#excited to have come on to such a warm welcome and to see the fandom so lively!

[leadersguilt]

thank you all so much for your patience! work became a nightmare but i am currently pushing through replying to all the beautiful starters i've recieved and hoping to get things out between tidying up for @teufelme's arrival this weekend!

[multimilfs]

Lilia Calderu x Fem!Reader: Gaudium In Finem

Summary: Death, upright; growth, change, new beginnings. Luckily for Lilia, she has the perfect guide to help her navigate the unknown.

AO3

Included: Mentions of death, allusions to smut, fluff and comfort, found family

Words: 2.7k

A/N: This is my love letter to Agatha All Along and to the group of people I'm fortunate enough to call my own coven. I'm sad to see the show end, but excited to see where it leads. It has been so much fun playing in the fandom sandbox every week with you all <3

Tag List: @emiliaisdead @kenzie-floops @nightmare-of-homophobes @thepotatoislost @mckiejames @women-are-so-ethereal @galaxydreamer468 @thoroughly--confused @angeliccss @goldenautomaton @asolitaryrose3 @multifandomfix @ghostsunderstoodmysoul @escapetodreamworld @macnbriee @liliastriangle @im-a-carnivorous-plant @allseingeye

Lilia loved being a witch. 

Loves. 

Loved? 

“If you think about it too hard, you’ll hurt yourself.” A voice calls from behind her. 

She turns, startled to find herself staring back down The Road. Her feet are bare, the leaves rough against the bottom of them, hair a wild mess of curls. She can smell the mud on herself, but mercifully seems absent from it on her person. 

The familiar weight of her own clothing startles her. She runs a hand down the sleeve of her cardigan, feeling the slight differences in texture between the yarn. Years ago, in a fit of fancy, she’d made it herself; it has been one of her most prized possessions since, and she’s relieved to have it returned. 

Lilia pauses at the sight of you. You lean against one of the gnarled trees, smiling in that fond way time had robbed her of remembering. There’s a welcoming energy surrounding you that she remembers, though, and finds herself drawn back into your orbit. 

Loved it is, then. 

“How are you here?” Lilia asks, breathless. 

“Where else would I be, my Lilia?” The accent lilts off your tongue just as she recalls, too. 

“You know what I’m asking.” She says, “How are you here—how am I here? I fell.” 

You tilt your head. Though the look you offer is curious, calculating, the warmth doesn’t ebb. It makes her feel lighter than a feather. 

“Death, upright.”

The words make her flinch. She can still feel it; the weight of the deck in her palm, the eyes of her coven on her, the encroaching doom of the swords aiming for all of them. And that final card—the destination—sealing the fate she had known since stepping into the trial. 

Death, upright. 

Your eyes are expectant, waiting. 

It clicks for Lilia, “New beginnings, transformation, and growth.” 

“Death is only a new beginning, and The Road is Death.” 

The Road is Death, yet she has never felt more alive. She feels the reliable weight of her magic still in her veins. Her heart is light at the sight of your smiling face and loving eyes. She itches to take your hand in her own again. 

As if sensing the desire, you extend your hand, palm up. She closes the distance to take it and finds herself pulled into a kiss. It’s sweet and slow, but brimming with centuries of longing. She pulls back and presses a kiss to your palm. 

“My Lilia, how I’ve waited for you.” You whisper, cupping her beautiful face between your hands. She looks back with soft, glassy eyes. “Come, I have so much to show you.” 

--- The Road is much more subtle in death than it was in life; or, at least, it is more casual about the changes it weaves in. The wild forest thins on either side, trees growing more sparse, or pushing back away from The Road as homes pop up alongside it, from victorian-style to mere cottages.

She can witness scenes through the windows, families caught in images of domesticity she doesn’t care for but they must find joy in. Others are outside tending gardens or enjoying the endless existence sprawled before them upon their porch. It’s peaceful, beautiful. 

Lilia is warmed by the fact that almost everyone offers a greeting. She regards you from the corner of her eyes when every soul regards you with recognition.

Before she can question the behavior, the two of you come upon the edges of a city. 

Old, worn stone in gray rises into buildings that blot out the eternal moon. Buildings she finds matches for in the back of her mind. She can hear the water lapping at the shore even from here. Eager in a way she’d forgotten, she pulls you along the streets, ignoring the glances of everyone around, until she finds that old stone staircase. 

Not a rock is out of place, nor has the water weathered anymore of the sand than she remembers. The waves are dark blue—purple, even, where they meet the shore. White moonlight bounces off the crests. 

“Care for a dip, like old times?” You ask. 

When Lilia turns, you look just as you did, then; so young and joyful, elaborate skirts bunched up in your hands. She nods. Stepping down the staircase, she finds she, too, is clad in the skirts she wore, having to hold them lest she trip. 

Lilia is one-hundred-and-two again, not appearing a day older than a mortal twenty-five. Her hair cascades in thick, loose brown curls around her shoulders and down her back. Her skin is smooth and sun-kissed and her eyes twinkle with the remaining joyful youth she possessed then. But when she sheds her dress to bare herself to you, she isn’t shy. 

You sink to your knees as you did then. The moonlight traces every contour of her form that you’re eager to bring your lips to. And you do, mouth winding a path up her leg when a hand in your hair stops you. 

“This isn’t how the memory goes, darling.” Lilia tuts. 

Your eyes are pleading, “A little embellishment couldn’t hurt, could it?”

She shakes her head. Her hand moves from her hair to cup your cheek. 

“I love the scene as it is.” 

“Then that is how it will remain.” You press a kiss into her palm. 

Lilia steps fearlessly into the waves and beckons you. You shed your layers and follow, desperate and eager for her after such a long separation. Somewhere between touches and caresses, your bodies return to their wiser, more lived-in forms; the past remembered and honored, but made anew, as Death tends to do. You kiss Lilia hard. 

--

Varying paths shoot from The Road. Some are made of stone, winding uphill and into towering cities that are archaic in appearance. Others extend until they vanish into treelines. It is none of these that bring Lilia to a stop; the one that does can barely be referred to as a path, but rather a pattern of spots where the grass has been weathered away permanently. 

It is plain. Worn. The patches of exposed dirt reveal divots in the earth that are small enough to resemble thousands of footsteps. She stares along its length in search of answers. She feels herself tempted. 

Lilia looks over her shoulder to you. 

“Wherever you lead, I will follow.” 

“But is it safe?” She presses. 

“There is nothing that can harm you in Death. I swear it.” 

The first step onto the path prompts something to unfurl in Lilia’s chest, like that of a loosening fist. Her feet match the steps of her formers, bending, molding into the divots and taking an infinitesimal piece of the earth with her. 

Each moment moving away from The Road brings change; past the treeline looming ahead, there’s a whisper of music. Muffled voices in the hundreds or thousands rise in harmony. 

Closer, she nearly pauses, the melody hitting her like a train. It only makes sense that The Ballad should have made it into the afterlife. Her hand reaches for your own, gripping tight. Faces pass behind her eyes; Jennifer and Alice and Agatha and Billy. 

Her coven. Oh, how she misses them—loves them, even now that Death has stolen her away. Some things never leave a witch. 

The two of you come to stand in a wide field, an impossibly large stage near the back edge. Lorna Wu is center stage, microphone pulled close by one hand while the other gestures and weaves. She is lost in the music, moving in a whirl of color and flowing fabric; she’s a goddess straight out of the seventies, just as the pictures portrayed. 

Alice’s resemblance is strong when Lorna throws her head back and smiles. Lilia’s not sure she’s ever seen evidence that the woman could smile; but given her goal in life, it’s no surprise that her peace would be found in Death. It comforts her to know Alice is here somewhere basking in the glow of her Mother’s joy. 

Thousands of witches mill around the stage. No two groups look exactly the same—some, she thinks, may even be older than she. Others are young, taken before their power could manifest. Her heart aches, yet there is a levity in knowing they’re all together, free to traverse the existence after life, absent of hurt. 

“Would you like to join them?” You ask. 

Lilia takes in the crowd, a rebuff poised on the end of her tongue. She’s far too old to dance like a girl amongst her sister-witches. Yet, she doesn’t give voice to her denial; because despite her age and her feelings on what would be proper, Lilia wants to be among them. 

“More than anything.” She answers instead. 

Your face spreads into a beautiful smile. Offering your hand to her with a flourish, “Well, then allow me, my lady.” 

The two of you work your way into the center of the crowd. Lilia doesn’t miss how people part for you, every single one offering a nod. But your attention is focused solely on her and it’s heavier than she remembers, with more behind it. 

Lorna has worked away from The Ballad and into Red Haired Woman. Witches on either side move as the music bids them, limbs fluid and wild. The air is thick with smoke and cedar and lavender. She tilts her head back and breathes deep. She can’t claim to know what it is that takes hold of her spirit, but she allows her limbs to move of their own accord, finding your own as the two of you dance with abandon.

--

“Darling?” Lilia murmurs, watching you. 

You’re focused hard on the fruit presented in front of you. Hands hover, unsure, painfully intentional in the piece you want to pick for her. It reminds her of the early days in Romania, years before you—she pushes that thought away. 

The witch that has plucked each piece to sell watches your process. Her lips curl in amusement, leaning against the stall, waiting. There is familiarity in how she regards you and it is this that sets Lilia’s mind running. 

Your hand comes to hover over one of the oranges and you snatch it up as if it would be taken from you. 

“Thank you.” You say to the owner, who only nods. Then you turn on your heel and offer the orange to Lilia, “For you.” 

Lilia takes it with a smile. She walks at your side as the two of you weave through those within the marketplace. You’re careful to keep a steady pace, so Lilia doesn’t get swept away in the crowds. 

Her fingernails dig into the soft flesh of the orange, repeating, “Darling?” 

“Yes, my Lilia?” 

A black cat weaves its way through your legs and nearly trips you up. It runs off, a child no more than seven running after it. 

“Who are you to the dead?” She asks. 

“A guide.” A loose term, really, “I aid the newly dead in letting go of life and embracing the after.” 

Lilia wonders for a moment if that is what you’re doing now, but she knows that isn’t the truth. You waited for her same as she has longed for you. Not one moment spent together has been out of something as simple as duty. 

“They all know you, as if you’ve been around for eternity.” 

“Something like that.” You shrug. 

She eyes you with that look that means she expects an explanation. But the way this place works—the way Death works is difficult. It would take years for even the most enlightened witch to understand it. Well, years being a filler term, anyway. 

You sigh. Words come to mind, only to be banished, labeled unsuitable. Finally, you weave together the concept as best as you can, and open your mouth to speak. 

“Death is eternal—past and present and future. I’ve been here for eternity, same as I’ve been here only a couple of centuries.”

Lilia seems to have no trouble grasping the concept, “Death winds outside of time.” 

You nod. Of course Lilia would understand, with her experience of living outside the linear path; your Lilia, winding out of time, who saw the true sequence of existence in the fact that there is no sequence—things just are. 

“By your logic, all beings are eternally dead.” 

“They are. In a way.” 

Her head tilts, “Yet you said you waited for me. If a being is eternally dead, I would have always been here.” 

“My position grants me… unique insight into the illusory flow of time seen in life. I exist here, where time doesn’t live, while being aware that souls still remain on the linear path. I did wait for you, for so long—because my seeing both existences cemented your path in the linear.” 

Torture of the truest sense; knowing, rationally, that she should be with you in the existence after, only to glimpse into that illusion of life and find her cemented there, far out of your reach. You could have clawed away at the timeline and brought her home to you, but you knew she needed to find what existed there; so she would find what makes Death more than just an end. 

The mere reminder of the torturous existence without her has you stopping in the center of the crowds, uncaring for how they have to weave around you two. You pull her into a loving, intense kiss. She responds in kind. Her hands fist in the fabric of your shirt and pull so not a whisper can exist between the two of you. 

When she pulls back, her lips are swollen, eyes dark, “Where do we go from here?” 

“Wherever home is.” 

“Helpful. Thank you very much, darling.” Lilia deadpans. 

“Home is wherever I have the pleasure of seeing you happy, my Lilia.” You say, endlessly affectionate, your hands on either one of her cheeks, “I’m merely following you to where that may be.” 

“Some guide you are if I’m the one doing the guiding.” 

You laugh. Her eyes sparkle with amusement and mischief. Despite her spoken misgivings, though, she takes to the role well. Lacing her fingers through your own, she begins to pull you back down The Road as it winds. You follow, just as eager as she is to figure out where home is meant to be. 

--

Home isn’t what you expect. 

You anticipated an ancient place—like the homes you shared in Italy and Romania—or at least somewhere more rooted in nature; this is neither. The two-story house is right out of a modern sitcom. It’s somewhat plain, absent of the wizened flair you’ve come to associate with Lilia. 

Lilia, who stands on the porch, hands hovering over the door as if she can’t believe what she’s seeing. Lilia, who had picked up speed the second she saw the house in the distance. Lilia, who is looking back at you, tears in her beautiful brown eyes. 

A bark of laughter from inside is muffled by the door. You raise your brows. 

Lilia’s smile is incandescent. You’re not sure the door was unlocked, but she turns the handle and it opens all the same, the voices dying down inside. Then you hear the sound of hands clapping together. 

“Finally.” A voice calls, “I was beginning to think you lost your way, Dory.” 

You recognize the voice and hide a laugh behind a cough. Lilia glares, but there is no heat. 

“Agatha, seriously?” Jen sounds utterly exhausted. 

“What? You were all thinking it.” 

“They weren’t, actually.” 

“No one asked you, William.” 

Standing just a step behind Lilia, you watch the interaction with a smile. You understand now. They’re broken and a little peculiar, but they fit in an odd way. 

Agatha’s poring over something at the kitchen table while Jen sits at the other end, mixing furiously. She does look up to offer Lilia a fond smile. Billy rests on the living room floor with Scratchy in his lap while Alice is sprawled on the couch behind him. 

It’s a hodgepodge of personalities that should never work, but they do. Better than anything you’ve seen in a very long time. 

“Darling,” Lilia says, taking your hand, “come meet my coven.” 

You ignore the fact that you’ve already met every one of them—with the exception of Agatha, who Death had been very intense about handling personally. The door closes behind you. In the back of your mind, you thank whatever forces have led you here; home, winding outside of time. 

[rootedinrevisions]

Kinktober 2024: Day 28

CHARACTER: Tyler Owens

KINK: Temperature Play

WORD COUNT: 3.4K

WARNINGS: 18+ MINORS DNI. SMUT (Temperature Play (obviously), Fingering, Female Oral Receiving)

TAG LIST: SEE COMMENTS

If you would like to be added to any of my Tag Lists or be tagged for a specific character please feel free to comment, send an ask, or send a DM and I'll be happy to get you added! Below are the fandoms I currently write for.

Glen Powell (himself and the characters he's played)

Twisters (Mostly Tyler right now, but possibly others soon)

Top Gun: Maverick (Hangman, Rooster, possibly others soon)

Marvel / MCU (Bucky Barnes as of now, but possibly others soon)

WWE / Wrestling

As you pull into the driveway, the familiar sight of Tyler’s truck parked outside fills you with a wave of excitement. He’s home early. You hadn’t expected him back for another few days, so seeing his truck there feels like a gift after a long day. A smile spreads across your face, and you feel your pace quicken as you gather your things, eager to get inside and see him.

The house is quiet when you step inside, the kind of quiet that feels warm and welcoming rather than empty. You set your things down, glancing around for any sign of him. Moving through the living room, you call his name softly, your voice almost swallowed by the cozy silence of the farmhouse.

Just as you reach the hallway, you hear a familiar creak, and you turn just in time to see Tyler stepping out of the bedroom. When he catches sight of you, his face lights up, his easy smile spreading wide. He opens his arms, and without a second thought, you break into a run, closing the distance between you. As you reach him, his arms wrap around you, pulling you close, his embrace warm and steady, like he’s just as glad to be home as you are to have him here.

Tyler leans down, pressing a gentle kiss to your lips, the simple touch making your heart skip. His hand comes up to rest against the small of your back, holding you close as he pulls away just enough to look at you.

“Missed you, darlin’,” he murmurs, his voice soft but filled with sincerity.

You smile, resting your hands on his chest as you look up at him, letting yourself sink into the warmth of the moment. "I missed you too," you reply, your voice barely a whisper.

He grins, a playful gleam in his eye. “Thought I’d make it up to you. How does that sound?”

You look up at him, curiosity flickering in your eyes. “What did you have in mind?” you ask, a playful edge in your voice.

Tyler’s smile grows, his expression softening as he brushes a thumb over the back of your hand. “Remember that thing we talked about trying?”

You pause for a moment, searching your memory, and then it comes back—the conversation from a few weeks ago about exploring temperature play.

Your cheeks warm, a mix of excitement and nervousness fluttering through you as you nod. He’s always been patient with you, always checking in, but the thought of trying something new stirs a hint of unease.

Tyler catches the shift in your expression, his thumb stilling on your hand.

“Hey, it’s just me,” he says gently, his tone calm and reassuring. “We’ll take it slow, alright? The second you want to stop, you just tell me.”

You meet his gaze, the softness in his eyes easing the last traces of tension in your shoulders. Taking a steadying breath, you nod again, feeling safe and ready to trust him with this new step.

Tyler’s hand moves to lace his fingers through yours, giving a reassuring squeeze as he leads you down the hall toward the bedroom. The farmhouse feels even quieter now, each step toward the bedroom adding to the quiet thrill building inside you.

Tyler opens the bedroom door and gestures you in with a slight nod. Stepping inside, you can’t help but pause, taking in the soft, warm glow filling the room. Candles are set along the nightstands and dressers, casting flickering shadows across the walls, and the air is filled with a subtle, soothing scent of cedarwood.

When you look back at him, he’s smiling, his eyes warm and intent. He steps closer, his hands finding their place on your hips and then leans in, his lips capturing yours in a kiss that feels like a promise. Your arms wrap around his neck as you pull him closer, deepening the kiss, letting the day slip away as you focus on this moment, on him. His hands move slowly, almost reverently, as he starts to undress you, easing each piece of clothing off until you’re standing before him, bare under his gaze.

You give a small, playful laugh. “Feels like things are a little imbalanced here, don’t you think?”

A smirk tugs at the corner of his lips. “Maybe you should change that,” he murmurs, brushing his mouth over yours before pulling back just enough to watch you.

You reach for the hem of his worn white t-shirt, pulling it up and over his head, your hands lingering as they trace down his chest, over the lines of muscle, and the soft dusting of hair on his chest and stomach. His skin is warm under your touch, and you feel his breath catch slightly as your hands continue their slow path down.

Your fingers reach his belt, unfastening the Texas-sized buckle with practiced ease, and then you pop open the button on his jeans, pushing them down over his hips. He steps out of them, leaving him in just his Hanes boxer briefs, and you take in the sight, your hands resting lightly on his hips as you both stand there, wrapped in the glow and anticipation of what’s to come.

Tyler’s hands rest lightly on your shoulders as he guides you onto the bed, his touch grounding and careful. He pauses, leaning in close as he looks into your eyes, a soft smile lighting up his face.

"I thought we’d start slow," he murmurs, holding up a small bottle. "I warmed up some oil, figured this would be a nice way to ease into things." His thumb brushes reassuringly along your shoulder, and he leans in, placing a gentle kiss on your forehead. "And remember, we can stop anytime. Just say the word, alright?"

You nod, feeling a little rush of excitement balanced with that familiar comfort you always feel with him. He smiles again, his eyes warm, before pressing a soft kiss to your lips.

Then, he climbs onto the bed, settling above your hips as he straddles you, and you feel the mattress dip with his weight. His hands move with practiced ease, rubbing the oil between his palms as he warms it further. He catches your eye once more, giving you a playful grin.

"Ready?" he asks, his voice low.

You bite your lip, nodding, and then close your eyes, bracing for that first touch. The warmth of his hands as they glide over your shoulders is unexpected, surprising, and deeply soothing.

Tyler’s voice drops to a gentle murmur as he works into the tense muscles along your neck and shoulders, “Just relax, darlin’. I’ve got you.”

Each pass of his hands releases the day’s tension, and as he moves slowly down your back, his fingers finding every tight spot, you can’t help but let out a sigh of relief, sinking deeper into the mattress.

Tyler’s eyes meet yours as he gently guides you to roll over, his touch reassuring, his smile full of warmth. He leans close, brushing a tender kiss across your forehead before trailing his lips down to your cheek, as if to soothe any nerves lingering between you.

He pours a little more oil into his hands, warming it between his palms before he brings them to your shoulders. His touch is gentle yet firm as he kneads into the muscles there, his hands sliding in long strokes down the center of your chest, skimming close but not quite touching. His fingers follow the lines of your body with a slow, deliberate rhythm, making each touch feel intentional, almost reverent.

When his hands finally slide down your stomach, his fingers brush teasingly close to where you ache for him, and you can’t help the way your thighs press together instinctively. 

He pauses, his lips quirking up in a knowing smile.

“Oh, you like that, huh?” he teases softly, his voice deepening, and his gaze flickers down with a glint of mischief. He knows the answer, but he clearly wants to hear it from you.

You manage a soft “Yes,” your voice barely above a whisper, but the way you arch ever so slightly in response to his touch says even more. 

Tyler’s smirk grows, pleased. He moves his hands up again, this time letting his palms rest on your breasts, cupping and massaging them with slow, purposeful pressure that makes you sigh. His fingers tease at your sensitive skin before he pinches your nipple gently between two fingers, adding just enough pressure to draw an involuntary moan from your lips.

The sound seems to ignite something in him, and his smirk deepens as he looks down at you with pride and warmth.

Tyler’s touch remains steady, his hands still working over your skin as he focuses on your breasts, his warm fingers caressing, teasing, and exploring with deliberate slowness. Every touch seems to coax a new reaction from you—a shiver here, a soft gasp there, until you can feel the tension building, a heat pooling deep within as he continues his gentle ministrations.

He takes his time, seemingly savoring every moment as he pinches and rolls your sensitive skin between his fingers, his gaze fixed on the way your body responds to him. The warmth of the oil, combined with the pressure of his hands, creates a tantalizing contrast that only heightens the sensation. Your breathing grows heavier, your fingers clutching at the sheets, and your back arches as you feel yourself climbing closer and closer to that edge.

But just as you feel the tension building to its peak, Tyler’s touch withdraws, and you’re left yearning, feeling the ache of his absence as he slowly climbs off you, and then off the bed. He stands there for a moment, looking down at you with a soft smile that holds just a hint of something playful, almost daring.

“Stay right there,” he murmurs, his voice low and full of anticipation. His fingers trail softly over your thigh one last time before he steps back, and then he’s gone, disappearing into the hallway without another word, leaving you breathless and tingling, wondering what he has in store next.

Tyler reappears in the doorway, a cool glass of ice water in his hand, his gaze warm and mischievous. You glance at the glass in his hand, eyebrows raised, but he just smiles, setting it down on the nightstand before moving closer.

Bending down to your level, he brushes his hand over your cheek, his thumb tracing a gentle path along your jaw. 

"Do you trust me?" he asks, his voice soft, his gaze searching yours. 

You feel a shiver run through you, a blend of excitement and curiosity. With a smile, you nod, murmuring a quiet, “Yes.”

"Good," he replies, his voice a reassuring murmur. 

He kisses you softly, his lips lingering for just a moment before he straightens up and reaches into the dresser, pulling out one of his bandanas. 

He holds it up with a smirk, his eyebrow quirked playfully. “Still trust me?”

Your smile widens, and you nod again, feeling anticipation building as he gently folds the fabric around your eyes, blocking your sight. As he ties it in place, his fingers brush against your skin, sending tingles down your spine. You’re left in darkness, your other senses heightened as he leans in, pressing a tender kiss to your forehead, then your nose, and finally your lips, as if to ground you before the unknown.

You feel him shift beside you, reaching for the glass of ice water, though you can’t see him. The sensation of not knowing what he has planned stirs your pulse, leaving you acutely aware of every sound and touch as you wait, breath held, for whatever he has in store next.

Tyler slides an ice cube from the glass, holding it between his fingers as he moves back toward you. The shift from the earlier warmth of the oil to this sudden coolness makes your skin tingle in anticipation. The first touch of the ice on your neck is a shock that has you gasping softly, the cold tracing along the sensitive curve of your collarbone, leaving a chilled path that quickly warms beneath his touch.

You hear his low chuckle as he presses his lips close to your ear, his voice warm and soothing. “You’re handling this so well, sweetheart. Let me know if it’s too much, alright?”

His thumb brushes lightly over your skin, grounding you, as he continues to tease your collarbone, drawing out little gasps with every touch.

He moves lower, the ice trailing along the dip between your ribs, and finally down toward your inner thighs. You feel yourself shiver, both from the chill and from his proximity, unable to resist the way your legs press together instinctively as the ice grazes your skin.

He laughs, a soft, raspy sound that’s as much appreciative as it is teasing. “Oh, you’re loving this, aren’t you?” His voice is husky, his breath hot against your ear as he shifts closer, pressing his hand to your thigh. “So responsive… makes me want to explore every inch of you with it.”

His words and the gentle cold pressure on your skin have you caught between sensation and anticipation, the contrast leaving you feeling vulnerable and exhilarated, every reaction showing him just how much he affects you.

Tyler drops the remnants of the first ice cube onto the towel beside the bed, watching as it melts slowly, leaving a small puddle. He smirks at you, a glint of mischief in his eyes before he reaches back for another cube, this time popping it into his mouth. 

With a gentle yet firm touch, he spreads your legs apart, leaving you feeling exposed and yearning. The anticipation hangs heavy in the air as he leans closer, his breath teasingly warm against your skin. 

He lets out a slow, deliberate breath, the warmth mingling with the coolness of the ice, causing a shiver to run down your spine. The contrast sends your senses into overdrive, the mixture of sensations making you squirm.

“Just wait,” he murmurs, his voice low and intimate, as he leans in even closer. You can feel the heat radiating from him, mixed with the chill lingering from the ice. “You’re going to love this.”

With that, he leans in, letting the ice melt in his mouth before he brushes his lips against your most sensitive area, teasing you with the cold sensation. You gasp, the sudden thrill of the chill mixed with his warmth catching you off guard. He watches you closely, taking in every reaction, every little shudder that runs through you as he continues to play, the ice a thrilling reminder of the temperature play that has you yearning for more.

“Tell me how it feels,” he whispers, his breath ghosting over you, igniting every nerve ending as he continues to tease you with the coolness of the ice still in his mouth. You can barely form words, your body reacting instinctively to the sensations Tyler is creating.

“It feels... incredible,” you manage to gasp, your voice barely above a whisper as he continues his tantalizing play. The contrast between the coolness of the ice and the warmth of his mouth sends shockwaves through you, building a tension you can hardly stand.

“Good,” he murmurs, a smirk creeping onto his lips as he senses your pleasure. “I want to hear every reaction.”

He leans in again, giving you another teasing lick, sending another rush of chills through your body. The coolness from the ice dances with the warmth of his touch, and your back arches instinctively, pushing toward him, desperate for more.

“Tyler,” you breathe, the urgency in your voice making him chuckle softly. “Please... don’t stop.”

He nods, clearly enjoying how responsive you are. “I won’t. Just let go for me, darlin'.” He captures your gaze for a moment, the intensity in his eyes sending another wave of heat through you.

With that, he dives back in, his mouth enveloping you with the cold sensation still lingering from the ice. His tongue moves with purpose, flicking and teasing, every movement calculated to keep you teetering on the edge. The combination of the warmth of his mouth and the coolness of the ice makes you writhe, lost in a haze of pleasure.

He pulls back slightly, the ice still in his mouth. “How does that feel?” he asks, his voice dripping with playful seduction.

“So good,” you whimper, your body craving the dual sensations he’s providing. “I can’t... I can’t take much more.”

“Just a little longer,” he encourages, the playful glint in his eyes never fading. “You’re doing amazing. Let me know if I need to stop though, okay?”

With that, he leans back in, the coolness of the ice melting into his mouth before he uses it to tease you further, making you squirm and moan. The pleasure builds, each moment feeling more intense than the last as he guides you closer to the edge, his every movement a promise of ecstasy.

The moment Tyler’s warm mouth envelops you again, your entire body ignites with a new wave of pleasure. The heat from his lips contrasts sharply with the cool remnants of the ice that had just melted in his mouth, creating a delicious blend of sensations that sends you spiraling.

“God, you taste incredible,” he murmurs, his voice low and husky, sending vibrations through you as he begins to suck gently on your clitoris. You gasp, the warmth of his mouth drawing a desperate moan from your lips. Each flick of his tongue makes your thighs tremble, the mix of sensations making it hard to think.

Just when you think you can’t take anymore, he pulls away slightly, and you hear him reach for the glass of ice water. 

You reach up and pull the bandana off your face, opening your eyes just enough to see him dipping two fingers into the icy liquid, the sight making your heart race in anticipation. 

You can only imagine the shock of cold against the heat of your core.

He looks back at you, a playful glint in his eye as he says, “Ready?” 

You nod, breathless and eager for whatever he has planned.

Then, without warning, he slides those two cold fingers into you, the stark contrast sending a shiver through your entire body. Your back arches, a gasp escaping your lips as the sensation overwhelms you. The warmth of his mouth on your clit, coupled with the chill of his fingers moving inside you, creates an intoxicating blend that pushes you to the brink.

“Tyler, please,” you whimper, desperate for release as you feel yourself teetering on the edge. The dual sensations overwhelm you, each push and pull driving you closer to ecstasy.

“Just a little more,” he urges, his tone both teasing and reassuring. He continues to work you, his fingers curling and stroking within you, while his mouth works magic on your sensitive bundle of nerves. The mix of temperatures heightens every sensation, and you can feel the tension building, coiling tighter and tighter within you.

“Tyler, I’m... I’m so close!” you cry out, every fiber of your being focused on the wave of pleasure crashing over you.

“Let go,” he whispers, his voice low and sultry, as he intensifies his movements. You can’t hold back any longer; the mix of warmth and cold drives you over the edge.

With a shuddering moan, you let go, the waves of pleasure washing over you in powerful pulses. Your body tenses and relaxes beneath him, every nerve ending alive with sensation as you ride the high of your release. Tyler continues to coax you through it, his fingers still moving within you, drawing out the last remnants of pleasure until you finally come down, panting and blissed out.

As you lay there, breathless and sated, he leans up and captures your lips in a soft kiss, tasting the remnants of your pleasure on his tongue. 

“How was that?” he asks, a satisfied smile on his face.

“Unbelievable,” you reply, still trying to catch your breath. 

The connection between you two feels electric, every moment you share solidifying the bond you’ve forged through this new experience together.

[reallyromealone]

Ganon omegaverse 3

Fandom: the legend of zelda

Warnings: omegaverse, male reader, Zelda isn't good in this

🌑🌒🌓🌔🌕🌖🌗🌘🌑🌒🌓🌔🌕🌖🌗🌘🌑

(name) wasn't sure what to do, with these new freedoms he previously lacked back at Hyrule Castle, Ganon letting him wander around the palace AND THE CITY! With guards of course but still! He wasn't allowed to leave the grounds back home... Well he supposed this would be his home now.

That was something to get used to, things he was noticing back with his sister that left a sour taste in his mouth...

Why did she do what she did?

Why did she lock him away the way she did?

(Name) didn't know if he would get the answers he wanted to know or at least honest ones...

"Over the years we have expanded the town, it's not as big as Hyrule Castle town but it is impressive on its own" a guard explained as she showed him around the merchants row, before the palace entrance that surprised (name) at how accessible it was "unlike Hyrule Castle, we firmly believe the people should not be barred from visiting the palace-- of course there's times where it's not possible such at night but closing the palace from its people seems unreasonable to us"

"We believe in transparency to the people, of course they can't go anywhere they want in the palace but they are welcome to visit the throne room or see the public areas with the understanding of respect"

(Name) was fascinated by this information, the palace he knew was very closed off and from what he knew, very different from the rest of the kingdom in terms of wealth, the valley was much more forgiving and attentive to their people.

Zelda was a good queen, he knew this but he also knew she often focused on her own adventures and left the responsibilities to her second in command.

"There's so much I must learn..."

"And you will in time, you will have the rest of your life to learn" (name) nodded as he was slowly brought to the private dining area, unlike back home it wasn't stiff and cold, regal still but it felt....warm.

There was a low table with many bowls and plates with delicious looking foods as Ganon waited for his fiance to join him "how was your day, my star?" Ganon had grown to call (name) pet names, my beloved, my star... Many sweet words that made (name) flustered, his body warm with each sweet word.

"We went throughout the city today, one of the vendor ladies gave me this! I tried to pay her but she refused, she said "a gift to our future queen" the piece in question was one the made Ganon nearly blush, it was a fertility amulet.

"It looks very lovely on you" Ganon said as he led the Omega to sit in his lap, the Hylian dwarfing in comparison as they began eating, (name) finding he quite enjoyed spicy foods that the desert offered "try this!" Ganon already knew what all the foods presented tasted like but gave into his mates whims, eating the food presenting "very good, my love" his words rumbled through (name)s body, Ganon liked having his omega perched in his lap, so small and cute...

Ganon liked having (name) accompanying him during his royal business, include him on things and let him know how things worked And have an intimate knowledge in Ganons life.

"Our trade routes should alternate to this come winter months" Uberosa pointed to the map, an alternative map to get to the Bazaar "the merchants coming from the east have been notified through notices at inns and ranches" she explained as (name) looked curiously at the large map "This will also be the route we take for the wedding, I assume?" The concept of the wedding was both nerve-wracking and exciting at the same time, to think they should have been married for much longe...

Ganon gently pumped out pharamones as to calm the Omega, knowing he was nervous about his sister but Ganon knew she wouldn't try anything as to not disrupt the peace.

Going to war with the Guredo was a death wish after all.

"The wedding will be held at the temple of time now that it's been restored" Uberosa pointed to the map and (name) seemed excited, having never gotten to see it repaired.

Ganon worried (name) would grow bored when Ganon had to leave him, but the Alpha was pleasantly surprised to see (name) helping the teachers with the pups, the little girls wanting (name) to play with them the second they saw him as he was the only Voe outside of Ganon himself who they were allowed to look at, omegas were always deemed safe to the Guredo people.

"He will make a fine dam, brother" Uberosa said as Ganon gazed from a window, a soft look on his face "he will raise wonderful children if they get his attitude... God help if they turn out like you" the elder teased as Ganon huffed with false annoyance "he will be wonderful"

"Any word from the princess?"

"She's been quiet, she made many people upset with her actions and is most definitely doing damage control" he said methodically and Uberosa laughed slightly "she could have started a war, thankfully her brother is less selfish"

"His priority is always those around him, like a true Omega"

"You better spoil him to make sure he cares for himself"

"I already have things on the way"

Ganons clothes were going missing, mainly his shirts, thankfully he had an abundance due to needing to change from the heat.

Something Ganon took notice of was that (name) hadn't started nesting while here, weeks passing and the Omega seemed nervous when offered nesting materials "I-im allowed...?"

"Why wouldn't you be allowed, little one?" Uberosa asked the other who bit his lip, Ganon having a bad taste in his mouth as (name)s words confirmed his suspicions "w-wouldnt it be an inconvenience? I'm a royal Omega, it's unsightly for us to nest, no?"

"(Name), nesting is a basic instinct for all omegas, it doesn't matter what status you are, not nesting can affect your physical and mental wellness" Uberosa knelt down to the sitting Omega who seemed uncomfortable "I... I just don't want to inconvenience you all with my Omegan problems..."

"You have never and will never be a problem to us" Ganon was serious as he was half ready to start war over this but knew better, soon (name) will never have to deal with that again, he would be free to do as he pleased.

It took another week for (name) to try and make a nest, shy and nervous about it though happy Ganon gave him a spare room connecting to the bedroom "such a beautiful nest my Star" Ganon comforted (name) who looked at him for approval, his mood something new to Ganon compared to the others he was used to "we will get you even more nesting materials if you desire" he would have the finest materials sourced for his mate, anything for him.

[zapreportsblog]

❝HUSBAND❞

✭ PAIRING : Edward Cullen x Reader

✭ FANDOM : Twilight

✭ SUMMARY : When Edward proposed to Bella he expected her to accept after all they were mates? Right? Wrong! Bella rejected edwards proposal breaking his undead heart in the process, not being able to withstand the aftermath Edward leaves home; only to return 2 years later but this time he’s married?!

✭ AUTHORS NOTE : I already know there is a story on here called the same story with the same cover (on quotev at least) mines had been edited to a clearer form, (again on quotev) that was my old account, (marveluserlovesmarbel again on quotev was my old and very first account) one of my first actually. If I can remember the login information from it I’d log back in and post my stories from their over here but for now enjoy the remake of said story :)

✭ QUOTEV VERSION

✭ HUSBAND MASTERLIST

✭ CHAPTER TWO : A Surprise Homecoming

Inside the Cullen home, a sense of curiosity and anticipation hung in the air. The family gathered at the entrance, drawn by Alice's sudden vision and the excitement radiating from her. Her golden eyes sparkled as she clapped her hands together.

"I just had a vision," Alice announced, "Edward is coming back, and he should be arriving any minute now."

Everyone exchanged glances, surprised and eager to see Edward again. Moments later, the sound of an approaching car could be heard, and they watched as Edward pulled into the driveway. As he stepped out of the car, they were taken aback by the presence of a woman in the passenger seat. Edward opened her door, and they exited the vehicle, both smiling warmly at the Cullen family.

Edward greeted his siblings with hugs and was bombarded with questions about his trip. Carlisle suggested they continue the conversation inside, and they all moved into the house.

Once inside, Edward introduced the woman beside him. "Everyone, this is (Y/n). We got married."

The room fell into stunned silence. Carlisle was the first to break it, his face a mixture of surprise and happiness. "Edward, this is wonderful news, but since when did you get married?"

Edward explained, "We got married a year ago."

Alice gasped, fake outrage coloring her tone. "And you didn't let me plan your wedding? Unacceptable!"

Laughter rippled through the room as they realized Alice was teasing. Edward smiled, "Honestly, after Bella, I didn't expect to find love again."

Esme stepped forward, her motherly warmth enveloping them. "Well, I'm happy you did, son." She turned to (Y/n) and asked, "Now, how did you two come to be?"

(Y/n) laughed, her eyes sparkling. "I tried to kill him."

Bewildered looks crossed the faces of the Cullen family. Jasper scoffed and nodded. "That explains it."

”I’m sorry what?!”

”What can I say, it’s in my blood to hunt creatures like Edward,” (y/n) says with a laugh.

“Hunt? Are you a hunter?” Esme asked with slight hesitation.

”Yeah. My last name was Winchester but i guess it’s now (Y/n) Winchester Cullen, decided to keep my last name you know.”

Jasper can’t help but scoff, “Figures.”

Everyone was still puzzled, and Jasper elaborated, "The Winchesters are a hot-blooded family of hunters."

Edward added, "We're also mates."

Rosalie, never one to hide her feelings about Bella, couldn't help but ask, "Wait, aren't you and Bella mates?"

Edward explained, "When I met Bella, it was her blood that called out to me. She was my blood singer, which is why I felt such a strong connection to her. I deluded myself into thinking I loved her for her. But when I met (Y/n), I instantly felt the mate bond."

The family began to understand, and the room filled with smiles and warm welcomes for (Y/n). It was a surprising turn of events, and everyone felt a sense of joy and acceptance as they welcomed Edward and his new love back into their immortal lives.

┉

As the Cullen family settled into their cozy living room, the girls - Alice, Esme, Rosalie, and (Y/n) - conspired to have some girl talk out on the balcony. They silently made their way outside, leaving the boys to their own devices.

On the balcony, a sense of camaraderie and curiosity enveloped the girls. Esme leaned against the railing, looking at (Y/n) with a warm smile. "So, (Y/n), how did you find out that Edward was a vampire?"

(Y/n) leaned against the balcony and looked out at the starry night sky. "He did a good job hiding it at first, but after a few weeks, I noticed something unusual. One day, he reached out for something, and his hand caught the sunlight, causing it to sparkle like diamonds. I couldn't ignore that."

Rosalie's eyebrows arched in interest. "And what did you do next?"

(Y/n) chuckled. "I did what any person would do in this situation—I did some research. I found out about the myth of vampires sparkling in the sunlight, and it all started to make sense."

Esme nodded, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. "You were pretty observant."

(Y/n) shrugged. "I guess I've always had a knack for details."

Rosalie, intrigued by the prospect of conversation, leaned in closer. "Have you encountered more of our kind?"

(Y/n) thought for a moment before responding. "I've hunted vampires, but they're of different vampiric natures. Some of them don't sparkle, instead, they burn in the sunlight. Others have special jewelry that allows them to go into the sunlight without a problem."

Alice leaned forward, her golden eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Tell us more about the supernatural creatures you've encountered."

(Y/n) began to share stories of her encounters with various supernatural beings, including werewolves, shape-shifters, and even ancient mythical creatures. The girls listened with rapt attention, enjoying the opportunity to learn about (Y/n)'s adventurous life.

Back in the living room, the boys decided to go on a hunt, giving the girls some privacy. Edward proposed the idea, and Emmett, Carlisle, and Jasper readily agreed. With their departure, the girls had their opportunity to get to know (y/n) better.

In the heart of the dark woods, the Cullen brothers and father continued their hunt. Jasper, after a moment of contemplation, decided to address the questions that had been gnawing at him. He turned to Edward and said, "You look well."

Edward chuckled, his voice a wry whisper. "What's with the small talk, Jasper? You know I can hear your thoughts going a million miles a minute."

Jasper sighed, his concern evident. "Why a hunter, Edward? I know she's your mate, but you could've pulled away."

Edward's eyes, glinting like polished onyx in the moonlight, met Jasper's. "You know I wouldn't have been able to pull away if I felt the pull."

Jasper persisted, his voice tinged with worry. "She's a hunter, Edward. She's dangerous."

Edward countered, "And I'm a vampire. I can be dangerous too."

Emmett, who had been silently listening, finally chimed in. "I mean, they both can kill each other at the end of the day. Can't we move on from this topic?"

Jasper was unrelenting. "No, he's putting us all in danger. Aside from her being the very thing that kills us, she's also a human."

Edward's brow furrowed, and he asked, "What's your problem, Jasper?"

Jasper's voice grew more serious. "Listen, you've never faced a Winchester before. I have. Trust me, you don't want to cross their path."

Before the argument could escalate any further, Carlisle intervened. "Gentlemen, I suggest we drop this argument for now. I see something." He pointed toward a deer approaching through the trees, reminding them of the primary purpose of their venture. The brothers refocused their attention on the hunt, leaving their concerns and debates for another time.

The Cullen brothers and father, fresh from their successful hunt, made their way back to the house. Emmett carried the lifeless deer, a triumph in his strong arms. As they approached the house, their senses picked up the unmistakable scent of a familiar visitor. Bella Swan had arrived, her red beat-up pickup truck parked near the house.

Bella hesitated by the truck, her posture awkward and uncertain. She called out to Edward, "Hey, Edward. It's been a while."

Edward's face remained a mask of emotionless grace, but he kindly greeted her with a simple, "Hello, Bella."

Bella continued, "I didn't believe Charlie when he said he saw you passing through Forks. He said he saw you with someone. I take it you've brought a friend?"

Before Edward could answer, (Y/n) appeared, coming outside with a warm smile to greet him and the others. She rushed into Edward's arms, showering him with affectionate kisses on the face.

"My love," (Y/n) said, her voice filled with both relief and happiness. "You've been gone for so long, I got worried."

Edward's stoic facade softened as he held (Y/n) close, returning her affection with a warm embrace. Bella watched their reunion with a mix of emotions, perhaps sensing that the connection between Edward and (Y/n) was deeper and more profound than she had ever experienced with him.

[iamgonnagetyouback]

ɪᴠʏ'ꜱ 1ᴋ ᴄᴇʟᴇʙʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ (REQUESTS CLOSED)

Oh my goodness, everyone. I’m honestly in shock—I just hit 1k followers today, and I feel so incredibly grateful for each and every one of you. I never could have imagined that my little corner here would turn into such a warm, welcoming space, filled with the most amazing people. Thank you for being here, for your kindness, for sharing in my fics, my ramblings, and every small joy and moment in between. It’s a dream come true, and I feel so lucky to have all of you here with me.

To celebrate, I’ve decided we should do something special because this truly feels like such a big milestone. Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or just joined, you’ve made this space a little brighter, and I’ll forever be grateful for that. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for making this journey so memorable.

Here’s to many more memories together. 🥂

ꜱɴᴏᴡᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ ⛄️

Tell me a bit about yourself—your likes, dislikes, favourite movie/book, and ideal winter date—and I’ll match you with a character from my favourite fandoms.

ꜱᴛᴏʀʏ ɪɴ ᴀ ꜱʜᴇʟʟ 🦪

Tell me your favorite trope, character, and song, and I’ll write a short drabble based on it!

ꜰʀᴏꜱᴛ ʙɪᴛᴇ ❄️

Choose a prompt from the list and a character, and I’ll write a little drabble for you based on it!

ꜱᴜʀꜰ ʙᴏᴀʀᴅꜱ 🏄🏻‍♀️

Think of a character and a situation, and I’ll create a moodboard to capture the vibe.

ᴛɪᴅᴀʟ ꜰᴀᴠᴇꜱ 🌊

Pick a character and a trope, and I’ll suggest some fics for it—either my own or by some of my favourite writers.

ɢᴜɪᴅᴇʟɪɴᴇꜱ

⋆ Everyone is welcome to join in, and I’m excited to see your requests!

⋆ Please send different requests in separate messages to help me keep track.

⋆ Taking a quick look at these will help things go smoothly for us both.

⋆ I see and appreciate each message—sending requests multiple times can slow things down.

⋆ I’ll be getting to everyone, but I also have responsibilities outside of Tumblr. Your patience means the world.

Thank you all for being part of this! Your support truly makes this celebration special.

MASTERLIST

[aquariusmiller]

cowboy like me

Chapter IV: Snowed In

Pairing: Jackson!Joel x f!reader

Chapter Summary: Snowed into the ski lodge, Joel and you use the time to figure out the push and pull between you.

Word Count: ~2.6k

Warnings: flirting, romantic tension, a tiny bit of swearing, mentions of Joel and reader's pasts, not much because this is mostly good old-fashioned fluff (they are so cute in this onee), slowburn

A/N: This chapter was written for day 17 of @fluff-cember (fandom: The Last of Us). I am so excited to share this because the prompts are what inspired me to write in the first place! So I wanna thank the creator of the challenge so much for that and I hope I did well! Enjoy the fluff (with a bit of angst in the middle because I can't help myself)! :)

Taglist: @mushgloomz (love her and feel free to ask to be on the taglist!)

fluffcember masterlist | masterlist

song recs: is this love - whitesnake and begin again - taylor swift ("For the first time, what's past is past") (dividers by @cafekitsune)

Joel returns your glance and your eyes lock. The silence is full of unspoken musings. What could transpire out of this? Is your truce from the past patrols solid enough to last you for these few hours? Longer?

First to break it, you stand up and kneel in front of the red brick fireplace of the lodge, looking for leftover firewood. The lodge is getting colder as harsh gusts of the blizzard hit it. Besides, you feel like the fireplace will offer some welcome comfort. There’s not much wood, but there’s some that could work. You take a box of matches out of your jean pocket to try and light it.

Joel comes over and kneels close to you. “Let me give you a hand.”

You hand him the box of matches. He rummages through the fireplace, looking for suitable wood. He hums as he finds it, taking out a log and scraping the match against the matchbox a few times until a small flame comes to life. He lights and carefully puts the log back into the fireplace until most of the wood catches the flame, starting a small fire.

You smile as you see the fire come to life and plop down on the floor, crossing your legs in front of the fireplace. You extend your arms, warming your hands. He smiles slightly, endeared by you and follows suit.

As you sit on the floor, you scoot closer and he glances at you from the corner of his eye, wondering what you’re up to. You’re not sure if it’s Joel or you’re starved for affection, but you scoot all the way next to him, feeling warmth pooling in your stomach at the proximity. You lay your head on his broad shoulder carefully, smiling. He tenses up slightly, surprised at the contact, but before you can register it he shifts his shoulder to accommodate you.

“Comfy, are we?” He’s ribbing you, but his wide smile betrays his emotions. He’s relishing in the warmth of your touch.

You smirk. “Shut up. Your shoulder was, like, right there.”

He chuckles heartily. “Yeah? An’ you claimed it as free real estate.”

You laugh, the sound vibrating on his shoulder. Yet again, he doesn’t seem to have any intention of moving any time soon. It makes you feel giddy. You’re so close you can smell his scent. It’s... Wood, gun powder... Lavender? And his unique scent that’s become familiar to you. In the moment, you feel the urge to lean in and kiss his neck, get lost in it. No, no, too close. You refrain.

The fire is crackling against the brick as you sit in front of it in silence for a moment, watching it. It casts an orange glow at the walls close by and heaps of warmth over your cold bodies.

He seems to relax further the longer you lay there. He inhales your scent too, his breathing evening out.

“Y’know, you should feel lucky you’re getting this for free. My shoulder’s a sought out commodity.” He smirks. Back to teasing.

You smile. You think you know what he’s trying to do. “Didn’t know that.”

“Yeah, there’s a line around the block of people waitin’ for this.” He smiles cockily and murmurs as a flicker of annoyance runs past his eyes. “Mostly women.”

There it is. You smirk at his attempt at flirting. “Oh really now?”

He nods, amused at his own joke. “Ya have no idea. So don’t get too attached.”

You chuckle. “I shouldn’t get attached to laying on your shoulder? Think I can handle that.”

“Good to know. No commitment suits me just fine.” He tries not to crack a laugh. “I like to keep my options open.”

You laugh but can’t help but wonder if there’s truth to his joke.

Joel’s a very closed off man. You can sense he doesn’t want to open up fully, and commitment is a form of opening up. Not to everyone, though. You’ve been committed to guys you felt nothing for.

It felt more like a practical choice than anything else; sleeping with someone else while relying on a man for shelter would be the stupidest decision possible. It stemmed from your possessive tendencies too. You wanted those men to be only yours, so you made yourself only theirs. A clear boundary. A drawn line past which no one is allowed besides you and them.

Joel... Isn’t just a means to an end, which scares you even more. If he’s trying to tell you he’s not the commitment type, he’s not your type either.

“You sound like such a dick.” You chuckle as you joke about his claim.

He shrugs. “’M just honest.” He keeps quiet for a second, memories of losing people he used to care about passing through his mind. His voice falters a bit. “Attachment ain’t for everyone.”

You sense the melancholic tone, knowing this stems from his past. You feel slight disappointment in your gut, knowing... Joel couldn’t give you what you need. Not that you’re looking for it right now, but that tiny glimmer of hope about a “maybe” or a “someday” in the back of your mind went out.

It hasn’t been a long time knowing him. You’ll survive.

You chuckle and raise your head from his shoulder and get up, trying to play it off. “Gotta get up then. Can’t risk it.”

He turns around quickly at the loss of warmth on his shoulder, but doesn’t say anything else.

You settle on an old couch in front of the fireplace. “Ah... Comfier than the floor.”

“You’re right about that one.” He gets up too and seats himself on the couch, a pillow between you. Both of you are comfortable with the reestablished distance.

Checking out the window for the blizzard somehow stopping after around half an hour, you’re both disappointed. You turn to him. “You told me Tommy and you spend hours at the lodge on patrols.” You chuckle. “What exactly do you do?”

He smiles. “We josh around, play guitar-“

You interrupt him. Have you heard that right? Prickly, no-nonsense Joel? “No way! You play the guitar?”

He chuckles heartily. “Why’s that so surprising?”

You chuckle back. “I just... Didn’t figure you for the type to be... You know... Artistic.” You grin widely.

He smirks to himself. “I’ll have you know, back in the day, I used to play all the time. Would play for hours, annoyin’ everyone in the house.” He pauses as a wave of nostalgia hits him. “Hell, even dreamed of bein’ a singer.” He shakes his head, smiling as he remembers his teenage musings.

You smile as you listen to him intently. You know what it’s like. “I dreamed of being a singer too. Grew up in LA surrounded by it.”

He shrugs, surprised to share something like this with you. “Guess we have somethin’ in common.”

You nod and smile teasingly, turning your head to him fully. “Who would’ve thought?”

Next thing you know, you get lost in talking about your favorite artists. His favorite singer is Johnny Cash and his favorite band Pearl Jam, classics from the nineties he grew up in. He’s very surprised by your extensive music taste and yet a particular fondness for Taylor Swift. You already know he’ll use it as ammunition to tease you.

The pillow between you was moved by Joel somewhere along the conversation, and you’re both leaning your elbows on the old couch, practically jumping into each other’s sentences. Time doesn’t seem to move so slowly anymore and you feel like you could spend all the hours stuck here just... Talking to him. Looking into his hazel eyes.

He leans on the couch, his eyes glinting in the light of the fireplace, all of the shades of mossy green and light brown in full show. You get lost in them.

You realize it’s not just about the conversation. It’s about Joel’s grounding presence. You feel like nothing could shake you as long as he’s around. Usually, you’d try to bury this feeling down in the depths of you where it’s deemed unreachable, but for the moment... You let yourself feel it in full.

You get a sudden idea. “Joel?”

He turns his gaze back from the fireplace to you. “Yeah?”

You smile bashfully. “Do you have a guitar laying around here?”

He smiles slightly and shakes his head. “No... I know what you’re tryin’ to do.”

“What?” You ask playfully, acting clueless.

“I ain’t gonna play for you.” He shakes his head and raises his hands. Playing for someone seems more personal to him than you thought.

“Why not?” You chuckle and give him your best puppy eyes and a feigned pout. You don’t want to breach his boundaries, you just hope to hear a bit of his skill. “One song... Please?”

“Damn, pullin’ out the big guns.” He smirks. “Puppy dog eyes and the magic word. You’re good.”

You keep up the puppy eyed expression, hoping the long silence will make him relent.

You’re about to give up when he breaks out into a chuckle. “Fine, fine. I’ll play somethin’ for you.”

He gets up and takes the guitar out of the bedroom of the lodge, coming back to the living room. It’s a classic brown acoustic guitar, a white moth design on the fingerboard sticking out. You can tell by the way he carries it with care and the proud way he shows it off to you this one is his favorite. “Here’s my guitar. Pretty nice, huh?” He smiles at you.

You smile back. “I love it. Looks well-loved by you too.”

He nods. “Damn right. Been playing this one ever since I got back to Jackson.” He sits down on the couch with the guitar and starts tuning it, turning the pegs and strumming the individual strings, humming the tones to himself. It’s quiet, but you notice he has a husky and deep singing voice. A faint thought passes your mind; you could listen to him sing all day.

Satisfied with how the guitar is tuned, he looks up at you. “Have any requests?”

You look to the side as you think. “I don’t know... What’s your favorite one to play lately?”

He doesn’t have to think long before he settles on a song. “Ya know ‘Is This Love’ by Whitesnake?”

You shrug. A love song? Full of surprises. “Of course I do. It’s a classic.” A thought pops in and you smile. “Wait... Can you play the guitar solo?”

He smiles proudly and nods. “Damn right I can.” He prepares to play, looking down at the guitar, before he speaks. “Bear in mind, I’m a little rusty.”

You’ve never seen Joel so hesitant about anything before. You can’t help a comforting smile. “No, no, it’s alright. I can tell you’re good.”

He smiles bashfully as he starts strumming the chords of the song, humming the lyrics. The sound is rich and full, evidence of years of practice, his deep voice perfectly in tune. The melody echoes from the walls of the lodge and you find yourself mesmerized by it.

You’ve heard a lot of guitar performances, but something about this one felt special... Even as the blizzard raged on outside, you felt like only him, you and the guitar in this room existed.

“Is this love that I'm feeling? Is this the love that I've been searching for? Is this love, or am I dreaming? This must be love 'cause it's really got a hold on me A hold on me”

He plays his version of the solo and you look at his fingers moving on the guitar with awe. This was obviously practiced for hours, the classic hook sounding more soulful on an acoustic guitar. His brows are furrowed and his movement careful. You can’t help but notice... Aware of it or not, he’s trying to impress you. Warmed by the fact, you’re smiling widely.

He ends the solo and looks up at you slowly, almost as if he’s scared of your reaction.

You clap. “That was so good! Rusty, my ass!” You exclaim fervently, your impressed reaction written all over your face. You try to hold your horses and say in a softer tone. “I loved it.”

He smiles softly and shakes his head. “Ain’t that good, but thanks. Been workin’ on this for a while.”

You smile and nod. “Yeah, I can see that... You know I don’t just give out compliments.” You chuckle. “Especially not to you.”

He smirks. “And here I thought you liked me.”

You feel something sink in you as you get scared you got figured out. But he seems to be just joking. You mask your mental blunder well and grin. “Poor you.”

“Poor me indeed.” He smiles as he looks at you fondly for a moment. He clears his throat faintly and gets up from the couch to put his guitar away.

Leaning on the couch, you look at him exiting the room. You’re lying on the couch pillows on your own for a short while, the warmth of the fireplace and the winter sun going down lulling you.

You close your eyes, getting in a comfortable position for a nap. As you do, Joel comes back into the room. “Hey.” He says your name quietly.

Opening your eyes, you turn to where he’s standing with his arms crossed. “Yeah?”

You hear care in his tone. “Gettin’ sleepy now?” He grins. “You don’t gotta sleep on the couch. There’s a bedroom down the hall.”

The walk to the bedroom feels tedious, but you figure it’s probably more comfortable. You rise from the couch groggily and smile. “Thanks. I’ll be back in a bit.”

He nods as you pass him to go to the bedroom down the narrow hallway, the floorboards creaking under your step. He looks at you walking to the bedroom with a frown, but decides to keep quiet and let you.

It’s small, a big bed in it, made with white sheets and a duvet folded on the side of it. The brown plaid covered wall above it is surrounded by light wood paneling.

The sheets look very dusty, yet clean, as if this bed – surprisingly so – hasn’t been used since the outbreak. You pat some dust from the sheets before you unfold the duvet and lay down, covering yourself with it. You tuck yourself in until you feel completely wrapped up and you close your eyes.

Joel stays in the living room and you figure it’s because he doesn’t want to interrupt your nap. You like how considerate and unimposing that is. He’s giving you space, but you know he’ll be there if anything goes wrong. Not that you mind his presence, but you like knowing that, beside the closeness, you can share distance too.

You think as you turn to lay on the colder side of the pillow; no arguments this patrol without trying for it. You’re finally settling into a comfortable rhythm. You’re growing fonder of him by the day and still don’t know what to make of it. You feel powerless to stop it, not for a lack of trying.

The last thing on your mind before you drift in peaceful slumber is – for once in your life, you might just let this happen. Damn the consequences.

[al-the-remix]

I know nothing about 911 but seeing all the bucktommy posts makes me really interested, if you don’t mind could you give a short introduction of the ship/which episode(s) to watch for them? Thanks!!

Hi! So the ship is a very new one and they don't have a lot of screen time yet, so their relationship only appears in season seven, episodes: 7x3 to 7x6 and then 7x9 and 7x10. Tommy Kinard as a side character also shows up in episodes 2x9, 2x12, 2x14 (in an off-screen capacity) and 2x16.

As for the introduction, the lore with this show runs sort of deep, but as condensed and simplified as I can give it to you: the decision to introduce bi!Buck and Tommy and his love interest was made very last minute (like as the first few episodes of season seven were coming out kind of last minute...) as the tv show switched networks from FOX to ABC and was working with a protracted season, (10 episodes in stead of 18), so this first season you see them together in has a very "let's see how well this works and if the general audience approves of it" kind of vibe.

Obviously, it worked for me! And the general reception has been good. Personally, I find their dynamic fun and genuine; the show runner was aiming for a non-heavy coming out story with a romcom twist, which I think they succeeded at. Buck (or "Evan" as Tommy calls him) is sort of the obvious favourite of the show in the audience and the writer's eyes, he's gotten a lot of development over the years, but has stagnanted recently on the romance side of things and also in his professional development, (which is partly the fault of the writers and partly just bad luck with maintaining actors). So I think a lot of fans are excited to see him "off the hamster wheel", as they say, in the love department. This opens up the possibility to explore other plot lines with him as a character in his professional life and personal life now that hes in a steady relationship.

Tommy we don't know much about yet, other than he was deeply in the closet when we first see him in the season 2 flash-back episodes. He's not initially a very warm, welcoming, and accepting person, but it's implied that a lot of that behavior was influenced by his environment and poor upbringing, and he is quick to make amends and befriend the main characters when he's shown to be in the wrong. He used to be in the army, and is a fan of cars, martial arts, and rom coms. The way he talks in the season seven episodes makes it clear that he's done a lot of self reflection since we've last seen him (and since he's come out). He's shown to be an open and honest person who does his best to show up for the people he cares for, and once Buck is in his line of sight, all that attention is turned his way.

I think with this ship what people are most excited about is the potential it demonstrates: Buck as a character is someone who's been on an aggressive misson of self discovery and understanding, he's been actively looking for a romantic partner to have a committed, mature relationship with, he's someone who's willing to give a lot of himself away to his partner and is desperately hoping to have that attention and affection mirrored back at him.

What little we know about Tommy so far makes it clear that he's mature and willing enough to be that person for Buck: if it works out and the writers allow him to be. I just really enjoy what little I've seen so far, and with the show being back to its regular 18 episodes next season and Tommy pretty much confirmed to return, I'm interested and invested and hopefully in where they may take this relationship next.

Also I feel like I need to add if you're going to engage with the fandom specifically for this ship, do it through the #bucktommy tag on tumblr, because it's a real mine field out there right now, lol.

[littlemymyohmy]

After reading on some Welcome Home x Human Reader, I’ve come to the conclusion that these stories are mostly centered around the puppets figuring out what the heck Reader is. I think by now we all know what they think about Human Reader, but Home is a neighbor too.

So what does Home think of Human Reader? He is a house, maybe he feels sympathy for Reader not having a “home”. Or maybe he feels intrigued. I’m sure he loves Wally, but Wally doesn’t need much since he’s a puppet. But a Human. A Human almost completely relies on a house to keep warm and safe. Rooms for different needs. A kitchen to store food and to feed themselves. I’m sure Home has a lot of empty cupboards and a lot of space to fill. Heck maybe Home wants someone to cradle and protect while he sleeps (Since Wally doesn’t sleep). The little things we don’t think about might be greatly appreciated by a house: like loose hair falling to the floor from a brush, or how our hands turn bronze doorknobs into gold. Repetitive movement is engraved into the floor, walls and doors. Maybe Home longs to be “lived” in.

I think we often see our homes as a reflection of our selves. How we upkeep and decorate our homes. Home would love the different phases we go through. One second you want your walls to be blue and then next pink or maybe even green, or a picture you hung up here will go there and a different one will go here instead. He’d love learning about your friends and family this way. Home would love when you decide to hang up string lights, LED lights etc. So exciting! He must feel like a different house! Think about the excitement he must feel when you come back home and you have a gift for him. Wind chimes to sing for him or a funny little garden gnome to keep him company. Home feels so deeply for Human Reader. If he didn’t have Wally, Home would 100% take Reader in.

I’m Implying that when Reader is off visiting the neighbors, and Home is left with his thoughts, maybe he daydreams about a life with us. Our laughter from elsewhere creeps it’s way into his daydreams. Daydreams about how he’d greet you with a happy creak every morning when you wake and a happy creak every night when you sleep. He thinks you fit right into this neighborhood quite nicely. Every time we help Eddie early in the morning with packages, Home’s eyes follow until we are out of site. He’s heard from Frank’s boisterous lectures that Humans are warm, he wonders how different your hands must feel compared to the cold felt he’s used to. He’s seen you caught in the rain before and oh how he wished he could’ve swung his door open and called for you to hurry up inside before you catch a cold! He wonders which cabinet would pile all the different kinds of tupperware as you hurriedly toss a spare lid in and quickly shut the door before it all comes tumbling out.

There are some things he’d have to get used to if we took the place of Wally. Midnight bathroom or snack breaks would startle the poor house awake. Why are you up walking around so late for? He’d open and close his cabinets trying to help make up your indecisive mind about what to eat. Should you be eating this late? He’d rack his mind for any information he’s heard from Frank. I’d imagine him having to constantly remind you to wash the piling dishes. He’d probably do it himself if he could. Every time you shower he’d memorize the exact right temperature you like. The list goes on and on.

I think we as a fandom don’t include Home a lot, especially how he must feel about us unexpectedly entering the neighborhood.

Home is a neighbor too.

Note: Maybe I should write. Let me know if I’ve made grammatical errors.

[crescentfool]

What are your ryomina headcanons? I've loved these two since I played P3 FES, and I'm so excited to get back into the fandom^^

hi!! thank you so much for the ask, welcome back to the p3 fandom, it's always a delight to see new and old ryomina fans alike! 🥺💛💙

as for headcanons, here's a "few" i that i tend to come back to a lot! my interpretations of them are influenced from both the source material and other's fanworks, so i've linked to them as i saw fit! hcs in no particular order under the cut because oops this got long (900 word bullet point list, mentions of reload content up to 1/1)

minato's hair is dyed blue (hair originally brown, you can see it in his roots!) and he has a beauty mark on under his left eye. i like mirror imagery and there's definitely a few arts i've rb'd that portray them this way :) (e.g. this one by feliichu and this one by marasschino)

as far as i'm concerned the bathhouse scene from the manga where ryoji's hair down = similar shape to minato? that is canon to me. this art from xierru is a fun depiction of hair down ryoji :D

ryoji is homeless. everyone say thank you foxmulder_whereartthou for this awesome fic it's why i have the headcanon! but like seriously. we have no idea where ryoji lives and i could believe this.

minato dying at the end of the game is sad to an outsider's POV BUT!!! ryomina gets to be together in death for the rest of their lives (this illustration from mafuwara is a gorgeous representation of them as nyx avatar + the seal)!

speaking of the seal, they are like telepathically communicating to me in the great seal together. (mymp3 had a comic wip with this. give it a looksie :D)

ryoji likes cuddling with minato because he's warm :) (something something orpheus has fire affinity, minato is warm by extension and ryoji is cold because he's death)

ryoji's camera roll is filled with pictures of minato! ryoji... loves life, to me. and i feel that photography and journaling are perfect ways of expressing gratitude and capturing the moments in life that are most important to you :3

my other favorite activity for these two is stargazing- i feel like it's something they could appreciate either in life or death (looking at the stars from the great seal...)! they do a bit of this in the fic eurydice's vow by crescentmoontea (P5R spoilers, takes place in third sem it's a very fun fic concept).

between ryoji and minato i feel like ryoji was the one who fell in love first- and it doesn't really click in place for minato that he loves ryoji until december hits (appriser reveal + ryoji transforming into thanatos). its about the realization that ryoji was with him for his whole life and that he gets him like no one else does.

ryoji is like a sad and wet puppy who is so scared minato won't like him back. he is so scared of being rejected by minato to me like. this boy straight up deflates after he does his "i know i said i wanted us to be friends, but... i actually want to be something more." / "what about you?" on 12/1 ???

AND SPEAKING of wet puppy ryoji. ryoji is like. every animal in the world to me. he's a bird. he's a cat. etc. and also ryoji knows every language in the world ever and uses it to express his love for minato. see this fic from superheroics to see what i mean.

both of them are lactose intolerant. "this isn't lactose, it's milk!" i definitely think ryoji would make himself sick eating ice cream and milk he doesn't know what lactose is. (i made a silly poll about this once and the tags were very entertaining.)

i see minato as transmasc or nonbinary depending on the day (schrodinger's headcanons babey they're simultaneously true and not true at the same time!!). either way he's not cis to me and ryoji is like. His Gender. anyway go read this fic by nail_gun for t4t ryomina :D !

ryomina are WEIRD GUYS TO ME!!! they are so strange and they understand each other better than anyone else because of the circumstances of their relationship!!! if you asked them to do the "i wonder what i taste like" meme i think they'd start biting each other (affectionate) tbh but that's just me.

after ryoji gives minato the music box in 12/31 on reload, minato listens to the music box every night in january. this boy has insomnia and also chronic illness to me (things that housing death does to you). but i think he finds comfort in the melody and memories he made with ryoji.

in general, i think it's fun to imagine minato taking ryoji to places and show him things he's interested in! i feel that ryoji takes a lot of interest in minato's life, this isn't really a hc because in reload, minato DOES give ryoji a tour of the school (11/9) and possibly port island (11/12). but ITS CUTE OK! (tangentially related fanwork: this series of doodles from vinnigami: 1, 2, and 3)

not a hc but minato's kindness is like the backbone of their relationship and i think we would not have the ryomina we know and love today if minato wasn't such a kind soul. oh minato.... we can learn so much from you... like ryoji did!

anyway! that's all the hcs that i could think of, thank you for the ask! i had a lot of fun answering this, these two mean a lot to me 💛💙

i hope you don't mind the links to the fanart and fanfic as well, the fanwork people have made for ryomina have really made an imprint on me! if you want to see more of them, i definitely recommend looking through my tag for them because oh. i got a lot of them reblogged alright 😂 (<- SOOO NORMAL)

[rin-fukuroi]

𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 [𝐃𝐢𝐥𝐮𝐜]

Please do not translate or publish my works without my permission.

The originals of my works can be read here

Fandom: Genshin Impact

Pairings: Diluc x fem!reader

Warnings: just comfort holiday’s fluff!

▶• ılıılıılıılıılıılı. Freya Ridings - Ultraviolet

Note: English is not my native language, so I apologize if there are errors in the text qq

art: @eea9a9

«You know you're always welcome at the distillery»

You burrow deeper into your warm voluminous scarf, replaying Diluc's words over and over in your head, like a mantra to calm down, which still cannot calm the excitement. This is the first time a man has invited you to his house for such as… Family activities. You felt awkward even when he just voiced his proposal with the same stoically serious expression on his face, typical for Diluc, so what is going on in your head and heart now when you approach the door of his luxurious mansion is hardly possible to describe in words at all.

Of course, the reason for most of your panic is the feelings that you have been desperately trying to hide for several long years, during which the friendship between you and Diluc seems to have become stronger, but this is absolutely not what you really want. And, as a good friend and a girl who never seems to dare to declare her feelings out loud, you simply had no right to refuse an invitation.

Outside, the snow-dusted distillery is already decorated with bright flashing lights, and a charming Christmas wreath flaunts on the door. This place has always seemed cozy to you, but now the warmth seeping out from the walls of the estate feels even brighter than usual on a slightly frosty pre-holiday day.

You hesitate, hesitantly clenching your fingers into a fist before knocking softly on the heavy door. You hear the soft click of heels, recognizing Adelinda in painfully familiar steps, who opens the doors in front of you, spreading a friendly smile.

— Lady Y/N, — the woman bows, stepping aside and letting you into the manor.

— Come on, Adelinde, we've known each other for years!

— Ha-ha, it's true. I suppose I could even call you a member of the young Master's family.

— Wh-what are you saying? — you mumble sheepishly, unwinding the scarf around your neck before handing it to the maid along with your coat. — Is Diluc in his office?

— No, it seems that Master has already started decorating the Christmas tree, — the woman grins, motioning you to go further into the living room. — I think he's going to need your help anyway.

You turn around, running your gaze around the spacious room, noticing Diluc standing in the corner, dressed in his classic trousers and shirt, thoughtfully peering into a large box standing on the coffee table. His hair is tied up in a high ponytail today, and you can't help but smile a little, remembering how you once mentioned that you like it. Not far from the puzzled red-haired man, on the right side of the fireplace, there was a tall Christmas tree, on which still no decorations were noticed, while you slowly crossed the living room, approaching your friend.

«And this is called "started decorating"?»

— As I see, you really can't do without my help here!

Your voice snaps Diluc out of his thoughts, and the man turns around, meeting your undisguised curiosity when you try to look behind his back.

— You're late, as always, so I decided to start without you.

— How rude! Moreover, apparently, so far your endeavors haven't been crowned with success, — you again glance at the bare Christmas tree, and Diluc sighs heavily, turning away towards the box.

— Of course. I have just started, and the selection of jewelry takes a lot of time.

You roll your eyes, standing up on your toes and looking over Diluc's shoulder. The box you are interested in is filled with a wide variety of toys and tinsel so much that your eyes run away. It seemed that this box had been filled for several decades with various decorations that had been passed down from generation to generation. Red, green, white and gold balls are neatly stacked on one half, while colorful tinsel and garlands are arranged on the other.

— Wow, you really have a lot of toys! — you take a step to the side, standing next to Diluc. — But I still don't understand what you're thinking about. Let's just hang them the way we want!

Diluc presses a relaxed fist to his lips, slightly clearing his throat.

— It was usually Adelinde who did it.

—Oh, — you nod knowingly, before a stunning realization gradually comes to you, and your face takes on a surprised look. — Wait, then why did you decide to do it now?

— There's no particular reason, — the man looks away. — I just found some free time this year.

— Is that so?

There is silence between the two of you for a few seconds before you break it with a thoughtful chuckle, after which your hands reach for the huge box.

— What are you doing? — Diluc asks anxiously, noticing how hard you are trying to tear the box off the table.

— It seemed much lighter in appearance! I thought it would be more convenient if we put the decorations next to the tree, so… — you giggle, making another futile attempt to lift the box, when suddenly it becomes surprisingly light and rises by itself in front of your eyes, making you cry out in surprise.

— You could have just asked me right away, — you feel Diluc's forearm touching your chest as he snatches the box from your hands, and instantly give up your desperate attempts, jumping aside.

And why did he take it into his head to do it now? Your heart is so restless again now, and you can feel the blood inevitably rushing to your face, fortunately, at the moment when Diluc is already turning away, easily transferring the jewelry box to a small bench in front of the fireplace. You always knew he was strong, but now his displays of masculinity make you even more nervous.

— T-thank you … — you move closer to the tree after Diluc, taking a deep breath to at least sort out your chaotic thoughts a little, and put your fists on your sides, raising your head in satisfaction. — Well, great, we can start!

Time flew by unnoticed. The two of you were just chatting about everything and nothing, as usual, but this time it felt like this… In a family way? You've never felt so close to Diluc as you do now. He's a complicated man. You can almost see the heavy weight he has shouldered on his own shoulders, but he steadfastly and worthily withstands his weight day by day, although he looks insanely lonely when you look at him from the outside. As a friend, you should have tried to lighten his burden, but you never made such attempts.

He doesn't need it.

For some reason, you have the strong impression that Diluc is one of those people who don't need words, don't need help. He just needs someone to be there for him, even though he will never admit it out loud. That's why he invited you, that's why now his face is decorated with a modest barely noticeable smile, that's why he doesn't even try to argue when you're running this little event organized just for the two of you. Therefore, his ruby eyes sparkle when he watches you enthusiastically inspect the tree from all sides in search of an empty place where you can hang another ball.

You are the most ordinary girl — that's what you and, perhaps, most of your friends think, but Diluc sees you differently. You have the power that he can't have. You are free, carefree, still retaining the interest and craving for life that Diluc lacks, and which you unknowingly share with him whenever you spend time together.

And he just… so tired.

Day by day, his childish naivety and thirst for adventurism, which still live in your heart, melt away before your eyes, replaced by a sense of banal duty. That's why he wanted to see you today, wants to see you tomorrow and every day of his dreary life after that. After all, you bring colors to his gray days, like those with which you decorate the once boring and nondescript Christmas tree near the fireplace in Diluc's living room, breathing life into it.

— Have you finished yet? — Diluc gets up from his chair, approaching you when he notices you taking a few steps away from the decorated Christmas tree, giving it an appraising look.

— Yes, but… something is missing.

Diluc follows you with his eyes as you hurriedly run to the front door, fumbling in your bag hanging on a hanger.

— I wasn't sure if you didn't have something like that, so I didn't get it out as soon as I came in.

You return to Diluc as cheerfully as you ran away, opening a small box in front of him, in which the top of the Christmas tree in the form of a red star lies neatly.

— Why the red one? Shouldn't the star be yellow?

— Well, there really were a lot of different yellow stars in the store, but as soon as I saw this one, I immediately thought that it reminded me of the color of your hair! — your lips stretch into a radiant smile when you look up at Diluc.

— Really? Did you buy it for such a silly reason?

You were almost pouting and were about to take offense at Diluc's words, when suddenly you saw his face for the first time in all the many years that you spent together, decorated with a genuine sincere smile, followed by a quiet laugh, muffled by his big palm leaning against his lips.

For some reason, this sight made you feel such indescribable lightness and… happiness?

Yes, indeed. If you were ever happy, it was at this moment when Diluc managed, even if only for a miserable moment, to let go of everything that burdens him. And it was you who caused it.

— Well, that's it, stop laughing at me already! — you turn away from Diluc, trying to hide the blush tingling your cheeks, and head for the tree, awkwardly rising on tiptoe in an attempt to reach the top of the tall tree.

You don't even notice how Diluc's quiet laughter subsides behind your back, and his hands are on your waist, catching you off guard even before your feet suddenly lift off the floor.

— Wh-what are you doing?! — you cry out, feeling Diluc's fingers pressing into your ribs in close proximity to your chest, while he just holds you up effortlessly, like you're a light little kitten.

— Didn't you need help?

— Y-yes, but… — you swallow nervously, hoping he doesn't feel your poor heart pounding. — Thanks.

It's so awkward, but so insanely pleasant that you're ready to squeak with delight, barely restraining your gusts of happiness while your trembling hands place a red star on top of the Christmas tree.

— You can let go, — you reluctantly signal to Diluc, actually wishing that he would hold you like this for at least a little longer.

Which he does.

You feel him slowly pulling you closer to his body, so much so that you can feel his breath on your lower back as he gently lowers you to the floor, just holding his hands on your waist for a few moments before letting go. You freeze, trying to record this moment in as small detail as possible in your memory, when you hear Diluc embarrassedly clearing his throat behind your back, forcing you to turn around and see how he looks away.

— Well… it seems that's it now.

— Oh, yes, — you take a step back again, standing next to Diluc and just admiring the result of your joint work. If you weren't involved in the process, but you still saw what this tree looked like before you both decorated it with balloons and garlands, you would be amazed at how much it has transformed, now really imbued with the Christmas spirit. — In my opinion, it turned out well!

Diluc also raises his head, scanning the elegant Christmas tree with ruby eyes, and if you put your hand to his chest now, you could feel his heart skip a beat. One look at it was enough to take him back to his childhood, when he decorated the Christmas tree with his father and brother in the same way. A peaceful, carefree and happy time, the warmth of which settled back into his soul thanks to you.

— Y/N, — you look up at Diluc, but he still doesn't take his eyes off the iridescent multicolored lights burning on the Christmas tree. — Come to us… no, to me for Christmas.

And this time he let you see how the pale skin of his face turned slightly pink when he said those words.

You just freeze, not taking your eyes off the beautiful man, who now looks even more charming when the twinkle of a garland is reflected in his scarlet eyes. Your lips open, ready to make some kind of barb or shower Diluc with awkward questions, but you just smile, twisting your own fingers behind your back before nodding gently.

— I'll definitely come.

[lancermylove]

Date with Belphie (Scenario)

Fandom: Obey Me

Pairing: Belphie x gn!Reader

Warning: None

Requested by: Anon

Prompt: Hi! This is my first request, idk if I over did with the million ideas 🐌 hope any of them are good enough! Fandom: Obey me! I'm thinking about an oneshot or scenario of taking belphie to a date with a rich GN!mc, something like clothes shopping for him - going to a theater with a dramatic story and mc crying with the end like: IF IT WERE US I WOULD HAVE SCAPED TO BE WITH YOU!! - going to a big masquerade but preferring the balcony to see the stars - them visiting a festival and belphie buying flowers for them from a walking seller that called them a cute married couple. Or maybe them taking ball dancing lessons together 🥺💕

A/N: Thank you for sending in the request! I am sorry for taking so long to finish it. 🙇🏻‍♀️ There are a lot of ideas for just one date, so I picked a few. Hope you like it!

Word Count: 916

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The city was alive with the hum of evening chatter, glowing streetlights, and the sweet scent of blooming flowers planted alongside the street. You smiled at Belphegor, who seemed curious and mildly annoyed as he tried on another coat. You had spent the past hour browsing through clothes racks, insisting on finding the perfect outfit for tonight. Belphie, while generally indifferent to fashion, appreciated your enthusiasm and played along.

"Do I really need to try on another one?" Belphie asked in a playful whine.

You grinned, taking a step closer to adjust the lapels of his coat. "Just one more. You'll see, it's worth it. Besides, you look amazing."

A faint blush colored his cheeks, but he rolled his eyes. "If you say so, but you're lucky that I am willing to forgo sleep for you."

The two of you stared at each other before laughing. While the laughter echoed softly in the quiet of the upscale boutique, no one bothered to look at either of you. After a few more minutes of indecisiveness, you finally settled on the midnight blue coat paired with a sleek black shirt. It was perfect for the evening you had planned—a night of theater and a festival under the stars.

As you entered the theater buzzing with anticipation, your arm looped through Belphie's. The venue's grandeur, with its gold trimmings and velvet curtains, only heightened your excitement. The play you had chosen was renowned for its intense storyline and emotional depth. You couldn't wait to see his reaction to the emotional rollercoaster and secretly hoped he wouldn't fall asleep in the middle of the play.

As the play progressed, you were drawn into the story—a tale of love, betrayal, and sacrifice. When the climax approached, you were on the edge of your seat while your heart pounded. By then, you forgot to steal glances at Belphie to see his reaction and ensure he wasn't asleep. The lead characters, caught in a forbidden romance, were forced to make an impossible choice. The tension built until the final act, where the lovers chose to stay bounded to their responsibility instead of escaping and living freely together.

Tears welled up in your eyes, and you gripped Belphie's hand tightly. The passion in the characters' voices and the anguish in their expressions were overwhelming.

"If it were us," you whispered, barely audible over the dramatic crescendo of the music, "I would have escaped to be with you."

Belphie turned his head, his gaze softening as he looked at you. His thumb brushed against the back of your hand in a soothing gesture. "I know you would. And I'd do the same for you."

The play ended in a whirlwind of applause, but you remained seated to compose yourself. However, Belphie gently tugged you to your feet, his smile warm and reassuring.

"Come on," he said. "Let's get some fresh air."

The night air was cool, and a gentle breeze carried the sounds of laughter and music from a nearby festival. The lively atmosphere was a welcome change from the heavy emotions you experienced in the theater. Colorful lights twinkled overhead, and the air was filled with the delicious aroma of street food. If Beel were with the two of you, he would have downed every last crumb available in the stall—the thought made you giggle. Belphie also seemed relaxed in the vibrant environment as he scanned the area with a soft smile.

You wandered through the stalls, sampling various treats and admiring the artistry of local vendors. The festival was a beautiful mosaic of cultures and traditions, each corner offering something new and exciting. When the two of you walked past an elderly flower seller, her eyes twinkled with mischief.

"Flowers for the lovely couple?" she asked, her gaze shifting between you and Belphie.

"Yes, please," your boyfriend smoothly said as he selected a small bouquet of white lilies. Handing them to you, he paid and thanked the seller, who was quietly studying your expression.

"Such a cute married couple," she murmured before returning to the other side of her stall. From the smile she gave you, it was evident that the woman was only teasing you, but your cheeks burned red. Belphie also picked up on the mischievous tone in her voice, but his focus was on you. Seeing your flushed face and attempts to hide behind your face behind the bouquet, he chuckled.

Belphie smirked and wrapped an arm around your shoulders before pulling you close to his side. "Should we explore more of the festival, my dear wife/husband?"

Despite your shyness, you laughed and nodded. "There's a lot more to see."

As the night drew on, you found a quiet spot away from the crowd and sat together on a bench beneath a canopy of stars. Belphie leaned back, gazing up at the sky with a content expression.

"Thank you," he said after a while. "For tonight. For everything."

You leaned against him while the lilies rested in your lap. "Thank you for coming with me. I had a wonderful time."

He turned his head to look at you, his eyes reflecting the soft glow of the festival lights. "I'm glad. Because there's no one else I'd rather be with."

As your heart swelled at his words, you leaned closer to kiss his cheek softly. "Me neither, Belphie."

Under the vast, starry sky, you sat together, enjoying the peaceful silence between you and your boyfriend—a perfect ending to a perfect night.

———————————————

➣  Please visit my website for the full masterlist!

[icequeenbae]

Giving Love a Shot (m) | BBH

Previous: Snapshot (m) [pt.1], Shot Through the Heart (m) [pt.2]

Pairing: photographer!Baekhyun x idol!Reader

Photographer AU, Established Relationship, PWP, fluff, smut (the usual)

Warnings: explicit content, unprotected sex, Baek is the god of oral™

Word Count: ~3k

Summary: You and Baekhyun have been trying out the whole ‘dating thing’ for a few months now. He comes to visit you in Japan during your schedule and things take an unexpected turn.

© Please do not copy/ post on other platforms without permission.

Author’s note: Hey hey, your authornim is back!! Thanks to @hwasdollie who took on and completed her beta duties so swiftly, I am able to post this during my birthday month!! I might be able to post smth else for a different fandom before the end of June as well but shhhhh Anyways, since a few people approached me asking for the continuation of the photographer!Baek story, I decided it's time to get my act together and post it! I hope you like it!! And please don't stay silent, you know I love to chat 💕💕💕

Network Tags: @kvanity-main @exo-writers-net @bbh-net @superm-net

‘Goodnight, Miss.’

You bowed to the hotel staff in a polite manner, looking perfectly put together. They only saw your eyes anyway, with your habit of wearing a mask at all times. Especially now that you had all your makeup removed after the full day of interviews. As your skin got pretty sensitive, you didn’t like to walk around bare-faced where people could see. Or worse, take pictures.

Had anyone asked, you would say that you contained your excitement reasonably well. Considering how giddy you actually felt, knowing that your boyfriend was coming to visit tonight. Actually, you were so impatient that you texted him from the elevator.

‘I’m almost in my room. Where are you now?’

Baekhyun was actually supposed to be there before you, so you arranged a spare key to wait for him at the reception desk downstairs. Of course, you made sure that it was discreet. You left it in a sealed envelope stuffed with blank paper to be passed onto him as soon as he arrived. He didn’t text you back in the last thirty minutes, so you assumed he was probably still on his way.

Swinging the door open, you walked inside and instantly removed your shoes. Your legs were killing you after wearing high heels all day. Checking your phone again, you confirmed that no answer came through and decided to make a quick run for the bathroom.

Incredibly short – in your personal opinion – fifteen minutes later, you were all done. But there was still no response from your highly anticipated guest.

‘Where is he, dammit?’ You muttered under your breath, walking into the room to get fresh clothes.

But as soon as you turned the lights on…

‘Oh my g-’ You covered your mouth to silence yourself.

There, on the armchair, was a neat pile of clothes. Male clothes. Meanwhile, said male was… in your bed. Sleeping like a baby.

There he was, your unreachable boyfriend. Resting up well, instead of giving you a warm welcome as soon as you walked in.

As your heart rate returned to normal, you rolled your eyes. If he wasn’t making an effort to stay awake, you were going to change into comfy panties and a crop top, as sexy lingerie obviously wasn’t on the menu for tonight, and join him. Turning off the upper light, you left the wall sconces on both sides of the bed on. Just for a minute.

You crawled under the duvet, instantly embraced by the warmth generated by Baekhyun’s body.

Two assertive arms snaked their way around your body, hugging you tightly.

‘Oh- you’re awake?’ You whispered in surprise, being pulled deeper into his den.

‘M- ‘f course,’ he murmured, eyes still closed.

‘Yeah, right,’ you snorted, squeezing his bicep in mock frustration. ‘I see you grew tired of waiting for me…’

‘Not at all. Your pillows just smelled so nice. And I know you hate when I get on the bed wearing clothes.’ He said, and you nodded in agreement. ‘So, I showered and decided to surprise you.’

‘By sleeping in my bed?’

You huffed out a laugh, brushing his messy hair out of his eyes as he cracked one of them open.

‘I wasn’t supposed to be asleep.’ He began, watching you with just that one eye, like a sleepy pirate. ‘I had an entire performance planned.’

‘That so?’ You nudged.

‘Picture this: you walk in, and I���m already on the bed buck naked, holding a rock-hard dick in my hand. ‘Enjoy the ride’ banner right behind me.’

‘Oh gosh,’ you coughed. ‘I’m thankful you changed your mind.’

‘I didn’t. There was just no scotch tape. And while I was weighing the probability of you killing me in case I used bubble gum,’ he paused to catch your hand that could very well pinch him for the suggestion. ‘…I fell asleep. Just for a second. More like drowsed.’

‘Drooling all over my pillow?’ You teased, causing him to frown.

‘I only drool when I’m dreaming of eating you out, and we didn’t get to that tonight,’ he said in a tone that suggested it was obvious and you should’ve known better. ‘Drowsed for a sec, nothing more.’

You only chuckled, fingers tracing the lines of his face. His sharp jaw, his prominent cheekbones, his soft lips.

‘I missed you a lot, aegiya.’ He said out of nowhere, both eyes closed.

‘You saw me two weeks ago,’ you mumbled, becoming shy as soon as he used the pet name.

It was so strange, even after these past few months, to see him like this. How could anyone become so boyfriend-y all of a sudden? You had no idea Baekhyun even had a side like this when you decided to get into this relationship. He’d managed to surprise you in multiple ways already; him flying across the ocean just to see you was one of the examples.

‘Exactly. Don’t tell me you weren’t suffering through every single day away from me…’

His fingers traced the skin underneath your top, threatening to start tickling you, and you squirmed, pushing him away timidly.

‘Why are you so lovey-dovey out of the blue? Are you talking in your sleep?’

‘Hey, that hurts. The real question is, why aren’t you? Aren’t you happy to see your oppa?’ He kept tugging you closer as you resisted playfully.

‘Ew. I told you, I’m not calling you that.’

‘Why’s that,’ he leaned in to kiss your neck and you failed to push his face away.

‘Don’t be gross.’

‘You’re my aegi, and I’m older, so-’

‘There’s no kissing for oppas. Or anything else fun.’ You pressed, licking your lips. ‘Only for my boyfriend. Baekhyun.’

He looked at your mouth a second too long, before muttering a low.

‘I see.’

You swallowed, trapped in this demonstrative struggle.

‘I see how it is, Y/N.’ He repeated slowly, catching you off guard with a sudden tug to finally press your body to his. ‘You think you got me all soft for you, so now you can do whatever you wish, hm?’

You bit your lip, shivering in excitement. His voice sounded gentle but low. Whenever he used this tone, you knew it was time to be a good girl.

‘Please don’t scold me, Baekhyunie,’ you pouted, caressing his shoulder sheepishly.

‘You didn’t give me an answer. Are you happy to see me?’ He pulled away slightly to give you a sharp glance.

‘Of course.’

‘That’s it?’ His furrowed eyebrows made him look dissatisfied.

‘I missed you. A lot. Too.’ You mumbled, eyes wandering around his bare chest.

‘Why are you so flustered?’ He continued his questioning, not allowing you to move away from his slow offense. ‘Thinking dirty thoughts already?’

The exposed look on your face probably told him everything.

‘Aegiya,’ Baekhyun smiled, content with your reaction. ‘You’re so easy to mess with.’

‘No, I’m no-’ Your protest was interrupted by a quick kiss.

‘Yes, you are. The moment I lower my voice you turn into a cute little puddle,’ he stated with the most satisfied look on his face before nuzzling your neck. ‘You know what else turns you into a pool of hot mess?’

You whimpered, startled by the pressure of his fingers directly on your clit.

‘God, I missed you,’ he gritted, licking a stripe over your ribs and inhaling your scent.

‘Baek-’ You swallowed, latching onto his shoulder. ‘We can’t be loud here. The girls are on this floor, and what if someone-’

‘This is a five-star hotel, princess.’ He made sure to continue his descent despite your feeble protests.

‘It’s not completely sound-proof!’

‘Don’t worry. I’ll make it quick.’ He smirked, hooking the fabric of your panties with his thumb to get them out of the way.

Making it quick was worse. It meant he was going to go zero to one hundred in a snap of his dainty fingers, and you were in no way ready to handle it.

During the course of your rather new relationship, he’d managed to perfect his oral technique to such an extent that you had to literally refuse him the pleasures of the mouth whenever you were outside the privacy of your homes. It was just too risky. If someone was to hear you…

He tended to make your sessions extremely noisy.

‘Just relax. I know what I’m doing,’ he hummed before poking his tongue out and dragging it slowly over your slit.

‘Oh-’ You grabbed onto the duvet, and he did it again.

Not forgetting to slurp this time.

Biting hard on your lip, you tried to keep still. But even that didn’t help when his wet tongue flicked your engorged clit. You could see him already getting into it. His heavy-lidded eyes watched you through the blond strands, and his mouth opened wide as if he attempted to swallow your entire pussy.

You panted, trying to move away, but he held you securely in place by the hips.

Baekhyun’s breath became heavier and heavier, and the sound of it only made you go mad with the thrill. His tongue flattened out and he moved his head up and down to drag it over your core.

Just as you thought that this was bearable, he did the unexpected. He sucked your clit into his mouth harshly, coating the area with so much saliva you could feel it trickle down to your entrance.

‘A-ah!’ You flexed your abs and pressed at the back of his head, chasing the contact.

Instead of slowing down as he usually did, he continued increasing the intensity. His tongue ran up and down your core with urgency before his lips closed around your most sensitive spot again, sucking harshly and then breaking out into short licks.

‘Baek, stop- I can’t-’ You sobbed mid-sentence as he shook his head lightly, adding stimulation.

At this point, his own breathing was loud and labored, as if he was the one on the receiving end of this hustle.

But, as soon as your breaths became shallow and your muscles started to clench, he ripped himself away and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.

‘I just love bringing you to the edge,’ he admitted, licking his lips hungrily. ‘cause then I don’t have to spare your pussy.’

He slapped your vulva abruptly, and you yelped from the jarring sensation, sitting up.

‘Ride me, baby,’ Baekhyun said, dropping on his back as you got on top of him readily.

You wanted to get this over with. You needed him to finish what he’d started.

‘Shit.’ He cursed as soon as you brought your thighs down. ‘Go on.’

Swaying your hips, you focused on the friction against your walls. He always felt so good inside you.

‘Let me help you a little,’ he suggested, taking hold of your pelvis to aid you in your movements.

Leaning onto his chest with your palms, you went as hard as you could. And his thighs met yours, sounding a skin-to-skin slap upon every fleeting contact.

‘M-Baek,’ you whined, messing up the pace.

‘Don’t slow down,’ he demanded, fingers digging into your skin.

‘I can’t-’

He put his palm onto your back and prodded you to lean forward, gaining enough momentum to start pounding into you from below.

‘Fuck.’ He gritted, ignoring your uncontrollable moans and the lecherous noises from where your skin met his.

Baekhyun’s eyes never left your body, and he kept his tempo for as long as he could.

‘Fuck- Fuck!’ He suddenly growled, and you shrieked as you became undone.

‘B-Baekhyun,’ you cried out, held solid by his hands while his dick kept nailing you.

Thankfully, your boyfriend was quick to follow you and find his release. You whimpered as he shook briefly, letting out only a strained grunt to signify that he was finished for now.

He rolled you over to rest on top of your body, his entire weight pushing you down, and kissed you deeply. Both your and his breathing was hectic, but it didn’t hinder the interaction. Your fingers traced his prickly nape, while his tongue played with yours.

You laid like that for a bit before he scrambled off of you, finally letting you breathe properly.

‘I really did miss you.’

He smiled as you said that, and leaned in to press a playful kiss to your nose.

‘I know.’

You poked his cheek in embarrassment. He was a really affectionate boyfriend, and you loved that about him. It did make you a bit bashful though. Strangely, more so than your crazy sex marathons.

‘Thanks for flying all the way here just for me.’

‘It wasn’t just for you. I got a couple gigs here for the next few days,’ he shrugged, and then added. ‘I might’ve gotten those after I bought flight tickets, but sh-h! I can’t let it go to your head.’

‘Why not?’ You pouted, stroking his collarbone.

‘Aegiya, you already behave like a little princess, we don’t want it to get any worse, do we?’

‘Am I not your little princess?’ You narrowed your eyes at him.

‘You are,’ he sighed in defeat. ‘I guess, you win.’

‘What did I win?’ You chuckled, pecking him on the chin.

‘I don’t know. What would you like?’

The answer came with no hesitation.

‘You.’

‘That’s cute,’ he snickered. ‘You already have me.’

‘Hm. Then I don’t need anything else.’

‘Ugh. You don’t even have to call me oppa. I’m already melting like an ice-cream cone in a warm hand.’

You snorted at his words, and he gave you a long look.

‘I wonder what you pictured just now.’

‘Baekhyun!’

‘Alright, you don’t have to tell me.’ He agreed quickly, beaming at you shamelessly.

You shook your head.

‘It probably has something to do with my dick anyways.’

At this you kicked him lightly with your knee.

‘Ouch. Love hurts.’

~~~

You and Baekhyun stayed up super late (as per usual), talking about your time apart, teasing each other and bickering about pet names. So, when it was time for you to wake up and start getting ready… You decided to have some more beauty sleep.

However, after you ignored a bunch of ‘check-in’ morning messages from your members, the usual procedure was carried out – they sent one of their own to wake you up.

‘Eonni, are you up? We have to move out in an hour.’ Your maknae’s voice reached you through the layers of bedcovers and Baekhyun, who was practically wrapped around you.

Baekhyun.

Opening your eyes, you rose on the bed and rubbed your face to get ahold of reality.

‘Eo- eonni?’

The youngest of the group stood frozen in front of your bed, eyes open wide. Even with your brain barely shaken out of sleep, you realized what stunned her.

The blond man in your bed, who had his arm wrapped around you still, stirred from the noise and laid on his back, stretching out before opening his eyes. Your gaze fell on his exposed chest, and you quickly pulled the duvet up to cover the eloquent scratch you must’ve left on his pec yesterday.

‘What’s going on?’ He asked groggily, and the third person in the room finally broke out of her lethargic state.

‘S-sorry!’ She turned around and sprinted out of your room as if a demon was chasing her.

You called after her, but the click of the door locking announced that she was already gone.

‘Ah, dammit.’ You sighed, rubbing your pulsing temple.

Baekhyun’s hand squeezed your thigh to draw your attention.

‘Sorry. I overslept and one of the girls came to wake me up. Go back to sleep, I’ll deal with it.’ You caressed his cheek gently before turning away to get out of the bed.

‘What are you going to do?’

That was the question you had been asking yourself.

‘I’m not sure,’ you admitted. ‘That was our maknae, so… she’s probably told the entire group already. She is… easily excitable.’

‘Maybe you don’t have to do anything.’ He said, looking up at you.

‘Hm?’

‘Just tell them the truth. You’re not a rookie, no one’s going to kick you out of the group or whatever.’

You sighed. He was right, of course, but… You were scared. Admitting that to your group and management would make all of this official, and there’d be no turning back after that.

‘…or, you can just forget I said that. You don’t have to tell them if you don’t want to.’

He sounded neutral, yet somehow you knew he only made it seem like he wouldn’t be hurt in this scenario. Baekhyun truly was perfect in those few months you were together, so there was no reason for you to doubt his intentions. And you also liked him, a lot.

Maybe this morning was more of a blessing than a curse?

‘I’ll tell them. I’m tired of sneaking around anyways.’

‘Really? I found that quite exciting. Being your secret lover. Sneaking into your room through the window and all that.’

‘That never happened,’ you laughed.

‘It could’ve!’

‘Shut up,’ you pecked his smiling lips and picked up your phone.

Dozens of new messages in your group chat.

‘Y/N, if you’re not telling us who that ‘blond oppa’ in your bed was, we’re coming over to your room! We’re dying over here!!’

You read the last message out loud to Baekhyun.

‘That’s why I refuse to call you that. As soon as I introduce you to them, it’s going to be ‘Baekhyun oppa’ all the time. I like to be special.’

‘Gotcha,’ he snickered. ‘But princess, text them back before the whole intervention committee walks through that door. I’m not exactly wearing underwear.’

‘Oh crap, I better.’

Masterlist

A/N: This is it for now with our freshly domesticated bf Baek~ I hope you enjoyed it the ride so far!! Let me know in the comments/ asks and reblog if you liked it ❤️

[rootedinrevisions]

Never Left Me: Part 6

SUMMARY: Lauren's day back home takes an unexpected turn when her sister Madison ropes her into a spontaneous outing to the creek with Boone and Tyler. What starts as a simple day outdoors becomes a journey into memories, laughter, and unspoken tension as Lauren grapples with old feelings stirred by Tyler’s presence. The familiar creek, brimming with childhood nostalgia, now holds a deeper, bittersweet significance.

OTHER PARTS: Prologue I Part 1 I Part 2 I Part 3 I Part 4 I Part 5

WARNINGS: None

WORD COUNT: 5.8k

TAG LIST: SEE COMMENTS

If you would like to be added to any of my Tag Lists or be tagged for a specific character please feel free to comment, send an ask, or send a DM and I'll be happy to get you added! Below are the fandoms I currently write for.

Glen Powell (himself and the characters he's played)

Twisters (Mostly Tyler right now, but possibly others soon)

Top Gun: Maverick (Hangman, Rooster, possibly others soon)

Marvel / MCU (Bucky Barnes as of now, but possibly others soon)

WWE / Wrestling

The morning sun had barely crested over the fields when Madison burst into the kitchen, her excitement filling the space. “So, Boone’s got the day off, and we thought we’d do something fun,” she said, flashing Lauren an inviting grin. “You should come with us!”

Lauren glanced at her dad, who was finishing his coffee across the table. “Maybe I’ll just stay here today,” she said, gesturing around the room. “There’s still a few things dad wants to clean out in the barn, and I should probably help him-”

But their dad shook his head, his eyes soft with encouragement. “We’ll have plenty of time for that. You two don’t get to see each other often. Go out, have fun,” he insisted. “I’ll be just fine here.”

Lauren hesitated, but Madison’s hopeful gaze and their dad’s gentle nudge left her with little choice. 

“Alright, I’ll go,” she said, laughing as Madison pumped her fist in victory.

“Great!” Madison jotted down the directions and handed them to her. “We’re meeting at up with Boone here at his place, but I need to run a quick errand first. Just follow those, and I’ll meet you there.”

Lauren took the paper and, after a quick hug to her dad, headed out to her car. The drive felt like a familiar slice of Arkansas countryside—open fields, the occasional pickup, and winding roads that felt like second nature. 

She followed Madison’s directions carefully, counting turns and scanning for landmarks until she turned down a gravel road and spotted a house up ahead. As Lauren pulled onto the gravel drive, dust trailed behind her car, billowing in the warm morning air. 

She had expected Boone’s place, maybe a modest ranch-style home surrounded by fields. But instead she was met with the sight of Tyler’s grandparents’ house nestled amid the trees. She slowed, her pulse quickening as she recognized the slightly beat-up, dented red truck parked in the driveway.

Before she could make sense of it, Tyler emerged from the garage, wiping his hands on a rag. He shielded his eyes against the sunlight and squinted at her, a trace of a smile forming as he walked over. 

She stepped out of the car, heart thumping with a mixture of nerves and surprise.

"Hey," he greeted her, his voice carrying a relaxed warmth. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

Lauren tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, forcing a small, polite smile. “Yeah, I, uh… Maddie told me to meet her at Boone’s house…” She trailed off, feeling the heat of embarrassment creep into her cheeks.

“Well he is here enough he could probably make an argument that he lives here.” Tyler chuckled, glancing around at the empty driveway. “But he’s not here. Said he was going to meet Maddie somewhere.” He raised a brow, his smile widening just a bit. “But you’re welcome to hang out here until they get back.”

She bit her lip, glancing back toward her car for a moment. But the thought of leaving felt abrupt, almost rude. Taking a deep breath, she nodded. “Alright. I’ll wait.”

Lauren followed Tyler into the garage, her curiosity piqued. Inside, the smell of engine oil and metal hung in the air, and she immediately noticed two motorcycles. One stood sleek and polished, its chrome catching the light, while the other was in various stages of disassembly, parts and tools spread across the workbench beside it.

She gestured to the bike in pieces, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “So, what’s going on here?”

Tyler glanced over his shoulder at the bike and shrugged, his easy smile returning. “Bought it cheap last year. Figured I’d have it running by summer, but… turns out I’m a little slower than I thought.” He chuckled, picking up a wrench and twisting a bolt on the half-assembled engine. “Just trying to get it road-ready. Kind of a project I tinker with whenever I have the time.”

“Is it hard? Fixing a bike?” she asked, genuinely interested.

“Sometimes,” he said, meeting her gaze with a warm smile. “Depends on the problem, and this one has a few too many for comfort.” He paused, looking at her curiously. “You know, you could take a ride with me sometime. Once I actually get it put together.”

Lauren laughed softly, nodding. “I might take you up on that, if I’m still around.”

Her eyes drifted around the garage, taking in the familiar details she hadn’t seen in years. “This house…” She trailed off, a mixture of nostalgia and wonder in her voice. “It was your grandparents’, right? I remember coming here with Maddie when we were kids. We must’ve spent half our childhood playing out in these fields.”

Tyler’s face softened. “Yeah, it was. After they passed, I ended up inheriting it.” He glanced around the garage and back at the house, a fondness evident in his expression. “It’s a little bit of a fixer-upper, though. They were in a nursing home for the last few years, so there was a lot that needed some attention. I’ve been taking on small projects here and there, making it feel more like home.”

“That sounds… nice.” She glanced back toward the house, letting memories flood in. “I remember how your grandma always made cookies, like, constantly. Just in case someone stopped by. And your grandpa had that old tractor we weren’t supposed to go near.” She smiled at him, realizing how much she’d missed these pieces of her past.

Tyler chuckled. “Some things don’t change. That old tractor’s still here out by the barn, and I’ll bet you a hundred bucks you can still smell cookies if you walk inside and take a deep breath in the kitchen.”

Lauren shifted her weight against the workbench, her gaze lingering on Tyler as he worked, his movements both precise and effortless. “Do you… like it?” she asked, her voice quieter than she’d intended.

Tyler paused, glancing up from the bike with a slight smile. “What do you mean?”

“Being here,” she clarified, watching as he resumed tightening a bolt on the engine, half-focused on his work and half on her. “Sticking around Arkansas. Living here in our hometown, where it feels like nothing ever changes.”

He thought about it for a moment, a faint smile spreading across his face. “Yeah, I do. There’s something about having a place to come back to, you know?” He nodded toward the fields that stretched out beyond the garage. “After running around at rodeos for years, and now chasing storms and being on the road, it feels… steady. Feels like home, I guess.”

She couldn’t help but smile at his words, sensing the quiet comfort he found in this place. “Guess that’s something I’ve kind of missed,” she murmured, glancing out toward the familiar view. “I always felt like I was supposed to leave, find something bigger. And I did, but…”

Tyler set the wrench down and leaned back, meeting her eyes. “But sometimes it’s hard to shake the feeling that something got left behind, right?”

She nodded, a little surprised by how he’d put it into words so easily. “Exactly. It’s strange, though. I thought coming back here would just be a formality, you know? But it’s… I don’t know. I forgot how much I loved it.”

Tyler tilted his head thoughtfully, his eyes studying her expression as if weighing his next words. “You know… you could always move back.”

Lauren laughed softly, glancing down as she rubbed her hands along the worn wood of the workbench. 

“Yeah, I’m sure Jonathan would love that idea.” She shook her head, half-joking, half-exasperated.

Tyler’s brows drew together, his expression serious. “There are plenty of law firms in Bentonville,” he offered, shrugging. “He could find a place and commute. It’s not too far.”

She shook her head again, this time with a hint of sadness. “Jonathan would never leave Chicago,” she said quietly, trying to keep the finality of it from seeping too deeply into her voice.

Tyler’s gaze held hers, steady and unflinching. “Not even for you?”

The question settled between them, weighty and sharp, and for a moment, she was at a loss. She felt her heart catch, stumbling over the silence. 

When she finally spoke, her voice was softer. “I wouldn’t ask him to. I know what Chicago means to him—his family’s there, his whole life is there.” She tried to lighten the mood, flashing Tyler a small smile. “It’s a little crazy, don’t you think? The idea of giving up everything you know, just because you love someone.”

Tyler didn’t smile back, his expression faltered for a moment as his eyes moved back to the motorcycle part he was working on.

“Would you?” she asked, shifting the spotlight back to him, looking to end the ache forming in her chest. “Could you ever see yourself leaving Arkansas just for love?”

He thought about it for a long moment, eyes drifting to the bike, then back to her. “Yeah,” he answered slowly. “If I met the right person, I think I could.”

Lauren swallowed, taken off guard by the certainty in his voice. Her gaze searched his, her heart thudding a little faster, wondering at the quiet intensity in his expression. For the first time, she wasn’t sure what to say.

Just as Lauren opened her mouth to respond, the hum of an engine and the crunch of tires on gravel signaled Boone and Madison’s arrival. She watched as Madison hopped out of the car, barely giving the engine a chance to quiet before jogging over and pulling her into a hug.

“I’m so glad you came!” Madison exclaimed, giving Lauren a squeeze. “I was starting to think you’d stay holed up at the house with dad.”

Lauren gave her a wry smile, crossing her arms as Madison pulled back. “Would’ve been easier to get here if you’d told me the right place. You said Boone’s, remember?”

Madison’s eyes went wide, her mouth forming an “oops” shape that was just a little too innocent.

“Did I really? Must’ve slipped my mind,” she said, waving it off with a quick grin. “I meant Tyler’s place all along, promise! But it worked out. I’m sure Tyler didn’t mind the company for a bit, right?”

Lauren shot her a look, catching the glint of amusement in Madison’s eyes. Madison played innocent, but the small smirk tugging at her lips gave her away. Tyler, who had been quietly watching from a few steps back, chuckled as he tucked his wrench back into a tool belt slung over a stool in the garage.

“Guess I’m not complaining,” he said with a shrug, his gaze lingering on Lauren for a beat. “It was good to talk to Lauren again.”

Madison turned her attention back to them with a satisfied grin. “Well, now that we’re all here, let’s get moving!” She threw a look toward Boone, who was still leaning against his van with an easygoing grin, watching the exchange unfold. “There’s more fun to be had than just hanging around in Tyler’s garage, right?”

“So, what’s the plan for today then?” Tyler asked a hint of excitement in his voice.

Madison perked up, her eyes brightening. “Boonie and I were thinking we should do something fun before you two head out. How about hitting the creek? We could swim, maybe have a little picnic.”

Boone grinned, leaning back in his chair. “I’m down for that. I could use a break from all the gear we’ve been loading up.”

Lauren watched them, her heart lifting at the idea of a carefree day, yet something inside her hesitated. “But don’t you guys have to finish packing?” she asked, glancing at Tyler, who shrugged.

“It can wait. We’ve got all day. Plus, it’ll be nice to recharge before the chase,” Tyler replied, shooting Lauren a playful smile. “Right, Boone?”

“Absolutely. We need to get our heads straight before the storm starts rolling in.” Boone laughed, glancing at Madison. “But what do you say, Lauren? You in?”

Lauren hesitated, thinking of Jonathan back in Chicago and the wedding plans still hanging over her. “I don’t know…I might just head back to Dad’s and try to work on some wedding stuff that Jonathan sent me.”

Madison leaned forward, nudging her sister with her elbow. “Come on, you’ve got to get out! The wedding stuff will be fine for a few hours.”

Tyler nodded in agreement, the easy smile on his face making her heart flutter unexpectedly. “We’ll be back soon. You’ll have time to do whatever you need to this afternoon. What do you say?”

Lauren felt a pang of guilt but also the enticing pull of their carefree plans. She glanced back at her dad’s car which she had borrowed parked in the driveway, considering the sunny day beyond. 

She should go back to her dad’s place. She should work on the wedding stuff that Jonathan had asked her to. But…she just couldn’t bring herself to do it. Something about the offer laid out in front of her was too tempting to not take up.

Finally, she took a breath and nodded. “Okay, fine. Let’s do it.”

Madison cheered, before throwing her arms around Lauren. “Awesome! Just give me a minute to change.”

Tyler’s truck rumbled down the dirt road, the sun hanging high in the sky, casting a warm golden light over the landscape. Madison and Boone sat in the back, their laughter echoing against the truck's metal frame as they playfully nudged each other, their chemistry palpable.

In the front seat, Lauren tried to ignore the warmth spreading in her cheeks as she caught glimpses of Tyler, who drove with a relaxed confidence. The sound of the tires crunching on gravel filled the moments of silence between them, but she couldn’t help stealing glances at him, at the way the sunlight caught in his hair and the way he focused intently on the road ahead.

“Are we there yet?” Boone called from the back, a mock whine in his voice, which sent Madison into a fit of giggles.

Tyler responded with a grin, glancing in the rearview mirror. “It’s just a little further, Boone.”

As they parked the truck, laughter filled the air. Madison and Boone jumped out first, their excitement palpable as they raced toward the creek, the sound of water gurgling over rocks beckoning them closer.

“Come on, slowpokes!” Boone called over his shoulder, not bothering to look back.

Tyler chuckled, stepping out of the truck with a more relaxed pace. He stretched, taking a moment to breathe in the fresh, earthy scent of the surrounding woods. The sun shone brightly, casting warm rays that danced on the surface of the creek, making it look inviting.

Lauren, however, lingered behind. She stepped out of the truck, her feet hitting the ground with a soft thud. As she turned, the sprawling landscape unfolded before her, and her heart sank.

This was not just any creek; it was the creek on the south side of Tyler's dad's property—the very place they had visited countless times as kids. But now, it was also the place where everything had changed eight years ago. The memories rushed back, uninvited and overwhelming.

She hadn’t paid much attention during the drive, too caught up in the chatter and the thrill of the day ahead. But standing here, looking at the sun-dappled water, she felt the weight of the past settle heavily on her shoulders.

Her gaze shifted northward, and she could see the hill where Tyler had parked that night. The memories flooded her mind—laughter, joy, and then chaos. The sudden shift from innocence to loss felt like a tidal wave crashing down on her, pulling her under. She swallowed hard, trying to push the memories back, but they clawed at her heart.

“Lauren?” Tyler’s voice broke through her thoughts, his concern evident as he stepped closer. He had noticed her hesitation, the way she lingered behind the others. “You okay?”

She turned to him, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Yeah, just... taking it all in.”

Tyler tilted his head slightly, studying her face. “What do you mean?”

“Do you remember this place?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

He furrowed his brow, confusion flickering across his features. “Of course, I remember the creek. We used to come here all the time during the summer.” As he spoke, he noticed her gaze drifting up toward the hill. The realization hit him like a jolt. “Oh,” he breathed, his voice trailing off as understanding dawned on him. “You’re talking about that night.”

Lauren nodded slowly, her heart heavy. “I hadn’t realized where we were until just now.”

Tyler's expression shifted to one of empathy, the playful lightness of the moment dimming. “I’m sorry, Lauren. I didn’t think—”

She shook her head, cutting him off. “It’s fine.” Her voice was steady, but there was an edge of insistence that suggested she wasn’t ready to discuss it.

“Are you sure? We could go somewhere else if this is—”

“No…Really,” she interrupted, forcing a smile. “It’s fine.”

With that, she turned and headed toward the water where Madison and Boone were splashing around, laughter echoing in the air.

Tyler watched her go, concern etched on his face. He understood her need for space but wished she would let him in. Hesitating for a moment, he glanced back up the hill, the memories of that night creeping back into his mind like unwelcome shadows. The laughter of their past felt like a distant echo against the weight of what had happened here—an innocent summer evening that had shattered both their lives.

A sigh escaped his lips as he kicked at a loose stone on the ground, frustration bubbling up inside him. How could he have been so careless? He hadn’t even considered that this was the spot where everything had changed. He’d wanted to bring Lauren here to show her the place that held so many happy memories, and remind her of the good times she had here. But all he had done was bring her back to a moment that haunted them both.

“Tyler! You coming or what?” Boone’s voice broke through his thoughts, pulling him back to the present. Tyler looked up to see Boone waving from the creek, a grin plastered on his face as he splashed water playfully at Madison.

“Yeah, I’m coming!” Tyler called back, shaking off the weight of his thoughts. He forced a smile as he walked toward the water, determined to keep the mood light. As he joined the others, he reminded himself that today was about making new memories, ones that could help eclipse the old ones.

The water glimmered in the afternoon sun as the four of them settled onto the blanket, the gentle sounds of the creek providing a serene backdrop to their chatter. Madison and Boone were quickly immersed in playful splashes, their laughter echoing off the water’s edge. Tyler and Lauren remained seated on the blanket, a comfortable distance apart, though the closeness felt charged with unspoken words.

“So, what do you think?” Tyler asked, glancing at Lauren, who was absently toying with a blade of grass. “Old creek’s nice, huh?”

Lauren looked up, forcing a smile. “Yeah, it’s beautiful. I don’t remember it being this calming when we were twelve  and splashing each other.”

He nodded, his eyes drifting to the creek as he leaned back on his hands. “It’s peaceful. Just nice to get away and clear your head.” He paused, contemplating his next words. “You know, sometimes I think about how different things could’ve been if we hadn’t-.” But then he trails off unsure or unable maybe to finish the thought out loud.

Lauren felt a pang in her heart at his mention of the past. “Yeah, I get that.” She swallowed, her gaze shifting to the water’s surface, which shimmered like a million tiny stars. “I mean, it’s hard, but we’ve found ways to cope, right?”

Tyler watched her closely, sensing the weight behind her words. “What about you? How are you coping with everything? I mean, with being back in Arkansas and all?” His tone was light, but his eyes held a deeper curiosity.

She hesitated, feeling the familiar tug of her complicated feelings for Jonathan. “It’s… a lot. I thought coming back would be easy. But ever since I got here it feels like I’m stuck between two worlds.”

“Two worlds?” he asked, intrigued.

Lauren nodded slowly. “Chicago is Jonathan’s life, and I thought it was what I wanted. When I met him I really thought I’d fit right in. But ever since I’ve come back here, it’s like I’m reminded of who I used to be. It’s hard to figure out who I want to be.”

Tyler could see the conflict in her eyes, the way they flickered with uncertainty. “You’re not just the girl from Arkansas, Lauren. You’re so much more than that. You can embrace both parts of yourself.”

A small smile tugged at her lips at his encouragement. She bit her lip, the silence stretching between them. “Did you ever think about leaving? You said you’re happy here now…but did you ever want to leave?”

“Sometimes.” He chuckled softly, running a hand through his hair. “But then I remembered how much I love it here. This place has roots for me. My family is here, and there’s something about knowing where you come from that just… grounds you, you know?”

“But what if your dreams take you somewhere else?” Lauren replied, her tone thoughtful.

“I guess I’d figure it out as I go,” he said with a shrug, his easy smile returning. “I mean, life has a funny way of taking us where we need to be. You never know what’s around the corner.”

Just then, Boone and Madison splashed them, breaking the moment. Boone grinned, his face gleaming with water droplets. “You two are way too serious over here! We’re supposed to be having fun!”

Lauren laughed, the tension lifting slightly. “Okay, okay! I’m getting in!” she called, playfully nudging Tyler as she stood up.

As Lauren stood up to shake off the remnants of their earlier conversation, she took a deep breath, preparing herself to dive into the cool water, when her gaze caught on Tyler. He was pulling his t-shirt over his head, revealing a sculpted chest and defined abs that shimmered in the sun.

For a fleeting moment, Lauren found herself entranced, her heart racing as she traced the lines of his physique. It was a sight she hadn’t expected to linger on, and she could feel the warmth creeping into her cheeks. She quickly looked away, her pulse quickening. Get it together, Lauren, she chided herself, feeling a mix of embarrassment and thrill.

Trying to shake off the moment, she focused on her swimsuit, her fingers fumbling slightly as she slipped off her shorts. No big deal, she reassured herself, pretending the heat in her cheeks wasn’t there because of Tyler. As she secured the straps, she glanced over her shoulder, catching Tyler’s eye just as he finished adjusting the waist of his swim trunks. The corner of his mouth twitched, a teasing smile forming as their eyes met.

“You coming in or just planning to stand there all day?” he called out, his voice playful.

“Just a moment!” she shot back, the banter flowing easily between them.

But there was an undeniable current of tension that crackled in the air. She took a deep breath, pushing any lingering thoughts about him to the back of her mind.

With determination, Lauren made her way to the edge of the water, feigning nonchalance. As she stepped into the creek, the cool water enveloped her legs, sending a delightful shiver up her spine. She turned around, splashing water at Boone and Madison, who were mid-laugh.

“Hey! Watch it!” Boone protested, his arms going up in mock defense.

“I’m just warming up!” Lauren quipped back, glancing over at Tyler to see him wading in after her, his playful expression still intact.

She felt a mix of excitement and nerves, worried that her earlier moment of distraction had shown too much. But as Tyler moved closer, water dripping from his hair, the teasing look in his eyes reassured her that the tension was mutual.

“You look like you could use a little more fun in your life, Lauren,” he said, splashing her lightly. “What do you say we have a little competition?”

“Oh? What kind of competition?” she asked, feigning innocence as she prepared for whatever playful challenge he might propose.

“Let’s see who can hold their breath the longest,” he challenged, grinning as he gestured toward the deeper part of the creek. “Just like when we were kids.”

Lauren raised an eyebrow, a competitive spark igniting within her. “You’re on! Just don’t go easy on me because I’m a girl.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” he shot back, his tone light but his gaze serious, the underlying current of attraction undeniable.

As they both counted down, Lauren couldn’t help but steal another glance at him, wondering how she could feel so comfortable yet so unsettled at the same time. This is just friendly fun, she reminded herself, plunging under the surface as the thrill of the moment enveloped her.

When Lauren finally surfaced, gasping and laughing, she looked around to see that Boone had already started wading out toward a rock ledge that stretched over a slightly deeper area of the creek. Madison followed close behind, calling over her shoulder for Lauren and Tyler to join them.

“Y’all coming, or are you too busy playing kiddie games?” Madison teased, casting a knowing glance at Lauren.

Lauren shot a splash of water at Madison. Tyler laughed, moving alongside her as they joined Boone and Madison on the ledge. The water beneath was a darker blue, indicating its depth. Boone, always up for a little thrill, was already psyching himself up to jump in.

“Alright, Maddie, ready?” Boone asked, grinning as he took her hand, clearly relishing the idea of plunging into the deeper water together. Madison looked between him and the creek, her face a mix of excitement and slight apprehension.

Tyler leaned toward Lauren, his voice low and just for her. “They really are crazy, huh?”

Lauren chuckled, crossing her arms as she watched them. “If by ‘crazy’ you mean ‘completely reckless,’ then yes.”

Boone and Madison counted down, their voices echoing against the trees as they held hands and jumped, crashing into the water below in a splash big enough to ripple up to the ledge. They emerged seconds later, breathless and laughing.

“You guys have to try it!” Madison called out, her voice carrying up to where Lauren and Tyler stood. “Come on, Laur, don’t wimp out like you used to!”

Lauren glanced down at the water, then over at Tyler. The creek seemed deeper from up here, and her heart thumped with a mix of excitement and nerves.

Tyler seemed to sense her hesitation. “I’m up for it if you are,” he said, his eyes meeting hers in a way that felt encouraging, almost like a dare.

Taking a steadying breath, she nodded. “Alright. Just… don’t laugh if I scream on the way down,” she warned, trying to keep her nerves under wraps.

“Only if you do the same for me,” he promised, a grin tugging at his mouth. 

He offered her his hand. She took it without thinking, feeling the strength in his grip as they edged closer to the ledge together. The warmth of his hand in hers sent a pleasant flutter through her stomach, one she quickly shoved aside.

“Ready?” Tyler asked, looking down and back at her with a playful spark in his eye.

She squeezed his hand, steadying herself. “Let’s do it before I change my mind.”

They counted down together, and with a shared leap, they jumped off the ledge. The exhilaration of the fall stole her breath, and she couldn’t help but laugh as they hit the water in a wild splash. The cool rush surrounded them, and when Lauren surfaced, she was still laughing, her heart racing as she looked over to find Tyler nearby.

“You didn’t scream!” he said, shaking the water from his hair as he swam closer, looking impressed.

“Neither did you!” she teased, splashing him.

Madison and Boone cheered from the shallower end of the creek, beckoning them over. Lauren swam with Tyler toward them, joining the little group that had begun to drift lazily around a few smooth rocks that formed a natural seating area just beneath the water’s surface.

“So what’s the plan now?” Boone asked, draping an arm over Madison’s shoulders, the easy familiarity between them making Lauren smile.

“Picnic, maybe?” Madison suggested, pulling herself up onto one of the rocks, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “We’ve got all that food in the truck. Someone’s gotta eat it.”

The four of them made their way back to the shore, laughing as they navigated the slippery rocks and shallow water. Tyler and Boone grabbed the cooler from the truck, while Madison and Lauren unpacked the food. They set the picnic on the blankets under a nearby oak, and soon the impromptu picnic was underway.

As they sat eating, the sun filtering through the leaves above, the afternoon took on a tranquil, golden warmth. Boone launched into stories about recent adventures on the storm chase, his animated voice filling the air as he gestured widely, occasionally nudging Tyler to jump in with his own side of the tales.

“You should’ve seen Tyler, Laur,” Boone said, wiping crumbs from his mouth as he leaned closer, his tone growing conspiratorial. “There was this one night, pitch black, storm brewing just west of us. He was all ‘calm and collected,’ you know, his usual self. But the second the lightning struck, he—”

“Watch it, Boone,” Tyler interrupted, feigning a warning as he threw a crumpled chip bag at him. “You’re gonna ruin my reputation.”

Lauren laughed, feeling lighter than she had in weeks, caught up in the easy flow of the day. The creek, the laughter, the familiar faces—it was as if time had slowed, giving her a momentary reprieve from everything waiting back in Chicago.

As the sun began to dip behind the trees, casting long shadows across the creek, the group gathered their things, packing up remnants of their picnic and shaking out damp blankets. The peaceful, easy afternoon had left everyone smiling and a little drowsy from hours in the sun. Lauren couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness that the day was winding down; it was the kind of day she knew she’d miss once she was back in Chicago.

They drove back to Tyler’s in his truck, the air between them now quiet but comfortable. When they finally reached his place, Boone headed inside, tossing a casual invitation over his shoulder for everyone to stay for a while.

Lauren shook her head,  “I better get going. Got a ton of wedding things to finalize tonight.”

Madison rolled her eyes with a playful groan. “Always so responsible,” she teased, but she pulled Lauren into a hug anyway. “Drive safe, okay?”

Lauren smiled, squeezing her sister back before Madison disappeared into the house, leaving just her and Tyler in the calm of the fading evening light. Tyler stepped closer, his hands tucked into his pockets as he walked her toward her car.

They stopped just by the driver’s side door, lingering in the warm silence. Lauren felt a soft ache as she looked up at him, realizing this might be the last time they’d see each other. With his next chase lined up, and her own flight back to Chicago soon after, the chances for another moment like this felt slim.

“Well,” she said, forcing a small smile, “I guess… this is it.”

Tyler ran a hand through his damp hair, his gaze drifting to the horizon before settling back on her. 

“Maybe we’ll see each other sooner than you think,” he said, the smallest smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. 

But they both knew that wasn’t true—she’d be back in Chicago long before he returned from the chase.

Lauren sighed, “I think I’ll be back in Chicago by the time you’re back.”

He was quiet for a moment before he said anything. “Yeah, guess so. Don’t be a stranger, though. Next time you’re down here…” He trailed off, as if even he didn’t quite know how to finish the sentence.

Lauren chuckled softly. “Next time,” she echoed, though she didn’t know when—or even if—that would be.

Tyler shifted, glancing down before looking back at her. “Take care, Laur,” he said, his voice low, sincere. “And… if you ever need anything, you know you can call, right? Doesn’t matter what it is.”

His words, simple yet steady, tugged at something deep within her. She nodded, swallowing the sudden tightness in her throat. 

“Thanks, Tyler,” she replied, her voice softer than she intended.

A beat of silence passed, and for a moment, neither of them moved. Then, before she could second-guess herself, she reached up and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, pulling him into a hug. Tyler hesitated only a second before he returned it, his arms closing around hers in a way that felt both natural and…right. She could feel his steady breath against her shoulder, and she let herself linger, feeling the warmth of him, memorizing it in some unspoken way.

When she finally pulled back, Tyler’s hand slid from her shoulder to her elbow, lingering there for a second longer than necessary.

The unspoken words hung thickly between them, a tension neither dared to break. But then Lauren reached for her car door, letting out a breath as she offered him one last smile. “Good luck out there. Keep safe on those chases, alright?”

He gave a small nod, his gaze lingering on her as she climbed into the car. “Will do.”

She climbed into her car, and with one last wave, she backed out of his driveway, watching in the rearview mirror as he stayed standing there, his figure framed by the fading light. The image of him didn’t disappear until she rounded the bend, the trees obscuring him completely.

As the road stretched before her, her thoughts drifted, circling back to Tyler, to their day at the creek, to this strange, lingering feeling that today had given her. She shook it off, reaching into her bag to grab her phone and check the time.

Her screen flashed a text notification from Jonathan, reminding her about the wedding details he needed help finalizing. Reality settled back in around her, and with a quiet sigh, she focused her mind on the road ahead.

[whumptober]

Meet The New Mods

Thank you very much for the warm welcome! To begin we’d like to say a very big thank you to mods Pan and Claire, as well as Jo, Marie and Kat, for their hard work in creating and continuing the event for six years — especially with how big the community has become! We have a momentous job ahead of us when it comes to modding the community and running the event as well as they did, but we are determined and up for the challenge.

So perhaps it’s time to introduce ourselves:

gunshou tumblr | discord | ao3

fandom old (she/her)

I’ve participated in Whumptober for a few years, although I never finished. I’m a writer who can’t write fluff to save my life; if a character isn’t going through some kind of trauma in canon I’ll make it happen in fanfic. I live with an old blind mini poodle and intense imposter syndrome. I used to mod communities on Livejournal (fandom OLD) and I’m really excited to be a part of the new mod team. Please feel free to follow and interact with me!

Surro | 21 | he/him | @promptsforyourwhumpfic

AO3: SurroWhump

Discord: surro_

🎵 - I’m Not Okay (Chris Catalyst) and Will of the People (Muse)

I've been lurking in the whump community since 2017, and have been a whump enthusiast for as long as I can remember (seriously, all of my original characters have to had some sort of whumpy backstory). I’ve been a loyal Whumptober completionist since 2018, and have written my fair share of angst for a variety of whumpees and OCs.This is my first time being a part of a mod team, and I am really thrilled to be a part of such a big event! I look forward to working on this project and interacting with the wider community.

Kitty | she/her | @mrmustachious

AO3: TheWeatherOutside

Discord: justkitty.

Hello everyone! Those in the Whumptober discord may know me as being a mod there since last year, but if not, then hi! I have been a completionist for Whumptober every year since 2019, and it’s safe to say that the event quickly became one of my favourite times of year. I’ve been a fan of whump since well before I knew what it was, so it’s been amazing to find a community filled with so many like-minded, wonderful people creating such fantastic (and evil ;)) works. I’m so excited to be a part of the team, and I am looking forward to seeing what everyone creates this year.

Vanne | 21 | queer | she/her | @fl4tlines

AO3: savanne

Discord: v4nne

🎵: Lowlife — YUNGBLUD & Cheap Love — girli

Hiya! I’ve mainly lurked in the whump community for a while, across several different blogs. I was a Whumptober completionist in 2021 on an old blog, but I haven’t completed it since! I mainly write OC whump, with more focus on emotional suffering compared to the physical elements. Outside of whump, I volunteer and run a wildlife rehabilitation unit, work in retail and keep the ADHD goblin in my head happy by cycling through an endless list of other hobbies like graphic design, wildlife photography and traveling for gigs. I’m really looking forward to helping put together Whumptober this year and being a part of it!

[casualaruanienjoyer]

Hi Stella! (⁠ㆁ⁠ω⁠ㆁ⁠)

Hope your jetlag is better, and congratulations once again on posting the new story!

For the fandom ask game:

1, 5, 6, 8, 11, 21, 24

Have a wonderful *timezone*, and take care 🩷

Omg Anna hiiii!! Thank you for sending me all these! I'm still very much behind on the time schedule, but hopefully I will bounce back soon!

1. List 3 positive things about your current fandom(s)

-the absolutely amazing people I got to meet here. For real, you guys are so sweet and funny! And amazingly welcoming!

-I low key adore that there seem to be a lot of Europeans in this fandom, which is really neat! I just think it's very cool👉👉

-that there's so much love and creativity, and people always surprise me with new and exciting ideas! Keep em coming!

5. Something you see in fics a lot and love

Armin being the one to take the initiative! And Annie being a softie and a sucker for comfort and attention. It's just so cute, and it makes sense!!

Also, Reijean and Jeanpiku anything🙏 fucking love these ships!!

6. Something you see in art a lot and love

Going back to your post from earlier today, HAZEL EYED ARMIN! and we need MORE OF IT! It makes him look so warm and friendly, like the morning sun🥺

8. You hope more people will come to appreciate ___ (a ship, a trope, an episode, etc)

Mikannie! It's a ship I really enjoy that I don't see very often! I just like muscular women going at eachother ok?? Ok??😭 plus, they have great relationship development in s4!

11. If you're a writer or artist, what fic or piece of art are you proud of making?

Oh, hmm. If it's AOT related, then probably my favorite sketch that I made is this one for @aruanimess 's fic! I just love the way it turned out!

If it's my art overall, then this one! It's a piece containing a few of my original bird characters which I love a lot! I hold it very dear!

In terms of fics, I really enjoyed writing "Weapon" and it's probably my favorite bit of writing I've done so far!

21. A fandom you're not active in anymore but that you still really like

Listen, you guys are not ready for this one but... I used to be MASSIVELY into Diabolik Lovers. For ages!! I made so many drawings of my favorites it's actually insane. And this was back when I was in high school!! How dafuk did I have the time 😭 I would stay up during the night to just read and draw about those terribly written sexy vampires. Those were the TIMES.

24. How has fandom positively impacted your life?

I think allowing myself to draw and write for AOT in my spare time has helped me become more loose with my work. I always worry so so much about everything I create. Especially if it's products for my shop. My self esteem is very low, so I'm happy I found a place where I can make art that doesn't need to be finished or perfect or even amazing. It's given me a place to come and relax and also be creative with no boundaries! So thank you all!!

And thank you @annawayne for sending me this ask! It was very fun to answer!