#friends in the same time zone at 4am:

[the-travelling-snitch]

excuse you, i’m normally awake by noon jsjsh

[alotofpockets]

Running to you | Steph Catley x Reader

Where long time best friends are both oblivious to each other's feelings

Woso masterlist | Words: 1.8K

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You met Steph on your first day of kindergarden. The two of you were instant best friends, despite being opposites. Steph was an outgoing kid, who loved playing every sport out there. While you were always found in a quiet corner with a book in your hands.

It didn't take long before you were a part of the Catley family, and Steph was a part of yours. The two of you were inseparable. When Steph was at football practice, you were somewhere near with a book. When you were sitting on a park bench with your latest favourite book, Steph was kicking around a ball near you.

When Steph played her first match after joining a football team, you were sitting in the stands, leaned against her father while flipping through the pages. Of course, when the whistle blew, your full attention went to your best friend on the field. 

After her first win she ran up to you and engulfed you in a hug. “You were awesome, Sunny.” A nickname you had given her after hearing your mom say that Steph reminded you of sunshine.

The same tradition stuck around after that initial match. It didn't matter what the final score was, she always came running to you, and you always welcomed her with open arms.

Your love for the sport grew while watching Steph play. While you didn’t have any interest in playing the sports, you got pulled into it in a different way. Your passion for writing grew over the years, and it didn’t take long to figure out that you wanted to be a sports journalist when you grew up.

In high school you had started writing about Steph’s matches purely as a hobby, but as soon as you got to college, you joined the school’s newspaper and became their sports journalist. Sport connected you with Steph on a deeper level. Whether you were at one of her games, or you were watching a different sport with her, the two of you always shared it and the love for it.

Throughout high school and college the same tradition continued, Steph running to you at the end of a match had been a constant through all these years, but that was soon to change as both of you had big opportunities coming up after college.

Steph signed a contract with a club in America and would play in the NWSL, while you found a job in London covering the WSL. It was hard at first, because you had always been by each other’s side, but you made it work. Texting, voice notes, and video calls became your new normal. Steph had found a new way of running to you after a match in texting you as soon as the match was over. Your phone was always filled with a recap of the match from her perspective. 

Then one day, everything changed again. “Sunny, it’s 4am. Did you forget we live in different time zones?” You groaned when you picked up the phone. “I’m moving to London.” The statement alone was enough for you to be wide awake. “Go on.” 

She told you about the offer she had gotten from Arsenal and that she would make the move in just three months. It had been two years of long distance friendship, and you could not wait to have her close again.

“I guess you’re stuck with me now, y/n/n.” She teased over the phone. You rolled your eyes at her, but were unable to wipe the smile off your face, “Like I ever minded.” 

Moving in together was a no-brainer. You had dreamed of it ever since you were little kids, and you were finally able to live that dream. 

The first time Steph stepped onto the pitch in an Arsenal jersey, you were on the sidelines covering the match. You did the pre- and post match interviews, as well as reporting on the match itself, as writing was still your part of it all.

When the final whistle blew, you stepped onto the pitch to get ready for the post match interviews. It wasn’t long until a pair of familiar arms found their way around your waist. 

“Shouldn’t you be celebrating with your team?” You teased, but without any hint of wanting her to let go. She let her head rest on your shoulder as she read over the notes you had made for your interview. “I missed celebrating with you.”

The words made a heat rise to your cheeks. “Interview time, Sunny. Shoo, I gotta be professional now.” You pushed her off lightly, not used to this feeling around your best friend. As Steph walked off, you followed her with your eyes, had you always felt this way for Steph?

“You and the interview lady seem pretty close.” Katie said while wiggling her eyebrows suggestively. Before Steph could answer, Caitlin walked up. “Was that Y/n?” Steph nodded proudly. 

“Okay, someone fill me in. Who’s Y/n?” Katie asked the two Aussies. “She’s my best friend from home.” Steph said which made Caitlin chuckle. “Still haven’t admitted that you like her, I see.” Steph’s cheeks turned a bright red, as she playfully shoved Caitlin away.

This raised even more interest for the Irish woman. “Oh, please tell me more.” A smirk grew on Caitlin’s face. “If you ever lose Steph after a match, it’s because she ran off to find Y/n. They’ve been doing that ever since the Matildas Youth team.”

“Actually we’ve been doing that since we were like five.” Steph added. “That is adorable. I am with Cait on this one, you two together would be so cute!”

The teasing from her teammates had started that day. It started with just Caitlin and Katie, but soon the whole team caught on to Steph and the girl she always ran to after their matches. 

Steph ignored the teasing and continued to live her life the way she always had. In other words, in love with her best friend, but not sharing her feelings with her best friend. You on the other hand did the exact same.

Months passed, and you settled into the new rhythm. The change of living in the same time zone was something you quickly got used to again, and took as much advantage of as you could. The two of you lived together in your cosy London apartment, sharing everything except for your feelings.

You thought about confessing your feelings many times. Especially when it was just the two of you on a quiet night, curled up on the couch. It was the most natural thing for the two of you to be cuddled up to each other. Each time you thought you would confess, you hesitated. What if your friendship didn’t feel the same any more after?

On the morning of a big match for Arsenal, Steph was pacing in your shared living room. “Are you okay, Sunny?” You asked when your eyes fell on her. “I can’t keep pretending anymore.” She started and went quiet again.

You were about to ask what she meant, but then she continued. “I love you, y/n/n. I have loved you for as long as I can remember, and I can’t keep my feelings to myself any longer.” 

You stood in front of her with widened eyes, shocked at her sudden confession. A smile crept onto your face as you started processing her words. “I love you too, Sunny. I always have.”

There was a moment of silence where the two of you were just looking at each other and taking in what you had just shared, before Steph stepped forwards and cupped your face, her thumb gently brushing your cheek as she leaned in. 

The feeling of her lips on yours was better than you had ever imagined. You got lost in the kiss, until you were rudely interrupted by your alarm sounding across the room. “To be continued.” You say with another peck to her lips, before you rush off to silence your phone. 

When you came back Steph was still standing in the place where you had left her. “Sunny?” You asked carefully. Her head turned your way and a smile spread across her face. “Yeah?” With a light chuckle you shook your head, “Just checking if you were still working.”

“Hmm, maybe you should kiss me again to make sure that I am.” You stepped closer to her, “Gladly.” You reconnect your lips, something you could definitely get used to. “I wish we could keep doing this, Sunny, but we’ve got an important match to go to.” 

You were both reluctant to go out of the home after your shared confessions, but you both had a job to do. Before you each went to your own cars, Steph pulled you in for another kiss. “Show them what you’ve got, Sunny.” Were your last words before you drove off.

During the match you had to keep reminding yourself that you had to write about the whole match and not just Steph, the person where your mind kept going. While in your pieces you were unbiased, in real life you fully stood behind Steph and whatever team she was playing for. So, when the final whistle blew and Arsenal had won the match, you cheered inside.

You quickly gathered your notes and made your way onto the pitch. Excitedly waiting for Steph to come running to you after she had celebrated with her team. You spoke with your coworkers while you waited for the players to be brought to you for the post match interviews, but excused yourself for a moment when you saw Steph making her way towards you.

She ran into your arms like she had always done. “You did it, Sunny.” You whispered proudly. Steph stepped back a little, but still with her arms around you. She shot you a questioning look, that you answered with a small nod. Her smile grew and she stepped closer again. She kissed you and you both smiled into it. 

“Ahem.” You heard behind you. When you turned to the sound you found Leah and Caitlin staring at you with knowing looks. “Took you long enough.” Caitlin chuckled. You put your arm around Steph’s shoulder and pressed a kiss to her temple. 

“Come celebrate with us when you’re done with work?” Steph questioned. “I’d love to.” She quickly pecked your lips again before she let you interview the captain and the player of the match.

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[freelancearsonist]

Hold Me Like a Knife

Joel Miller x fem!Reader

Rated MA for p in v sex, oral (f receiving), fingering, handjobs, smoking/nicotine use, excessive drinking, characters not knowing how to handle emotions properly (same), ANGST [please let me know if i missed anything at all :)]

6,003 Words

A/N: thank you to the lovely @shakespeareanwannabe for being my ever faithful beta reader ily 🥺

Smoke disperses in abstract swirls from Joel’s parted lips, the tang of nicotine making his taste buds prickle. It’s been a long time since he’s been afforded the luxury of a cigarette and this first drag makes him think he might not want to pick the habit back up, after all. But you worked hard to find these for him after he mentioned he missed having a smoke, and he’s not one to let a gift go unappreciated. Especially now that gifts are off the table.

It’s become routine at this point. Waking up in the middle of the night; reaching for you, realizing all over again that you’re not there anymore; ruminating on what’s happened, how he’s taken you for granted. At least he has his cigarette to keep him company.

There’s no chance of going back to sleep for him–it’s 4AM anyway, close enough to a full night’s sleep. He takes another drag and decides it’s not as bad anymore. He just needs to get reacclimated to it.

He only allows himself to savor half the cigarette before he stubs it out in the ashtray on the nightstand–another gift from you–to save for next time he needs it. He wants to make this pack last; he doesn’t care as much about maintaining the habit as he does about having any little piece of you he can.

Two hours later, he’s bathed to the best of his ability given the stunted resources in the quarantine zone and ready for another day in hell.

He didn’t hate it nearly as much until he started working with you again.

When you see him you wear the same soft smile you always do, nodding your head in greeting as if nothing is wrong. His face remains flat as he nods back. Nothing he can do but play along–pretend you were never his to lose in the first place. After all, if you haven’t heard his heart fracturing into a million pieces by now, you never will.

“Either quit starin’ or go over there and talk to her,” Tess tells him sternly. He immediately snaps his eyes away and tries to shoot her a glare, but he’s a bit too embarrassed for it to actually land.

“M’not starin’,” he grunts.

She actually almost cracks a smile at his denial. “The hell you’re not, you look like a lost puppy. Why don’t you talk to her?”

“She ain’t interested in talkin’.”

“Bullshit. That’s all she wants.”

Maybe Tess is right. Maybe he’s the one who’s afraid. He’s not going to admit that, though.

“If she wanted to talk to me, she’d come talk to me.”

“You probably scared her off.”

Joel slams his hand against the wagon bed, startling everyone within a ten meter radius except Tess. “That’s enough.”

“Touchy.” Tess rolls her eyes but backs off nonetheless, not interested in poking the bear any further. 

Joel lets it go and turns his attention back to his assigned job for the day, mentally preparing himself for another night of washing the stench of death from himself and his clothes. Normally, you would do it for him without complaining. Now it’s just another addition to the list of efforts he didn’t appreciate enough while he had you.

Even though he dreads the consequences, he allows himself to become completely preoccupied with his work in a way he normally wouldn’t. It’s a reprieve from the constant swirling of his mind, from the overthinking that keeps him up at night or invades his dreams when he finally finds rest. 

The day is over far too soon, and then he’s back in his little apartment with nothing but his own mind for company.

His mind hasn’t been a friend lately.

He looks around and everywhere his dark amber eyes catch, he sees you. You sprawled on the worn couch underneath a threadbare blanket, you swaying your hips to the rhythm of silent music in the kitchen, you casually dropping the towel wrapped around your naked body to the floor as you step out of the shower and lure him down the hall to the bedroom.

He wants to crawl into a deep, dark pit when he remembers what he said and how he chased you away. Your only sin was introducing him to someone as your man, and he played like he was upset about it because that’s not what this was ever supposed to be. There had been an agreement, in the beginning, that feelings wouldn’t be involved. It would be you, him, separate, occasionally helping each other out. 

It so quickly turned into you and him, so inseparable you were practically living together. Neither of you even tried to stop it despite the agreement. And Joel was fine with it, liked it even. Until it was put into words.

Because he’s not supposed to be anyone’s. He’s Joel Miller, and he’s not deserving of belonging to anyone; including himself.

He didn’t mean to push you away. It was more out of instinct, an inborn urge to self-destruct.

The instinct has won, because he feels like mere pieces at this point. Like you’ve taken a sledgehammer to his heart repeatedly, which really isn’t fair to you. Space was his decision–you didn’t even fight it.

With a third of whiskey in his hand and an ache in his jaw from having it unconsciously clenched so long, he slumps down on his time-worn couch and begins a long night of rehashing mistakes and feeling bad for himself.

It could be so easily fixed if he just swallowed his pride. It’s a competition of will at this point–a game to see who can survive without the other for the longest. He hates that he’s losing, that it’s not affecting you; that even though it was his choice, he’s the one who’s suffering the most.

He must spill his drink–although he can’t find where it possibly could’ve been spilled, everything around him is dry–because it’s gone within a few minutes. He allows himself another glass as a reward for surviving a particularly shitty day.

When he comes to in the morning, there’s a pounding in his head so loud that it drowns out any other sound he might hear. It takes him a moment to realize that the pounding is on the door–then he processes how blinding the sun is coming through the slats of the tattered blinds precariously hanging over the window.

Joel pushes himself up from the couch with a grunt and stumbles a little, nearly falling right back into place. He curses himself for becoming such a lightweight as he stomps his way over to the door and throws it open.

“Jesus Christ, you reek,” Tess chokes, pushing past him to make her way inside. “I’ve only been knockin’ for ten minutes, what the hell were you doin’?”

“Sleeping,” he tells her with a pointed glare. It doesn’t ruffle her at all–it never does.

“Missed morning shift,” she notes. “How much you have to drink?”

“Not enough.”

“Alright, that’s it,” she tells him with a sigh. “It’s time to stop with the pity party if you’re not gonna play the hand you’re dealt. You know how stupid you’re being? She wants you. You want her. Two words’ll fix the whole thing and you’ll go right back to bein’ the disgusting little lovebirds you are. Apologize.”

“No,” he insists without thinking it over. Because he knows she’s right–he owes you an apology. And he also knows you’ll take him back the instant he delivers.

Which is exactly why he can’t. He knows he doesn’t deserve another chance to take you for granted. He didn’t appreciate you enough when he had you, and you deserve to find someone who will. Asking for another chance would be the most selfish thing he’s ever done, and Joel Miller is not a selfish man. 

“Then drink yourself to death.” As much as Tess plays at being frustrated with him, he’s never seen her this legitimately upset. “I’m done cleanin’ up for you. You’re acting pathetic, Joel Miller. Get yourself together or get yourself over.”

And before he can stop her, apologize, beg, plead, do anything besides bite his tongue in pure shock, she’s gone. The slam of the door rings through his head for a good minute longer than it should.

All he can do is slump like a sack of potatoes onto the couch, his center of gravity off balance from the weight in his heart and the churning in his stomach.

It was never supposed to be like this; it was never supposed to get this far. You were supposed to fight him, demand he stay, do anything to make him feel like you really want to be with him. Instead, you acquiesced without resistance. You listened to his offer of space and accepted without hesitance. Almost like you were looking for an out.

That’s what hurts most, maybe. That you can still afford to smile at him like nothing ever happened between you when he feels like he’ll never smile again.

He knows he can’t lose Tess over this–she’s the only friend he’s got and a damned good business partner. He knows it’s time to clean up his act. What he doesn’t know is if he actually can without you by his side.

Baby steps. He decides to start by showering and changing his clothes; the freshness should make him feel astronomically better.

He lets the limited hot water run over his sore muscles and through his hair, trying to wash away memories of you along with the dirt and grime. 

He thinks of long nights spent sneaking out after curfew–his pack heavy on his aching shoulders but barely feeling it when you’re so near. He thinks of nights in this apartment together, hours and hours spent reminiscing and planning new trips and even more hours spent in comfortable silence. He thinks of you on your knees in this very shower with him, of how he felt akin to a god beneath your praise and worship. 

He lets the thoughts swirl for just a moment, and then he watches as they trickle down the drain.

A towel off and a change of clothes later, and he’s almost a new man. The hole in his chest has shrunk a bit, at least.

One deep breath, then another. Joel can almost feel you slipping through his fingers, and for once the sensation doesn’t terrify him. There’s a quiet solitude, a resignation to his mind now. He’ll never be happy, and that’s okay. He might at least be able to find peace if he can’t have you.

He finds Tess and apologizes–at least in the best fashion Joel Miller can manage. It’s a grunted “sorry” and not much more, but it’s enough.

And then, because he has nothing else to do with his free time, he throws himself completely into survival. Working long shifts at the fires during the day, and even longer shifts as a smuggler at night. The crows feet at the corners of his eyes deepen and his hair grays rapidly, but he finds a way out. He finds a way away from you, and he doesn’t hesitate to take it.

Somehow, you beat him to Jackson. He doesn’t know how–he’s sure you were still in Boston when he left–but you’re waiting there for him when he arrives.

Waiting maybe isn’t the best way of putting it; you look at him like you’re looking at a poltergeist. Not just a ghost of your past, but a volatile and unpredictable one at that.

He can’t blame you. He ditched you, after all–not just emotionally, but physically.

You observe from afar for a while, like a timid animal meeting its first human. You watch his reunion with his brother, how he seems to fit like a puzzle piece into such a tight knit community. You even see him interacting with the young girl he’s brought along with him, and you wonder if he’s changed. If maybe he’s allowed his heart to open even just the slightest fraction.

The whole of Jackson gathers to greet this newest member, and you’re on the very edge of the crowd. But it’s like there’s an invisible string connecting the two of you—like the sea of people parts to make a path for your reunion.

Joel doesn’t know what to say. It’s been so long, and yet it feels like just yesterday he still had you in his arms.

You nod at him and awkwardly shuffle your feet against the cracked pavement. ”Hey.”

”Hey.” He stuffs his hands in his pockets to keep himself from reaching for you.

You don’t show the same restraint.

In mere seconds you’re on him, arms around his neck and lips pressed to his like he’s air—like if you don’t breathe him in you’ll die.

He grunts in surprise at the suddenness, but more at the fact that he can’t believe this is happening. That you’re really here, really in his arms, really kissing him.  He doesn’t know if it would be better to talk through everything first, but he’s missed you so badly that there doesn’t seem to be another way to communicate it other than to show you. His hands settle on your waist and pull you tightly against him, lips parting to allow your tongue access. It’s harsh and it’s frenzied, but it’s beautiful in the way a force of nature is.

And then you remember the prying eyes surrounding you and you reluctantly pull out of his grasp.

There’s a bit of muffled conversation and a particularly loud wolf-whistle from Tommy before the crowd disperses, and you’re alone together for the first time in more than a year.

”Sorry—“ “That was—”

He clears his throat, and you nod in signal for him to take his turn.

“How did you get here?”

“It was a fluke, really. I caught a radio broadcast and decided to check it out. The QZ didn’t feel like home anymore after you left.”

Joel tries as hard as he can not to read too far into that, but he can’t help the fleeting hope that it means you wanted to fix things. That maybe you weren’t as unbothered as you always seemed to be.

You clear your throat and continue. “But… what about you? Who’s the kid? Where’s Tess?” 

”I’m takin’ the kid to the fireflies. Tess is gone.”

Your face falls instantly. You’ve admittedly always been a little bit jealous of Tess and her closeness to Joel, but you never wished this upon her.

“Oh. I’m sorry.”

Joel grunts noncommittally, and you’re left to awkwardly shuffle your feet while you think of something else to say. You’ve spent so much time apart, there should be so much more to talk about. But even in the QZ, talking was never your speciality—and it definitely wasn’t Joel’s. More than anything with him, you’re familiar with the comfortable silence that surrounds two people who’ve spent a lifetime together. Your lifetime with Joel just happened to be over the span of a couple of months; but that’s how it goes with someone who matches you so completely. There doesn’t have to be anything said when he already knows what you’re thinking—when you’re two parts of a whole.

”Sorry. About kissing you. I… I’m normally better controlled,” you mumble.

”Don’t be.” He clears his throat, shifts his feet—does everything within his power from making eye contact with you because he knows if he does he won’t be able to stop himself. “Wasn’t bad.”

”We did agree we weren’t gonna do that anymore,” you point out.

”That was back in the QZ.”

”And here?”

The hope in your voice is unmistakable. You’ve missed him, and that’s almost impossible for him to comprehend. Joel wants nothing more than to lean into your hope; to give you—and him—exactly what you want. You’ve missed out on so much time, and there’s little time available to make up for it.

Fuck it, he decides. “Here? I’m pullin’ my head out of my ass.”

And then he kisses you, and it’s not sweet. It burns—with passion, desire, regret. He presses his lips to yours like he’s finally realizing what he’s lost and might never get back. Joel Miller isn’t a man who can say sorry easily, but he says it to you now with his lips, and his tongue, and his hands.

It feels like you’re learning him all over again. You marvel at how tall he is, how broad his shoulders are as you run your palms across them. You revel in the softness of his lips and the contrasting scratch of his patchy beard. More than anything, you’re in awe of the feeling of his hands—how familiar they feel even after so long as they trail down your neck from your face on the way to your hips.

You pull away sooner than you want to, but you both seem to realize that you can’t just snog in the middle of the street. Most of the crowd has cleared out by now, but there’s a few sets of wandering eyes to worry about.

“Tommy didn’t happen to show you your house, did he?”

Joel’s brow furrows in the most adorable way as he suddenly becomes aware of his surroundings. 

“I have a house? Is that where he’s taken Ellie off to?”

“C’mon, follow me.” With a wave of your hand, you’re headed down the street. Joel stands frozen in disbelief for a moment, utterly dumbfounded that you’re really here and really still want him the way you used to. He has to jog the few steps to catch up to your side, and then every ounce of effort goes into not grabbing your hand and lacing his fingers with yours.

You clear your throat in preparation for the question you have to ask. “I… I swear I don’t want to push labels or anything, but… what exactly is going on here?”

Joel sighs, and it’s easy to mistake it as a sigh of annoyance. You open your mouth to expand on your question, but he stops you.

”I made a mistake. I know it, I knew it while I was makin’ it. But I didn’t stop myself because… because you deserve better.”

You open your mouth again, and he holds up a hand to stop you. “Don’t argue. You know it’s true. And the thing is… I’ve spent a lot of time bein’ selfish, if fightin’ to survive can be called that. You’re good, and I don’t deserve to be selfish when it comes to you.”

”I want you to be selfish,” you insist as firmly as you can. “Joel, you don’t seem to understand how much I adore you, how much I rely on you. How much it hurt to lose you.”

He tries to shrug, but it’s half-hearted. There’s a kind of sick satisfaction to the fact that you were struggling just as much as he was. ”You seemed fine.”

”I was dying, Joel.” There are tears in your eyes now, and he feels guilty for insinuating that your pain wasn’t real.

”I was, too.”

”I just wish you would’ve talked to me,” you whisper. “I could’ve made it better. Things could’ve been different.”

”But they aren’t.” His tone is firm, but not malicious. He’s not trying to be mean—all he wants is for you to understand that there’s no point dwelling on the past. It’s something he’s learned over twenty years; that no matter how hard to focuses on all the mistakes he’s made and the things he regrets, there’s no way to undo any of them. No point in focusing on them at all, really.

”I… I miss you,” you tell him. “I don’t wanna keep going to bed alone and waking up wishing you were there. I don’t want to pretend we’re just friends with benefits or whatever the fuck we were supposed to have been. I don’t want to lose you over any more stupid arguments. I loved you, Joel. I still do.”

Joel swallows thickly. He’s known for a long time how he feels, and he also knows he doesn’t deserve to feel the way he does. Telling you might be the hardest thing he’s ever had to do. ”I love you too.”

”Then can we… stop being stupid?” There’s a giggle behind your tears, and it brings the smallest of smiles to his face.

”Yeah. Yeah, I think so.” He kisses you again, pausing on the steps of the house he’s supposed to occupy so he can pull you tightly into his arms. This one is sweeter, almost like a promise. Like he’s going to be a new man and this is his seal of authentication.

He scoops you up in his arms despite your squeal of protest, barely pausing enough to read the note on the door.

Took Ellie on a grand tour. We’ll meet y’all at dinner. - Tommy

You glance at your watch, then look up into his eyes. He’s thinking exactly what you are; his dark eyes are burning with tension. ”A whole hour of pure uninterrupted bliss. What’re we gonna do with ourselves?”

”I’ve got a couple ideas,” Joel grunts as he pushes the door open with his back, careful not to jostle you too much. “Startin’ with makin’ up for lost time.”

This time, he kisses you like you’re unbreakable. Like he’s diamond and testing your hardness, and you’re determined to meet his standards. You meet his lips with ferocity and take the initiative to slide your tongue over his bottom lip, reveling in the slight uptilt of his lips as he parts them for you.

You’re still in tune to his reactions, even after so long. You still know exactly where to pull his hair to make his hips buck towards you, where to kiss his neck to make him moan, where to place your hands so he’ll pull you impossibly tighter against him. He’s a puzzle you solved long ago, and even after taking the pieces apart you know where to put them back together again.

Joel’s head is all but spinning as he pulls you deeper inside, ignoring the urge to explore the unfamiliar surroundings for now in favor of finding a place that’s suitable to take you. He’s feverish and hurried, far from gentle because he knows he doesn’t need to be. You’re taking everything he’ll give and more. Later, there will be time for the gentle love-making that he admittedly prefers sometimes. For now, it’s desperate, wild, overwhelming in the best way possible. It’s getting reacquainted after so much time apart—old lovers using old tricks.

His hands have gotten rougher and even more calloused, but they remember you like it’s only been days since they were last on you. His palms trace every curve like you’re precious art. He holds you like water, like the slightest mishandle will send you spilling away from him; in complete contrast to the way he kisses you, harsh and nearly biting. It fogs your mind, sends you into autopilot. Your muscle memory takes command as you strip him bare and toss his clothes to the side, appreciating how little he’s changed besides the length of his hair and the extra gray that’s sprouted. He’s still your Joel, even after being apart for what seems like a lifetime.

”I never appreciated you enough,” he whispers into your neck as he unhooks your bra with a snap of his fingers. “Never worshiped you the way I should’ve.”

”I’m not a god,” you tell him, breath heavy even after parting from his lips.

”You are to me,” he mumbles into your skin, contrasting the honeyed praise with a stinging bite to the precise spot that makes your back arch.

He trails gentler bites down the flesh of your torso, leaving marks that contrast his statement. Gods aren’t meant to be owned, and yet he claims you in every way he can. He lays on you any little trace of his possession he can, because he knows how easily it could be taken away from him. He lost you once before, marks faded from your skin completely. He doesn’t ever want it to happen again.

The scent of you is heady, mouth-watering to a mind that was so sure it would never have you again. He knows he’s pressed for time, and he really does consider taking all of it to drink from you; to get his fill and leave himself unsatisfied if he has to.

But you’re whining and squirming, tugging at his hair in a feeble attempt to pull him up to you, and he knows he’d much rather give you what you want.

You’re wet enough to take him, but it’s still nearly painful when he pushes his full length into you for the first time in so long. He growls at the sensation, at every little pulse and flutter of your cunt around him as you struggle to accommodate him.

Your breath is airy and whiny as you glance up at him. ”Joel…”

”I know baby,” he coos, fighting for restraint so he doesn’t hurt you. “I know it’s a lot. But you can take it pretty girl, can’t you?”

You would take literally anything so long as he keeps talking to you like that.

You nod up at him, but it’s not enough.

”Words, honey. Tell me you can take me.”

He doesn’t miss the way your cunt contracts around him as you vow, “I can take you, Joel.”

”Atta girl.”

He starts off easy, slow enough not to overwhelm you but deep enough to nearly make you choke. His hips are flush with your ass at the base of every stroke, like he’s trying to push even further with each thrust of his hips. Maybe he is. Maybe all he wants is to get deeper and deeper until there’s nothing left out—until you’ve consumed him completely. He already feels halfway there as it is.

Your legs wrap around his waist in a desperate attempt to que him in on what you need—not long, languid strokes but hard, fast thrusts that’ll get the job done quickly. There is a time constraint to factor in, after all.

He grants your wish instantly, glad for the invitation because he’s finding it hard to continue his facade of self-control. He ruts hard and fiercely, one hand trailing from your waist to your knee so he can prop your leg up and allow an even deeper angle.

With the slightest shift of his hips he finds it—the spot that makes you writhe and scream for more. He revels in all the noises you make for him as you toss your head back and forth, like the pleasure is so overwhelming that you want to squirm away yet press closer simultaneously.

“That’s my girl,” he mumbles as his free hand finds its way between your entangled bodies. It’s almost like you’re magnetic, his fingers find your clit so easily. The small, firm circles he rubs against it with his calloused fingers are almost too much, but also almost not enough. Not until he picks up his pace, drilling into exactly where you need him with a fervor you didn’t even know he possessed.

It takes all the effort you can muster to warn him, ”S-so close…”

”I know sweetie,” he purrs, breath heavy against your ear as he shifts his hand to hitch your leg just the slightest bit higher over his hip. “It’s okay. Let go f’me.”

You’re nothing if not obedient, and Joel knows it. It’s only confirmed by the way you squeeze around him in a vice grip, legs shaking in his grip as your eyes practically roll back in your head. It’s bone-shattering pleasure, like he’s pulling you apart stitch by stitch and sewing you back together again with newer, more pleasurable fabric.

He’s quick to pull out, maybe a little prematurely as you’re still twitching with the aftershocks of your own orgasm, but even his pleasure-addled brain knows the risk he runs if he stays buried deep inside you any longer. He gives himself two, three firm strokes, then allows himself to spill over your stomach in thick, hot ropes that make you moan all over again.

He doesn’t hold himself up much longer before collapsing on the too-soft mattress with a heavy grunt.

”Missed this,” you murmur next to his ear as he drapes an arm over your waist. He pulls you in close and hums at the way you nuzzle your face into his neck despite how sweaty he must be.

“How much time we got left?”

You take a peek at your watch, then groan. “Five minutes.”

”Shit.” He’s not ready to let you go yet, but he pushes himself up to sit on the edge of the bed anyway.

”We could just skip dinner,” you suggest with a hopeful pout to your lips as you stretch out further over the floral bedspread.

As much as he wants to… “Can’t. Gotta grab Ellie. Can’t leave her alone all day.”

”You must really care about her.” There’s no malice to your tone—it’s more surprise. 

He simply grunts in response—he’ll never admit it, but he can’t deny it either. “C’mon. Clothes on.”

He gathers the pile from the floor and tosses it to you, practically burying you where you lay.

”Forgot how bossy you are,” you grumble but follow the instruction nevertheless.

It’s a little awkward, sitting across the table from your lover’s family like your legs aren’t still a little weak from being so thoroughly fucked. But Joel’s hand is a constant on your thigh, and you even catch him smirking a little as Ellie grills you with a million questions—mostly about your relationship with Joel. 

For once, everything feels normal. For once, you forget about the crumbling world around you. In this bubble with Joel, everything is stable and secure. There’s a future on the horizon and a chance to write your own story.

You drag Joel back home at the soonest opportunity, patiently biding your time while he settles Ellie in for the night. You hear heated conversation bordering on an argument, but he doesn’t say anything about it when he enters the room for the night.

Instead he drags you to him in a heated kiss, his large hands practically engulfing your face as his tongue sweeps into your mouth to re-familiarize himself with known yet long-unexplored territory.

He hates having to tamp down your moans, but he loves being able to swallow them with his own mouth as his fingers trace through your slick folds. You’re still puffy, wet, and sensitive from his earlier onslaught, but it doesn’t deter you one bit. He revels in each little whimper and gasp, all the involuntary squirms and twitches as he brings you to the brink on his thick, calloused fingers. He swallows every little sound with a fevered kiss until your lips are swollen and red—and then you turn the tables on him. You take him in your palm, whispering praises about how your hand can barely close around him while stroking him with the gentle, languid movements that you know drive him crazy. He fights to keep his sounds down as you settle close in his lap, chest pressed to his and legs locked tight around his thighs until the moment he has to pull your hand away from fear of finishing too fast.

This is the exact foil of the way he fucked you earlier in a frenzied, desperate passion. Now it’s soft and languid, more like searching and exploring than trying to find the end goal. It’s hot and sweaty and sticky from where your skin is pressed so tightly against his, but his strong hands only drag you closer and closer and you really don’t even consider pulling away—not when he gently tugs your hair to tilt your head back for a deeper kiss, not when he lifts you up so effortlessly to help you sink down on his achingly hard cock, not even when his hands squeeze your hips hard enough to leave bruises at the feeling of bottoming out in your soaked cunt.

You couldn’t count the minutes you’re on top of him even if you cared to try. It’s an eternity of softly rocking hips and open-mouthed kisses, like if he breathes air from anywhere besides your lungs it’ll poison him. He doesn’t even care that it practically feels like torture—like not enough but simultaneously far too much as you do nothing more than rock on his length. It takes a lifetime before he loses his patience and anchors your hips in his capable hands so he can fuck you properly. He guides you to bounce on him, hitting deeper with each perfectly matched upward thrust of his own hips.

You’re falling apart before you even know what’s hit you, biting your lip almost to the point of drawing blood to keep your sounds under control as you fall limp in his arms.

And Joel—sweet, sweet Joel—has the foresight to check in with you before he does what he has to.

”Good, baby? Feel okay? Wanna stop?”

You shake your head, and it takes you a moment to find breath enough to tell him, “Don’t stop. Come in me.”

The demand is so unexpected that it hits him like a tidal wave—and before he knows it, his cock is twitching with forceful spasms as he paints you from the inside out until you’re dripping his spend out around his softening length.

Evidently, you’re not the only one caught up in this bubble of paradise within the walls of Jackson.

He doesn’t say anything, just rolls onto his side so he can hold you closer without his cock slipping from your warmth. That’s exactly how you fall asleep—him snuggly inside you, kissing your hair and whispering the sweetest of nothings into your ear.

When you wake up, you feel empty in more ways than one.

There’s dust particles swirling in the sunbeam streaming through the far window, and your stomach sinks when you reach over and feel Joel’s side of the bed completely cold.

You try not to jump to conclusions, but you know exactly what you’ll find even before you read the note left on the nightstand.

Easier not to say goodbye. I promised I’d take Ellie to the Fireflies, and you know I always make good on my promises.

I promise I’ll come back for you.

Joel

It’s not a promise that he can make with complete certainty, and you know it. You’re sure he knew it, too; and yet he did it anyway, promised you the impossible. 

You remember far too suddenly that there’s risks involved with literally anything done in this crumbling, broken world—and just like that, the perfect little bubble you’ve lived in for the past sixteen hours has popped. There’s no fairytale endings here, no happily ever afters. 

There’s you, alone and aching, hoping beyond hope the man you love will return to your side.

And there’s Joel, out in the wilderness somewhere, wondering if he’s even worthy of returning to your side.

Maybe he’s not. But maybe making good on this promise—dropping Ellie off so they can find a cure—will tip his scales. Maybe he’ll be worthy of finally settling down with you the way he wants to after this one last job. He knows he’ll have to spend hours upon hours apologizing to you for it, but it would be worth it to know that he finally made the world at least a little bit better rather than worse—to know that he’s finally done something for you to be proud of.

He knows he has to prove himself one way or another before he can return to your side. And he will.

After all, Joel Miller is a man who always makes good on his promises.

THE END

Want to see more from me in the future? Follow @freelancearsonist-updates and turn on post notifications to be notified when I post new fics!

Want to support me? Please consider donating to or commissioning me through my Ko-Fi, I would really appreciate it! 💕​

[therewillbenoromance]

ETHAN'S ECCENTRIC ELECTRONIC EMPORIUM: AN INTRODUCTION

hello!! you can call me ethan and apollo. mutuals can call me mind. but honestly idc much. call me a slur [i've been called worse /ref]

i use he/it but in the sense of only using one of them in a sentence. like don't mix and match them in a single sentence if that makes sense trans man + aroacespec

mind fictionkin

i am a minor!

feel free to use any of my art as a pfp, just make sure to credit me [and don't steal or repost it!! that's a loser move!!] my time zone is EST/EDT, so be aware that if you expect a quick response for anything sent at like 4am, i can assure you that is not what you will get

here's my strawpage!!

anyways. onto the other things people put in these. possible eyestrain warning at the bottom for userboxes, i guess

INTERESTS

in order of what comes to mind [ha], my main interests that have me in a chokehold are chonny jash [duh], will wood, ut/dr, homestuck, rain world, the stanley parable, the glass scientists, and mlp

some other things i enjoy are lemon demon, cult of the lamb, miraculous [don't @ me i know it's shit /j], sonic the hedgehog, tmnt, jekyll and hyde, sanders sides, cattails, dsaf, dialtown, regretevator, hamilton, and probably a lot more. essentially, if i reblog something related to it, you can assume i have at least some interest in it

MISC INFO

i'm diagnosed with adhd and am self-diagnosed with autism and apd [audio processing disorder], though there could be more neurodivergencies hidden somewhere in there

my favorite characters ever are mind [cccc] [obviously], dirk strider [homestuck], berdly [deltarune], gregoriah [regretevator], and donnie [rottmnt]

i will call anything and everything a reference to something [reference? like vampire reference in a minor? will wood???!!!]

my most used emoji's are 🗣, 💥, and 👍. i think this is important to mention

i tend to have a hard time remembering pronouns if you use multiple sets and/or neos, so if i use the wrong ones or use one set too often then don't hesitate to tell me!

i am a leo [august 19] and my mbti is intp-t. do with this what you will

i can take a bit to respond to messages or really anything direct and/or private, so if i end up taking a while to respond to anything, i don't hate you! i tend to forget to respond, be busy, or just end up too nervous to say something regardless of how good of friends we are. same applies to asks

speaking of communication, i tend to elaborate on what i mean often, and use tone tags even when probably unnecessary and sometimes repetitively. /srs

please don't bring up sex or anything really nsfw. jokes are fine but even then don't do it too much because it weirds me out

i swear a lot. i've been trying to not do it as often recently but. yeah

TAGS

#ethan's yapping again - General Talking™ tag

#ethan's romanceless art - art tag

#ethan's asks!! - ask tag #ethan's saved sillies :3 - save tag

#ethan's on the dumb pony game again :3 - abandoned ponytown tag that i haven't gotten rid of yet

#friendship truly is magic <3 - interactions with @irusanw4

#zilly friend :3 - interactions with @c0smicallyk1ssed

#rizzful friend - interactions with @adhdrizzy #harmonic friend - interactions with @concordiawhole

now to the userboxes with no organization whatsoever [again, possible eyestrain warning]

[emsuemsu]

So, occasionally I do adventure out of my comfort zone and read something other than Harry and Draco falling in love for the 1246th time in a row. This month I've been enjoying some magnificent entries in HP rare pair fair (@hprarepairfest) - all the love for this fest. Also I've been exploring some jegulus which I'm absolutely obsessed, at least in theory. In reality I don't think I'm honestly strong enough for the marauders era at all, that shit fucking hurts and I salute all those who go through it day to day. You're amazing.

So, without futher ado, my november non-drarry favorites:

Apple Tree and Juniper by @trueliarose 💫 Harry/Charlie, 17,732 words

Charlie Weasley: dragon tamer, single, attractive and the man Harry had had a crush on for years - what will happen when said man has to take some time off at work and decides to occupy himself by helping out with Harry's business?

Now, the thing about me is that I'm the biggest simp for Charlie Weasley. He makes me absolutely feral. The whole idea of getting it on with your best friends brother is like fucking ecstasy to me, and this might or might not stem from personal experiences. Out of all the Weasley siblings Charlie with Harry is just 🤌🤌 Now this fic had it all. A little angst, lots of fluff, Harry being all crafty crafty, TENSION and PINING, amazing magical woodworking lore (??? idk but i love it).. and the best part is that I noticed the author started a series with this fic being the opening act - I've never in my life hit that subscribe button as fast as I did with this one. God is good.

Choices by @sophsicle 💫 Regulus/James, 624,178 words

People make mistakes, but they also make choices. It’s important to James, that difference. He does his best not to confuse the two.

This is an honourable mention on this list since I read this already in October. But listen, I'm fucking traumatized by this fic. This was my first jegulus, my first marauders I've ever finished, and my 13th goddamn reason. And I can't even blame anybody other than myself, I knew exactly what I was getting myself into. I binge-read this in a day and a half and in retrospect I should've taken it a little more easy. But what can I say, I'm an all or nothing kinda girl. Chapter 53 hits different at 4am, just saying. The writing was hauntingly beautiful and I still think daily about some quotes and scenes from this fic. This fic is a journey and I'm glad I took it.

Light Bringer by meanwhiletimely 💫 Albus/Gellert, 10,678 words

Gellert doesn't simply shine—Gellert blazes, casting all around him into shadow with sheer dazzling force of being. When he turns that beatific gaze on you, your whole body comes alive for him: heat flaring up from within, blood in your veins turned to light.

This story is EVERYTHING. I was holding by breath while reading this. Beautiful. I love grindeldore (even though my resentment of Albus is as deep as the Mariana Trench), and this has to be one of the most beautiful fics I've ever read. This was written in second person POV which made the fic even more intense. Like I felt every word in my soul. Lots of love.

Mystic Lake of Memory by @sliebman10 💫 Harry/George, 5,055 words

As George's thirtieth birthday approaches, Harry convinces him to go on holiday to Loch Ness, where he and Fred had originally planned to spend their birthday in search of the sea monster.

Fred and George remain as an open wound for me still after all these years. This fic was sweet and melancholic at the same time, I absolutely loved how their relationship had grown and this fic was pretty as a picture. Absolute joy.

Sleeping With Ghosts by @ghaniblue 💫 Regulus/Harry/Draco, 27,902 words

Harry wakes in an unfamiliar bed to Regulus pointing a wand at his head, and then Draco moves into his house. Harry just wants the world to fuck off; being able to sleep through the night would be appreciated, too. This is the story of one very tired saviour of the wizarding world, a resurrected corpse and a mean little ferret living in Grimmauld Place together, drinking too much tea, talking less than is warranted, and falling in love.

I'm a slut for triads. Even more of a slut if two thirds of the triad is drarry. This fic was everything. It was so witty and funny and I was seriously laughing out loud reading this. I need this relationship tag to BLOW THE FUCK UP in 2024. I loved the build up and the ending was perfect. I really enjoyed Regulus' characterization and I think this fic really hits the spot with how I imagine him being. The interaction between the three of them was amazing.

Sweet Boy by @maraudersaffair 💫 Harry/Narcissa, 6,261 words

Harry agrees to date Narcissa to help her improve the reputation of her family. The intensity of their sexual chemistry takes them both by surprise, and it turns out there is nothing fake about their arrangement.

After reading this I decided that being a MILF is a state of mind and that being said I am one now. Do I have any kids? No. Will I have any kids? God knows. This fic was delicious in all the ways and more and I love Narcissa. So much.

Two of the Easiest Words in Gaelic by sky_watcher_rose 💫 Druella/Minerva, 27,902 words

Minerva will be the first to admit that Druella Rosier was the love of her life. But it’s been twenty years since they last saw each other, and she’s done her best to move on. When Druella unexpectedly arrives at a parents’ evening - the first she’s attended in the four years that Minerva has been teaching her children - both of them have to face up to certain feelings that never went away.

I usually shy away from muggle au's, but this was magical nevertheless. It was the first fic with this pairing I've ever read (and yes I have to admit I had to google who Druella was). The Scottish winter vibes were immaculate. I absolutely adore the "one that got away" kinda vibe in this one. There was this one quote from Minerva which was something like "I'm Scottish, nothing depresses me except bad whiskey" and I felt that in my core. Feel u sis, even though I'm not a Scot.

Unguarded-series by birdsofshore 💫 Draco/Albus Severus, 5 works, 38,834 words in total

Dilf-Draco is all I need in my life. So fucking hot.

[enniewritesathing]

🚨

This is not a drill people! All of the posts are done! They're ready!!

What's in the update?:

9 posts. Chapter (?) names are, 🔓, preliminary, 💉, and 🚪(again, I can use the same emoji gdi)

I held some polls a while back in when to drop posts. GMT won out by a vote so they're getting the posts first. I'll drop them 4AM (EST). Afternoon was second. I'll post them 12 hours apart.

New story posts are every other day.

It's not this update that I'll do this, but CW tags are regular and on top of the post.

I'm probably forgetting something... but yes, finally, story shit. Or sims in general, lmao.

tl;dr -- STORY POSTS @ 4AM (for the europeans and ppl who can't sleep... and other time zones.) THEN @ 4PM. NEW POST EVERY OTHER DAY.

and if you wanna comment and rb, please do 👀 tell your friends 👀thank you okay bye

[prettyboybyers]

I just watched scream 6 and yikes....i want my money back.

That shit sucked.

Major Spoilers!!!

Only killing off new, unimportant characters, boring.

Having 3 characters that have never shown up before in the whole franchise be the killers, boring.

Having the killers be the family of the worst ghostface in the whole franchise (richie), boring.

Samantha being the hero at the end of the movie, even though she did a lot of things that would point to her being a killer

She admitted that it "felt right" when she killed Richie

She kept talking to her dead dad and he convinced her to grab a knife and clear the whole theater herself, (which she would've done if officer Bailey didn't call)

she fr sat there with a zoned out, crazy look on her face, as she looked down at her fathers ghostface mask that she took from the theater shrine room thingy (she also just stabbed the shit out of a guy in that same mask btw)

boring, once again. Like c'mon, she just dropped it on the ground and walks away, what is this, disney channel?

They only killed one person in the "friend group" that they had. (Rip Anika, you were an angel😔)

Sidney wasn't even seen once. SIDNEY FUCKING PRESCOTT, Y'KNOW, THE MAIN CHARACTER? "She deserves her happy ending" does she though?

They like "killed" Gail and i got excited cuz she's been kicking a lil too long but somehow her crusty nosy ass survived? Bbg was stabbed like 5 times but like you do you girlie.

Still cracks me up that they picked 2 out of 3 new people out of the group to be the killers (they were also some of their top suspects) and they still called that shit a plot twist💀

Plot twist sucked ass.

Y'know what i would've done if i made this movie? I would've somehow made Jill survive and her and Sidney could be ghostfaces together. Think about it, they would be the girlbosses of the century.

They brought Kirby back which was pretty cool.

Kay, i could go on and on about this movie but I'm tired and its 4am

Overall, I'd give this movie a 4/10

The 4 came from Chad surviving and Chad surviving only.

[gorematchala]

I just started playing Sky like a day ago and I've already had some great interactions. I was traveling through an area with someone towards I guess what would be the end of the game? Like the 3rd to last stage. And we got separated during a transition into the last area, but then I returned Home to get off for the night and my friend was standing there in the same instance lol

I desperately need a wave emote for communication but the closest Ive got so far is a salute and a nod, which I hope gets the point across that I love you and you are my friend, but it is 4am in the eastern time zone

[evcryopeneye]

* important headcanons to consider.

can they use chopsticks: Yes…she’s better at chopsticks than anything else, will literally eat anything with them, right down to eating potato chips and snacks so she doesn’t get the grease on her paper.

what do they do when they can’t sleep: It’s rare. Super rare. Feng Wu could sleep standing up. She works twenty four hour shifts. Sleep is a rare commodity and she god damn loves sleep. It’s her favourate hobby. The only time she really gets insomnia is when there’s something really, really, bothering her. In that case, she tends to just. Stare at the TV until she passes out.

what would they impulse buy at the grocery store: Spicy snacks. If it doesn’t make you want to cry it’s not spicy enough.

what order do they wash things in the shower: Ok there’s a very specific order to this. Face mask on. It can dry while she gets everything ready. Hair. Put conditioner on the hair while she gets washed so it has time to  sink in properly. Face. Body. Then she begins her skincare routine. Look. It takes a lot of effort to look presentable when you are up for 24 hours a day.

what’s their coffee order:  Black coffee over ice. Preferably a bottle the size of her head.

what sort of apps would they have on their smartphone:  PocketMedicine because you try remembering reference test values at 4am. Social media because she might just live her life on them. Feng Wu doesn’t have a lot of time to spend hanging out with friends. All of her friends from university are the same too. It’s about the only social interaction she gets a day.

how do they act around children: Feng Wu is excellent with children. Kind. Soft. She has a good bedside manner. It helps that the children she sees most of the time, are having one of the most traumatising times of their life. Kids involved in accidents, who are in pain and scared. She’s pretty good at getting them to calm down, to keep their cool while they do their jobs and to win trust. She wont ever lie to a child. If somethings going to hurt she will tell them that, but explain why it has to be done. Kids are much more clever than people give them credit. Feng Wu sees it every day.

what would they watch on tv when they’re bored and nothing they really like is on: Something mind numbing, a bit of reality TV, a cartoon, something that means she can disconnect and zone out after a long day. She just wants to disassociate.

tagged by: @hartofbalamb​ tagging: @erinjareau​ ( Erin ) @nebulaties​ ( Erica ) @tofeelthecold​ ( TK )

[rosecoloredknight]

psst, this is for you, anon 💟

It's currently 6:17pm as I type this:

My weekend was pretty uneventful as predicted, but that's okay. Yesterday (Saturday) was kind of an off day — I kept zoning out. I don't know.. I was thinking about everything, upcoming with life events, modules (courses), work, and internal thoughts in general. On top of that, I caught myself trying to find a reason to be sad? Which had me like "wtf"!? Just because I felt bored and quiet. Big deal. It's normal to feel like life is boring and/or uninspiring. Why force myself to feel depressed? I guess because sadness has and will always be me, I don't know how to react when things are uneventful. (had to pause to do some errands — 7:33pm).

Still learning —

My day ended on a low note because I had to get after my nephew and cut our soccer time at the park short because he kicked the ball at me pretty hard and it hurt a lot. When I tried to "confront" him about it, he tried to be dishonest and stayed quiet after I pointed that out. I felt bad afterwards because I should have handled it differently by us having a more in depth conversation about why he did what he did and if he would apologize or admit fault. Agh— I just feel like a shitty uncle now.

That's how my Saturday ended.

Today I woke up feeling the same, but I tried to make it up by messaging my sister to see if I could take him to the park again — it's 7:44pm atm and she still hasn't responded so oof.

That being said, it was a slower day — went to buy errands for my grandpa's father's day celebration, then video called a friend from Germany because she asked me to, I'm glad that I made time for her because I was able to encourage her to eat dinner!! After that, headed to my aunt's mobile/trailer home to celebrate Father's Day for my grandpa's. Which by the way, that trailer/mobile home community she lives at was pretty cool? I recorded some clips but I won't share them because who cares. Lastly, I'm taking a walk at the park RIGHT NOW after dropping off food plates at my grandparents.

I'm planning on going home in a bit, eat a couple of my favorite cookies which I ordered a pack of 30 xD, and then call it a night before waking up around 4am to go do laundry at the laundromat.

There you go, anon. My weekend was a little off, and uneventful, but I still made the most of it. Hoping for a good week ahead 🫡😊😊

Okay -

I hope you have a good week ahead as well — Take care, anon ✌🏽😊😊

[itsbuck]

“It's 4am. You need sleep”

meme

they're so zoned out, staring at the floor just past where their feet are resting, that they don't hear eddie coming up the stairs, despite how otherwise silent it is in the station-- & especially the loft. buck's been in that same chair, in that same position- elbows on their knees, hands clasped & supporting their chin- since they got back from their last call. a call that didn't go so well.

it's been a long time since a call has affected buck this badly, especially one that didn't involve any of their friends or family. but it had been a weird day for buck to begin with, one of those ones where they aren't in a great headspace (but not enough to be a hindrance in any way), & then that one thing happens to just make everything go wrong.

eddie's voice suddenly breaking the silence makes buck startle just enough to pull them out of....whatever it was they were in. rubbing their face with one hand, they glance at their watch to confirm eddie's statement. how the hell is it already 4am?

"i can't. not after...." buck's voice is low, almost raw, & trails off without finishing their point. it's not like eddie can't figure out himself what they're not saying.

[firstdivisiongirl]

Heyy, I’d like to request a match up from Tokyo revengers. Specifically a boy.

My pronouns are she/her.

I’m a Sagittarius. (Not sure if that helps in any way)

I would say I’m ambiverted. I enjoy my time alone and need time to recharge, but I also love to see people and be social. I usually attempt to initiate conversations with people I meet, but usually if they fall on the more quiet shy side I don’t really put in the effort unless I’m rlly interested in developing a friendship/relationship with them.

I talk about anything under the sun once I get the vibes that we get along and that we are comfortable w each other. I could consider myself a funny person (at least that’s what I hear from most ppl I hang around). I would say I have a dark sense of humour, but only indulge in it if I know that person is comfortable and finds that kinda stuff funny as well.

Likes: I rlly enjoy trying new foods, I’ll pretty much each anything, but I stay away from dairy stuff, rlly strong tasting vegetables, are meats with the gooey fat in it. Sometimes the oils in the fat is way too rich for me and the texture makes me gag.

I rlly rlly like going out to dinners w my girl friends

Love amusement parks and night markets

I enjoy going on trips to wherever, love the idea of travelling with friends or a significant others,

I’ve been trying to stop, but I love drinking with friends. On weekends I’m out with friends at the club or a random persons house or wherever the night takes us. Usually get home at 3-4am.

On weekdays I like to chill out, I’m either working, at the gym, or shopping online for clothes or grocery shopping. I try to do something productive everyday, even if it’s something small.

I rlly rlly enjoy the gym, I feel like it’s the perfect place for my favourite things. I love music and I can do that while lifting on the smith machine or going on the treadmill and just zoning out and day dreaming 😂also a perfect excuse to not text anyone back and to not have anyone bother me. I rlly like to check myself out in the mirror once I’m done. I feel like after u lift heavy weights on ur glutes ur ass gets rlly pumped😭😭

I love shopping online on FaceTime with my friend. Sometimes it can take hours, but whatever. Love to buy new make up and try new things for the weekend. Probably have a bad spending habit, but it’s ok the money will come back.

I enjoy reading. Usually stuff about psychology, philosophical stuff, business or any sort of fiction. It’s hard for me to start, but once I do I can’t stop.

I love deep talks with people, I feel like sometimes it’s hard to come across that. Usually ppl have small talk or surface level conversations, while it’s not a bad thing I don’t particularly enjoy it as much. But, I don’t necessarily hate it.

I love to just drive around aimlessly so I can listen to music. If I could I would just walk around outside for that, but I feel like I would look dumb walking on the same street back and forth. I like any kind of genre as long as it’s pleasant to my ears.

I like cooking as long as I have all the right ingredients.

I like watching those drama reality tv shows when I’m alone or with a girl friend. Like love is blind on Netflix. Idk if you’ve heard of that but it’s messy and entertaining. Not rlly a good thing, but sometimes I like to watch ppl argue😭. I love horror movies, but ONLY if I’m with a significant other or a group of friends. I like actions movies etc all of them. Not rlly a fan of the dark drama movies unless I’m feeling emotional and it fits the face of the day.

Dislikes: not rlly a fan of hypocritical ppl.

I don’t like ppl who get moody easily or if they’re having a bad day they make sure EVERYONE is having a bad day. If ur mad go b mad by yourself.

Don’t particularly enjoy it if smo doesn’t know or like to have fun. Everyone has their dislikes and I can respect that, but for me I’d like to b around smo who can enjoy things.

I don’t like it when ppl r unnecessarily loud. Pipe down. More specifically (shion and sanzu)

Don’t like guys who can’t have fun w their girl’s girly stuff. Like just have fun.

I don’t get along w ppl who can’t take a joke or can’t joke around. Ppl who r dead serious all the time.

I get annoyed w ppl who don’t rlly have common sense. If they ask a question w a very obvious answer. Smth like that. Or create a problem for themselves and I offer a very much different easy solution and they just don’t like it.

I don’t like ppl who r very goody two shoes. It’s not bad to have a good head on ur shoulders, but through my teen years I’ve always been surrounded by a lot of trouble makers. The girls I would b with are much like me, yk normal but quite accustomed to messed up things. A lot of the guy friends that I have/had have been to jail or been involved w not so morally good things. It isn’t a good thing to say or what not, but for a good portion of my teen hood and a little now I’ve been surrounded by a lot of immoral stuff that I didn’t realize it was because it was so normalized. ( this is not me bragging because I rlly don’t think it is smth to brag about). But, I’ve realized that because of all this I’ve noticed I find it very hard to truly get along with ppl who have grown up in a more clean environment. I’ve always felt I had to bite my tongue or not truly b able to say the things I wanna say. At my work I’ve let things slip and I can tell my coworkers r sometimes a little taken back. I myself don’t indulge in those stuff, but when we r talking stories n stuff I don’t realize that the stuff I am talking about r not normal. I always feel like I can’t rlly open up about personal stuff and etc because that other stuff that I have seen or been associated with is going to b a part of it. It’s like telling a story to ur mom and stopping halfway cuz u realize ur about to snitch on yourself😂

I always feel happy when I’m able to find smo who can relate or have similar experiences and I can rlly unveil myself. It feels very freeing and comforting.

I dislike hot n cold ppl.

My type:

I am rlly fond of guys who r cold on the outside, but are the sweetest to their significant other or ppl they love. Makes u feel extra special😂and it’s also cute

I like guys who joke around and can take a mean joke.

I like playful guys

I like guys who will worship the ground u walk on

I like guys who r happy to spend money on u

Very turned on by a guy that would protect u and will fight for u.

Unfortunately, I do like those bad boy types😭BUT not to me. That’s a no no.

And add on is if he has status. Not a must have but it would be nice. Like yes baby pop off 😭🫶🏼

I love men who lead the way for u. Initiates plans, wants to do things w u. Like to go out w u. Brings u home. Basically I don’t have to use my brain around him.

Love a man who wants u to meet his buddies. Brings u to his house etc

I want a man who will go to the gym w me. Let’s build our booties together.

This sounds messed up, but I’d like a guy who has been through smth😭I only say that because a lot of the time ppl who have been through smth traumatic become perceptive to other ppls emotions what not and it would b easy to bond and relate to things. Basically I want a guy who can see through me.

I like tattoos. Not a must, but it’s nice.

Personality:

I’ve been described as a bitch when I first meet ppl because I have a rbf, unfortunately. But, when they get to know me they say I’m quite kind. Sometimes I am taken back because I do feel over the years I’ve gotten a little cold and I do believe that ppl do feel it sometimes. I’ve very quick to cut ppl off despite knowing them for many years. In the past, I would definitely believe in second chances, but if u did what u did then that’s it. Although, from ppl that I got to know very closely they say that I’m very sweet many many times. I remember one of my coworkers was kinda just staring at me and she was like “ur actually a very sweet girl inside”. I was rlly taken back but it was nice. Same w my mom and best friend. Literally that word “sweet” has been used over and over I’m not sure why. Maybe I rlly do come off as a cold person and I don’t realize it😭

I would say I’m very polite and good at reading ppl.

Im pretty straight forward. I make jokes out of any situation even if it’s bad. But, if ik it’s serious I’ll give heart felt advice and words. I would say I’ve reserved my sympathy and love for ppl that I choose. It kind of goes against about me saying that I’m a sweet person, but that’s what most other ppl were saying so we’ll go w that.

While I do keep my walls up for ppl on the outside, when it comes to ppl I choose to be in my life I would do anything for them.

I have been called a “player” by most of my friends, but idk I’ve never seen it that way. If I know a guy isn’t good news I will mess around w him, as he’s probably doing the same. Although, if I know a guy genuinely has good intentions for me I’ll open my heart up to him and treat him w the same respect and so on. A lot of ppl misunderstand my character a lot and sometimes it does bother me, but it’s whatever.

I can tease ppl quite a bit, and sometimes it annoys them, but I find it quite amusing. I will make sure to apologize after though 😂

Sometimes ppl think I’m mean because I can be a liiiittle too sarcastic and may come off as me being dead serious, but I’m not.

I make out of pocket jokes all the time and say things that ppl want to say, but don’t. And I’ve grown comfortable w doing that because they do laugh since ur saying what everyone is thinking. A little confusing, but yk😭

I would say I’m quite a confident person with new ppl. When it comes to guys I don’t feel shy even if they’re rllyyyy cute. Although, if I genuinely like a guy I do get very flustered and nervous. With guys I don’t have any intentions with, I feel like I usually lead the way, but w a guy im talking to I feel like a little girl😂

I find a lot of things fun and always make smth out of nothing.

I’m pretty in control with my emotions and can be very analytical w my thoughts. But, when it comes to ppl I genuinely care about I’ve noticed all of that goes out the window.

I can feel pretty jealous when it comes to a significant other, but then my thoughts contradict that. For example I’ll FEEL jealous but I’ll be thinking “lol why would he ever have his eyes on another girl when he has me, personality, looks and everything”. Basically saying that it’s impossible for him to do anything grimy.

I am very understanding and smart with other ppls emotions and decisions. (If that makes any sense)

When I get angry I don’t allow myself to take my anger out on whoever. I always calm myself down and then talk to them calmly and rationally.

Sometimesss I can be a little selfish without realizing it. But, I make up for it when it’s pointed out or when I realize it. It’s been a work in progress.

Looks: I got black long hair. Might cut it a bit shorter for change who knows.

I have lash extensions, but not those heavy butterfly lashes.

I get my nails done. Pedicure manicure.

I have a cursive script tattoo on my collarbone. Wanted to get smth a little classy looking. I have a nose stud. Used to have a ring but switched it.

I also have Japanese kanji between my b00bs. It’s hidden so only for a special smo to see. It sounds funky, but I promise it looks good😂

I wear jewelry, not tooooo much though. A good amount.

I have an average amount of b00b. My bum is quite there. Time at the gym has rlly been fruitful😗

Style:

During chill days, I would say my style is more laid back, but put together. I usually wear a small purse w whatever I have. Very feminine looking especially during the summer and spring. I like wearing long or short skirts. The long ones I like tight so I can show my curves. Summer and spring varies between clothes like that. Winter time I would say smth more comfy. Usually converse w those tna flare pants. And a nice cute top. Usually smth loose. Maybe a knitted top.

On weekends I go all out. When I go to the club I wear heels and smth tight😭 usually curl my hair or straighten it. Nice winged eyeliner etc

If we’re drinking and we don’t go to the club I’ll wear smth nice but with shoes.

If me n my friends r going to those expensive restaurants, I’ll wear smth classy looking. Have my hair in a blow out if I can accomplish that. It’s very hard, so usually I’ll just curl it. I feel like curling hair softens ur features and makes u look more approachable.

Anyways that was very long. I didn’t mean to make it long, but I got carried away😭I hope u can respond 😋<3 (plz don’t give me draken, kaku or mikey. But, if u do it is what it is🫡OR HANMA N KISASKI)

Hi. As I’ve said before, I take all characters into consideration when I do a matchup. Lucky for you, you didn’t get any of those characters you didn’t want. I did give you a more controversial character though. So, I hope you like it.

You Got…

Taiju Shiba!!

First off, he has tattoos. And you cannot tell me you get abs like that from not working out!

SPOILER ALERT 🚨: He ends up owning a restaurant so he would only take you to the finest!

I think you would be able to calm him down if he gets really angry since you understand being angry.

I picture rooftop club dates.

I will argue anyone who disagrees with me on this. I think he is secretly a softy. He just had to grow up too fast. He cared enough to leave them because he knew he was always going to be a monster.

Lastly, he’s been through a lot.

This man is literally your ideal type!

[charzard-lord]

You’re The Mystery I Need To Solve (Doctor/Reader) Part One

Word Count: 1.2k

Warnings: Drama, angst, attempt at some humor, language, fainting

Key: 🎭💣😋❤☂️

Pairings: Eleventh Doctor/Reader, eventual Tenth Doctor/Reader

Summary: You've had several dreams about a madman with a box and when you finally meet him in real life, you realize that something is very wrong. For some reason, the TARDIS doesn't react well around you. In fact, it seems to completely stop working and turns into a regular police box. The Doctor is terrified yet fascinated, and completely determined to solve this mystery.

Part One (you are here) - Part Two - Part Three - Part Four - Part Five - Part Six - Part Seven - Part Eight

A/N: This is based on actual dreams I’ve had. They were so bizarre and I thought, ‘hey, why not turn this into a fic?’ so here it is. This will be multiple chapters and I plan to update every Wednesday, but no promises. I already have chapter two finished and I’m working on chapter three. Also tysm for all the love you’ve given my fics, it literally gives me life :) Enjoy!

You groan and turn over, still not fully awake. You’ve just had another one of those dreams. The ones about the man who changes his face. And his mysterious blue box. A TARDIS, you think it’s called. Somehow you know it’s supposed to be magical, but for some reason it only appears as a normal police box to you. 

In every dream, you meet this man and his TARDIS. He opens the doors to show you that it’s supposedly ‘bigger on the inside’, but each time he does, it’s just a normal box. Or there are strange electrical wirings inside. Or staircases that lead upward (the only instance in which it’s bigger on the inside, but instead of going outward, it just goes up). Or some type of design that you somehow know is not right. 

The man acted flabbergasted the first time, trying to figure out where his magic box went. Inevitably, you got separated, and he found that his box would work properly as long as you didn’t get too close. When you reunited, he explained the situation, seemingly fascinated by you. Almost every other dream you’ve had, he has recognized you. Every time, he’ll ask who exactly you are, but you always wake up before you can respond. 

You’ve been having these dreams for the past few weeks, maybe months. It’s hard to tell. So far, you’ve met two versions of this man. The first version you met wore a tweed jacket and bowtie, accompanied by a pretty redheaded girl. The second version was a tall man in a suit and trench coat, always wearing sneakers. Even though the latter looked older, he was actually the younger one. You don’t know how, but somehow you knew they were the same person. 

Swinging your legs over your bed, you place your feet on the ground, trying to rub the sleep from your eyes. You check your phone to see that it’s only 4am. A deep sigh leaves your lips as you make your way to the kitchen for a glass of water, trying to decipher the meaning of these strange dreams. 

You’re zoning out when a strange noise fills the air, tearing you out of your daze. A blue light shines from out your back door before there is a resounding ‘thunk’. For some reason, you aren’t afraid. 

Cautiously, you make your way to the source of the noise. You open your back door slowly and peek into the yard. Your breath catches in your throat as you see that all too familiar blue box. Are you still dreaming? 

Suddenly, the doors of the TARDIS fly open and smoke comes pouring out. The man in a bowtie and his pretty redheaded friend emerge, coughing and trying to wave away the smoke. 

“Blimey! I’ve never seen her act like this,” the man says, walking around to examine the outside of the box. 

“Well you better figure it out! You promised to take me home. I’ve got important things to do,” the redhead grumbles, wrapping her arms around herself and pacing angrily. From an outsider's perspective, it looks like the two are fighting, but you can’t be sure. 

Meanwhile, you are glued to the spot, jaw dropped, trying to make sense of all this. It’s a dream. Definitely. It has to be. No matter how real it seems. 

The girl takes notice of you then, lightly swatting at the man to get his attention. She points in your direction and he looks over to you. Your heart jumps to your throat as he starts to make his way to you.

“Hello there!” he says cheerily, waving a bit. He comes to a stop in front of the door and you stand there, dumbfounded. “My ship is having some trouble and we seem to have landed in your yard. Terribly sorry about that. May we come inside?” 

You’re not sure why, but you open the door fully and step aside, letting the man and his friend enter your home. The girl mutters a small thank you as the man flops himself down on one of your kitchen chairs. He props his legs up on your table before the redhead smacks him and says something about manners. He puts his feet on the ground, the expression on his face similar to that of a scolded child. 

“Sorry about him. He has the manners of a raccoon,” the redhead speaks up and you almost laugh at her analogy. 

“Oi!” the man shouts, but doesn’t make any other move to defend himself. There’s a moment of silence before the man speaks again. 

“I’m the Doctor and this is my companion, Amy. We’re just passing through. Don’t worry, we’ll be out of your hair before you can say ‘fezzes are cool’” he smiles brightly before standing and starting to rummage through your kitchen. 

“My ship is just having some… technical difficulties. But don’t worry! I’ll have her in tip top shape again in no time!” he continues, grabbing a few batteries, some pliers, and a heating pack from your junk drawer. “Just need to borrow these,” he says before making his way back outside. Somehow, you have a feeling you won’t see those items again. 

The redhead, Amy, follows him and you find yourself doing the same, unsure what else to do. As soon as you step outside, the Doctor shouts, reemerging from the TARDIS, looking like he’s just seen a ghost. Amy runs to him, asking what it is, before taking a look inside. Her eyes widen in shock and she gasps, before turning to the Doctor and smacking his arm. 

“What did you do?” she says accusingly. The Doctor puts his hands up defensively, running one through his hair as he starts to pace nervously, a panicked look on his face. 

“I didn’t do anything! I was just in there and then it- she just- ahh, I don’t know!” he runs his hands down his face, trying to regain his composure. 

Before you know it, your feet are moving of their own accord, taking you towards the mysterious box. You move past the two, following the pull in your chest. They’re too busy arguing to notice what you’re doing. 

Your heart races as you reach out to touch the wooden exterior. You’re not sure what you expected but it feels like… normal wood. Slowly, you push the doors open and you unsurprisingly find that the box is empty. Just a normal box. And it’s your fault. You’re sure of that. 

Suddenly, you’re being pulled away from the box. You look up to see the Doctor, regarding you with worry. 

“Careful,” he says, “I’m not sure if it’s safe,” 

You nod and slowly back away, head spinning as you race to catch up with your thoughts. Why is this happening? Why is his magic box affected by you? How did they even end up here? Where did the magic go? 

A gentle hand takes your own, breaking you out of your thoughts. 

“You alright?” the Doctor asks, eyes full of genuine concern. You simply stare at him, unable to form words. He seems to sense that something is wrong and starts rubbing circles on the back of your hand with his thumb. 

“I never did get your name,” his voice is soft, and you quietly tell him. 

“That’s a beautiful name. Suits you well,” he smiles at you, trying to ease some of the tension. You appreciate the effort, but it’s futile, you realize, as the world starts to spin around you. 

“I’m sorry,” you manage to say, before falling into the Doctor’s arms, succumbing to the darkness.

Next Part >

[ericshoney]

Spider Bites ~ Chapter one

Nishimura Riki, Niki to everyone, has a secret he’s hiding from all his friends and family. That secret is that he’s Spider-Man. Find out how Niki handles his secret identity, along with high school, romance and crime fighting.

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

Monday - 7:15 am

A young sixteen year old boy was rushing around his bedroom. He's barely slept after coming home at 4am. As he rushes around his bedroom, trying to get dressed for the day, he hears a knock on his locked bedroom door.

''Niki you awake?! Hurry up your going to be late!'' The boy, Niki, hears his aunt call.

''N-Now coming Aunt May!'' Niki shouts as he slips his shoes on. He quickly unlocks the door as he picks his bag up. On the other side was his aunt.

''S-Sorry I overslept.'' He lies through his teeth as he gently pushes past his aunt. He walks through to the main living area to see two more figures.

''Morning sleepyhead. Glad your finally awake.'' His older cousin, Heeseung calls.

''Was you gaming all night?'' His twin sister, Luna questions.

''Just overslept.'' He mumbles, using the same excuse.

''Well you both head to school. Otherwise you'll late.'' Their aunt calls from behind the tall teen.

The set of twins leave their family home and start walking to their school. As the siblings walk, Luna looks up at her brother.

''Yes little sister?'' Niki calls without looking down.

''Hey just cause your a tree and two minutes older. But I was gonna ask, why was you really late getting up?'' She asks. Niki glances at his twin for a moment.

''Like I said. I overslept.'' He replies.

Niki knows lying isn't good, but if his family know his secret, he knows they could be in danger. I mean, how do you tell your family that your a secret superhero who was bitten by a radioactive spider? Its not something you blurt out as your eating your cornflakes.

As the siblings arrive at their school, the twins hear their names being called. They look over seeing their group of friends. Niki smiles seeing them all. Yang Jungwon, Hong Zaria, Kim Sunoo and his crush for the past five years, Kang Maddie.

''Morning.'' Both of them greet at the same time.

''I don't know how many times you do that, its still creepy.'' Sunoo mumbles.

''Your just jealous.'' Maddie responds. Niki smiles and blushes slightly as Maddie smiles at him. Everyone in the group aside from her know he's crushing hard.

''Whatever. Have you seen the latest news about Spiderman?'' Sunoo calls, showing the group his phone.

Niki just watches as his friends chat about his secret life. He finds it a bit odd that his friends all love his secret identity. As he was zoning out, he felt a tap on his shoulder. Looking down he sees his friend Zaria.

''Whatcha thinking about, bud?'' She asks the tallest male.

''Hmm, nothing much. We have that pop quiz with Mr Kim this morning.'' He responds.

''You'll do fine. You always do. Its me who falls asleep.'' Zaria responds with a small laugh.

Niki smiles and shakes his head at his friends antics.  He knows he'll do anything to keep his friends and family safe.

First chapter of Spider Bites!! This is the first time I’m writing on Tumblr, so I’m still trying to work everything out :)

[stoic-whumpee]

Idk if this is the right time to ask this, but since asks are open, I'm gonna just do it.

How do you take inspiration from a work into your own? I'm so stuck these days, I get really inspired by something but then I just... Can't create anything else and it's eating me up. I'm an artist, I should create stuff, it's my passion!

Ignore this ask if you don't feel like answering it, that's totally alright! But if you do answer it, thanks in advance :) I really respect your opinion

Hi! I don't mind answering this at all so no worries!

For inspiration, I think it's pretty important as an artist to be analytical when you consume media. If you read or see something that you like, that creates that specific *feeling* with you, maybe try to look into it and see what part of the thing that you like. Is it a specific theme, specific technique, etc? That's how a lot of my prompts come to be, because I read a cool thing that gives me feelings, and then I ask myself "what gives me the feel and what can I do to replicate that but in my own way?". Like you take inspiration from something, break it down into its components, and then mix and match what you want to do with the things you got. The more you do it, the more you have unique pieces that are your own that you can mix with the new inspiration.

Also. Write everything down. Inspiration strikes in weird hours. Keep a notepad or use the note app on your phone. Write it down and look at it again a day later (this is very CRUCIAL. You have to look at it again) and sometimes you will have an award-winning idea at 4am after a weird dream you have.

I don't think there's anything wrong with only focusing on one thing at a time. The entire thing of having a hobby and doing art is because it's something fun and fulfilling to do, and if hard focusing on one thing feels most natural to you, then you don't need to force yourself to do other things. If you are inspired by one thing and it takes up all of your headspace, that's totally alright. Even if that thing ends up unfinished, it's okay to start something and just enjoy it in the meantime. There's no limits or rules for how and what you do as an artist and creator. There's no correct way to be an artist, and there's no minimum or maximum of what you can or should do. Arts and creativity should be fun and exploring, not suffocating :)

If you want to make yourself more comfortable in the creative process, I'd say learn your boundaries as an artist. Learn where your comfort zone is, learn how you can push at those comfort zone and maybe expand it, and learn where to stop pushing. It's your arts, you get to decide where any of those boundaries lie and you get to decide how you experiment with them.

If you want to work on multiple projects at once, maybe try working on different media. Like I can work on a fully written story and making prompts, or I can make prompt and do playlist or do ask games, etc. You can try doing other creative projects that is outside of what you usually do. Try to come up with other things that you want to try, and just jump right into it.

Another thing that you can do is try to create some kind of small pressure or deadline for yourself. The way that I post prompts on my blog very consistently is because I give myself a deadline to post at the same time almost every day and try to stick to that deadline most of the time. That pressure will actually kick my brain into gear and make it work, but I am also aware that if I miss one day, it would be okay. It's pressure, but it's soft pressure and it's not painfully uncomfortable. Give yourself a deadline, ask a close friend to uphold that deadline for you if you feel you can't hold yourself to it, or have a group chat/discord where there are more people who can help you.

I also think community is really important. I wouldn't be posting half as much as I do if people don't send me asks and requests. Having people whom you can bounce ideas off is also really helpful. And again, having friends to support and drive you to make cool things so you can show them can help a lot.

That was a lot of words but tl,dr:

Analyse the contents that inspires/moves you and figure out why it moves you, then add your own twists to it;

Write everything down and revisit those ideas;

Don't put arbitrary rules that limits how you can enjoy the process of creating but sometimes a deadline/pressure to make things can be good;

Learn your boundaries and how to push those boundaries, taking breaks as needed;

Have friends and community who will interact with you and your contents and motivate you.

That's all I have right now, but I'd be willing to talk more about my creative process and what works for me if you'd like to :) Also this is from the standpoint of someone who is doing this purely for fun, and it will be a lot different if you want to be productive on an industrial standard.

[peachiswritingg]

Chess Games at the Park

Summary: both reader and reid are not great at starting conversation or social interaction with strangers. Yet here they both are going out of their comfort zone to play a game of chess.

Pairing: post-prison!reid x reader

Tags: Pure Fluff + Platonic/Slow-burn

Warnings: none

Author's Note: hey hey first fic ever posted! I hope you guys like this even though i finished this at like 4am with sudden motivation. Also, this is to comfort me and give post-prison reid some peace that he deserves. might make a part 2 if this bombs yee

Word Count: 1.3k

He had the upper hand as he usually does. Reid sat back with a relaxed smirk while watching his usual opponent strategise a plan to take Reid down. 

“I probably shouldn’t be thinking this hard since you always win” 

“No! I’ll go easy. Please still try” Spencer plead while giggling. He enjoyed Mark’s company and have been friends with him since the first time they played at the very same park. Mark offered a cheeky smile and they both continued playing.

Spencer came back to the park after a year of his prison incident. Ever since then, he has been looking for some peace and quiet. Granted his lectures are helping him unwind and distracted but he still needed something stable. Something he can rely on. 

And so he came back to where he would always usually go when he was just a new profiler. The park.

The park is where he made friends and even got to watch Mark grow from a teen to an adult. The park gives him the peace he needs whenever his job gets too heavy for his mind. Unfortunately for him, lately it has been.

Minutes go by and the two caught up while playing the game. Reid exchanged about how cases have been tough which is why he hasn’t been coming to the park. 

“It’s fine. I have been busy with university anyways. I have been coming here once in a while though. To take a break from my homework. You should try that sometime.” Mark teased.

“Yeah, yeah… I know. I’m trying. I have been. You made my day better though. Thank you for giving me my break.” Spencer gave a genuine yet bittersweet smile. He was really happy to have this time away from work.

“Checkmate”

“What?! Of course, I didn’t see that.” Mark sighed, slightly frustrated at himself. Despite the loss, he gave Reid a kind smile.

“Well, Spencer, I need to go. I have got multiple assignments due very soon. It was nice catching up. I might take one of your classes to bug you.”

“That would be great.” They both said their goodbyes. Spencer stayed to read a book while Mark walks away.

As the minutes go by. he slowly hears fewer chatters in the park. He put down his book to take in the scenery and windy weather. A peculiar stranger catches his eye. They were carrying a guitar bag on their back and with a sombre look. The dull look in this person’s eyes looked familiar to Spencer as he himself held that look before. 

He grips his book as he contemplates sitting with the stranger. “I mean they are sitting next to the chess table,” he mumbles to himself.

Spencer surprises himself by walking towards the stranger and he slowly regrets it. He noticed how the stranger stiffened and slightly widened their eyes. He sometimes forgets how intimidating he can look - especially when he is charging towards a person he doesn’t even know. He wanted to turn and pretend nothing happened but his legs seemed to have a mind of their own. 

“Uh... How may I help you?” They said with an aggressive glare while clutching their guitar bag. 

“Do you play chess?” Spencer says the first thing that comes to his mind. He notices his regrets are slowly snowballing but he concluded that it was too late to bail now.

“Yes? Why?” The stranger was confused at this point. They had no clue what his motive was and just wanted to go home. They were planning to get some fresh air at the park alone preferably but here they were with this eccentric man with big curly hair. 

“Do you want to play?” 

“Yeah, sure. Why not.” The stranger replied unexpectedly fast. Maybe they just wanted this interaction to be over as soon as possible but actually, they just wanted some distraction.

“I’m Spencer. Spencer Reid.” He tried to converse after a few minutes of silence. He didn’t want to come off as weird and just wanted to help the stranger in some way.

“Y/N... So what’s your deal with marching towards people you don’t know if you don’t mind me asking.” Despite the slightly hostile comment. Y/N was taking the chess match seriously which makes Reid chuckle.

“I’m sorry if I scared you. I just enjoy playing chess with people here. I actually have been playing in this very park for more than a decade. It helps me unwind from my work. I thought you would like to play since you are sitting over here anyways.” Spencer tried to reply sincerely.

“Well, I am also in this park to forget about my job too. But I have never seen you here before. I have stayed in this area for 6 months and always sit at this spot. How do I know you aren’t making this up?” Y/N said while staring at the board in full concentration while glancing at Spencer once in a while. 

Spencer was about to reply when he hears Y/N say checkmate with a wide grin. He didn’t notice how he was losing. He was too focused on trying to not scare away Y/N. 

“Since I clearly have the upper hand, I should be going. Thank you for your time Mr Reid.” Y/N quickly told Reid while getting her bag.

“Checkmate. And it’s Dr Reid.” Spencer says while flashing a gently smile.

“Okay, Dr Reid. You win but I should really be going.” 

“Alright, I need to be going home soon too. It was nice playing with you.”

Reid stood up with the book in hand and started walking in the direction of the train station. Y/N hoists their guitar bag while walking to their path home.

“Oop- I’m sorry.” Y/N apologised but froze in their tracks when they realised it was Spencer.

“Are you taking the train?”

“Yes.”

“Cool”

The both of them didn’t know if they should take another path cause that might come off as rude so they walked side by side in awkward silence.

“Sorry for being too interrogating during our chess match. It was actually a nice match and made my day even though you probably cheated cause I clearly was winning.”

“It’s fine. I was going to say that I have 10 years of practice with the best kid in town. You should come by tomorrow and play with him.” 

“I’ll think about it. So, doctor huh? I still could’ve beat you” Y/N teased.

“Yeah, sure you can,” Spencer replied sarcastically.

“You play the guitar?” 

“No, I just like to carry guitars.”

“Oh.” 

“I’m kidding!” Y/N laughed at the bewildered look on Spencer’s face. 

“I’m a musician and a songwriter.” They added shyly looking down. They enjoy their job but they were reminded about the bad day they had.

“My station is this way but I would love to hear one of your songs someday. I am a music enthusiast among other things. I recently watched a french opera called La Voix Humaine which was a bittersweet romance about two people who used to be lovers. It’s quite simple and short but very breathtaking.”

“I don’t know a single thing about the french opera but that sounds interesting. I didn’t know that there were french operas around here. The city is a little overwhelming so I just usually hang out at the park.” Y/N’s tired eyes brightened for a bit while listening to Spencer ramble.

“You should come by again to the park on Thursday. They are playing a taping of the show again on that day. I am free right after my lecture and I can introduce you to Mark - my friend I made also at that park.” 

“That would be nice. Just don’t quietly storm towards me with a disoriented look.”

“I promise I won’t do that again” Reid replied as they both chuckled.

And for a while, the two strangers had peace. 

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