”

“He’s seventeen, for your information. And anyway, I’m sure sixteen-year-old boys are different today than they were fifty years ago,” your daughter retorts, standing up and grabbing her plate of food. “I’m eating in my room. You’re being annoying.”

“I just turned forty and you know it, Mona,” Harry calls after her. Your daughter says nothing in response and you’re met with the sound of her door slamming shortly after. Harry looks at you in disbelief. 

“Did you not hear anything our daughter just said, Y/N?” the vein in his forehead is prominent and you know your husband is just as upset as Mona is.

“I did,” you start slowly, not wanting to add fuel to the fire. “I mean, she has a point. Why did we decide she wasn’t allowed to date until college when we were together at her age?”

“Y/N,” Harry says, clearly annoyed. “We were jus’ talkin’ about the shit we used to get into when we were her age. Isn’t that what bein’ a parent is? Not wanting your kid to make the same bad choices as you did?”

You scoff at your husband. “So now you’re saying our being together was a bad choice?”

“Love, you know that’s not what I meant.”

“Harry,” you sigh. “We can’t shelter her forever. That’s not fair to her. She needs to go out and make mistakes and have fun and figure things out for herself. Who knows, this boy could be the man she–”

“Please don’t,” Harry cuts you off, knowing what you were getting at. “I don’t even want to think about that.”

“Harry, I think you know that we need to give this guy a chance. We can’t make any judgments until we meet him for ourselves, and I think Mo’s birthday dinner would be the perfect time to do that.”

“But Y/N,” your husband whines, clearly completely against the idea. “I don’t wanna encourage it.”

“You’re being a child,” you tell him, annoyance lacing your voice. “Mona’s bringing her boyfriend to her birthday dinner and that’s that. If we meet him and he’s just a terrible human being, then we can re-visit this conversation. If you don’t think you can be an adult and be supportive of our daughter’s relationship, just keep it to yourself.”

“Y/N–”

“I’m eating dinner somewhere else, too,” you tell him, standing up from the table and grabbing your plate. “You can join me when you want to be a mature adult. Oh, and apologize to our daughter.”

“Love–”

Slam!

The tension in your household is thick in the two days leading up to your daughter’s birthday. Whenever Harry enters a room she’s in she quickly leaves, not wanting to talk to her father. Harry doesn’t make any effort to speak to her, either. Harry upsetting your daughter, in turn, makes you upset with him. You find yourself much quicker to snap at him than you usually are. He busies himself with work to distract himself from the fact that both of you are pissed at him.

On the morning of your daughter’s birthday, there’s still tension, but you and Harry try to put it aside for the sake of Mona. 

“Happy birthday to you,” Harry sings quietly as you enter your daughter’s bedroom, a big stack of pancakes with a ‘17’ candle stuck in the top in your hands. “Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dearest Mona, happy birthday to you.”

You both sit on the edge of your daughter’s bed as she groans, pulling her comforter up higher over her head. “You guys, it’s so early.”

“Mona, don’t be a grouch! You’re seventeen today,” you hand Harry the plate of pancakes, pulling her covers down. “C’mon missy, make a wish.”

Mona sits up and tries to give you both her best annoyed-face but you know she’s not actually mad, far too excited about her birthday, and the day ahead of her. She was just telling you the night before how happy she was that her birthday fell on a Saturday this year, too.

She closes her eyes for a brief second before blowing out the candles on her birthday pancakes. “Thanks, mom and dad. I feel like things have been a little bit, I dunno, weird? Since I told you about Noah. I really love you both though. I’m sorry I didn’t talk about things with you first.”

Harry leans over to place a kiss on the top of her head. “‘M sorry I blew up on ya like that, princess. It’s jus’ hard for me to know you’re growin’ up. Your happiness is the most important thing in this world to me though so if he makes you happy, I’m gonna give him a chance.”

You smile at the sweet moment between your husband and daughter. At the end of the day, your daughter was a huge daddy’s girl and although you gave both of them a hard time about it, nothing made your heart more full than their special bond.

“Dad, you’ll seriously love him. He’s literally so funny,” she gushes and Harry just nods, taking a bite of her pancakes. “He’ll even laugh at your dad jokes. Like, he thinks shit like that is funny.”

“Language, Mo,” Harry warns. “He really likes dad jokes, though?” Your husband sounds a little too hopeful, causing you to giggle.

“Yeah, dad. He always tries to tell me his jokes and I’m just like, ‘Ew, stop! You sound like my dad!’. Oh, he loves One Direction by the way.”

“What about my solo stuff?”

“He thinks it’s cool,” she says nonchalantly, causing you to stifle more laugher. Harry continues nibbling on her pancakes, a troubled look on his face. “Can you guys go out while I change? I’ll be downstairs in like, two seconds.”

“Sure thing, Mo,” you tell your daughter, taking her plate of pancakes from Harry before he eats them all. “Do you want me to make your coffee or anything?”

“It’s okay, mom. Noah said he was gonna drop off coffee for me this morning,” she looks down, a small smile on her face. “I guess you and dad can meet him before dinner then if you want?”

You see Harry tense up slightly out of the corner of your eye but he surprises you by staying calm. “Sounds great, poppet. Your mum and I will be downstairs.” He places a quick peck on your daughter’s cheek and quickly walks out of her room, leaving you to follow after him.

“You okay?” you ask him quietly once you’re out of earshot of your daughter’s room. He nods quickly.

“Yeah love, all is well,” he assures, but his facial expression says otherwise. 

“I’m sure Mona was just giving you a hard time. I’m sure Noah enjoys your solo stuff just like anyone else does.” You try to reassure your husband, standing on your toes to give him a kiss. You feel Harry smiling into the kiss and you pull back, a look of confusion on your face. “What’s wrong?”

“S’not that, love,” he says. “I jus’ wasn’t ready to meet him now. Thought I had all day to mentally prepare.”

“Don’t be dramatic,” you warn, moving to pour yourself a cup of coffee. “Please don’t do anything to embarrass her.”

“I know, Y/N,” Harry says exasperatedly. “I’m not that terrible. I know how to control–”

“He’s here,” your daughter informs the both of you as she runs down the stairs and hurries by. You catch a whiff of the expensive Gucci perfume Harry got you a couple of years prior and you make a mental note to tell Harry to pick her up a bottle of her own when he gets the chance.

Harry’s face is a little pale and if you didn’t know any better, you’d of thought he just saw a ghost. “Are you okay, H? It’ll be okay.” You rub small circles on his back. Your daughter flings open the door and immediately envelops her boyfriend in a tight hug and you can’t help but let out an audible, ‘aw’. He has balloons, coffee, donuts, and a card that you’re sure your daughter will never let either one of you ever read.

She invites him inside, bouncing from excitement and what you assumed to be nerves. “Mom, dad. This is Noah.”

He immediately extends his hand, nearly dropping Mona’s coffee in the process. He chuckles nervously and quickly hands it to her before holding his hand out again. “Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Styles. It’s, um, it’s nice to meet you both. Uh, thank you for allowing me to join in on Mo’s birthday dinner tonight.” 

You reach out to shake his hand and give him a warm smile. “It’s so nice to meet you, Noah. Please, call me Y/N– I feel like Mrs. Styles kinda makes me sound a bit old.” Mona rolls her eyes at this, taking a sip at her coffee. There’s an awkward silence and you nudge Harry, waiting for him to say something.

“Mr. Styles is fine with me. It’s great to meet you, Noah,” Harry says gruffly. Noah nods and looks over at Mona, clearly uncomfortable. 

“We’re gonna go upstairs,” she informs you, grabbing Noah’s hand and leading the way.

“Door stays open,” Harry calls after her. “Don’t let me come upstairs and see your door’s closed, Mona.”

Your daughter turns to look at you, widening her eyes in embarrassment. You shake your head at Harry and go back to fixing your cup of coffee. “Harry, you’re so horrible. I’d be mortified if I was them.”

“Good. That’s what I was tryin’ to do,” he goes next to you and picks up your coffee mug, taking a sip. “S’good. Can I have this one?”

“Harry!” you give him an amused look. “Make your own cup!”

“You make it taste so good though, love,” Harry gives you that look that he knows you can never say no to, and you sigh before giving in and handing him the cup of coffee you just made.

“Whatever happens with Mo and Noah, I hope he’s not as big of a fuckin’ pest as you are.”

“This place is amazing,” you tell your husband, completely in awe. You were out to dinner at the tallest rooftop restaurant in all of Los Angeles, seventy-three floors above the ground. You could look out and see the entire city and although you were normally terrified of heights, the view left you speechless.

“Mo’s the one that picked it,” he tells you, leaning over to whisper in your ear. He has his arm slung around you as he gently rubs your shoulder. “Gonna drink with me tonight, hm? They got some fancy soundin’ drinks on this menu.”

“One drink,” you emphasize. “I don’t wanna wake up with a hangover.”

“Mom, isn’t this place so cool? Can you take a picture of us?” your daughter hands you her phone, leaning closer to Noah. You feel Harry tense beside you but he doesn’t say anything.

“It’s very cool, Mona. I think you have expensive taste like your dad,” you joke, holding up her phone. “Okay, one, two, three.”

You snap multiple pictures of your daughter, remembering how she always told you that the only way to take pictures was to take at least twenty at a time to leave options open when deciding which picture to post on Instagram. You hand the phone back to Mona and she thanks you, analyzing the pictures with her boyfriend. Their heads are touching and your expression softens as you think back to how you and Harry always found reasons to be close to each other when you were your daughter’s age.

The night goes beautifully. Your daughter has a big smile on her face the entire time and Harry even refrains from being unnecessarily overprotective, opting to let Mona enjoy herself and be close to her boyfriend. The more drinks he throws back the more he engages in conversation with Noah, even answering his burning questions about One Direction.

When the waitress comes around to give Mona her slice of birthday cake and sing ‘Happy Birthday’ with the wait staff your husband is singing the loudest, slightly off-tune due to how inebriated he was. Your daughter laughs, hiding her face in her hands.

“Mom, dad’s being embarrassing,” she groans. You know she’s not actually mad but you nudge him, warning him to knock it off.

As you’re getting ready to leave, Harry tells everyone to wait, hiccuping before speaking. “Wait. I’ve got somethin’ to say.” He’s slurring slightly and you laugh, signaling for your daughter and Noah to sit back down.

“Noah,” Harry starts. Mona gives you a worried look and you’re debating whether or not you should interrupt Harry, not knowing what he was going to say. “I’ve seen the way you’ve been lookin’ at Mo all night and makin’ her laugh. Swear she hasn’t stopped smilin’ since we got here. I like that, Noah.” You decide not to interrupt your husband’s drunken rambling. 

“Thank you, sir–”

“I had my doubts at first,” he continues on, taking another sip of his drink. “What dad wouldn’t? She’s my baby girl. Don’t care if she’s seventeen, she’ll be my baby ‘til the day I die. You make her so happy though, and I appreciate that.” He holds up his finger, gesturing for them to give him a second while he thinks about his next words.

“Don’t call me sir, makes me sound old. Call me Harry.”

[jamielea81]

Conversations

Bonus Chapter: Colorado

Description: Takes place a year and a half after the first bonus chapter Back to the Beginning. The reader and Chris are married with life changes ahead. Original description for the series Conversations: You accompany your friends on a day trip to Animal Kingdom Theme Park where you meet Scott Evans by chance. This one afternoon leads to a year long friendship with both Chris and Scott over text messages and phone calls.

Pairing: Chris Evans x Reader, Scott Evans

Warning: Slightly NSFW (18+ only!), cursing, talk of pregnancy, fluff, Grumpy and Sassy shenanigans. 

A/N: Look who finally wrote a bonus chapter for Conversations! This girl, right here! Just a little timestamp in the reader and Chris’ life. And of course we needed some Scott time. You do not have to read the series to read this one shot, but it doesn’t hurt. Reblogs, comments, asks, what have you, I enjoy. 

Italics are internal thoughts

**

“Honestly, love, it’s fine,” you spoke softly into the phone, trying your best to keep your voice even. The last thing you want is for him to feel worse than he already does.

“I don’t know…” Chris trailed off. “Usually, when women say the word fine, they really don’t mean, fine.”

“Such a guy,” you chuckle. “I promise, Scott and I are going to have a terrific time. He’s taking care of me and promised not to get us into any trouble.” You raise an eyebrow at your travel companion seated next to you in the hired car.

Chris laughed and then followed it up with a groan. “That does not make me feel better. Put me on speaker.”

You rolled your eyes but did as he asked or rather demanded. “Okay, you’re on speaker.”

“Scott, you better take care of my wife. She’s precious cargo. And she’s carrying precious cargo. So, it’s extra precious cargo.”

You laughed; hand automatically going to your stomach. You were four months along and just starting to show. Family and close friends knew the two of you were expecting your first child, but the tabloids had not caught wind. The two of you had been going back and forth on whether to let People Magazine do an exclusive cover shoot when baby Evans is born. The money earned from People would be donated to charity which was the only reason you were even considering it. Plus, the whole you two breaking the news rather than the public finding out when you weren’t ready. Chris wanted to be the one to introduce his child to the world rather than having paparazzi sneaking into your backyard to get a picture. You couldn’t argue with him there.

“Would you relax! You’re going to give yourself a coronary and then I’d have to take care of both precious cargos and you don’t want that.” Scott shouted.

I really hope the driver doesn’t recognize Scott.

You smacked his arm, taking the call off speaker and bringing it back to your ear. “Chris, we are both going to be just fine. The plane ride was as relaxing as any plane ride can be and we are almost to the hotel. Scott and I are going to pamper ourselves and eat lots of great food. Work is important and I completely understand.”

Chris got called back to Los Angeles for reshoots that he couldn’t get out of. He planned a couple of mini babymoons and this was going to be the first one. Because of your advanced age – insert eyeroll – your doctor had mentioned it may not be safe to travel a lot once you were six months along. Chris took this seriously and booked a trip to Colorado at a gorgeous snowy mountain resort. There wouldn’t be any skiing, just loads of alone time and cuddling by the fireplace. When Chris had to cancel, Scott stepped in and volunteered the cuddles.

“This is one of the many reasons I love you. I’m just disappointed our romantic getaway is now being shared with Scott. My brother,” he said, voice in mock disgust.

“It’s fine. Scott and I haven’t hung out just the two of us in forever.” Scott reached for your hand and gave it a squeeze. “I’ll see you next week.”

“Alright, sweetheart. Have a great time and rest please.”

“You know I will. I love you, babe. Say hi to Pedro for me,” you said, smile evident in your voice.

“I will. Love you too.”

**

“Mr. and Mrs. Evans?” The check in clerk, Barbara according to her nametag asked.

“That’s right,” Scott chimed in, wrapping an arm around your waist. “Newlyweds.”

You forced a smile and bit the inside of your cheek so that you wouldn’t laugh.

“Congratulations!” she replied with a sweet smile on her face.

She tapped her chin with her index finger before going back to her keyboard. “Let’s see what I can do here,” Barbara replied, typing away on the computer in front of her. “We have you in a one-bedroom suite with a mountain view, but,” she paused for dramatic effect. “I’m moving the two of you to one of our honeymoon suites.”

Scott gasped and slapped his hand on the countertop. “That’s mighty nice of you,” he spoke in a fake southern accent.

Where did that come from?

“Me and the misses really appreciate it. Don’t we honey?” he asked, turning his attention back to you.

“My pleasure,” Barbara said before you could reply, laying two room keycards on the counter next to Scott’s hand.

You smiled brightly but kept your mouth closed, so afraid of letting a chuckle out or saying the wrong thing. Scott steered you away from the counter, placing a hand on your bottom.

Once you turned the corner to the bank of elevators, you yanked Scott’s hand off your behind.

“Newlyweds. Really?”

“It got us an upgrade, didn’t it dear?”

**

The first night you were fine. Scott kept you occupied with stories of the single life and the wonders of online dating. You weren’t sure how he did it. Or rather, how he didn’t. After he told you about the guy who wore Barney the dinosaur underwear in a child’s size husky, you laughed until you cried.

“But did you still sleep with him?” you asked wiping the tears from your cheeks.

“Sassy! Of course not. Barneeeeyyyy,” he drawled out.

Shrugging your shoulders, you got up to grab yourself a tissue from the bathroom. Coming back in the room, Scott was on his phone, fingers swiping feverously. You plopped down on the couch, tucking one leg under yourself.

“Here,” Scott said, handing you his phone. On screen was what you would refer to as tall, dark, and handsome.

“He’s hot,” you said, passing the phone back to him.

“Barney.”

“No,” you gasped.

Scott sighed before he started to laugh which got you going once again.

**

The second day you weren’t so fine. The two of you ordered breakfast in the suite. Pancakes dripping with syrup, crispy thick cut bacon, sausage links, a bowl of mixed fruit, and decaf coffee because Scott was in solidarity with you on your caffeine hiatus.

“Let’s go for a walk. There are tons of trails that the resort clears of snow. I need to work off this breakfast,” Scott said patting his stomach.

“You and me both,” you said, getting up to put on actual clothes instead of the pajamas you were still wearing.

“You are so lucky. Get to eat whatever you want and can just blame it on the baby.”

Stopping in your tracks, you turned around to face him, lower lip slightly wobbling. Since the minute you found out you were pregnant, you found it really hard to control your emotions. You knew Scott didn’t mean anything by the commit, but your brain couldn’t help itself.

“I have to work really hard to be healthy. It’s bad enough the doctor said I’m old.” A sob escapes your lips. The tears already starting to roll down your cheeks. “I can’t have any caffeine, can’t eat a lot of my favorite foods, have to cut back on my salt. My salt! You know fries are my jam. Doesn’t help that my husband is built like a fucking Greek God. I’m not a model or an actress. I already feel like Dodger’s poo compared to him.”

Scott was out of his seat before you could utter another word. Strong arm pulling you to his chest while one hand cradled your head.

“Stop that. You are fucking beautiful and frankly my bonehead brother is lucky you agreed to marry him. Do you even know how many times I have had to leave the room in the last two months when he starts talking about you growing his child inside you and that it turns him on?” Scott pulls away slightly an emulates puking.

“Stop,” you said, burying your head in his neck.

“Why is my neck wet, Sassy.”

“It’s snot,” you said with a chuckle, wrapping your arm around him and holding on tight.

“You two are meant for each other.”

After a minute he pulled away and grasped both of your hands. “I’m with you in any way you need. If you need a healthy eating buddy, I am your man. If you want to say ‘to hell with it’, I’ll pick up McDonalds for the two of us every day if you like.”

You wiped at your eyes and leaned in to kiss his cheek. “I love you Grumpy.”

“Love you too,” he replied and then clapped his hands together. “So, are we napping or are we walking?”

“Walking,” you stated, making your way into the bedroom to finally get changed.

That evening, the two of you got dressed up and went to your dinner reservation at the hotel where you were addressed as Mr. and Mrs. Evans. Scott stuck to sparkling water even though you encouraged him to get an alcoholic beverage.

“I don’t need to drink to be the life of the party. You know that.”

He wasn’t wrong. He’d kept you entertained even without the raspberry liquor he force fed you years ago.

“I think we need a dance party when we get back to the room. For old time sakes. Before I am too big to shake it.”

“Done and done.”

The night ended in a bubble bath with both you and Scott in your swimsuits in an oversized soaking tub. Dozens of pictures were taken with many going to your husband. Rather than a text in return, he called.

“What is this? My brother movin’ in on my wife?”

“Babe! You know that it was me and Scott from the start,” you teased.

Chris chuckled. “You go away for a couple of days and it’s like that.”

“You know you are my one and only. Scott’s just making me smile.”

“I know baby. I miss you.”

“I miss you too,” you said.

**

The next day you were weepy. As much as you tried to put on a happy face, you were missing Chris. Pregnancy hormones or not, Chris had been working a lot and you had barely seen each other. This romantic babymoon wasn’t what you had in mind. Yes, spending it with your best friend was great, but it wasn’t the same.

The fire place was roaring while Magic Mike was queued up on the flat screen. You and Scott were dressed in jeans and cable knit sweaters with fuzzy socks on your feet. The snow was coming down heavy which was fine with you since neither of you had any place to be.

Pop in hand, though you wouldn’t let Scott hear you call soda that, diet for you, regular for him, the only thing you were needing was Dodger’s wet nose on your stomach and Chris.

“You know, Chris can do that,” you said pointing at the screen where one of the dancers picked up an audience member like she weighed a pound.

“No. Stop. Do not ruin this movie for me. I do not need to picture what you and my brother do.”

“Scott, you do know where babies come from, right?”

“Gross.”

You chuckled, standing up to excuse yourself to the bathroom. Why you brought up Chris when you already cried twice this morning was beyond you. After using the bathroom, you cleaned up your face and stepped back into the living room of your suite.

Scott draped himself over the couch, phone in hand, eyes shifting between the screen of his phone and the TV.

“I think I’m going to take another bath. Need to relax a little bit.”

Scott looked up. “Not too hot.”

“Yes, dad,” you said, offering him a mock salute.

You kept the bath water warm, but added extra oils and bubbles to make it feel more luxurious. The lights were off but a few candles were lit and your phone played 90s R&B. You snapped a pic of your soapy legs and sent it to Chris. Within a few minutes you had a reply.

Chris: My brother better not be in there

Y/N: I’m all alone

Chris: We can’t have that

You heard the door open and you scolded yourself for not locking the door. This text conversation seemed to be heading into rated R territory. You did not need Scott to witness that.

“Scott,” you drawled out. “I’m not wearing my suit tonight. Get out of here.”

When you heard the distinct sound of a belt buckle, you turned around. Rather than Scott dropping his pants, it was Chris.

You gasped, mouth hanging open.

“Room for one more sweetheart?”

You nodded your head unable to form words but those tears had no trouble forming.

Chris continued to undress while you tried your best to compose yourself. He joined you a moment later slipping in behind you.

“How? I thought you were working.”

“I put in some long hours so that I could get to you. I was miserable without you.”

“I know that feeling,” you replied, leaning your head against his chest. Chris lightly rubbing your stomach before sliding his hands up to your breasts, fingers tips rubbing against your nipples. “Babe, did you lock the door?” you asked.

“Don’t worry, I got Scott another room.”

You reached your left hand behind you grabbing on to Chris’ head bringing his mouth to yours. Chris kissed you deeply, your back automatically arching at the taste of his tongue.

“Was he mad?” you asked.

“I don’t even care,” he replied, rubbing his nose against yours.

“Neither do I.”

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