#first beach in la push was so wonderful

[bagsley]

[fashionteahouse]

hi lovely ! i absolutely love your writing ! i was wondering if you could do a paul x reader where the reader is new to la push, and moved from england. the reader goes on a walk to the beach and meets paul there and he imprints on the reader ? you could just make it a one time thing orrrr you could make it a series ? if it has potential ! i love your paul series, the out of my league one, i LOVE IT SO MUCH

heyy honey! thank you so so much, i appreciate you🥹💜 i would love to write this. i’m sure this storyline has potential ;) hope you enjoy :)

skyline to - paul x reader

Crunches of the earth was heard beneath you as you took your steps. Your eyes took in the surroundings as you finally found something to do in your new home. The environment was different. You moved to a different country. You wanted to soak in the memories here.

Thankful for La Push having a beach, the destination to get there was on your brain. The pocket sized music player was in your pocket with headphones attached to the sound. Placing the headphones on your ears, you walk along the beach that you finally wanted to reach. Not too many people were in attendance.

The song was sung in your ears. Calmness and contentment surrounds you. Soon, you hear something louder than the music that was playing, “Watch out!”

You turn and see a ball whizzing right in your direction, you try to move out the way but the ball knocks your headphones off onto the ground. It didn’t hurt physically but just in spirit. You just hoped the blow to them didn’t effect the production of sound.

“Shit, I’m sorry.” you hear a voice and you look up to see a guy with sharp, strong features, you were drowning in his eyes. It felt like he pulled you in his soul with just his eyes. Eyes were the window to the soul, yes, but it felt like everything and anything was promised. Nostalgia, but hopes for the future were mixed into what you were feeling.

“Everything alright?” a voice asks and you and the boy in front you, finally broke eye contact.

“Yeah.” the guy in front of you says and picks the headphones up that was still leaking out noise. He looks at them, extends them out to you and you take them back, “Thanks.” you say in a quiet voice.

Picking the ball up, and throwing it to the other people who were expecting him and the ball, he looks at you once more to bring his attention back to what’s in front of him.

You’re about to slide them back on your head until he asks you a question, “I didn’t break them, did I?

You reply, “No. They still work.”

He nods, taking note. Then, he furrows his eyebrows, “You’re not from here, are you?”

You shake your head, knowing your accent was a dead giveaway.

“Where?” he asks, genuinely wanting to know.

“England.” you answer back and he raises his eyebrows, impressed.

“Paul, come on!” a different voice says and you look and see that the two people that he’s with are waiting for him.

“I’ll see you around?” he asks, a tad of frustration on his face. You nod and watch him go back to his group.

While listening to music, you decided to tidy up your room, folding and putting things away. One song you picked, turned into other songs flowing through the speakers in your ears.

The lyrics were melodic and you found your mind thinking hard about what they could mean. A face smacked your thoughts and made you shake your head. You didn’t understand why you would think so deeply about the first guy who talks to you in La Push.

Your phone buzzes and you see friends from back home sending you messages.

“Is the weather nice?”

“How’s the food?”

“Send DEETS about the guys there”

You take your time and talk about how you feel at home. How you feel like your life would be different in a great way. You didn’t tell them about your encounter at the beach. You thought the feelings about the guy you were thinking about were going to fade as the cycles of day and nights continue.

The morning sun haunted you with its beams. Looking around your room, you were happy that the task at hand was finished. With the excuse being of wanting to treat yourself, you wanted to take yourself out to Port Angeles.

Window shopping and walking the streets, you smell food hit your nostrils nearby.

Walking past, looking at the skyline to the streets, you hear muffled laughs. You don’t know why, but your head snaps to the noise. You see the same guys you’ve seen at the beach, sitting at a table, poking fun about something and laughing.

The boy who helped picked your headphones up, wandered his eyes and seen you. Him slowly getting up and walking towards the door made you realize that you were watching him the entire time. You turn to walk away, feeling ashamed that you were staring at a stranger.

“Hey!” you hear and and turn around with hesitation deep in your bones.

“You could’ve said hi.” he says and walks steps towards you.

Blushing at the way that he’s looking at you, you debate but decide to lift your hand and wiggle your fingers. Your stomach flipped at the smile he gave you, causing you to feel nervousness a bit.

“What were you up to?” he asked you as he licked your image up and down with his eyes.

“Just..exploring a bit.”

“Are you hungry?” he asks and points to the restaurant that’s behind him. You take a look. It’s not something that you would want to eat. You didn’t want to be rude. You meekly shake your head.

“I can show you around if you want?” he asks.

You take a look at him. He seemed trustworthy to be around. He didn’t look like an ax murderer. To you, at least. His big body was just an outline for strength. The body walking moving closer towards you wasn’t threatening. He tilts his head down to get a better look at you.

“Um..Sure.” you say, feeling a bit small under his intense gaze. Happy with your choice of an answer, you two start a stroll.

You learn that you both love and appreciated the landscapes of the hometowns you two were from. The natural beauty bringing you two together to gush about the distinctiveness.

“What are you doing tomorrow?” he asks you as you hold the car door.

You shrug a little, not being able to think of anything, “Nothing. Why?”

“Come out to the sea, so we can watch it together.” he tells you and makes sure you look him in the eye. Almost hypnotizing. You nod and form a small grin. He doesn’t take your eyes off of you. The only time he looked away was when he couldn’t see your car lights anymore as they disappeared down the road.

[sethsclearwater]

Maddie I was wondering what do you think that would be Paul's reaction when he met his imprint for the first time?? Would he accept immediately or he would be too nervous to do something? Could do a blurb for that?

🪻

oh this man would most definitely be freaking out LMAO

...

"and this is paul lahote, he went to the res school and he was in the grade above you so you probably didn't see him much," your friend embry finished introducing you and you smiled over at paul, suddenly feeling a bit flustered when you saw the way he was looking at you.

you'd known of paul lahote through a few mutual friends but had never actually met the man yourself and you suddenly realized why half of la push was pining after the man. he was absolutely gorgeous and was watching you with a soft gaze that completely contradicted his hard, muscular exterior.

"hi," you blushed, leaning into embry's side a bit as you mentally prayed you weren't looking like too much of an idiot with how red your cheeks most definitely were now.

"sorry he's a little slow sometimes," embry teased, laughing when paul immediately snapped out of whatever trance he was in and moved his gaze over to embry so he could roll his eyes. he looked like he was about to tear him a new one but embry jumped in before he could, "y/n, i need to go grab the rest of the stuff from the car. you okay with staying here with paul for a minute?" he asked as he turned his attention back to you, chuckling when you quickly nodded.

"okay i'll be right back," he reassured before he was walking back to the car and leaving you and paul to yourselves for a bit.

"so you're in embry's little gang?" you asked softly, a teasing undertone to your voice that had paul letting out a breathy chuckle as you sat down next to him in the sand, just close enough so your legs were barely brushing against eachother.

"kinda," paul said softly, allowing his gaze ot drift from the sand back up to you, "so you're in embry's little friend group?" he asked, mirroring your question which had you giggling softly.

his demeanor changed at your laugh, suddenly seeming a bit more confident in himself as you smiled at him, "kinda," you responded, copying paul's response which had both of you letting out breathy laughs.

"he doesn't take me out often," you added teasingly, giggling, "you know how he is," you mused and paul nodded, also laughing at your comment about your mutual friend.

"yea he's a strange guy," paul responded with a happy sigh, "have you been down to second beach yet?" he asked as you allowed your hand to drop and subconsciously draw little shapes in the sand.

you hummed before shaking your head, "not yet," you murmured, peeking back up at him as you mentally prayed he'd be asking you to come with him there.

as if he read your mind, he responded, "we should go there sometime, you'd like it," he added and you nodded, trying your best to contain your enthusiasm over the whole ordeal so you didn't look ridiculous.

"tomorrow?" you responded, smiling when he nodded.

"it's a date," he teased and you giggled, rolling your eyes as the infamous embry call called both of your names. you looked over your shoulder to see him standing by the fire and waving the two of you over.

[sareeen]

The perfect look

Pairing: Azriel x fem!reader

Summary: If Azriel's mate needs help, he will help her, whatever it takes. Even when it's about women's things.

Warnings: Absolutely nothing. Fluff, fluff, fluff. Sweet boy Azriel.

Masterlist

A/N: My late night writing, which I like and which warmed my heart. I hope it puts a smile on your face too. :)

English is not my first language so I apologize for any mistake.

Y/N muttered angrily to herself as she washed off her makeup for the sixth time. Tomorrow was the annual charity ball, organised by a friend for orphaned children of soldiers killed in the war, and everything had to be perfect, because it was so important. However, when she decided today that she would try to prepare her makeup for tomorrow to match her outfit, she never imagined she would face so many obstacles. First, she ran out of her favourite foundation, which she went to the store to get, but it wasn't until she got home that she noticed the shop assistant had given her the darker shade and when she put it on her face she looked like she had been lying on the beach for at least a month. Secondly, she was unable to choose the perfect shade because she felt none of them fitted the colour of her dress. Thirdly, she couldn't get a decent eyeliner line and they all looked like something a two-year-old had scribbled on her eyelids rather than a fully grown adult woman and her hands were shaking with frustration. Fourthly...she was fed up with it all, her eyes hurt from all the rubbing and different makeup going into her eyes.

Who says makeup is easy, Y/N raged in herself and yelped when someone behind her spoke.

"What are you doing?"

The someone was none other than the mysterious Azriel, who was now leaning against the doorjamb with his arms folded across his chest. In the mirror, Y/N surveyed his tattooed, muscular torso, thick taut biceps and strong legs. It was a sight she could never get tired of and she loved it when Azriel was around like this. A little underpants and nothing else.

"I'm putting on makeup" Y/N sighed and wiped the red lipstick from her lips that had left a stain on the skin of her face when she accidentally smudged it. Now a pale pink stain remained behind.

Wonderful, just what was needed.

She was on the verge of hysterics and tears, which didn't bode well. She was a heartbeat away from packing everything up and curling up under a blanket on the couch for a long nap.

"Does makeup involve picking out your eyes?" Azriel raised his eyebrows. "Or do you have to draw a black line on your eyeballs too now?"

The spymaster teased her, which she probably would have returned at another time, but now her mouth curled down and she leaned wearily against the basin.

"I can't manage a decent makeup," she said in frustration. "Tomorrow is so important and I don't want to ruin it."

"Sweetheart" Azriel pushed away from the door and wrapped her in his arms. Y/N inhaled his scent, which soothed her frazzled nerves a little and burrowed her face into his muscular chest. His skin was warm and soft beneath her cheek and she smoothed her hands over his body with pleasure. "You're beautiful and there's just no way you're going to mess up the ball."

"I know I'm blowing things out of proportion" Y/N whispered, embarrassed by her behavior. She felt stupid for freaking out so much. "I just can't figure out what the perfect makeup would look like. Somehow none of them look right."

Azriel said nothing for a long moment, just stroked her back and kissed into her hair.

"Would it help if you practiced on someone else?" he murmured.

"What?" Y/N raised her head to look at him. She couldn't believe that he was offering to be her mannequin.

"You heard me right" Azriel chuckled and his golden brown eyes sparkled lovingly as he looked down at her.

Y/N was suddenly seized with excitement at the idea and grinned happily.

"Yes" she replied, carried away. "It would help a lot if I could put makeup on you."

Azriel closed his eyes, laughing, and shook his head in disbelief that this sentence had actually, really been uttered.

"I'm ready" he announced and sat down firmly on the edge of the tub so that Y/N could easily reach his face. "Make me breathtakingly beautiful. It's terrible to suffer this ugliness."

Dramatic sighs erupted from the depths of his chest and he even ruffled his midnight black hair in a pout for good measure. Laughing at his performance, Y/N took one of the makeup brushes in her hand and tickled his nose playfully, causing Azriel to sneeze so loudly that even passers-by on the street probably heard. Y/N doubled over with laughter and even shed a tear, but Azriel joined in too and his deep, melodious laughter reached to her very soul.

"I'm sorry" Y/N gasped for breath and took Azriel's head in her hands. Giggling, she pressed a kiss to his nose, then to his lips. "I had no idea it would have such an effect on you."

"When it comes to you, surprising things always happen" he replied with a grin. "But that's why I love you."

"Just like I love you too"

She took the brush in her hand again, but this time she started to work the makeup on his face and Azriel sat still. First she applied the foundation, then the blush and finally she took the powder box in her hand. The spymaster watched dubiously as she tapped the compact into the white powder, which left a small cloud of dust behind. However, he sat patiently waiting for it to spread over his face.

"Which one do you think would look good with the colour of my dress?" asked Y/N, showing him the makeup palette, which had like forty colours ranging from bright pink to pitch black. "I was thinking gold and this brown" Y/N poked her finger at the colour.

"Yes" Azriel said, puzzled, for he was very much at a loss for this sort of thing. "It's nice"

Y/N worked on his eyes for about a quarter of an hour, using different brushes, pads and even dragging something across his lashes. Finally, she nodded in satisfaction when she'd got it right and told him not to move now. Azriel stiffened like a statue, but flinched slightly when something small like a wet brush stroked first across his left and then his right eyelid.

"Open your eyes," Y/N pleaded, and then watched raptly as the golden brown eyes she held so dear trembled open. The makeup accentuated the warm colours of his eyes and even brought out that hint of green that is rarely seen.

"You are so beautiful," Y/N whispered, mesmerized.

"Well, thank you" the shadow singer furrowed his brows as if he couldn't decide how to respond to that. "Are we done?"

"Wait, the lipstick!" Y/N forgot all about it and hastily took it in her hand, then turned back to him. "Now squeak your lips."

Azriel giggled in compliance, pursed his plump lips and leaned towards Y/N. Y/N carefully smeared the slightly glistening lipstick on him and stepped back to admire her work. It was odd to see Azriel like this, but he still looked stunningly masculine in full ball makeup and tiny black underpants.

"Well, do you fancy me?" Azriel fluttered his eyelashes and even smacked his lips.

Y/N laughed and agreed.

"You've never looked better," she said and handed him a small oval mirror. "I don't think I'll wash it off you, it looks so great on you."

Azriel looked at himself in the mirror and even under the layers of makeup she could see him blushing.

"Sweet gods" he mumbled shaking his head as he looked at himself. The makeup was really nice, but if he had seen any of his brothers he would have been listening to this for the rest of eternity.

However, a sneaky idea occurred to his mind and Y/N squealed in surprise when Azriel grabbed her around the waist and pulled her towards him.

"You know, I'd love to test this lipstick" Azriel's face was serious, but his eyes were mischievously twinkling. "I think it's important to know if I can kiss you tomorrow night without my lips glistening afterwards."

He didn't even wait for her to answer before he leaned in and kissed her. It was a sweet, delicate kiss that tasted like strawberries thanks to the lipstick and she giggled into his mouth. Azriel pulled away from her lips and then targeted every corner of her face from her forehead to the base of her neck and Y/N squirmed trying to get free, but he held her tightly and laughed as he continued to torture her.

"No, Azriel" Y/N screamed panting and laughing as his kisses tickled her. When she managed a glance in the mirror she saw that the lipstick was not kiss-proof, for her whole face was covered with Azriel's mouth marks. Finally, Azriel leaned over and pressed his cheek to hers, so they could look at themselves in the mirror together. She wished they could stay like that forever.

"I think we look really good," Azriel growled. "Especially you"

"Can't beat you now" Y/N replied with a smile as she watched him in the mirror. "That color really suits you"

Azriel hummed in agreement, but the corners of his mouth curled upwards in amusement. However, this quickly disappeared when two huge figures appeared in the doorway.

For a moment, all four of them stood frozen, Azriel still with his arms around her waist in makeup and she with her arms around his neck with lipstick marks on her face. It was like they'd been caught having sex, but it was even more awkward than that.

Finally, one of the men burst out laughing and within a moment the other followed. They pushed their way into the bathroom and pointed at Azriel.

"Brother" Rhysand chuckled. "What an amazing look. Maybe you have a date tonight?"

"I think he's going to a ball instead" snorted Cassian. "Where's your dress? I would recommend the side-slit piece that shows off your beautiful legs. Perhaps you waxed that as well?"

Y/N stifled a laugh with difficulty. After all, she had put poor Azriel in this position and it would be ugly if she betrayed him like that.

"I-" began Azriel, but he was speechless. "No, I have no excuse for that."

Y/N took pity on the poor man, but before she could rise to his defense, Rhysand cut her off.

"Come on" the High Lord wiped his eyes with a smirk and shrugged, "I model nude for my mate's paintings every week. Compared to that, a little makeup is not a disaster."

"Not small, big" Cassian hummed with a sly smile, but his eyes were friendly as he surveyed them.

"You don't say a word, Cassian!" retorted Azriel pointing at him. "You're probably dressing up as some book character from one of those novels Nesta reads and doing something dirty I'd rather not hear about."

"Hey, do you know how well those tend to end?" asked Cassian, offended, but he was already turning to Rhysand, who was now starting to tease him.

Y/N was watching their bickering, but Azriel distracted her by leaning over and whispering in her ear.

"I think it was good fun."

"Yes" Y/N said softly and gave him a soft kiss. "Thank you for sacrificing yourself and helping me."

"For you anytime"

[elsaellaelys]

Staying

summary: JJ meets Y/N's big hispanic family.

pairing: JJ Maybank x Hispanic (spanish) fem!reader

690 words

a/n: As you asked, @vqxleria. I just used what a know about hispanic people in this fic, so it might be too labeled, but I gave my best. I'm open to requests!

--★--

Y/N was the new waitress at The Wreck, JJ was hooked the minute he saw her. Wild hair that she tried to get together in a ponytail, pencil behind her ear, uniform shirt with loose low rise jeans, closed face expression, she was taking his order and he made a comment about how she looked chic with golden hoop earrings, she blushed and for the first time since he entered the restaurant he saw her smile. He knew he had to do something to see it more, he wondered how her laugh would sound, if she could want to kiss him like he wanted to kiss her, plumped lips with brown gloss.

Day after day JJ made sure he would find a way to see her, talk to her everytime, always volunteering to pick Kiara in the restaurant just for a chance to flirt with his crush, Kiara's dad was pissed with him for keeping Y/N distracted both of them getting caught multiple times all in giggles and hand touches, then Mr. Carrera just gave JJ the push with "Ask her out and get your butt away from the restaurant." And he did, and she accepted.

It took just one date for JJ be completely obsessed with Y/N - if he wasn't already - charmed with the way she laughed, the way she talked, how she would always say "si" instead of "yes" as in a reflex, how she pushed her hair back when it was falling in her face. Soon they were hanging out all the time, it wasn't one single day they went without seeing each other. The pogues mocked him everyday for being so head over heels, but could they blame him when she looked just like heaven? Made he feel just like heaven when he was with - and in - her.

That day, JJ showed at her house in the afternoon, ready to take her to go boating with the pogues like always, but it was different, there were at least six kids running through the garden, a noticeable hubbub inside the house. He carefully crossed his way to the door, still kinda scared of how fast the kids were running, and openned it, he only had been inside her house twice, but it surely didn't looked like that, with bags all over the living room, some forgotten in the stairs, a box of Jesus candles in the stand and a lot of people, he could count eight without the kids outside, one of them passed by him murmuring a spanish greeting and left a rosary in his hands. He was to confused to move when a old lady came to him, arms wide pulling him in a hug.

"Ah, you're Y/N guest? Her boyfrriend! Finálly!" she exclaimed holding his shoulders to give another hug.

"Tita, no! No, not boyfriend, friend." Y/N appeared, taking him away from her gradma grip. "Ve a ver la sartén, apuesto a que se está quemando!" she warned, pushing JJ to her room, locking behind her. She looked the same, but JJ always felt a thrill when he saw her, like she was way more hotter than he remembered, the wild hair fitting her so nicely, glossy kisseable lips, low rise jeans tied in the back with a shoe lace, he guessed she was getting unready from the beach outfit cause she still had a bikini top under the off shoulder white top and flip flops on.

"A friend, uh? That hurted." he mocks.

"Oh, sush, she won't let you alone now that she saw you."

"Yeah, with all the respect, they're loud, right?" He laughed, she followed him, that sweet sound going through his ears straight to his heart.

"Uhum, guess you gonna have to go out without me."

"No way. I'm staying. What your Tita is cooking? Smells good." he said living the room before she could stop him.

JJ never knew what is like to have a energetic family like hers, full of fun histories, nice traditions and food, he liked the way they prayed the rosary and he was keeping his one for sure. They made he feel like he was a person, a interesting, nice one.

In the end of day, it was almost dawn, he said he was going home, but instead he entered her room through the window. Y/N sitted up in the bed, looking confused, he just kissed her, deeply, hands pressing her messy hair against her cheeks. "Can I stay?" he asked, hearing his own voice sound like a beg. "Si." she quickly answered, opening space for him under the cover. She smelled like Spring Water Dial bar soap, he snuggled his head in her neck, her arms rounded him, stroking his hair, so close...

He just wanted to stay forever.

[blainesebastian]

time away (ccg universe)

words: 1,791 ship: austin butler x reader summary: (anon request) “they take a family trip to *Disney World and Luci gets lost while austin and ccg argue about a new role he accepted without talking to her about it” warnings: none notes: doing my best out here ya’ll idk lol enjoy xxx tag list: @killerqueenfan, @karamelcoveredolicity, @elizabethrosecresswell, @gigisworldsstuff, @stylespresleyhearted

It’s supposed to be a family vacation, one of the first you’ve taken to a place that’s a bit more hectic than the beach. You’re not complaining, you love Disney World, have loved it since you were a kid—so sharing all of this with Luci is one of your top ‘to-do’s.

Luci’s been handling the long park hours well, got her face painted with cheetah print at Animal Kingdom, found all the hidden Remy statues in Epcot, insisted on far too many Mickey Ice Cream bars in Hollywood Studios. She loves Magic Kingdom the best, especially when she’s dressed as a princess and you find that putting her in a dress that matches Cinderella or Belle makes you want to cry.

There’s something that reaches deep into your chest and squeezes at being here with Austin, at sharing this with him, at watching Luci hand him a Mickey balloon or putting Mickey ears on his head. At having him hold her sleeping body as you all walk out of the park or take the bus back to the resort. Makes you fall a little bit more in love with him—as if that were at all possible.

It’s been wonderful so far, more than you could have ever asked for.

And then Austin mentions he’s interested in a film that will take him across the country—he’s already said yes. To a movie he’s never spoken about before.

You kinda stare at him, your hand halfway into a popcorn bucket shaped like a Cinderella’s castle as you take a small break from walking around Magic Kingdom.

“Mama popcorn,” Luci pouts from standing between you and Austin, tugging on your shirt.

You’re trying not to distract yourself from what he’s telling you, glancing down at Luci and lowering the popcorn bucket that’s attached to your shoulder by a strap. You just feel—there are so many overwhelming and conflicting emotions. You’re undeniably happy for him, have always been incredibly supportive of his endeavors and have rarely questioned him about logistics. You get how crazy it can get; you’ve dipped your toes into the industry yourself.

But you’re also…confused and frustrated because it’s very unlike Austin to accept something without talking to you first.

“What do you mean you ‘agreed to it’ already—last time I checked, we lived in New York, not LA.” And alright, there’s really no need to be petty about geography but, you’re really having a hard time with processing this ‘across the country’ thing.

It’s not like Austin hasn’t done longer trips before to distant places, it’s the ‘untold’ part sitting uncomfortably in your chest, pushing your ribcage apart.

He takes in a short breath, his jaw working a moment as he chews on words, selecting them carefully, “I know. This was a last-minute swap—filming was supposed to be on the East Coast but then,” Austin trails off, shaking his head, looking out towards the crowd of people in the park. You can tell as he takes a moment that it’s convoluted, nothing is as it seems. “Got pushed to LA to fit some setting requirements?”

His voice is a little less sure as he talks, almost like he might regret it? But it doesn’t change the fact that he has agreed—that he’s doing this, with or without your support. You know it’s not always that simple, painting situations black and white is dangerous, it lives in a world of gray. Austin didn’t make this decision flippantly, regardless of how much it stings to hear it.

But you don’t understand how this is going to work—you can’t go with him, you can’t uproot Luci like that, but the alternative is what? Months at a time where he’s gone? You know this is all part of it, as an actor, but you’re also much more used to planning something out together. Not jumping in after him.

You know your reaction is based on fear alone, you don’t like the feeling of things slipping through your fingers.

“I might be involved with a project at the end of the month,” You tell your husband, his eyes slightly widening in two-fold because—for one, he’s happy for you, but on the other hand, it’s a factor that he hadn’t considered. Both of you being busy.

“I didn’t know.”

And you let out a snap of a laugh because, “Yeah, that sucks, doesn’t it?”

The muscle in Austin’s jaw works, “Y/N.”

“I was finalizing things with my agent; I was going to tell you when we got back from our trip.” Which…you hate that it feels slightly ruined, you’re gonna have to stop being dramatic. You get can it back to that perfect place, right?

You shake your head, hating that you feel flares of annoyance lick at your nerve endings when none of these conversations should be happening now, on vacation. You take a deep breath, pushing down emotions, focusing on having a good day with Luci—

Glancing down, you go to run a hand through her hair, and freeze. A hiccup of fear instantly settling in your throat because—Luci is gone. She's...not standing between you and your husband anymore. You look up, this frantic feeling building in your chest as you do a quick sweep around you but she's not here, she's not anywhere.

Your hand instantly comes down on Austin's wrist, squeezing hard, "Austin."

It takes a second for Austin to spring into action, gently taking your hand and squeezing as he moves, eyes alert as he takes in the crowd. He starts calling for her, his voice calm and collected and…honestly, he’s stronger than you are, because you don’t think you can open up your mouth without emotion choking your windpipe.

You’re not gonna cry, because that’s not going to help anything, but you definitely feel tears well in your eyes because how could you be so selfish in what you were arguing with Austin about that you didn’t even take the time to hold account of your daughter?

Deep down you’re aware you can’t blame yourself, that neither of you were paying attention, that Luci felt safe standing between your bodies.

There are so many people everywhere and your heart jumps into your throat and Austin’s voice sounds too far away when he says ‘don’t worry, we’ll find her’ because every worst possible scenario is dancing through your head right now.

And ten minutes feel like hours and Austin is tugging you towards a Help Desk to talk to someone when—

“Mommeee.”

You turn sharply at the voice because you know it like the back of your hand and a large gasp of air tumbles into your lungs as you take four steps forward and take Luci out of a cast member’s arms. You don’t really realize how hard you’re crying, in relief but also mixed with too many other emotions, until Austin comes up beside you and turns you both into his chest. He wraps an arm around you, keeping you close,

“Thank you.” Austin tells the woman, running a hand along your back.

“Oh of course, saw her wander into the shop and after a few questions, figured she was lost. Super polite though, even though the tears.”

She gives you both a small smile before walking through the shop doors and you only pull back when you feel Austin gently cup both sides of your head. He presses a kiss to your forehead, looking down at Luci. You sniffle, getting a better look at her—you can tell she’s been crying too, pink cheeks and wet eyelashes, and the cast member must have bought her a stuffed Mickey because she’s clutching it against her chest.

You shake your head, too overwhelmed to talk. Austin draws in a breath, brushing Luci’s hair out of her face—he’s not angry, but his voice is firm,

“Luci, what have we talked about before? We do not wander off like that, not without mommy or daddy.”

Luci kind of babbles as she talks, clearly the experience wasn’t too great for her either, she’s shaken regardless of being found by a nice woman and bought a Mickey stuffed animal. She seems to know that she messed up and upset her parents, along with giving herself a fright.

You let out a shuddering breath, trying to calm yourself down, running your hands over Luci’s hair and kissing her cheeks, “Please don’t scare us like that again, okay baby?”

“Okay mommeee.” Luci mumbles, “No thank you.”

You can’t help but let out a laugh, running a hand over your face. “Right.” Austin smiles, cupping your cheek to run his thumb along the bone there before drawing you both close.

--

It’s quiet on the Disney transportation bus ride back to the resort. Dark out, the bus packed, Austin seated against the window with a sleeping Luci on his chest and an arm wrapped around you, your head resting on his shoulder. You know that both of you could arrange a personalized SUV, take you from place to place as you do at home but…there’s something so normal about all this that you crave.

Austin shifts against his seat, a soft sigh leaving your nose as you tuck your face against his neck. He tilts his head down, brushing his lips along the spot near your ear,

“You alright?” He asks, pressing a kiss there.

You swallow, nodding, quiet for a few moments more. There’s still leftover adrenaline leaving your body, making you feel slightly shaky. You reach out and touch Luci’s leg, running your thumb over her calf in a calming motion for yourself, assuring that you found her, that she’s okay.

“M’sorry about before,” Austin says after a moment—and God, none of that even feels like it matters right now, but you appreciate that he’s trying. “Everythin’ happened so fast but…you’re right, I should have talked to you about it first.”

You close your eyes, breathing him in, “We’ll figure it out,” You pull back just a little, tilt your face up so you can take a look at his face. It’s dark in the bus but there’s the flicker of orange streetlamps, the light of the moon outside.

And you know that’s so much of a larger issue, so many things at play in terms of Austin’s obligations and your own commitments, but it’s the point of the matter, isn’t it? That you’ll both slow down and have that conversation? Come to a conclusion together. Might not specifically work out this time, you know that, but…

You give him a soft smile, comforted by the closeness of your family—regardless, this is how you know deep down, that whatever happens, it’ll be okay.

[domesticatedanimal]

FFXIVWrite2024

Prompt 3: Tempest

Content of an adult nature, Shadowbringers Spoilers

Girls Uninterrupted

Bark exploded from the tree as Sif’s spine collided with it. She rolled across the ground, rapier skipping off the dirt to fall somewhere in the nearby brush. The exhausted Viera lay there for a while, ragged breath pushing soil and sweat from her lips.

Her tutor, X’rhun, leaned over her reclining and motionless form. Gray and black spots swirled in the edges of her vision, framing his aged and disappointed face. Despite the strenuous training, he hadn’t yet broken a sweat, and not a single strand of ivory hair was out of place.

“You’re still holding the cast too long,” he offered in his usual melodic tone. “This isn’t as clumsy of an art as you are used to. Red magic requires dexterity, restraint… poetry.”

“Nng,” Sif replied. X’rhun frowned and removed himself from her vision. She heard the whisper of his soft leather boots across the grass. She felt a presence to her left, and let her head roll in that direction.

“I think you’re getting closer,” Arya smiled, squatting demurely with one hand against the injured tree. She glanced up at the dent Sif’s back had made into the wood. “I wish I had your strength. X’rhun says I balance the magics well, but my casts are so much weaker than yours.”

Arya stood, offering a hand to the Warrior of Light, bracing herself against the tree to keep her balance. But she was able to lift the taller woman easily.

Mercifully, their teacher allowed a brief break, which both women greedily accepted. They shuffled quickly between the trees, headed for the soothing cool waters of the cove nearby. La Noscea was largely abandoned this time of year - at least compared to the summer months - and they knew that this more secluded beach would be free of tourists and sailors alike.

Under the eyes of the colibri circling above, both women began discarding their equipment. Arya building a neat pile of leaves under her weapon and boots, and the more experienced adventurer simply piling her gear atop a slightly less sandy hillock. Once she had stripped down to her under tunic, Arya turned to ask if Sif would be comfortable sharing the waters this underdressed, and was shocked to see the adventurer’s bare shoulders already appearing from beneath her shirt.

From behind, the storied Warrior of Light was shockingly scrawny. Arya wondered how she could possibly heft swords and axes taller than she without collapsing. But as Sif stretched, tossing her woolen shirt aside, Arya could see the wiry muscles that twisted under her skin. Though thin for her height, Sif’s flesh was wound as tightly as leather around a hilt.

That was when she first noticed the scars. Burns, cuts, and half-healed bruises crisscrossing her arms. A nasty wound just above the waistline of her tights, as if she had been run through by the twisted horn of some beast.

Arya’s eyes followed the lines of the Warrior’s back, to the gentle dimples at her waist, the strong but tantalizing curve of her buttocks. There was a gentle cough, and Arya’s eyes darted up to meet Sif’s cold gray stare as she smirked over her shoulder. Arya felt the blood rush to her face, and she desperately searched for some words to stammer out.

But Sif saved her from her own embarrassment. With a gentle laugh and a nod, Sif turned toward the water, stepping swiftly toward the pale sand of the beach. Arya quickly tugged the heavy tunic up and over her head, dropping it on top of her weapon and boots before she could realize how scared she was to do so.

She looked up in time to see Sif dropping her second boot casually into the sand, and slipping her thumbs under the waist of the snow white tights that seemed to somehow swim across her thighs like oil on silk.

By the time Arya felt the first laps of cold water at her feet, Sif was already in the water, leaning back, legs stretched out in front of her, the ends of her long ebony hair floating on the gentle waves of the tidal pool. She lowered herself down nearby, one arm modestly across her chest.

Sif glanced over, and smiled.

“You know, I hated the ocean for most of my life.”

“Oh?” Arya wasn’t sure where this was going.

“My only experience with the water was sailing on it. And rarely by choice.” Sif watched the horizon, as if considering the large ships that floated out past the sandbar that separated them from the ocean proper. “But I have to admit, few things feel as good as this for aching muscles and drained aether.”

“I see.” Arya let the words hang between them. She felt suddenly inexperienced. They may be closely matched in skill with red magic, but Sif’s presence made it plain that she carried centuries worth of experience that Arya did not. How could she carry such confidence, even now, at her most vulnerable? Unarmed, depleted of aether, breasts bared to the sun, and carrying an energy that implied that she could still best any attacker with ease?

Breasts bared to the sun? Arya realized she was staring again, but this time it went unnoticed.

“Could you help with this shoulder?” Sif asked a few moments later, “I can’t quite reach the pain.”

“Oh, um, of course.” Arya scooted a bit closer, until her arm brushed against Sif’s.

“That last attempt at Verthunder really put this arm through the paces.”

Before she could react, Sif had reached over and grasped Arya’s hand, guiding it up toward her left shoulder. Arya followed the direction, wrapping her fingers over the taut skin and testing it with a gentle squeeze. With even that light touch, Sif let out a long and satisfied sigh.

Arya focused, trying to lose herself in the work. Channeling whatever white mana she still had into her fingers, she began squeezing the Warrior’s shoulder, kneading her hands down the upper arm, and back up until her thumb brushed against the nape of Sif’s neck. As the minutes pressed on, she felt Sif slowly melt into her, relaxing more and more. Compared to the water, Sif’s body was incredibly warm, and Arya pressed into her, their sides coming together like puzzle pieces.

She found that she was holding her breath, and forced herself to relax. Sliding behind Sif, Arya moved her right hand up and began massaging both shoulders. The Warrior of Light did not object, and leaned back into Arya’s embrace, her back pressing up into her.

For a while, they stayed like that, Arya slowly steadying her nerves, Sif allowing their bodies to fall closer and closer together. Neither woman had come to this beach with this goal in mind, but they both seemed to realize where they were headed at the same time. Sif’s lifted to meet Arya’s as the younger woman’s arm wrapped around her. They kissed over Sif’s shoulder, a fast and hungry embrace. Arya leaned in again, but Sif pulled away, a cloud of concern in her steel eyes.

“I need you to tell me that you know this can’t last,” she said, her iron confidence dropped. “I don’t have the luxury of relationships. That’s not a gift that Hydaelyn shared with me.”

“We’re friends,” Arya replied after a moment. “We’re working out stress. It doesn’t need to be more than that.”

Sif smiled, and nodded. She parted her lips and turned to accept Arya’s kiss.

Arya’s hands found muscles that she didn’t know existed. She marveled at the soft skin over Sif’s modest breasts.

For her part, Sif was happy to give in to Arya’s every touch and desire. She was not in the mood to lead, today. Not an army, not a lover. She could feel Arya’s breasts against her back every time the Hyur breathed, and she longed to see them, to caress them, but Arya remained behind her. She shuddered suddenly as Arya’s fingers found the hypersensitive fur of her ear and stroked it.

“Hold still,” Arya whispered, her lips against Sif’s cheek. And she shifted, until she was sat with one leg on either side of the Warrior of Light, and pulling Sif back against her. She held Sif around the waist, fingers open across bare stomach, and began planting kisses along her neck and shoulders. Sif reached behind her to hold Arya’s head with one hand, her own legs spreading slightly to press thigh against thigh. Arya’s other hand lowered, running down skin until it broke the surface of the water, and then beneath.

---

X’rhun sighed as his newest pupils stepped out of the trees’ shadow. He tossed a polishing cloth down with frustration and mustered up his most effective glare. He stood and strode toward the two tardy women as he slipped his freshly cleaned rapier back into its sheath.

He observed the sand on their clothes, Sif’s wet hair, the flush on Arya’s cheeks. He glanced at his pocket watch with animated disgust.

“Half the afternoon gone, and you didn’t even clean your equipment.” The great duelist sighed, questioning if selfless dedication even existed among this generation. “I hope you at least cleaned your minds, and regained some energy. We have more drills to run.”

The two women shared an expression with each other that he chose to ignore. He couldn’t help but smile when he saw Sif step forward, drawing her sword with practiced ease.

“With all due respect, ser,” she returned his smile. “Try me.”

[goldeneyedgirl]

I hope this question isn't too specific, but since the last snippet you posted of the babyfic, I've been wondering if Alice and Jasper are the kind of parents who throw birthday parties for their kid with a bunch of little children in their house or if Alice would be the kind of mom who goes to bake sales or whatever in the pre-school, or if this all would be too much of a risk for them. It's funny and curious to think about how they'd deal with all the needs and wants of a tiny person who actually grows up (and I assumed Alice, just like Jasper, doesn't age in this universe). Also I just think is funny to imagine Jasper going to pick up his son at school and all the other kids are scared of him because he's all murderer-like and then out of a sudden he's all soft because his kid is running towards him with a big smile :)))

Hi Anon!

So, when it comes to public-facing things, Alice and Jasper can only be Ollie's parents until he's in first grade. Alice's genetics are fucky, and she does stop aging when she hits 21 (though, spoiler alert, she is not immortal), so at a certain point she looks too young to be Ollie's mom. So they are a lot more involved before Ollie starts first grade.

By second grade, they've moved with the Cullens and Ollie has a bunch of different cover stories (Jasper's half-brother from foster care; Esme and Carlisle's biological son; cousin etc - Ollie looks way too much like a mini-Jasper for him to convincingly pose as only being biologically related to Alice, which is bittersweet for her.)

So when Ollie's in pre-school and kindergarten, Alice is juggling college, a part-time job, and her family. She definitely attends all his open days and school plays etc, but Esme and Alice's stepfather Simon are definitely more likely to be the ones that volunteer in Ollie's classroom, and contribute to bake sales. Honestly, Alice's cooking and baking is pretty hit or miss most days, so she wouldn't inflict her baking on innocent school children.

Jasper attempts a box-cake mix once for a bake sale and it's an event remembered with horror by all the Cullens. No one is sure what he did wrong, but that cake was not fit for consumption.

Jasper tends to keep his distance from the school for obvious reasons, but he has absolutely done school-pick ups, and he's always in the back of the auditorium during Ollie's school plays, filming everything.

Unfortunately, he's not serial-killer-looking enough when he does collect Ollie from school because a couple of the teachers have a bit of a soft spot for him, and how he and Ollie light up when they see each other. (There's definitely more than one mom at pick-up, waiting to see if its Alice or Jasper that picks Ollie up because they all think it's so unfair how good looking and happy the Brandon-Hales are. "I'm not sure if I want to be them, or be their bff, or do them, or what," - more than one bewildered, dazzled onlooker.)

Ollie socializes a lot with kids on the Res because Alice's stepfather lived there as a kid, the Pack obviously knows about Ollie's genetics, and Alice can be acknowledged as his mom at all times there. There is a single birthday party when Ollie is three held at La Push, where Jasper is allowed by the Elders to attend for sixty minutes with the Pack guarding him. None of the other Cullens are allowed to attend. It's a very precious memory, and one that Jasper knows the Pack did not make without long consideration and a lot of concerns. It's something he can never repay them for, and he treasures getting to be there to watch Ollie body surf and roll around on the beach.

There is also a singular entire-class birthday party for Ollie when he's in kindergarten that is held at the Brandon home. Jasper lasts for about half of it before he needs some space. Alice has more than one glass of adults-only punch because the only kid she likes is her own. Rosalie and Emmett have the best time ever.

After that, birthdays tend to be a family-only affair.

[braveclementine]

La Push and Port Angeles

Warnings: None

Copyright: I do not own any Twilight characters or locations. I do own Davina Mikelson and Marcel. I also own the backstory for my OC. I do not condone any copying of this.

Davina P.O.V.

Dr. Cullen had been surprised when I had turned my folder into him on the same day that he had given it to me. I supposed I was supposed to have finished it over the weekend. Oh well, he should've made the questions harder then.

The week had been rather uneventful and now, I was riding up to La Push on my motorcycle. I hadn't wanted to go in Mike's car so I decided it would be better just to meet them all there. And that was exactly what I was doing.

I was ecstatic with how things were going. School was fine. I was alternating between sitting with the Cullens and sitting with Bella and her friends. Tyler and mine friendship wasn't as strong as mine and Sam's, but we still hung out a little bit.

And then of course, there was the hospital which was starting to become one of my favorite places on Earth.

I couldn't care less if Dr. Cullen and his family were vampires. Honestly, I reveled in the fact that these magical creatures existed.

I had done my research of course: Vampire Diaries, Dracula, Blood Ties, Vampire Academy, even I am Legend!

Hopefully, my hard work paid off and I knew a little more about what sorts of vampires the Cullens could be. It also got me to wondering if there were any other magical creatures that existed and whether or not they were dangerous or what sort of creature they'd be.

Part of me even suspected Sam was some sort of magical creature. He was startling tall when he'd been a shrimp at ten. Not to mention the sickening almost magical love between him and Emily. And of course, the heat of his skin. As a doctor in training, I knew he should be running a temperature and he was just fine.

But anyways. . .

Today was truly a wonderful day. It was maybe seventy-five degrees out- almost boiling hot for a place like Forks. The sun was shining and First Beach water was dark gray. I could see the rocks that made up the beach instead of sand. I knew that even though they were gray from far away, they were actually brilliant colours up close.

There were driftwood trees that were scattered hap-hazardely on the beach, white washed and bleached from the years in the sun and salt combined.

There was a forest off to the side that I was sure the Forks residents would want to go hiking through eventually. Meanwhile, there were actually quite a few people out on the water, surfing. I would have to get out on the water.

I loved the water. I loved swimming, I loved surfing and snorkeling and anything else you could do on water. I felt at home on the water.

I pulled up in the parking lot, parking next to Mike's van and then made my way down to the beach in my bathing suit and a wrap around my waist.

Mike and Bella were sitting next to each other as Mike started a driftwood fire. I watched the blue and green flames flicker up and heard Bella gasp.

". . .salt does it. Pretty, isn't it?" Mike asked, sitting back down on the log before Jessica turned to claim his attention.

"Hello Davina." Bella said as I sat down next to her.

"Hello Bella, how are you liking the sun today?" I asked cheekily.

"It's nice." Bella said quietly.

"You invited Edward on the trip, didn't you?"

"Yes, but he got all weird when I mentioned the beach." Bella replied.

"Hmm, that is strange. You're not going to prom either are you?" I asked.

"No, I plan on being out of town." Bella said. "You?"

"Eh. Tyler asked." I said, stretching back on my arms. "Along with a few dozen other boys. But I don't want to go to prom."

Bella and I chatted for another half hour about small things, sometimes with Angela chiming in on the conversation. However, as the boys got angsty about staying around the fire pit, they wanted to go hiking.

I thought that my cue to go up to the shop and rent a surfboard and wet suit. I zipped myself up in the black and blue suit, tucking the gun surfboard under my arm, making my way towards the ocean.

The minute my feet touched the water, my entire body relaxed and I closed my eyes. I was very quick to make my way out to sea, going out farther than the tourists and even the native residents.

My hands parted the water easily as I pushed myself against the waves as I prepared to stand. Once I did lift myself into a standing position, I could feel a swell of breeze as I made my way back towards the beach.

The waves weren't large today, much to my disappointment, so the ride was only gentle and calm, not adrenaline rushing like I preferred. But I wasn't really expecting anything else from Forks.

I stayed out on the water for most of the day, even when the others came out of the forest. I only went off when I saw Bella leaving with Jacob, Billy's son.

I padded over to the campfire, wincing when my feet hit the rocks. I did see an absolutely beautiful dull gold one and I picked it up.

There weren't may people from school left. Tyler and Lauren were the only ones, rummaging through CD's together.

"Hey Davina!" Tyler said as I came up, stretching. "How were the waves."

"Pathetic." I said with a grin. "I'm going to have to drive down to California to get monster waves."

I heard a sigh and I looked over to see Sam sitting with a few boys.

"Well hello Sammy boy."

One of the boys who had been drinking spit out his drink in a laugh. The other grinned.

"Hey shorty." Sam replied.

I scowled, "I can't help it if you're freakishly tall. I'm average height."

Sam laughed huskily.

"Anyways, food?" I asked.

Sam grinned, "Maybe we ate it all."

"I know you didn't because I know you knew I was on the waves which meant you knew that I was going to be hungry and you love me so where's the food?" I demanded, setting the gun board down.

Sam sighed, reaching behind him and handing me nacho doritos and a rootbeer.

I nearly squealed. "You got me rootbeer!"

"It's your favorite drink." Sam muttered.

I grinned. "Anyways, who are the ugly guys on either side of you?"

Sam snorted, "Jared and Paul."

I tried telling them apart before finally turning to the boy I suspected was Paul. "You're Paul?"

"How did you know?" Paul asked.

"You're still as scrawny as you were when you were a kid." I smirked, "I bet I could still beat you in a wrestling match."

"Oh you're on." Paul said, a maniac glint in his eye. "You're not a little girl anymore."

"No." Sam said shortly. "Not today Davina."

"Fine." I said exaggeratedly, sitting down next to Sam, making Paul budge over. I noticed his skin was also boiling hot.

"Sam said you got an internship at the hospital?" The other boy who must've been Jared asked. "How. . . is that?"

"Fine." I said with a shrug. "I've learned a lot. Dr. Cullen really knows what he's doing so-"

I closed my eyes and flinched as I felt the sticky soda explode on my left side. Paul had squeezed the can so hard it had exploded.

"Paul." Sam barked.

"I'm going to return my surfboard." I responded coolly, getting up without looking at Paul and picking up the surfboard. I made my way back to the shop, giving back the wet suit and the surfboard. I now wished I had a towel that I could use to wrap around me.

Oh well, it was just about time to go home anyways. I debated saying good-bye to Sam but decided against it.

I made my way over to the motorcycle and saw Sam leaning against it.

"Down boy." I said with a bit of a smile.

He rolled his eyes. "So endearing. I wanted to apologize for Pauls' behavior tonight. He has a lot of anger issues and he's still sorting them out."

I was quiet for a moment, looking at the sun setting, making Sam's bronze skin almost glow in the faint light. His eyes, dark and warm, yet slightly haunted from his past and possibly whatever he was going through now.

"Sam?"

He blinked at my serious tone. I was never serious.

"Yeah?"

I paused and then asked, "What are you?"

Sam didn't move a muscle staring into my eyes, gauging my reaction. I tilted my head slightly, analyzing his build. "I know. . . I know you're different. You're not the same as when we were kids. And I don't mean the build of your body, although I think the height and muscle probably contributes a bit. . . but the heat of your skin. I thought maybe it was just a native thing. . . but the man at the surfboard shop had normal temperature. And you hate the Cullens."

"I can't- Davina go home." Sam said, getting up off the motorcycle. "You watch to many movies."

"Really? I watch to many movies and I'm the fool for believing you're different? Says the guy who believes the Cullens are vampires because of your Quileute legends!"

"That's different." Sam said shortly.

I felt like I would cry. Sam was my closest friend, almost my brother. And yet he wasn't going to tell me what was with him?

"S-Sam." My voice cracked and we both winced. I sucked in breath and whispered, "Fine. I'll figure it out on my own."

I swung my leg over my motorcycle, backing it out with my feet before starting it.

"Davina." Sam said in a warning voice but I ignored him, bringing the bike to life and roaring out of there.

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

I was in a bad mood at the internship the next few days and Dr. Cullen knew it. He said nothing though, leaving me in my peace and silence. And it wasn't like I was mad at him and I didn't bring my anger out on anyone but myself.

Sometimes, I thought maybe he could hear me in the office next to him. Well, that wouldn't be a surprise. In every Vampire movie ever they had amazing hearing so there was that.

Once I finished my work, I headed to his office, taking the long way instead of the short cut, knocking on the door.

"Come in." He said.

He was working behind his desk and he didn't even look surprised to see me.

I loved his office. He had several bookcases in here that were filled with books, not all of them medical. I loved skimming them on the few days I worked in his office, in silence, on the couch. It was a rather comfortable couch and sometimes, I found myself wondering if he ever slept on it when he had long shifts at the hospital. But then I wondered if he could even sleep.

"Hello Miss Michaelson." Dr. Cullen said, putting his pen down and folding his hands on top of his desk. "Are you finished for the day?"

I hesitated and then said, "I was wondering if I could work in here today. I'm. . . just not liking the silence of my office to much. I don't mean we have to have conversation, I just want to be around someone right now."

"Of course."

Merlin I loved his voice.

I gave him a brief smile, settling on the couch. I was in a more relaxed mood and I curled up in the corner of the couch between the back of it and the arm.

The silence was comfortable and I was relaxed immensely. I didn't look at him directly, only listening and also observing.

He went very long periods without breathing and only breathed as though it was a reminder that I was in the room. Often times, when he did breathe, they were shallow and when they were deep, he clenched his pen tightly as though restraining himself. I wondered if it was my blood he could smell and if it was tempting to him.

I noticed that he usually wasn't affected by the smell of blood. He could work rather calmly and smoothly. However, when around me, he seemed to hold his breath. Why was I different? Did I smell different?

After a while, I pretended to finish my office work- cataloging real patients blood work in envelopes to be sent to their houses for cancer tests- and asked quietly. "I have a random question."

"Sure."

"If a Vampire had a mortal enemy, what do you think the magical creature would be?" I glanced at him briefly.

He looked rather taken aback and I noticed that the grip on his pen had tightened even more than when he took in his deep breaths. If he wasn't careful, he was going to crush his pen.

"I suppose a werewolf maybe?" He questioned. "I'm not really sure."

A werewolf. Yes, that made sense. Werewolves and Vampires usually were enemies. Should I go visit Sam on a full moon and see how he reacted?

"Was there a particular reason for this question Miss Michaelson?" He asked, frowning slightly.

"I was trying to figure out what Sam was." I answered honestly. "And you being a Vampire was my best source of information."

Dr. Cullen was completely frozen now and I glanced at him nonchalantly. "Dr. Cullen?"

He seemed to swallow and he asked, "I- did the kids-"

"No. No one told me." I answered, shifting into a sitting position before getting up, and sliding the completed folder onto his desk. "I just knew. Have a good day Dr. Cullen, I'll see you Wednesday."

And with that, I walked out of the room, closing the door behind me. I didn't realizing I was smiling until I started home on my motorcycle. And then I realized, Sam's a Werewolf.

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

"Would you like to go shopping with us tomorrow?" Angela asked me as I sat down next to her at the lunch table. It was day two of the Cullens not being in school which made me wonder if they actually burned in the sun.

"I thought you guys went last night?" I questioned as I helped myself to some pizza.

"Mike asked Jessica out on a date so we're going tonight instead. And even though you're not going to the dance, I knew you wanted new clothes."

"Yes, thank you. I would love to come. Here-" I wrote my address down on a piece of paper and gave it to Angela. "That's my address so Jessica knows where to pick me up."

"I'll let her know. We're leaving right after school. We'll probably pick you up last though so you'll probably have more time to get ready." Angela said.

I chuckled, "Thanks."

I hadn't seen or talked to Sam since our spat so I was stuck driving myself home now. Not that I minded, I loved riding my bike. But I also was starting to feel quite alone. It was bad enough my parents and brother were dead and I had about zero friends.

Well, let me correct. Zero real friends. I was bubbly and hyper and a complete geek and so everyone always thought that just about everyone was my friend. But when you put it to the test, it's not real friendship.

I needed Sam. It was like a heartache. I couldn't live without having Sam in my life, not here. I'd always had Sam, whether it was when we were kids, or when I lived on the army base and we wrote each other letters, or now when I moved back and he was the caring brother. I needed him.

But I was stubborn. I wanted him to come and apologize to me first. He could've just told me he was a damn werewolf. I would've kept my mouth shut. Why didn't he trust me?

My thoughts continued to run wild as I searched for an outfit that I could go out in. Finally, I chose a long sleeved-white shirt with the word Angel written on the collar in black. A red top with a pocket, zipper, and belt on it. The white shirt was tucked into my one and only skirt- which was to short to wear at the hospital.

I wished I had knee high boots to complete the look, but I just slipped on my combat boots instead. I lifted my hair into a ponytail, curling the ends of it quickly before applying dark makeup and grabbing my purse. I shoved my phone, money, and some pepper spray into the bag, slinging it across my shoulder.

I found that Jessica was just pulling up to the house, her eyes wide as she glanced at my house. Was it impressive compared to hers? I had no idea. But most of the houses here were Victorian. This was an older section of the neighborhood. They are also spread a bit further apart with large backyards as they were usually farm houses.

I opened the back door, sliding in next to Angela.

"You look cute." Jessica squealed, her eyes taking in my outfit.

"Thanks." I said, flashing her a grin.

Jessica drove fast so I knew the trip wouldn't be long. She played Led Zepplin on the radio- not really my favorite. Rock's not really my music type- and chatted all about her date with Mike yesterday. And she was talking about how she hopped they were going to get to the kissing stage by the dance.

Maybe it was because I was infatuated with a God like Vampire but I really couldn't see how anyone thought Mike was handsome, good-looking, or even cute.

Angela was a bit disappointed in the fact she was going with Eric. She liked him, but apparently he wasn't her type. I had a sneaking suspicion that her type was actually Ben Cheney, but I didn't say anything. I wasn't Jessica after all.

Port Angeles was a nice coast city. The board walk that led out to the docks and whatnot. However, Jessica and Angela took us straight to the department store. I went off on my own for just a little bit.

I wasn't really the type of girl to try something on. I just looked at it, held it up against me in the mirror, checked if it was my size, and then debated whether or not to buy it.

I bought a few new pairs of jeans, a couple skirts, a few blouses, a new leather jacket, and a few other items that I felt I needed.

I met up with the others in the shoe section, trying on heels as they already had their dresses.

I bought myself a new pair of sneakers that were gray and light pink and would go well with my nurse scrubs. I also bought myself a pair of knee high boots that complimented the outfit I was wearing right now so I tore off the tags and wore them with the outfit.

There were also heel pumps and combat boots with heels that I bought. The pumps would be for at the hospital along with the sneakers.

At the moment, Jessica was at a counter, trying jewelry. Angela was trying on pink heels at the moment.

"Angela?" Bella asked quietly.

"Yes?" Angela asked behind me. I was pretending to be bent over, fixing the zipper on the knee high boots.

"I like those." Bella said.

I glanced behind me to see the pink heel on Angela's foot.

"I think I'll get them- though they'll never match anything but the one dress," Angela muttered.

"Or a white pantsuit." I replied.

"Very true."

"Oh, go ahead- they're on sale." Bella encouraged. She looked like she was hesitating about something so I turned back around, fixing the shoe boxes in my bag. I had several bags filled with clothes and I was hoping I could put it in Jessica's car so I didn't have to carry everything around.

"Um, Angela. . . Is it normal for the. . .Cullens to be out of school a lot?"

"Yes, when the weather is good they go backpacking all the time- even the doctor. They're all real outdoorsy."

So that's why Dr. Cullen hadn't had me come in the past couple days. He had probably known the weather was going to be nice.

So if they went backpacking in the sun, did that mean they didn't burn? Or maybe they didn't go backpacking at all. Maybe they hid in the house.

"Oh." was all Bella said. Angela didn't ask any questions and neither did I. Jessica came back with rhinestone jewelry that I thought looked a bit cheap, but I supposed if it was what she wanted to wear, so be it.

Upon exiting the store laden down with shopping bags, Angela and Jessica said we could go put our things in the car before going down to the bay. Bella on the other hand wanted to go book shopping. She also denied Jessica and Angela going with her, saying she got really caught up in books.

"I'll go with her." I declared. "I absolutely love books so this could be a chance for me to get something new as well. You guys don't mind taking my stuff back to the car, do you?"

"Not at all," Angela replied sweetly and the two of them split my bags between the two of them, giving Bella directions on how to find the bookstore.

Bella and I set off in comfortable silence until we approached the place that Jessica had mentioned. However, upon looking inside, it looked more like a store that would be down on the Quileute rez. Dream catchers hung in the windows, books on healing properties, and the shelves were lined with different coloured crystals.

Bella and I looked at each other before deciding to keep on walking, looking for another bookstore.

I had a bit of a headache and as Bella and I continued to walk, I closed my eyes, hoping for relief. I hadn't drunk as much water as I should've in the past couple of days, but I had never been very good at that. I always got distracted with homework and work, forgetting to eat and drink. Plus a bit of a lack of sleep.

The next time I opened my eyes, I was basically alone. I looked around in a panic and realized that Bella was neither ahead of me, nor was she behind me.

"Ah bollocks!" I cursed. My headache started to pound. I pushed my cool hand against my forehead like that would do anything.

I pulled out my phone, calling Bella but there was no answer. Damnit, I don't even think she had a cell phone, this was her house number.

I figured, based on my slow pace so I hadn't bumped into anything, that Bella was probably ahead of me so I started walking faster, glancing down alleyways to see if I could find her.

I looked up at the sky, trying to guess what time it was. The sky was growing dark, the clouds drawing close. There was still some pink, orange, and purple in the sky so I knew it was getting very close for the sun to set and I was still riddled with indecision.

I could go back, find my way to the Italian restaurant so that I could find Angela and Jessica- and maybe Bella was there, freaking out about me being lost- or I could keep going and search for Bella.

I could hear a group of men wolf-whistling and I was slightly worried about whoever they were whistling at so I hurried around the corner, ducking into the shadows. I saw the back of Bella and felt relief wash over me. I hid as the men passed by, not noticing me crouching in the corner.

"Bella!" I called once I felt they wouldn't hear me.

Bella spun and relief flooded her face, "I couldn't find you!"

"Sorry, I. . . got distracted." I had no way to explain what had happened.

"We should probably go back." Bella mentioned.

I nodded, "Yeah, I'm getting hungry. And Jessica and Angela are probably getting pretty worried."

It was definitely darker now and we started back up the way that we had come. My senses were heightened, burning as my eyes darted around, looking for any dangers. My nerves were tingling and my hand crept into my purse for the pepper spray in case I needed to pull it out and give someone a good one.

I let Bella led as my senses were all jumbled and I couldn't exactly remember the way back. I had a tendency to get lost as I usually spaced out quite a bit.

Bella quickened her pace after throwing a glance over her shoulder and I glanced back as well before seeing two men behind us. They weren't close, about twenty feet back, but I started quickening my pace as well.

"We need to get out of here." I muttered, hooking my arm with hers.

She still led, keeping her pace quick as we made our way up. There were no cars, no people, we weren't in the right section of the city. This was bad. My nerves spiked even more and at the pace I was trying to make Bella go, she would trip over her own two feet and that wouldn't be good.

Finally, we darted around a corner before coming to a stop. There were two more men in front of us.

"There you are!" His voice was booming and my headache was back in just a few seconds.

"Yeah," the voice behind us said. "We just took a little detour."

"Right, Bella, I'll distract them. You run and get help."

"That's a bad idea Davina." Bella murmured.

I scoffed, "There's no such thing as a bad idea. Only poorly executed awesome ones."

"Is that a quote from something?" Bella asked in a panic.

"Vampire Diaries. Damon Salavatore. Season two episode 15." I rattled off confidently.

"Never seen it."

"You're totally watching it after this." I muttered. "Alright now go."

Bella took off running, past the two men in the alleyway and the four of them let her go, turning on me.

I gritted my teeth.

Alright then, show time.

[risunsky]

I was wondering how long it takes you to complete a drawing? Especially for some of the more complex/ detailed ones, how do you deal with not getting burnt out? Do you work on one piece until it’s complete or do you bounce around and work on multiple projects at once? Also I love your work. I think it’s so gorgeous and really powerfully conveys emotion 🖤

(sorry, it's a long answer again :x) My most complex drawings, such as the remake of the siege of La Rochelle or the one with winged Papa IV, took between 60 and 80 hours to complete. The Spillways one is probably a record-breaker because I had to start from the beginning several times.

It's also the time I need for a traditional A2 painting (like the one I'm planning to do this summer (wink wink) if the heat doesn't knock me out too much).

For simpler things like a portrait alone without background I try not to exceed 10 hours. Like Copia with his face hidden by his hat, or the one where he's holding a Grucifix. The one on the beach looks just as simple on paper and yet I think I spent more time on it, because I did some lineart to lay down certain details and I spent a lot of time refining the textures.

In any case, even for something very simple I rarely go under 6 hours, I consider myself a slow artist which isn't necessarily a problem, unless you want to make a living out of it.

- Avoiding burn-out is a difficult challenge. In 2020 I think I experienced it, it was my first A2 painting, there was a deadline, I was late and it was very important to me. I worked intensely on this big piece, I didn't do anything other than that, stopping only to eat and sleep. At the time I was having a great time, I was really enjoying myself, thinking I was experiencing the 'true passion of art' and I still have really good memories of that period of a few weeks. But once I'd finished I kinda fell apart, I was always tired, did an artblock for several months, it was difficult to get back to normal and it caused me problems for my job. It's thanks to doing ghost fanarts that I've managed to recover. I really don't recommend pushing yourself like that it's not healthy at all.

To avoid this happening again, I impose a schedule on myself. A break every 2 hours where I get up from my chair and walk around a bit. I don't work more than a certain number of hours a day (8~10) and I don't work at weekends. Well, that's the ideal, obviously it's hard to keep. When I get caught up in the enthusiasm of a project I have a bit of trouble controlling myself, it's like an obsession and nothing else matters.

There's also the fact that my interest in a project fades easily. I need to do as much as possible in one go so I don't risk giving up before it's finished. For commission I can work on several projects at once, jumping from one to another alternately, but I really prefer to be able to concentrate on one thing at a time. The more projects I have in the queue, the more scattered my mind becomes and I don't work well in that state.

Thank you so much for your interest! 🖤🖤

[neeoooon]

FFXIV Write 2024, Prompt 6 "Halcyon"

Summary: Holiday sells timeshares.  Various warnings: Post-dawntrail, spoilers for DT and HW.  1k words

“Normally, I can’t make a deal like this. My boss would be furious.” 

Holiday made a disgusted face, scrunching her nose up and shaking her head at the word “boss.” 

“But, since you and I are the only two here this afternoon…”

She trailed off, pausing to look around the room: A tiny shack off Moraby Bay cooled by an overworked ceiling fan, with a single window facing nothing. If the builders had any sense at all, they would have placed the window facing the sparkling ocean or the towering city of Limsa Lominsa. Truly, any wall other than the one they chose would have provided exponential improvement on the drab, fish-stinking, salt-crusted hovel. 

She looked at the scented candle she had lit earlier for ambiance; a lone decoration on a simple desk. The scent, “Snow Angel,” was supposed to be a hint of fresh pine and “crisp snow on the first Spring flower,” but it smelled like nothing and added heat to the room. The candle was one of the leftover stock from when some knight from Ishgard died a few years back and the storage fees were out of control. No one wanted dead knight candles anymore. Maybe the glass holders could be repurposed into collectable cups?

“Aaheem?” The graying Lalafell man cleared his throat, or tried to and made a strange sound instead. “You were saying…? About your boss…?” He had a bit of a vocal fry. She wondered where he picked that up. 

“Since it’s only us today, I can give you two weeks in a one bedroom, one bathroom, and kitchenette in Tural Shores for our Starlight Celebration price.” There was no boss, no Starlight Celebration price, and barely any Tural Shores. She smiled and pushed a pamphlet toward the gentleman-sucker, which he took and opened. 

Mister Tudino, the Lalafell, poured over the illustrations and buzzwords: gorgeous cerulean waters lapping white sands, a happy couple eating tacos, and a floor plan of a one bedroom/one bathroom apartment, labeled with “a halcyon life at Tural Shores.” He went to fold it up to bring back to his wife, but Holiday leaned over the desk to snatch it from him. Each pamphlet, of which she had three, cost ten thousand gil. Printing, while cheaper thanks to the decorative book demands of adventurer housing, didn’t impress like an original illustration on premium paper.  

Holiday had visited Tuliyollal last Starlight for the new Limsan newspaper, The Port Authority. The fledgling, but popular, paper paid for a 5-week series on Tural cuisine, intending to publish an article a week on her return. The editor hoped a robust Lifestyle section would encourage extended subscriptions from fickle La Noscean residents. When Holiday returned, months later, the editor had disappeared and the paper was out of print. The hefty stipend for travel, lodging, and food for a 3-month adventure in a country across the ocean probably helped sink them. On the other hand, being foolish enough to hire a travel writer based on her single, moderately successful dhalmel recipe spelled larger pre-existing issues.

The lalafell flinched, having the paper taken from him so suddenly, and sat back in his chair. “It all looks very nice, I suppose? But the price?”

Here we go. Holiday smiled sympathetically, her well-groomed eyebrows softening to a practiced position. “150,000g today for the one bedroom, one bathroom, with kitchenette on our Starlight package.”

Tudino grimaced. Two weeks in a foreign land, with a private kitchen(ette) and bathroom, every year for 10 years. Nanali and the children love the beach, but Costa has so many shark attacks... His frown deepened. Two weeks on the boat for the round-trip, two weeks at the vacation home… ten divided by 150,000g… Can we afford it with Susuru’s tutoring?

Noticing the depth of thought her mark had entered, Holiday bumped the bottom of the table with her knee hard enough to make a sudden sound. Tudino jumped slightly, and turned his gaze back to the Hyur woman.

“150,000g, you said?”

She nodded and sent the pamphlet back his way.

“I should mention,” she pointed to the illustration of the pristine beach, “the beaches on Tural Shores feature a fabulously safe lagoon, protected from the outer ocean thanks to the rocky coastline. Very few sharks. If any.”

Shark attacks were hot news all over La Noscea, as of recently. One especially humongous shark happened to swallow fourteen lalafell (disputed number) over the Moonfire celebrations, but Merlwyb refused to close the beaches. She did, however, shoot the shark herself. It was a breathtaking sight to behold: Merlwyb, with skin like moonlight made solid, on the deck of some boat (name unknown) firing guns from both hands into the crystal waters off Costa del Sol’s beach. Blood poured from the giant beast, provoking the smaller sharks to feast in a frenzy on their fallen brother. 

Holiday produced a small stack of papers, tapped them into a neat pile, and began to pass them to Mister Tudino. 

“Here is the contract, and this is your map from the gates of Tuliyollal to Tural Shores–which is hardly a stroll from the city center,” she glanced up at him to wink, “and finally the promised coupon for free dinner for four at the Bismarck.”

Tudino seemed to be relieved at the sight of the coupon. Four long hours ago he arrived at Moraby Dry Docks to meet with Holiday, and three other strangers, after falling for the promises of a Limsan barker offering “free luxury dinner for the family (if you listen to a sales pitch).” Holiday guided the group, now down to two people and herself, halfway around the curve of the bay. A large crab blocked the road, wherein another member of the group fled. Thankfully, Holiday dispatched the large crab (roughly the size of a large boulder) with a swing of her axe. Maybe two or three swings.

Tudino, now the last member of Holiday’s party, collapsed in terror. He awoke hours later in the shack, being shaken down for 150,000g by a blonde Hyur.

[drkroots]

The Brat Pack ( in the 80s setting )

Soren Remmington - The first born of the Remmington twins, a lover of the beach life and the animals that come with it. He’s known as the most chilled out of the group and at face value is seen as Spence’s polar opposite. The general school population has designated him as the most studious.

Laura Remmington - The hardcore music enthusiast party animal, her wildness second only to Spencer’s. If there’s a party or any big event, she’s often the first one there and seemingly goes out of her way to get involved in as much chaos as possible. People who don’t know her often wonder if they can even handle her.

Spencer Anthony - He’s labeled as the erratic bad boy of the group, which is really not what he’s like at all, but it is an image he pushes forward as he’s super specific over who he shares his personal life with because there’s a lot to handle and he doesn’t like his business being everyone else’s business .

Kimberly Wayne - Spence’s on again-off again girlfriend ( it depends on the week in all honesty ) who happens to be the captain of the cheer squad and one of the most popular girls at Malibu Tech. She has the power to make or break someone’s reputation and has no problem with flaunting lt.

Randall ‘Randy’ Bishop - The leader. The group doesn’t have one, but if anyone picked a guy it would probably Randy. He’s the most well rounded of the lot, not afraid to have fun but has enough sense to not go balls to the walls over the top about it. Out of the lot of them, he’s also the most approachable and most accepting of new people into this little teenage found family.

Gabriella Blake - Known for being one of Kim’s lackeys, but is known as the much nicer of the two. She’s not on the cheer squad, but is on the dance team for the school so she spends a lot of time with Spence, Kim and Beth outside of hanging out as a group. Cheering aside she’s on the softer, almost shy side, but is happy to talk to pretty much anyone when they speak to her.

Beth Carmichael - Kim’s second lackey with a reputation of being mean and is generally unliked by pretty much anyone who doesn’t know her. A lot of it is Kim’s influence and its a little known fact that when she’s not in the presence of the captain, she can actually be quite sweet.

Gretta la Beau - From old money and known for being an overachiever, she runs the school magazine and has aspirations of a career in journalism. She’s one to always put her best foot forward with everything she does and can be seen as being rather obnoxious if you’re not used to the energies she has.

[ellewritesandrants]

This is going to be mildly controversial but here’s me subverting some of the tropes I’ve seen involving Dacre, Joe and Joseph and pushing it onto Billy, Steve and Eddie.

Steve is a famous musician who catapults Eddie’s band into fame after they do a tour together and people start shipping them together. They neither confirm nor deny any allegations which makes the rumors a lot worse but fast forward to maybe a year after the tour has finished and Steve’s doing press of his new album while Corroded Coffins just got done with their last tour stop at a sold-out Madison Square Garden Concert.

Imagine the rest of the band deciding to do something nice for Billy who was their first ever manager/back up player who was instrumental to the rise of Corroded Coffins. He had even managed to take over as the drummer on his birthday because Gareth was an idiot who sprained his wrist from a bad landing doing some skateboard tricks for some fans pre-show. They decided to make a thank-you post on their official Instagram, not realizing that Billy and Eddie’s five year long relationship wasn’t public yet.

The internet basically explodes in anger over this supposed random stranger being called Corroded Coffin’s number 1 fan and for being with the boy a lot of fans loved. It also didn’t help that there were a lot of Steddie fans who bashed him for being the reason their favorite couple wasn’t together.

Steve was doing press for his new album so, during his next interview, he was blindsided about the issue. When asked about his opinion on the topic, he laughs at the thought of him and Eddie together because he’s good for a short time but not a long time.

He ends up saying he’d rather want Billy because not only is the man shredded but he has a heart of gold. He basically fanboys over Billy the entire interview, even going so far as to tell the interviewer he’d warned Eddie that if he fucked up with Billy, that Steve would be there waiting in the wings to nab Billy.

Everyone is even more confused and the internet basically implodes this time around, with majority of the fans wondering what was so good about Billy and this is when the Billy stans start coming out, the ones who’d known about his existence in Corroded Coffins and loved getting any chance of seeing him.

They share all sorts of anecdotes, some personal and some from the members of Corroded Coffins as to the type of person Billy was. They share stories of him essentially being the parent whenever Corroded Coffins did a tour, cooking healthy meals whenever possible and making sure that everything was going alright even if it technically wasn’t his job anymore.

The entire time, Billy and Eddie had been on their way to California for a well-deserved week-long birthday celebration for Billy to be spent with their found family. Eddie was alerted of the drama but Billy wasn’t that big on social media so Eddie didn’t tell him in fear of ruining his birthday celebrations.

Instead, Eddie trolled all of his followers by spamming his stories all week with Billy shirtless on the beach, playing with his siblings, surfing and just generally being either hot or adorable. A lot of thirsty fans suddenly pop up because Billy is definitely as built as Steve said he was and seeing pics of him with family and volunteering at animal centers made more than a few girls and guys melt.

Steve was in LA for the interview and after Eddie watched said interview, he got the bright idea that there might be a way for everyone to get what they wanted because Billy’s already confessed that he had a crush on Steve before he’d met Eddie which didn't really go away.

Eddie invites Steve over for dinner and he straight up tells Steve that they are open to polyamory if Steve’s willing to give it a go. They then spend the next nine months trolling social media and the paparazzi by going out in pairs or all together for dates until a brave fan dared to ask Eddie if they’re all dating and he basically confirms it.

[semperama]

maxiel in la post-retirement au😍 what would they do… what would the plot be? ❤️

Let me start with the caveat that at the rate I'm going, I will never actually be able to write this, haha. But I have extensively plotted it in my head! It's set about 10-12 years from now. Daniel has been retired for several years and living most of the time in LA, doing a combination of influencer stuff and some minor TV/movie roles. He and Max have almost completely lost touch, and it's painful for reasons Daniel refuses to examine. Daniel feels bitter about F1 and doesn't follow it at all anymore.

But then Max retires too, and a few months later, Daniel gets a text from him that he's in LA and wondering if he wants to hang out. It turns out Max hasn't been doing that well. His career didn't end on a high note, as it is with most drivers. He hasn't been able to hold down a relationship and never got the family he wanted. Now that he doesn't have racing anymore, he has no idea what to do with himself. He didn't want to go "home", so the only thing he could think to do is look up Daniel.

Daniel is kind of a jerk about it at first, like, "Oh, sure, he ignores me when he's successful, but now that he's not doing well, he comes crawling back." He knows deep down it's not all Max's fault they drifted apart--Daniel sort of pushed him away too--but it's hard to find it in himself to be gracious about it now. Still, he and Max meet up for drinks and it's awkward and strained and they both have changed a lot but also somehow haven't changed at all. At the end of the night he ends up inviting Max back to his house, which is always too big and empty and quiet anyway. Nothing happens, except they keep drinking and Max passes out on his couch, and in the morning Daniel makes them both breakfast, and it feels a little like old times, after they'd both come home drunk from some club and crashed at each other's places. It fills Daniel with such nostalgia he invites Max to stay with him for a while.

From there, it's just the two of them re-learning each other, Daniel taking Max to parties with his Hollywood friends, going hiking together in the hills, going to the beach, driving up the coast, basically a montage from every romantic movie set in LA you've ever seen. Daniel is constantly fighting the old complicated feelings he had for Max when they were both racing, which have come bubbling up with a vengeance. Max is so opaque and Daniel can never tell if he's happy or if he could be happy staying with him long-term, and he hates himself for even thinking about that.

One day they're sitting out by Daniel's pool, talking about nothing, and Max leans over and kisses him, and Daniel freaks out, like, maybe Max is just latching on to him because he doesn't have anything else. But Max says, "Doesn't it mean something that, when I had nothing, you're the only person I wanted to turn to?"

There's some thrash, of course, and they both do and say stupid stuff to hurt each other, because they're scared of what the future could possibly look like. But eventually they realize the only future they want is the one they could have together.

[phases--ofthemoon]

Under my Skin (Paul x Fem Reader) Part one: The beach

You're a college student who is back in Forks for the summer. Your life is exactly how you want it and all figured out but what happens when your arrogant childhood crush throws your perfect life right off it's track.

1.7k words

Since you were nine your time was split between rainy forks and sunny California. Summers you would stay here with your dad in the sleepy little town and the rest of the year minus occasional holidays you’d be with your mom, step dad and step siblings in California. Once you went off to college in Seattle to study business you kept up with tradition of summers in forks now more for yourself than for your Dad.

Now you were about to be a sophomore in college with a great boyfriend, wonderful friends and a promising future, your life was going pretty well. Mark, your boyfriend was super attentive, smart and attractive. He was consistently at the top of the deans list and studying pre-law. He still made time for you on top of his busy schedule full of school and extracurriculars however this summer a majority of his time would be spent at his prestigious law internship.

People joke that you two would be engaged by the time you graduated. You could imagine Mark would be great husband you just weren’t sure he was the right man to be your husband. Still you were content with how things were, you enjoyed each other’s company and you had the same circle of friends. There might not be crazy passion between the two of you and you weren’t head over heels in love with him but you thought that stuff was fictional anyways. The stuff of Rom coms and romance novels.

It was the end of May and you were sitting at First Beach in La Push, you had been out of school for a couple weeks now and just like tradition you were staying at your Dad’s. You soaked in being outdoors as much as possible when you visited since during the school year you didn’t get much of it in the busy city. You loved Seattle but you found yourself missing the lush green nature of Forks more and more every semester.

The sun was peeking from the clouds as you sat on the beach towel reading some novel about unattainable romance. It was a good read sure but you weren’t sure how people believed in this sort of thing. You had never experienced it or even seen it in real life but maybe you were just a little jaded from your parents divorce.

The beach had been pretty much empty since it was the middle of the day during the week. Kids weren’t out of school for summer yet and most people were at work. Not the La Push boys though. They walked onto the beach in their prospective pack, they all looked like full grown men now… not the awkward preteens you remembered. They were all shirtless playing football down on the side of the beach that led to the thick forest.

Great there goes my quiet time. You didn’t have a problem with them, well most of them…you had all been acquaintances even friends with some of them since you had spent so much time here in the summers. They were all nice enough guys, friendly and funny. When you were all kids you had played together but it had probably been at least a few years since you had seen them.

You sat in your one piece black bathing suite and your light wash cut off jean shorts. Your sun glasses shielded your eyes so to anyone else it looked like you were caught up in your book but your eyes were still on the group of young men.

You recognized most of them and along with their now filled out physiques you noticed all their hair had been cut short. You watched them passing and throwing the worn football when one guy dramatically tackled another and laughter erupted amongst the men. You saw that familiar cocky smirk and your breath hitched. Paul fucking Lahote.

Your childhood crush whom when he found out about it teased you incessantly. It didn’t help that he was a couple years older than you. Your crush quickly turned to distaste and annoyance especially as you got older. Paul was always ridiculously attractive but his smugness totally ruined the appeal. You were totally over that crush from your preteen era or at least that’s what you told yourself.

You prayed they didn’t notice you or if they did they didn’t recognize you…you were very different from the little tomboy you once were. Your hair was no longer a tangled mess, you had grown a few more inches, had gone up at least a cup size, and your curves had really filled out. You looked like a woman now maybe if you were lucky they’d only remember the little girl.

You tried to go back to your book hoping it would distract you. The football landed several feet away from you, you could see in your peripheral vision one of the guys run over to grab it. “Holy shit Y/N! Is that you?” Dammit. You looked over seeing Embry Call walking towards you, puberty had really done the boy justice but he still had that goofy smirk you remembered as kids. You couldn’t help but smile at him, you had been closest with him, Quil and Jacob since you were all the same age.

You pushed your sunglasses up onto your head and stood up and smiled at the old friend. “Yeah it’s me.” He wrapped you in a big bear hug and you laughed. He set you back down and took a step back really looking at you. “Damn girl you got hot!” You fought the blush you felt beginning on your cheeks.

“I could say the same to you. Since when are you all buff?” You joked poking at his muscular chest and he laughed. The rest of guys began to appear behind Embry probably to retrieve the football he was holding captive.

“Guys you remember Y/N?“ Embry said looking at the group. Looks of recognition spread on their families faces, you waved and smiled at them noticing Quil, and Jared and a younger guy you didn’t quite recognize. You noticed Paul was the last to run up to the group and you hated that your heart rate sped up at the sight of him up close.

He was better looking and taller than you remembered. Beautiful copper skin, sculpted muscles, broad shoulders, strong jawline and smoldering dark eyes. It’s like he walked out of your romance novel. It was annoying how good he looked. You quickly adverted your eyes from him before you could make eye contact with one another.

“Hey Paul you remember Y/N?” Jared said elbowing him in the side. Paul had his signature smug smirk on his lips as he looked you up and down. You braced yourself for whatever stupid comment he was about to make but when his eyes locked with yours the smirk immediately fell and he stood there speechless. He looked like he was shocked or stunned. His intense stare stirred something inside of you but you quickly pushed it away. You had never seen Paul behave in this manner before it was strange to say the least.

“You okay man?” Jared laughed putting a hand on his shoulder. The guys shared looks with each other and you heard a few snickers. This was odd. Part of you felt good though maybe Paul seeing you now as a grown woman left him speechless. Maybe he felt bad for the way he treated you when you were younger. He glanced toward Jared and seemed to break out of whatever weird state he had just been in.

His voice was deeper than you remembered the the gravely tone to it gave you chills. “Yeah. I remember. Good to see you Y/N.” His eyes lingered on you in a way that made your squirm and your name on his lips sounded better than you wanted to admit. You simply gave a polite smile and nod toward him. The rest of the guys glanced between the two of you sharing a look of amusement that you didn’t understand, it was like you were missing an inside joke or something.

This was quickly turning awkward so you decided to make an escape and call it a day at the beach. “We’ll I gotta run but it was nice running into you guys.” You said bending down to grab your towel and book slipping on your flip flops.

“We‘re having a bonfire here tonight. You should come! It would be nice to catch up.” Embry said. “Starts around nine.” You weren’t sure if that was a good idea but didn’t have any plans either and it was nice to see some of the guys again.

“Thanks, maybe I will. I just have to make sure nothing is going on tonight back at the house.” You smiled. You were sure your Father would probably have date with ESPN but you still wanted to check.

Embry nodded and handed you his phone. “Here put your number in and I’ll text you the details.” You did as he requested glancing in Paul’s direction, he looked like he was fuming staring at Embry. There had never even been a hint of sexual chemistry between you and Embry but even if there was now you didn’t know why Paul would care either way.

“Here ya go.” You handed Embry back his phone. The guys were already starting to walk away waving over their shoulders and you overhead Paul grumble something to Jared but couldn’t make out what it was.

“No fucking way.” Jared laughed loudly. Embry waved bye and ran after them. Jared ran over next to him and relayed whatever Paul had told him and he fell in the sand laughing. Paul bent down and grabbed Embry, he looked like he was going to punch him or something but Jared, Quil and the other guy broke it up before a fight could ensue ending with Paul stomping off. What the hell?

“Well this is going to be fun.” You heard Embry say to the rest of the guys and they all laughed before they walked out of earshot. You walked to your car wondering what all that had been, it was weird but you were curious. You decided you might just have to go to this bonfire to investigate...

Part two: The Bonfire

[therandomficwriter]

A Silence So Loud

Who: Jacob Black

What: Reader gets tired of Jacob avoiding them and decides to turn the tables on him

Request: No

A/N: This is loosely based on a dream I had so please enjoy this! And don’t forget to check out the link!⇒( ◠‿◠ )

The deafening silence between the two teens was getting louder by the second. Being ignored by Jacob wasn’t something you saw coming but as time went on it started wearing you down. Growing tired of how childish he was being, you decided to give him a taste of his on medicine.

It all started weeks ago. He had constantly been hang out with Bella barley leaving time for you guys to hang out. Then suddenly all together, his occasional visits became nonexistent.

At first you thought maybe it was Bella’s fault and in one of your moments of weakness, you went to her house to confront her only to find out she had been getting radio silence from Jake as well.

You constantly blew up his phone hoping to hear something from him, just wanting to know he was okay. Then one day you saw him with Sam Uley and his gang. Remembering the many times he would reassure you he’d never be one of them, you scowled at the sight.

From that day on you vowed to never see or speak to him again. If he could just throw away your friendship like it was nothing, then so be it, you could do just that. It worked for quite a while, that is, until a couple of your friends invited you to La Push Beach.

Unsure at first knowing you might see him, you decided you weren’t gonna let him dictate your life and it had been a while since you went out with your friends. That day you learned this little silent treatment was a lot easier said than done.

The day had started quite nice actually. Your friends had decided on spending the day at the beach, watching the sunset, then get a quick bite to eat and you happily obliged. You and your friends goofed around for a while but in the back of your mind you couldn’t help but look for Jacob.

After a while your friends got you to loosen up, you eventually stopped letting your eyes wonder and just had fun. You guys decided to play a little game of volleyball and you reluctantly agreed to it.

Then one of them hit the ball a little too hard sending it pretty far. You offered to get it, taking the chance to think for a bit while you walk. Looking out to the water you notice the beautiful waves splashing at the shore bringing back memories you’ve had here.

‘Snap out of it y/n, he probably doesn’t even think about you anymore,’ You remind yourself.

As you neared the ball, you heard a group of rowdy people. Not wanting to bother them you quickly reach for the ball just wanting to head back to your friends.

Picking up the ball you straighten back up and as you stood up you couldn’t help but look at the people a few feet away. That was your first mistake. Your eyes suddenly made contact with a pair of deep brown ones.

Soon you noticed exactly who you were looking at, Jacob Black. You panicked for a quick second before composing yourself. Face Turing into a scowl, your resolve came back to you. Then you rapidly turned making your way back to where your friends were waiting.

You made it back to your friends without any further incidents and tried to enjoy the rest of your day but you constantly felt like someone was watching you. Anytime you would turn to look he would be there doing something, not quite meeting your eye.

Every time that happened a deep frown etched your face and you chose to ignore it after a while, letting the burning gaze hit you. But after a while it got harder and harder to ignore him.

As the sun started setting, you and your friends started winding down. You each took turns telling stories and having a laugh before you left the beach. Soon the sun completely set and you all began packing up to head to the dinner everyone agreed on.

Making you way to your car, you soon hear someone calling your name with rapid footstep approaching. You stiffen up at the sound of the voice knowing exactly who it was.

You tell your friends to go on without you promising to meet them there, before letting out a sigh readying yourself for what was to come. The steps got closer till they stopped right behind you. Slowly you turned around, Jacob was there looking at you with something in his eyes you couldn’t really place.

“Can we talk,” he asks softly, “please?”

Nodding your head, you turn to walk along the beach prompting him to follow you to give you time for this conversation. You walk in silence for awhile till he speaks again.

“It’s nice to see you’re doing good.”

You scoff rolling your eyes before replying, “Yeah like you care.”

If you were gonna talk to him you decided to make it as short as possible.

“Look y/n I’m sorry for ignoring you. I promise I didn’t mean any harm, I just wanted to keep you as safe as possible.”

You couldn’t believe what you were hearing. He didn’t mean any harm? He was trying to protect you? What did he think was gonna happen after avoiding you like the plague. Your blood boiled in anger at the word coming out of his mouth. You decided not to answer knowing nothing good would come from speaking in anger.

Sensing your ill temper, he thought carefully about his next words.

“I don’t exactly know how to tell you what has been going on but I swear all I had were good intentions. I didn’t mean to push you away like that. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to forgive myself for just how badly I hurt you. I’ll spend an eternity trying to make it up to you. Please give me a chance to make this right. Just tell me how I can make this better.” Desperation lacing every one of his words.

You stopped dead in your tracks at his little speech. Feeling the anger rising, you couldn’t hold back your words any longer.

“How can you possibly make this better?” You let out a bitter laugh, “Stop trying to fix something that can’t be fixed. You threw everything we had away the moment you left without even a glance back. I thought our friendship meant something but obviously I was wrong. Wasn’t I even worth a goodbye at least?”

Tears were gathering in your eyes but you did not let them fall. He wasn’t worth your tears. Before he would speak you continued.

“I just wish you could’ve seen how much this hurt me. I needed you and you weren’t there for me. I would have followed you to hell and back but you left me in the dust and took my heart with you. I’ve tried to erase the scars and marks you left inside my heart but you’re etched in me like stone. This pain I feel has not passed, this pain, I’m afraid, will never pass. I need to move on with myself if I’m ever gonna feel happy again.”

You finished, tears now streaming down your face, not caring who saw or heard you heartbreak. You turned to leave not wanting to be here any longer. Then a hand caught your wrist before you made it a couple steps away.

“Wait please don’t go. Please don’t leave like this, I really don’t want to lose you.” His voice shaking with emotion.

“You lost me the moment you walked away from me.” You continue on walking away.

“i’ll wait till you’re ready, even if I have to wait my whole life time.” He yells.

Without glancing back you reply, “Don’t wait up cause you’ll just be wasting your time. You need to learn that not everyone gets a happy ending.” And with that you left.

Soon the darkness of the sky covered the beach leaving the lonely boy to his thoughts. Both teen with hearts aching in pain. All that was left was a silence so loud it could be heard from anywhere.

Whose idea was it to let anyone believe love could ever have a happy ending anyway?

A/N: Oh boy how are y’all feeling? I though I’d leave this on an angsty note. Idk why but anytime I come up with an angsty plot the first person to come to mind is Jacob (I’m sorry buddy 😭). Anyways I hope y’all enjoyed this little imagine, it was shorter than usual but I loved it. Please feel free to request because they are open and I currently have no requests!