#full cast and fully immersive
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The path to 1,000 downloads per episode
The goal is 1,000 listeners by year’s end, and I will blog my progress.
Season two progress began in earnest this last week. It’s going a little slow, deliberately, (read my 2023 annual reflection), but I am well in to the initial arrangement of Chapter 5. Remember, The Thief starts out as a recording from a Dungeons & Dragons game, so “initial arrangement” is the step where I edit down the two or three-hour session into the main story. Follow The Thief on Patreon for free for more behind-the-scenes progress updates.
In my 2023 Annual Reflection, I wrote that The Thief’s slow-to-emerge product/market fit demanded attention. As a slow-to-produce and expensive story, I must choose how much time and money to spend to produce a podcast that will likely never be in the black.
And what might that look like? While I share actual numbers with my wittan on Patreon, in an advertising-only model where the average advertisement CPM is $25, we would need something like 20,000 downloads per episode to break even. So, I think I will just hand-wave that out of my mind.
But that is a target, and — I don’t know — Saturday-morning me loves a game.
Traction
In “The Phases of Podcast Growth”,
Jeremy Enns names the trough of growth between 100 and 1,000 downloads per episode the “traction phase.” There is some validation that The Thief’s audience is out there — award nods, glowing reviews, consistent charting in niche genres — but
To move past the thousand-download-per-episode milestone, you’re going to need to get savvier with your marketing, both in the way you position and create your show, as well as how you get it in front of new potential listeners. … While the core idea might have been validated, there’s a lot of work to be done to refine it into a show makes the most of your marketing.
Jeremy’s advice rings true.
Walk before running
I have paid for a lot of advertisements but some axioms need some real research and qualification:
Does my pitch work?
Is The Thief even findable if sought
Is my audience who I even think they are?
This is pretty interesting.
I’ve already been experimenting with my answer to “What is this show?” My latest iteration is
A fully cast, low-fantasy mystery podcast, starting with the catalytic arrest of a City Watchman, leaving all to the only person he trusts: an undermarket draw-latch named "Symphony."
I don’t call The Thief an actual play — which it is — nor do I call it an audio drama. I don’t mention Dungeons and Dragons because some early anecdotal observations were that, well, people who listen to actual plays may prefer the table-relationship to the story, and The Thief all but strips out the former.
But this is more gut-feel than science, although I do have some data from prior ads that I mean to investigate.
Rough plan
I may write about this later but I’ve largely written off the value of organic social media marketing to [my] podcast growth. The CAC — or cost of new listener acquisition — is poor unless you hit the virality lotto. A good ad has exponentially more listener conversion than a good TikTok.
But I’m not doing myself any favors if I don’t question the - ah - “goodness" of that ad. I need to do the work.
The assets — the logo, the copy — resonate with the audience I want
The audience can find the show if they look it up
They can discover the show by looking up certain keywords
Ads mean I must trust the algorithm to deliver to the right people. But, there are other strategies for finding that audience. Namely, collaborate with folks who already have an audience that would like the Thief.
More on that, later.
#Audio drama#actual play#dungeons and dragons#D&D#podcast growth#growth marketing#audiodrama#science fiction#podcast fiction#fantasy podcast#mystery podcast#full cast and fully immersive
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(Unknowingly), his unspoken wish | Aaron Hotchner
*can be read as a standalone but is a bonus scene for the Unknowingly series in honour of celebrating Aaron’s birthday🥹
MASTERLIST
pairing: Aaron Hotchner x bau!reader
summary: your boss is drowning in paperwork when you burst in with a birthday cake and a cheerful serenade, determined to rescue him from his serious face. Your playful spirit turns the mundane into a mini-party and the weight of his responsibilities fades. In that small, cozy space, laughter and connection blossom, transforming an ordinary night into a memorable celebration filled with joy and unspoken wishes. Who knew paperwork could come with cake and a side of chaos?
warnings: boss x subordinate, mutual pining, some fluff and flirting, of course
Aaron Hotchner sat alone in his dimly lit office, the clock ticking softly in the background, marking the late hours of the night. The weight of paperwork loomed over him like an unwelcome cloud, his loose white shirt hanging comfortably around his neck, the collar slightly askew. His tie lay abandoned on the desk, and the sleeves of his shirt were rolled up to his elbows, revealing forearms that hinted at both strength and exhaustion. The flickering light from the desk lamp cast soft shadows across his focused expression as he scribbled notes on a report.
You peered through the slightly ajar door, a smile breaking across your face at the sight of him buried in work. It was a familiar scene—one you had come to appreciate. There was something about seeing him so immersed in his tasks, yet so human in his dishevelled attire, that made your heart flutter. The way he concentrated, the faint lines of stress etched on his brow, made you want to lighten his burden.
You pushed the door open wider, stepping inside with a piece of cake held delicately in your hands, a single candle flickering atop it like a beacon of cheer. Taking a deep breath, you began to sing, “Happy birthday to you…” Your voice echoed softly against the walls, a playful melody breaking the stillness.
Aaron’s head snapped up, confusion flashing across his face for a split second before it transformed into a genuine but tired smile, softening the stern lines of his jaw. He looked at the unexpected sight before him, momentarily caught off guard by your vibrant presence. Weaving your way around the desk and towards him, Aaron turned his chair to face you fully, his brow furrowing in surprise before softening with gratitude. “How did you know?” he asked, the weight of his day momentarily lifting.
“Do you really think you can keep secrets from me?” You set the cake down with a flourish, leaning against the desk, your playful demeanor a breath of fresh air in the still office. “I have my sources,” you replied, your voice teasing and light. “Every birthday deserves a little celebration, don’t you think?” You winked at him, your smile infectious.
He chuckled softly, shaking his head, clearly both flattered and amused. “I usually keep my birthday under wraps to avoid… this,” he said, gesturing towards the cake, a hint of bemusement lacing his tone. “I prefer to keep it low-key. Too many people would make a big deal out of it.”
“Good thing I’m not ‘too many people’,” you shot back, raising an eyebrow as you grinned down at him. “Just the right amount of fun for the birthday boss.”
As your gaze locked, the world outside seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of you. The flickering candlelight danced between you, casting a warm glow that highlighted the softness in his eyes. “You’re full of surprises,” he said, his voice low and almost reverent, as if acknowledging something sacred.
“Aren’t birthdays meant for surprises?” you replied, your brows lifting in playful challenge. The candlelight danced in your cheerful eyes, enhancing the intimacy of the moment. “Now, close your eyes, make a wish, and blow out the candle,” you urged, clasping your hands beneath your chin, your heart racing in anticipation.
Aaron sighed, knowing you wouldn’t let go until he did it, knowing too well he couldn’t resist your charm. So he closed his eyes, focusing on the flame that flickered before him. In that stillness, his thoughts turned inwards, settling on a wish that felt profound—a desire that had stirred in his heart for longer than he dared to acknowledge. The truth settled in his heart: you were the source of his joy, the light that pierced the shadows of his long hours.
When he opened his eyes again, he found you watching him intently, a playful smile dancing on your lips. “Well? What did you wish for?” you teased, leaning closer, your curiosity brightening the room.
He smirked, the playful banter returning, but he felt the weight of his unshared truth. “That’s for me to know and you to find out,” he replied, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “After all, you have your sources.”
You rolled your eyes playfully, pulling plastic forks from your suit’s pocket and offering one to him. As you both shared a slice of cake, Aaron looked up at you, his expression softening. You were perched on the edge of his desk, a playful sparkle dancing in your eyes as you dove into the cake, savoring each bite. But as he glanced back at the clock, a question nagged at him. Why were you really here, choosing him over the festivities? He couldn’t shake the thought. While others were out enjoying the night, you had willingly stepped into the dim light of his office, sharing a slice of cake and laughter instead.
“Shouldn’t you be out with the team, enjoying your night off?” he asked, a hint of curiosity threading through his tone. His gaze flicked to the clock on the wall, the seconds ticking away, a reminder of the lively night happening elsewhere.
“Because,” you replied, leaning in closer, your voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, “I’d much rather celebrate with you than be in a crowded bar where no one knows how to appreciate a good cake.”
A teasing smile crept across your lips, surveying the neatly organized office as if contemplating a grand scheme. “I could say I was worried about you, but honestly?” You paused for effect, cocking your head to the side with a playful smirk. “I couldn’t resist the chance to bring a little chaos and cake to your perfectly organized life.”
Hotch leaned back in his chair, a satisfied grin creeping across his face as he watched you. It was rare for him to let his guard down in the office, but here you were, radiating a lightness that cut through the heaviness of his responsibilities like a beam of sunshine. You were animated, lost in the joy of the moment, and it reminded him of how much he valued your presence—your ability to infuse laughter and warmth into the often-grim world of the Bureau.
You didn’t just bring chaos; you brought something deeper—a sense of connection, a reminder that even in the seriousness of his job, he wasn’t alone. He appreciated how you lightened his burdens, even if just for a brief reprieve. The laughter and shared cake were small acts, but they brought a brightness that pierced through the usual shadows of his responsibilities.
In that fleeting moment, he felt a swell of gratitude that you had chosen to stay, even if it was just to share a slice of cake. He felt a flicker of hope. Maybe this wasn’t just about the cake; maybe it was about you choosing him.
“Did you wish for another piece of cake?” you teased, breaking the comfortable silence, a mischievous sparkle in your eyes revealing your hidden intentions as you enjoyed your bite.
“No, but I should have,” he replied, a hint of playfulness in his tone as the corners of his lips lifted slightly. “What I wished for might be a little more… complicated.”
“Oh? Now you have to tell me, or I can’t help,” you insisted, leaning closer, your voice dropping conspiratorially. “I have my sources. Was it something about the case? A promotion? Or maybe that I’d bring you cake every year?”
He raised an eyebrow, maintaining a teasingly serious expression. “Let’s just say it was a wish for happiness.” His gaze lingered on yours, and in that moment, a soft connection sparked between you—an unspoken understanding that hung in the air, almost tangible.
You felt warmth blossom within you, the moment stretching as you shared that knowing smile, nodding. “Well, then, I think we have to make that wish come true. Starting with more cake,” you declared, laughter bubbling up as you reached for a fork, your enthusiasm infectious.
The night was far from over, and in that small office, surrounded by scattered papers and the gentle ticking of seconds on the clock, something unspoken began to bloom—a shared wish, yet unvoiced, hanging delicately between you.
As you both indulged in the cake, the storm of paperwork faded into the background, replaced by an easy warmth that enveloped the room. The simple act of celebrating—a birthday, a connection—infused the atmosphere with a sweetness that even the weightiest cases could not overshadow. Each bite of cake felt like a small victory, a reminder that joy could be found in the midst of chaos.
#aaron hotch#aaron hotch x reader#aaron hotch x you#aaron hotchner#aaron hotchner x reader#aaron hotchner x y/n#aaron hotch x y/n#aaron hotchner x you#unknowingly series#bonus scene#i didnt plan to write this bc i apparently dont know its hotch birthday#i had another part of the series ready to be published tonight but ah well. maybe tomorrow#criminal minds
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𝖆 𝖍𝖊𝖑𝖕 𝖜𝖎𝖙𝖍 𝖛𝖗
Dark Descent: Info-kun X fem/afab!Reader
Twisted Truths: incest, dubcon, headcanon info-kun name, underaged sex, fingering, vaginal penetration
Synopsis: Kenzo's little sister sought his help for a VR game. Since the game she's playing is an 'immersive' visual novel romance, with his aid, the line between reality and fantasy blurred — as well as the line between siblings.
Shadows Lengthen: 2.6k words
The room was bathed in the soft glow of the computer monitor, casting an eerie light on [Y/n]'s focused face as she navigated through the virtual world of 'Amorous Abyss.' It was a game she'd heard whispers about, a visual novel rumored to be so immersive it was like living a second life. Her heart raced with excitement as she approached the moment she'd been eagerly awaiting for weeks.
[Y/n] had chosen her love interest carefully: Kai, the brooding, mysterious hero with a heart of gold hidden beneath layers of angst. His digital eyes seemed to gaze into hers, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. It was time for their relationship to take a steamy turn, and she was more than ready.
But there was a problem. The game's latest update included a feature she hadn't anticipated: a full-body immersion system that mimicked intimate contact with the characters. The game's description called it 'revolutionary,' but she knew she needed help to authenticate the experience.
Her thoughts drifted to her older brother, Kenzo. He was the closest person she had to a confidant, and she knew he'd be able to keep a secret. Plus, she'd caught him playing games with mature content before. He'd understand. She took a deep breath and picked up her phone, and the decision was made. Her thumbs danced across the screen as she composed a text message, her cheeks flushing with a mix of excitement and embarrassment.
"Niisama, I need to talk to you about something...it's kind of weird," she typed, hitting send before she could second-guess herself. The anticipation grew as she waited for his response, the game's romantic background music swelling around her.
The redhead's reply was swift. "What's up, [N/n]? You okay?"
Her heart skipped a beat. She knew that her brother was stuck on gadgets 24/7, though she never expected him to reply to her message this fast, especially when he deemed it 'insignificant'. Most of the time, he would just ignore her message or leave it on 'seen' when he's busy doing his shady dealings. Thankfully, this time, he seems free to acknowledge her.
"Can you come to my room? It's about this game I'm playing. I need some advice," she responded, pursing her lips in anticipation.
She heard his footsteps in the hallway, and a moment later, her bedroom door creaked open. Kenzo's face was a mix of curiosity and concern. Though the second emotion appeared only for a split second — by the time his narrowed, red orbs landed on her, intrigue and annoyance masked his features.
"What's going on?" he asked, leaning against the doorframe.
The girl swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her older brother's gaze on her. Kenzo was always a man of few words, but he had a knack for making his presence known. His arms were folded across his chest, and he waited for her to speak, his curiosity piqued by the urgency in her message.
"It's about the new VR game I got," she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want to... experience it fully, but I need your help."
The bespectacled male raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"
Her eyes darted to the floor as she gathered her courage. Her older brother's gaze was heavy, but she knew she had to ask. So, with whatever little courage she had, she gathered everything and stared straight at her brother's ruby orbs, which were looking at her intensely, making her feel small and vulnerable.
"There's a... scene coming up, and I need a stand-in for the physical part. It's just for the game," she rushed out, hoping he'd understand.
Her brother's expression morphed from confusion to surprise and then, to her relief, to amusement. [Y/n] felt her heart leaped with hope, knowing that her brother would be willing to listen to her trivial concerns and give her the advice she needed.
"You want me to... help you with that?" He chuckled, his voice low.
She nodded, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks. "Please, Niisama. It's important to me. I've never felt this way about a game before."
He studied her for a moment, his eyes softening as he stepped into the room. "Okay, but you have to explain everything to me."
With trembling hands, she demonstrated the VR setup, showing him the controllers and the headset. She explained the intimate scenes in detail, her voice growing softer with each word. Kenzo's smile faded, replaced by a look of understanding.
"Alright, I'll help you," he said finally, his voice a gentle rumble. "But only if you're sure this is what you want."
She nodded, a spark of excitement igniting in her chest. "I'm positive."
"Let's get this over with, then," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of something she couldn't quite place. The redhead took the headset from her, his eyes meeting hers.
As the headset slipped over her eyes, the real world faded away, and she was transported into the arms of Kai, her virtual lover. The sensations began to overwhelm her, and she reached out, her hand brushing against something warm and solid.
Her heart jumped up in her chest. It was Kenzo, standing next to her, his hand hovering awkwardly in the air. [Y/n] briefly removed the headset, looking at her redheaded older brother with an apologetic expression, which he only responded with an unreadable expression.
"Sorry," she murmured, her cheeks flushing even deeper. He snickered, his hand dropping to his side.
"No problem," he said, his voice thick with something she hadn't heard before—desire?
[Y/n] put on the headset once more and the VR game began to play out, and she felt the digital whispers of Kai's breath against her ear. Her body responded instinctively, her breath hitching in anticipation. Kenzo's hand found hers, and she squeezed it tightly as the scene grew more intense. The fabric of her pajamas felt rough against her skin, a stark contrast to the soft caresses she felt in the game.
The tension in the room grew palpable, the air thick with unspoken desires. It didn't take long for the siblings to move to the bed, mirroring the scenario played in the game. [Y/n] could feel her body reacting to the sensations, and she knew her brother could feel it too. His thumb began to trace circles on the back of her hand, sending shivers up her arm. Her heart raced in her chest, thudding like a bass in a dance club.
The moment arrived. Kai's digital hands began to undress her, and she felt Kenzo's own hands mimic the movements. His touch was gentle but firm, his skin warm and real against hers. The game's graphics were stunning, the fabric of her dress sliding away to reveal her naked body. She gasped as she felt her brother's hand cup her bare breast, his thumb brushing over her erect nipple.
The line between reality and the game blurred as she leaned into his touch. The VR world swirled around them, the only sounds were the sighs of the virtual lovers and their ragged breathing. Her body arched off the bed, and she bit her lip to stifle a moan as Kenzo's hand traveled lower, his fingers slipping under the waistband of her pajama bottoms.
The game's narrative grew more heated, and the girl felt her arousal mirror Kai's digital passion. Her brother's touch grew bolder, his fingers delving into her wetness, exploring her folds. She couldn't tell if the sensations were coming from the game or her brother's hand, but she didn't care. All she knew was that she wanted more.
Her hips began to move in time with the rhythm of his fingers, her body undulating like a wave in the sea of desire. The VR world melded with the physical one, and she could feel Kai's mouth on hers, his tongue probing deeply, as Kenzo's kissed her neck. It was as if the two men were one, their passion intertwined in a dance of flesh and pixels.
The climax built within her, a crescendo of pleasure that she'd never felt before. She threw her head back, her moans echoing through the headset. Her brother's other hand found her hip, holding her in place as he drove her closer to the edge. The room spun around her, a whirlwind of sensations that left her gasping for breath.
And then it hit her, the most intense orgasm she'd ever experienced, tearing through her like a tornado. She bucked against the redhead's hand, her body convulsing with pleasure. She could feel his arousal pressing against her leg, and she reached out, her hand wrapping around his hard length.
As the last waves of her climax subsided, she opened her eyes, the VR world fading away. Kenzo's eyes were dark with lust, and she knew at that moment that their relationship had shifted forever. The game had brought them together in a way she'd never dared to dream of.
But now, as she looked into his eyes, she knew that this was just the beginning of a new chapter in their lives—a chapter filled with passion, secrets, and a bond that was no longer purely familial. With trembling hands, she removed the headset, the cool air of the room a stark contrast to the sultry embrace of the virtual world.
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice hoarse with desire. Kenzo's eyes searched hers, the intensity of the moment weighing heavily on them both. He leaned in, his breath warm against her cheek.
"Don't thank me," he murmured, his hand sliding from her hip to the back of her neck. "This is just the start."
Without another word, he claimed her mouth in a kiss that was every bit as passionate as the ones she'd shared with Kai in the game. His tongue danced with hers, the taste of him intoxicating. It was like nothing she'd ever felt before—real, raw, and all-consuming.
[Y/n]'s hand tightened around his shaft, her movements growing more confident as she felt him respond to her touch. She could feel his pulse racing through his veins, the beat matching the frantic rhythm of her own heart. His kiss grew deeper, more demanding, and she met him with equal fervor.
They broke apart, panting, their eyes locked. The air was charged with a tension that could have powered the city outside their window. He stepped closer, and she could feel the heat of his body against hers.
"We should..." she began, but he silenced her with another kiss.
Kenzo's hands slid down her body, peeling away her pajamas. Her skin was alive with sensation, every inch of her yearning for his touch. He paused, his eyes raking over her naked form with an appreciation that made her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.
"You're so perfect," he murmured, his voice a gruff whisper.
And then, with a hunger that was both terrifying and exhilarating, he removed his clothes, throwing them across the room like a sack of potatoes. His body was a sculpted masterpiece, a stark contrast to the softness of hers. [Y/n] could feel her own pulse hammering in her throat, her eyes wide with a mix of lust and awe. She could feel the heat of his arousal pressing against her, and she spread her legs, inviting him in.
Their bodies moved together in a dance as old as time, a dance of passion and need. Kenzo's kisses grew more urgent, his hands exploring every inch of her skin. He knew just where to touch her, just how to make her gasp and arch her back, her body a canvas for his desires.
And as they became one, the barrier between the game and reality shattered. The digital world of 'Amorous Abyss' faded away, replaced by the very real sensation of her brother inside her, his movements driving her towards another peak of pleasure. The lines blurred until she couldn't tell where the game ended and her new reality began.
"So this is what you truly meant by help, huh?" the redhead sneered, cleaning his glasses while thrusting into his little sister's tight hole without mercy.
[Y/n] nodded, unabashed, feeling the warmth spread through her body. Her cheeks were flushed with a perfect pink hue, her tresses damp with sweat and sticking to her forehead. She let out a couple of wanton mewls, her inhibition gone when her brother continued his relentless assault on her poor cunt.
Kenzo's strokes grew stronger, more demanding, as he watched his sister's body respond to his touch. He'd never seen her like this—so open, so vulnerable, so desperate for release. It was intoxicating, and he found himself getting lost in the moment, forgetting the taboo nature of their situation.
"Such a slut," he growled darkly, ruby eyes narrowing to a judging glare, his signature smirk adorning his lips. "But you're mine now, aren't you?"
[Y/n] nodded vigorously, unable to form coherent words as the pleasure built up within her. Her body was a symphony of sensations, each stroke of Kenzo's cock sending shockwaves of ecstasy through her core. She felt his grip on her hips tighten, his pace quickening as he approached his own climax.
But amidst the whirlwind of passion, a tiny voice in the back of her mind whispered a warning. This was her brother, the person she'd grown up with, the one who'd protected her from monsters under the bed. Yet here they were, sharing the most intimate of moments. Would this change everything?
The question was forgotten as Kenzo's hand found her clit, his thumb rubbing it in perfect time with his thrusts. She threw her head back, crying out his name as the orgasm claimed her once again. The room was a blur of lights and sounds, their cries of pleasure melding together in a symphony of lust.
And when it was over, when they lay tangled in the sheets, their bodies slick with sweat, she knew that nothing would ever be the same again. They'd crossed a line, and there was no going back. But as she felt his heartbeat against her chest, she couldn't help but wonder if this was the start of something incredible, something that had been hidden within the pixels of a game all along.
Kenzo rolled onto his side, his arm draped around her waist, and she could feel his breath against her neck. His cock was still hard, still buried inside her, and she shivered with the aftershocks of pleasure. For a moment, they lay there in silence, the only sound the steady thump of their hearts.
"That was..." he began, his voice trailing off.
"Incredible," she finished for him, her breathing still ragged.
"Should we make this a regular thing?" he teased, humping his hardening cock against her entrance.
The sensation of his thickness sliding in and out of her was so real, so intense, that she could hardly believe she'd ever lived without it. [Y/n]'s eyes widened with surprise and a thrill of excitement, biting her lips to prevent a shameless moan from escaping her lips.
"What do you mean?" she asked, her voice breathy.
Kenzo leaned in, his eyes gleaming with sinister mischief. "You know what I mean. Every time you play that game, I'll be here, bringing those scenes to life. What do you say, little sis?"
The girl felt a rush of conflicting emotions—shock, arousal, and a hint of fear. But the excitement won out. She nodded, her voice a whisper. "Okay."
📜— Return to the Shadowed Archive
#🖤faustiantales#tw incest#tw.incest#tw:incest#fem reader#🕯️eerieepics#x reader#afab reader#reader insert#tw dark fic#yandere simulator#yansim#info-chan genderbent#info-kun#info-kun x reader#yandere simulator info-chan#yandere simulator info-kun#yansim info-chan#yansim info-kun#headcanon name
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Dust and harmony
Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x Fem!Reader
Word count: 1.2k
CW: Nothing really, except reader using an award as a weapon
Description: Hotch and Rossi catch a glimpse of your concert as you're cleaning the house.
A/N: Send requests here
It was one of those rare, blissful days where everything seemed to fall into place. The morning sun poured through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the living room. The coffee brewing in the pot smelled just right. And with a full day off from work, you decided to tackle the house chores that had been piling up the past couple of weeks amidst your busy lives. Your first mission was to clean up the dust that had gathered on the shelves and surfaces around the house. With Aaron at work, you had the whole place to yourself all day, a perfect opportunity to crank up your favorite playlist and get things done.
After a quick breakfast, you got to work, moving from room to room with a cloth and bowl of warm soapy water in hand. The rhythmic beats of your favorite songs pumped through your headphones, helping you find a rhythm as you dusted every nook and cranny. It kept you focused. As you made your way back to the living room, you felt a little surge of energy, the music pushing you to clean with more enthusiasm than usual. You were lost in the rhythm Your playlist shifted, and Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” started playing. A smile spread across your face as you recognized the opening notes, you couldn’t resist the urge to sing along. The song was powerful and full of emotion, and even though its message was far from anything you’d experienced in your relationship with Aaron, you couldn’t help but belt out the lyrics with all your heart. You worked your way around the room, singing loudly as you dusted off the coffee table, the bookshelves, and the frames on the walls. The lyrics flowed out of you naturally, your voice filling the room as you wiped away the dust. As you sang the chorus, you reached for an award you'd won in your field of work. It was made of glass in the shape of a pyramid. It sat proudly on the mantle, a symbol of your hard work and dedication.
You were completely caught up in the moment, swinging the trophy around as you sang and danced to the beat, your voice echoing through the house. You found yourself fully immersed in the character in the song, even if it was all in good fun. Your eyes were closed, your heart was racing with the music, and you were unaware of anything else - especially the fact that Aaron had just unlocked the front door and come home. Aaron had wrapped up his day earlier than expected and, as promised, brought David Rossi along with him. Rossi’s old whiskey decanter had been broken during one of the team's poker nights, and as a result, Aaron had offered to give him an extra one he had at home. They stepped into the entrance quietly, Aaron was so used to moving silently after years of working in law enforcement and hunting unsubs. On a regular day, you probably wouldn't even have noticed him.
Instead of a quiet house, they were greeted by the sound of your voice, loudly singing about keying cars and slashing tires. Aaron stopped in his tracks, a mixture of surprise and amusement crossing his face. Rossi, too, was caught off guard, but quickly found himself grinning at the scene. “Is that…?” Rossi started, but Aaron simply nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. They moved closer, staying just out of sight, watching as you danced around the living room, the trophy raised high like a prize. You were lost in the song, belting out the lyrics with ease. The combination of your unrestrained performance and the contrast of the lyrics with your actual relationship made for an amusing sight, and Aaron couldn’t help but chuckle softly. “Should I be worried about your car?” Rossi leaned in, his voice low and filled with humor. “She just likes the music,” Aaron shook his head, still smiling. There was an unmistakable hint of affection in his tone. As the song reached its climax, you spun around, still holding the trophy, your voice soaring with the final lines. “I might’ve saved a little trouble for the next girl, ’cause the next time that he cheats…”
That’s when you finally noticed them. Aaron and Rossi stood in the doorway, grinning like a couple of kids caught sneaking cookies from the jar in the pantry. For a split second, your heart leaped into your throat, and you let out a startled scream, clutching the trophy in front of you as if it could somehow protect you. “Easy there! We come in peace.” Rossi raised his hands in mock surrender, laughter rumbling in his chest. Your face flushed as you quickly pulled off your headphones, letting them drop around your neck. “You scared me half to death!” you exclaimed, trying to recover from the shock. “Sorry, we didn’t mean to sneak up on you,” he said gently, Aaron’s expression softened as he took a step forward, his eyes sparkling with a mix of amusement and affection. “So, Hotch, should I assume you’re in trouble? That song choice seems a little… implied.” Rossi glanced between you and Aaron, a teasing grin on his face. Before you could say anything, Aaron turned to Rossi with a knowing smile. “She has a thing for breakup songs. It’s not about us,” he explained. “Actually, she listens to them because she feels secure in our relationship.”
You huffed, more embarrassed than offended, and quickly put the trophy back on the coffee table. “Don't profile me Aaron!” you whined, your voice taking on a playful edge as you grabbed a pillow from the couch and tossed it at him. It hit him square in the chest, and he caught it easily, his deep, warm laugh filling the room.
“You two are something else,” Rossi watched the exchange with clear amusement, shaking his head as he crossed his arms over his chest, the grin on his face widening. “But seriously, I’m going to need that decanter before I get caught up in your little domestic drama.” Aaron nodded, still smiling as he set the pillow aside. “I’ll get it for you,” he said, his tone gentle as he turned back to you. “You okay?” You nodded, letting out a small laugh now that the initial shock had worn off. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just… maybe a little warning next time?” “I’ll make sure of it,” Aaron promised, his eyes warm as he brushed a strand of hair behind your ear. “Nice pipes,” Rossi winked in a teasing tone as Aaron walked toward his office to retrieve the decanter. “Thanks. Just… don’t tell anyone at the BAU, okay?” You couldn’t help but grin. “Your secret’s safe with me,” Rossi assured you with a chuckle, following Aaron into the office.
Left alone in the living room, you shook your head, a smile still tugging at your lips.
You glanced around, taking in the room, the warm sunlight, the dusty cloth still in your hand, the trophy back in its rightful place on the mantle. As you finished up the last bit of dusting, you couldn’t help but hum the tune of “Before He Cheats” under your breath, a smile tugging at your lips. Aaron might have caught you off guard today, but you knew he loved every bit of your quirky habits, just as you loved his.
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#aaron hotchner#criminal minds#aaron hotchner x reader#hotch#hotch thoughts#hotchner#criminal minds x reader#x reader#hotch x you#aaron hotchner one shot#aaron hotch#bau x reader#david rossi#aaron hotchner imagine#aaron hotchner fanfic#aaron hotchner fic#aaron hotch x you#aaron hotch x y/n#hotch x reader#aaron hotch fanfiction#cm#aaron hotchner imagines#ssa aaron hotchner#aaron hotch x reader#aaron hotch imagine#aaron hotch fluff#aaron hotchner fluff#hotch fluff
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or can u suggest any txt fic here (preferably the long ones w chapters) that u enjoyed?
sorry for the extremely extremely late reply but i’ll list some long fics + txt series’s that ive enjoyed with some comments attached to each one. spoiler alert, a completed txt series is pretty hard to find lol
series
lover = lo$er (sub!gyu, virgin fic)
it would be easy to just straight up recommend every @/wildernessuntothemselves series and i might just succumb to that later on but this is pure submissive beomgyu heaven, served as my first real awakening and i would probably attribute most of my sub gyu writing to this fic alone. 10/10, has a love triangle bit and beomgyus kind of insane
criminal conscience (dom!gyu, crime au)
on the other side of the spectrum, this is pussy clenching dom beomgyu goodness and i dont think it gets better than this. the writing is so compelling it fully immerses you in the narrative, even im getting sucked in to beomgyu’s manipulation (whats new really), blaring red flags and all. its currently on hiatus though but i would catch up either way beomiracles is a pretty consistent writer, she’d probably pick it up sooner or later :)
mosquito (soobin)
sorry this is going to be all over the place lol but this is also still ongoing (its only two parts in) but this writer is absolutely insane. narrative feels fleshed out and though it mainly follows soobin’s perspective and feelings, i am quite enjoying it so far. it has some idol x idol action as well, not the main focus of course but it is written in detail
one way (dom!beomgyu, themes of sadism)
this ones a three parter and its completed. by the same writer mentioned previously (soobrat), very very good storytelling, keeps you on your toes and has a hold on your emotions but like mentioned, it has a bit of an extremity in the smut and it is undeniably toxic but its good
sneaky link (dom yeonjun, the other woman trope)
i havent read this in a while but i remember staying up all night reading all of it lol. i would probably not recommend this to people who really cant read infidelity since thats what the fic is based around but it isnt cast in a very favorable light anyway. really toxic, seriously good
fuck you series (sub gyu, enemies to lovers, band au)
its really cute and the e2l set up is believable enough since theyre band rivals. beomgyu is so so so cute in this even if a little insufferable to mc lol. i would also recommend fairyofshampgyu’s now live series but its currently on an indefinite hiatus (its sooo good as well though so if youre willing, you should check it out)
nabi (best friends to lovers beomgyu, no smut)
two parts in, not completed but im following it currently and god i love them together their dynamic is soooo fun to read, you wont get bored
jerk! (enemies to lovers, beomgyu fic, no smut)
its another band au and its also ongoing. there isnt a consistent update schedule so that might be a minus but the most recent chapter was from a month ago so its safe to say it hasnt been left in the dust (thank god). very very good writing, excited to see how their relationship takes off
bullying choi soobin (sub soobin)
submissive soobin and its good, of course im recommending this. its finished and a 4 parter
sugar (dom!yeonjun, dom!gyu)
unfortunately probably forever incomplete but i love it and i might actually go back to reading it for the third time
let me into your world (non smut beomgyu series)
i havent read a soulmate premise in sooo long so this was refreshing to read, good stuff
supermodel (dom gyu and sub i believe)
its just. Amazing. a two parter but a goodie
the city that never sleeps (bsf smut)
also two parts but both parts are pretty long, really good stuff
ok for the life of me i cannot find this one huening series where he was getting bullied by reader and they were secretly fucking?? that one was literally perfect submissive men shit so if you find it if youve struck gold
long full fics (6k+)
telepathy (fantasy, dom!gyu)
a little out of the box compared to all the fics ive recommended so far and thats what makes it so special and good
duality (dom!kai)
i actually havent read this one yet but i will soon, i just thought id add it here anyway since i know ill love it
killer instinct (taehyun fic)
very plot heavy and it centers taehyun mainly. i could go ahead and cheat and just list out every single koqabear fic lmao but this ones a gem, very happy i set aside the time to read it
the redemption of choi yeonjun (dom!yj)
im not personally a fan of the trope but when it was originally teased the smut sounded heavenly and honestly, it is. such a good dom yeonjun here but beware hes a little (a lot) mean lol. he changes by the end
like cat and mouse! (sub gyu, inexperienced)
again, worth the reading time investment. i love submissive gyu, he is everything here and more
love love love (sub gyu, royal au)
i have probably read this a total of 30 times
i hate you (enemy!beomgyu, dom beomgyu)
ok sorry im cheating here a bit this isnt long but its so good you should check it out anyway
#hopefully this is a weeks worth of reading#i swear ive read more but combing my shit memory with tumblrs shit search function#is not the best#✶ ━━ rana ; answered
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Streamed passion
Sunghoon is deeply immersed in his live stream, chatting with his fans about the latest happenings and his upcoming schedule. He's casually dressed in a red shirt and sweats, looking relaxed as he engages with his audience. Despite his casual attire, his focus is entirely on the tans, making it clear that he's engrossed in his work.
You're nearby in the hotel room, feeling increasingly frustrated as the stream drags on. You've tried subtle hints to get his attention, but he's too absorbed in the live chat to notice. You feel a mix of irritation and playfulness bubbling up. Deciding it's time for a more direct approach, you prepare to make your move.
With a mischievous glint in your eye, you stand up and approach him, making sure to stay out of the camera's view.
You lift your shirt slightly, giving him a teasing flash of skin. Sunghoon's eyes flicker to you momentarily, a mix of curiosity and irritation crossing his face, but he quickly redirects his focus back to the camera. "So, as I was saying, our latest single has been doing really well," he says, trying to sound casual and unaffected.
Seeing that your initial attempt hasn't garnered his full attention, you decide to escalate. You kneel down beside him, your hands slipping under the table.
Sunghoon casts a quick, puzzled glance downward but doesn't pause his stream. He's still chatting animatedly with his fans, oblivious to the full extent of your intentions.
With deliberate slowness, you reach for him, your fingers brushing against the front of his sweats. Sunghoon's body tenses slightly, but he continues speaking to his fans, his voice wavering just a bit. "Yeah, the choreography for the new song was really intense," he continues, his tone becoming strained.
You let your hands move with purpose, slipping inside his sweats. Sunghoon's breath hitches, and he struggles to maintain his composure, his voice becoming more uneven. "We worked really hard on the concept," he says, his voice cracking slightly as he tries to focus on his fans' questions.
Slowly, you wrap your fingers around him, stroking with a teasing rhythm.
Sunghoon's grip on the edge of the desk tightens, his frustration evident.
"The fans have been really supportive, and we appreciate all the love," he stammers, his voice rougher now as he tries to keep his composure.
You increase your pace, your hand moving with more deliberate pressure.
Sunghoon's eyes dart between the chat and you, his breath coming in shallow, uneven gasps. The comments start to get more concerned. "Sunghoon, are you okay? You seem a bit distracted."
Trying to push past the distraction, Sunghoon forces a nervous laugh, trying to maintain his professional demeanor. "Yeah, I'm fine! Just a little... overwhelmed," he admits, his voice cracking slightly as he fights to stay focused.
You push his sweats down further, exposing him fully. You lean in, pressing your lips to the tip and teasing him with soft, flickering licks. Sunghoon's breath catches in his throat, his attempts to keep talking faltering. "We've been really busy with rehearsals," he manages to say, his voice barely a whisper as he fights to maintain his composure.
You take him into your mouth, moving with a slow, deliberate rhythm.
Sunghoon's hips jerk slightly, and he curses under his breath, his attempts to maintain his composure slipping. The comments in the chat become more concerned. "Sunghoon, you look really flustered. Are you okay?" reads one comment. "Is everything alright? You seem distracted," another comment follows.
Sunghoon's jaw clenches, his eyes closing as he tries to keep talking.
"Yeah, just... a lot on my mind," he says, his voice thick with arousal. He starts to push your head down harder, taking more control of the situation as his frustration grows.
With one final, powerful thrust,
Sunghoon reaches his breaking point.
He groans loudly, his release coming in hot, overwhelming waves. Some of it spills from the corners of your mouth as you struggle to keep up. Sunghoon's breaths are ragged, and he collapses back into his chair, his face flushed with a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction.
The chat explodes with comments, a mix of concern and shock. "Oh my god, what's happening? Sunghoon, are you okay?" "That was intense, did something just happen?" "Sunghoon looks like he's having a hard time."
Sunghoon, still trying to regain his composure, quickly ends the stream.
"Sorry everyone, something urgent came up. I'll catch up with you guys later," he says, his voice barely above a whisper as he fumbles with the stream controls.
As soon as the stream is off, Sunghoon looks down at you with a mix of frustration and desire. Without a word, he pulls you up onto his lap, his hands immediately finding their way to your chest. His fingers grip and squeeze roughly, his breath hot against your neck as he starts to kiss you fiercely.
His hands tangle in your hair, pulling it back to deepen the kiss. His movements are rough and urgent, reflecting his pent-up frustration and desire. You respond eagerly, matching his intensity, your bodies pressed tightly together as the kiss grows more passionate.
After several minutes of heated, rough kissing, Sunghoon pulls away slightly, his breathing heavy. He looks at you with a mix of hunger and determination.
"Why don't we take this to the bed?" he says, his voice low and commanding.
Without waiting for a response, he stands, lifting you effortlessly in his arms. He carries you to the bedroom with a sense of urgency, his lips trailing kisses along your neck and shoulders.
The night is far from over, and you both know there's a lot more passion waiting to be explored.
Follow me or jyp will be in ur walls tonight
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“You both are..my everything.”
plot- higuruma can’t wait to get home to see his little family
The aroma of simmering spices wafted through the cozy kitchen where you were busily preparing dinner.
Soft evening light filtered in through the windows, casting a warm glow over the cheerful disarray of pots and pans scattered about from your culinary efforts.
You paused to wipe perspiration from your brow with the back of one hand, humming contentedly under your breath.
Though you often felt hopelessly outmatched when it came to mastering the culinary arts compared to your talented husband, you took pride in trying your best to create nourishing homecooked meals for your little family.
At the sound of the front door opening and closing with a familiar creak, your face immediately brightened.
Speak of the devil - you'd recognize the subtle cadences of Hiromi's familiar footfalls anywhere.
"Honey? Is that you?" you called out with a grin, already knowing the answer.
Sure enough, your husband soon appeared in the entryway, shoulders sagging just slightly with weariness from another long day's work.
Yet as soon as Hiromi's rich brown eyes landed on you standing there by the stove - tendrils of hair escaping your messy bun, cheeks flushed from exertion, and sleeves rolled up in domestic disarray - his entire expression seemed to soften and warm.
The harsh angles and lines of strain melted from his features in an instant.
With a low groan, Hiromi crossed the distance between you in three strides, startling a laugh from you as his much larger frame enveloped you from behind.
You could feel the tension still coiled tight in the bunched ropes of his muscles as he wrapped those powerful arms around your waist and simply...sagged against you in a full-bodied lean.
"Hey there, handsome." you chuckled fondly, even as his dead weight bore down with that comforting solidity you'd grown to crave like a physical ache whenever he was away for too long.
"Welcome home. Rough day at work?"
Hiromi just grunted in wordless affirmation, nuzzling his whiskered jaw against the crook of your neck as he seemed to liquid-melt against your back.
His lips brushed your skin as he inhaled deeply, the mere presence of your clean, familiar scent already proving a balm to whatever stresses taxed him.
"Remind me why I married a messy little woman who gets her scent all over every inch of our home?" he finally rumbled, a hint of humored gruffness undercutting the words.
"It's downright torturous having to suffer through the day with just the memory of you imprinted on my senses."
You tried and failed to repress the shiver skating down your spine at his rough timbre rasping so sinfully close to your ear like that.
One huge, calloused palm skated downwards to splay possessively over the soft swell of your abdomen, hauling you even more snugly back against the solid wall of his chest.
"Well, I did try warning you about what a terribly disorganized mess you were signing up for." You retorted airily, twisting in his arms until you could face him properly.
Hiromi's chiseled, sharply angular features were thawing into those heart-melting crinkles at the corners of his eyes and mouth that you loved drawing out of him so much.
Unable to resist, you leaned up on your tiptoes to dot his jawline and cheeks with a smattering of swift, loud kisses.
"Hey now. Don't smear me up with those sauce-stained digits, woman..."
Despite his put-upon grumbling, Hiromi didn't push you away. Far from it - he simply hugged you tighter, that low gravelly chuckle of genuine amusement rumbling against your sternum as he buried his face into the wild tumble of your hair.
"Actually, that's fine...I don't really mind getting a little dirty if it means immersing myself fully in you again after being away all day," he added in a conspiratorial murmur, so low and velvet-rough that you swore your skin was going to unbraid at the seams right then and there.
Before you could even begin to properly sputter out a response to that deliciously wicked innuendo, Hiromi had already captured your lips with his own in a long, smoldering kiss.
It was intoxicating how thoroughly he could deconstruct your bones into molten puddles with just one nibbling caress of those sinfully skilled lips and wicked tongue.
Eventually though, desperate twin gasps for air forced you to draw apart again - both of your chests heaving a touch raggedly.
You stared up at Hiromi through your lashes, tracing the sharp angles of his cheekbones and jaw hungrily with your gaze.
Yes, having him back in your arms whole and healthy after the long day apart filled your heart to overflowing every single time.
You drank in the sight of that beloved face, marveling at how unfairly ruggedly handsome features could possibly be...until your wondering gaze slid over to the living room couch where your precious newborn baby girl still slumbered peacefully beside Hiromi's hastily discarded work satchel.
Something behind Hiromi's eyes melted as he followed your line of vision over to that tiny bundled form.
Slowly, gingerly, he disentangled himself from your embrace to drift over towards the couch - long legs eating up the distance with a few unhurried strides.
There was an almost palpable shift in the tenor of his expression as Hiromi eased down onto his knees beside the sofa.
All the hard edges and angular harshness sloughed away, replaced with something infinitely softer and more tender than you'd ever witnessed from him before.
He held himself with infinite care, shoulders rolled slightly inwards as one rough fingertip extended to ever-so delicately trace the fine wisps of downy hair fanning out across your daughter's tiny brow.
Hiromi seemed to positively crave with every fiber of his being as he hovered protectively beside her, committing every tiny detail to permanent memory with those rapt, soulful eyes.
A lump rose swiftly in your throat at the poignant sight of your strong, brash, powerhouse of a husband humbled into devoted reverence before this impossibly fragile new life you'd created together.
You watched him watching her - the most cynical, jaded parts of Hiromi's soul visibly falling away layer by layer.
A profound sense of inner peace smoothed the deep trenches scored across his brow as he inhaled the sweet, powdery scent of your slumbering infant on a ragged exhale.
Hiromi remained that way for long minutes, seemingly lost to the outside world, perfectly content to simply drink in her perfect existence with every sense.
"Hey, Hiro..." you spoke up at last in a hushed murmur, warmth swelling in your chest until it threatened to burst free in a riot of multi-colored ribbons and chiming bells.
"I think it's time to get our little princess transferred to her crib now. You don't want to miss another second of your evening snuggle time with her favorite napping partner, right?"
Hiromi lifted his head sharply at your words, slightly startled as if just now remembering you even stood there observing this quiet tableau.
His plush mouth curved into the most soul-rending, adoring smile you'd ever seen grace his typically gruff features.
It was downright incandescent, lighting him up from a place deeper than you even realized he possessed before now.
"Right...of course. Come to papa, sweetheart."
With supreme gentleness, Hiromi gathered up your daughter's downy form against the broad sloping plane of his torso, cradling her with infinite care.
He pressed his lips to her crown in a lingering brush of devotion before standing with her protectively swaddled in his arms.
Just before vanishing around the corner towards the nursery, Hiromi paused to look back over his shoulder at you.
He seemed to drink in your softened expression and warm smile, letting loose one more quietly contented rumble of masculine affection just for you alone.
“You both are...my everything”
Hiromi mouthed silently, pouring every ounce of depth and solemnity into those five words before continuing on his way, looking for all the world like a veritable god radiating inner tranquility simply from the world-tilting privilege of shepherding his child for even a few brief moments.
Yes, you mused while turning back to continue cooking preparations - you doubted you'd ever seen or experience anything quite as heart-rendingly beautiful and precious as Hiromi in full, unguarded daddy mode.
#fluff#jjk higuruma#jjk hiromi#jjk x fem!reader#jjk x female reader#jjk x y/n#jjk x you#jjk x reader#jjk fluff#higuruma hiromi#higuruma x reader#higuruma x you#higuruma x y/n#higuruma headcanons#hiromi jjk#hiromi x reader#hiromi x you#hiromi x y/n#hiromi higuruma x reader#hiromi higuruma x you#higuruma hiromi x reader#higuruma hiromi x you#higuruma smut#higuruma fluff
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This past week, I traveled to London to see Macbeth. Everything I had heard and seen about David, Cush Jumbo, and the overall production convinced me that it was not to be missed, and so I took the crazy chance of purchasing a ticket months ago, and it was the first time I've ever gone to another country just for a play.
Ever since I was a kid, I have been going to Broadway shows, and the experience of live theatre has always been something incomparable and incredibly meaningful to me. Seeing something beyond Broadway, however, never felt possible until now. This opportunity arose at a moment when I was finally able to seize it, and now that I have attended the play not once, but twice (thanks to a lovely person who was able to help me obtain a £25 day ticket), I can say that Macbeth was, without question, the most amazing thing that I have ever seen on stage.
What follows is my review/thoughts on the production, and I will try my best to avoid spoilers (though fair warning that one or two may arise, so proceed with caution).
In high school, Shakespeare was something we were taught. It was an assumed part of the curriculum, labeled as a classic. Yet it seemed to exist in a time capsule--a product of its era, and of an English language barely proximate to the one we speak today. We learned Macbeth on the page, in annotations and themes and meter, rather than something pulsing, beating, living. Something that makes us feel. And for nearly two hours in a beautiful Victorian theatre in a little corner of the West End, all I did was exactly that.
I felt. And after seeing this play, I am not the same person on a molecular level that I was before.
Everything about this play--from David's mesmerizing portrayal of Macbeth to Cush Jumbo's wrenching turn as Lady Macbeth to the entire ensemble cast to the staging choices (light, sound, and so on)--is extraordinary. It is breathtakingly ruinous. It is so fully immersive that by the end you somehow feel bruised, viscerally disgusted and wrung out in equally beautiful measure.
It's almost misleading to say that we the audience are simply watching the play, because thanks to the binaural audio design (headphones), we are in Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's minds, and become accomplices to the characters' wicked deeds. When the porter (Jatinder Singh Randhawa) comes on to provide comic relief at exactly the perfect moment, it soon becomes clear that it is a distraction from our own discomfort at what has just happened. But it is a short-lived respite, as we are soon plunged back into the action and the characters' spiraling descent into madness.
In terms of David specifically, seeing him on television or on any screen profoundly pales to seeing him on the stage. In much the same way that the stage is Michael's natural habitat, it is also David's. The way he moves, the way he holds himself when he's not even speaking--which I got to see up close when he knelt directly in front of me on several occasions--is meticulous. David becomes the character he is playing, down into the pit of his soul. He disappears so thoroughly that I very quickly forgot that I was even watching him.
So many people can recite Shakespeare, but there is a marked difference between recitation and what David does. Together, David and Cush make Macbeth and Lady Macbeth feel like the Bonnie and Clyde of the Elizabethan age (only hornier). And the themes the play invokes--greed, fear, jealousy, power--are shown to be themes not of a particular era, but of humanity. David especially is so preternaturally good at making all of that unbearably real. He not only makes Shakespeare accessible to the modern world--an already difficult feat on its own--he makes it timeless.
For the last ten minutes of the play, I felt like I stopped breathing. The evil that Macbeth perpetrates, and the realization that he has not become like this, but rather that this is who he has always been, hits full force. As much as this play is very definitely an ensemble piece, David is the standout. He commands the stage, and at no point is he more powerful than when Macbeth is falling apart near the end.
(On a purely aesthetic level, this is also when David looks most beautiful--the wild hair, the form-fitting shirt heaving with the rise and fall of his greyhound lean chest, and the majestic sweep of the kilt with every frenzied movement. The complete erosion of the line between sanity and insanity, but also showing us how tenuous that line was to begin with. And he is utterly gorgeous while doing so.)
It's also at this moment in the play that we see how skillfully David has manipulated the audience. Where Michael uses a character's emotions much more overtly and aggressively--sniffing the audience out, stalking around the stage, feeling as if he's about to pull you up with him--David is far more controlled. He draws you in slowly, carefully, and it's only when we see the depths of Macbeth's depravity (notably killing Young Siward) that we realize the truth:
He got us. He made us the witnesses to Macbeth's malice, made sure we couldn't look away. And now we are complicit.
If I had to pinpoint any negatives about the play (which is extremely difficult to do), it's that there is only a brief moment where the pacing lags just slightly, and it's because David is off stage for a considerable period of time. The cast is absolutely incredible, bar none, but the energy doesn't quite maintain that high level when he is not there.
Also, from a sensory standpoint, this is very much not a sensory-friendly production. There are several instances of sudden loud noises in the headphones (which I found especially jarring), as well as the use of flashing lights, and considerable use of smoke at multiple points. All of these were more acute because I was sitting in the Stalls (second row), so I can only speak to it from that vantage, rather than from other locations in the theatre. But for anyone who is autistic (as I am) or has sensory-processing challenges, be advised that this play is definitely inaccessible in those respects.
When I left the Harold Pinter Theatre that night, I felt as though my entire central nervous system had been rearranged. There genuinely is no way to be normal about this play, because it is not a normal play. It takes apart everything you know about Macbeth and puts it back together in the most unexpected, electrifying way. It is the beauty of destruction, and no one embodies that more perfectly than David. Even days later, I can still feel the buzzing of my skin, the blood rushing through me, fingertips tingling from some heady combination of arousal and fear. (Or as Dr. Frank N. Furter once put it: "A mental mind fuck can be quite nice...")
The moment the lights went to black, every single person in that theatre was on their feet in a standing ovation. The applause was thunderous, and seemed even louder in the wake of the complete silence that preceded it.
I had sat in that silence--awestruck, captivated--and thought to myself that I could watch this production forever. And I would go back and do it all over again right now if I could. If you have the means, the opportunity, it is an experience I cannot recommend highly enough.
David is truly a master of his craft, and yet performs without a hint of ego. He gives everything he has and leaves it all on the stage. And what he and this team of people have come together to give us is something I will remember for the rest of my life.
(Pictures taken on 10/12/2024.)
#david tennant#soft scottish hipster gigolo#cush jumbo#macbeth#harold pinter theatre#west end#i had the most incredible time on my trip#but even if i hadn't it would have been worth it for this alone#i am so very glad that this was my first west end play#this entire production is just living art#i really really hope it gets a transfer to Broadway too#fingers crossed#review#thoughts
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💎A Night of Forever💎
︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵︵‿︵︵‿ ︵ ‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿‿︵‿︵︵‿
ღ Anthony Bridgerton x female reader (18+ sligth smut part at the end)
ღ Here's Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. To fully immerse yourself in this enchanting love story, I encourage you to start from the beginning. Enjoy the journey!
ღ Sumarry: Y/N and Anthony's wedding day is a joyous celebration of their love. After heartfelt vows and a lively reception, they share a deeply intimate and passionate first night together as a married couple, marking the beginning of their life of happiness and love.
ღ word count: 661 (words), 3,736 (chacters)
ღ Thank you so much for all the love on this series! This will be the conclusion, but I wanted to give you a little something before Season 3 comes out tomorrow. I hope you've enjoyed reading and escaping reality for a bit. I can't wait to create more short stories like this one for you. Just a small heads-up: since this final chapter is romantic, it’s rated 18+ for the slight smut part at the end. Enjoy!
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The day of Y/N and Anthony's wedding dawned bright and clear, the morning sun casting a warm glow over the grand estate. The gardens were in full bloom, their vibrant colors mirrored in the smiles and laughter of the guests who had gathered to witness the union of two hearts bound by love.
Y/N stood in her dressing room, surrounded by her closest friends and family. Her wedding gown, a masterpiece of delicate lace and satin, hugged her figure gracefully, the train flowing behind her like a river of moonlight. She took a deep breath, her heart fluttering with a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation.
As the ceremony began, Y/N felt a calm wash over her. The chapel was adorned with fragrant blooms, the air filled with the soft hum of anticipation. When the doors opened, and she began her walk down the aisle, her eyes immediately locked with Anthony's. He stood at the altar, looking more handsome than ever in his tailored suit, his eyes brimming with love and awe.
The vows they exchanged were heartfelt and sincere, each word a promise of eternal devotion. When the officiant pronounced them husband and wife, Anthony's kiss was tender yet passionate, a seal of their love that drew cheers and applause from their guests.
The reception was a joyous celebration, filled with dancing, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. But as the night wore on, Y/N and Anthony found themselves stealing glances at each other, their hearts longing for the moment they would be alone.
As the last guests departed, the newlyweds made their way to the bridal suite, their hands entwined. The room was a haven of romance, lit by the soft glow of candlelight and adorned with rose petals scattered across the bed.
Anthony turned to Y/N, his eyes dark with desire. "You are a vision, my love," he murmured, his voice husky with emotion. "I've dreamed of this moment for so long."
Y/N's breath hitched as she looked up at him, her heart racing. "And I, you," she replied softly, her voice trembling with anticipation.
With a gentle touch, Anthony began to undress her, his fingers moving with reverence and care. Each piece of clothing that fell away brought them closer, the air between them charged with an electric tension.
When Y/N stood before him, clad only in her delicate undergarments, Anthony paused, his eyes drinking in the sight of her. "You are breathtaking," he whispered, his voice filled with awe.
He closed the distance between them, his lips finding hers in a kiss that was both tender and demanding. As their tongues intertwined, Y/N felt a heat ignite within her, a longing that had been building since the moment they first met.
Anthony's hands roamed her body, mapping every curve and hollow, his touch leaving a trail of fire in its wake. When he finally lifted her and laid her on the bed, Y/N's body was aflame with desire.
Their lovemaking was a dance of passion and tenderness, each touch, each kiss a testament to the love they shared. Anthony's movements were slow and deliberate, his eyes never leaving Y/N's as he brought her to the peak of pleasure again and again.
In the quiet aftermath, they lay entwined, their bodies glistening with the sweat of their shared passion. Anthony brushed a strand of hair from Y/N's face, his eyes filled with a love so deep it took her breath away.
"I love you, Y/N," he whispered, his voice raw with emotion. "More than words can ever express."
Y/N smiled, her heart overflowing with happiness. "And I love you, Anthony," she replied, her voice a soft melody. "Forever and always."
As they drifted into a peaceful slumber, their bodies still intertwined, the world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the warmth of their love and the promise of a lifetime of happiness together.
#anthony bridgerton imagines#bridgerton fanfiction#bridgerton x reader#bridgerton imagine#bridgerton netflix#anthony bridgerton#bridgerton#anthony bridgerton x reader#bridgerton season 3#anthony bridgerton fanfiction#anthony bridgerton x you#anthony bridgerton imagine#anthony bridgerton smut
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Could I request Spy and Medic with a reader who pulls them in by the tie for a kiss :00 Thank you in advance ^-^
TF2 mercs being pulled in by their ties
suggestive, gn reader | ty for the ask anon!! ^_^
includes: spy, medic
drabbles under the cut :P
Spy: Spy's study was dimly lit, the soft glow of a cigarette balanced between his fingers casting long shadows across his face. He stood with his back to you, eyes trained on the battlefield outside the window, calculating as always. You approached quietly, knowing full well he heard every footstep, but allowing him to maintain his facade of mystery. Without a word, you reached for the silk tie hanging loosely around his neck. Spy froze momentarily, caught off-guard by the sudden boldness of your touch. Slowly, you tugged at the tie, gently but with purpose. His eyes flickered with intrigue as you pulled him toward you.
He allowed it, curious. His smirk grew wider as he let himself be drawn in, close enough that the faint smell of his expensive cologne filled your senses. The distance between your lips disappeared in a heartbeat, and you pressed a firm, heated kiss to his mouth. For a moment, he stood still, surprised that you had taken control. His gloved hand came up to cup the back of your neck, his lips moving against yours with a slow, practiced elegance. When you finally pulled back, your grip still tight on his tie, Spy gave a soft chuckle.
"You play a dangerous game, mon amour," he purred, his voice velvety smooth, a spark of amusement in his eyes. "But I do so enjoy it when you surprise me."
Medic: The lab was filled with the usual clinks and beeps of equipment, Medic fully absorbed in whatever chaotic experiment he was conducting. His glasses had slipped down the bridge of his nose, and his tie hung askew, as if he hadn’t bothered to adjust it for hours. You approached him from behind, watching with amusement as he muttered something in German, completely immersed in his work. “Doctooorr,” you called, your voice soft but with a hint of playfulness. He didn’t even glance up, waving his hand dismissively. “One moment, just one moment…”
You rolled your eyes, stepping closer. He was so absorbed in his notes that he didn’t notice when you reached for his tie, fingers curling around the fabric. You gave it a sharp tug, pulling him toward you. He nearly dropped his clipboard, his eyes widening in shock as he stumbled slightly. “Vhat—" he stammered, but before he could protest, your lips crashed against his, silencing him with a passionate kiss. The initial surprise quickly faded as Medic’s hands found your waist, pulling you closer. His glasses nearly slipped off his face, but he didn’t seem to care, too caught up in the kiss.
When you pulled away, leaving him slightly breathless, his eyes were wide with excitement, lips curling into a mischievous grin. “Mein Gott,” he murmured, adjusting his glasses with one hand while still holding onto you with the other. “You certainly know how to, ah, get my attention.” You gave his tie one last playful tug, a smirk tugging at your lips. "Glad to know that worked." Medic chuckled, his gaze warm and full of admiration. "I might need to be distracted more often."
#ask#tf2#team fortress 2#tf2 fanfiction#tf2 imagines#tf2 x reader#tf2 x you#jermer10#tf2 medic#tf2 spy
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Luke & Owen Part 1
⬤ [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4] [Part 5]
Luke sat on the edge of his twin bed, staring out at the campus below. The early morning sun filtered through the blinds, casting stripes of light across his dorm room. It was quiet for once—his roommate was out for the weekend, giving Luke a rare moment of solitude. He exhaled, letting the silence envelop him, though it did little to quell the storm of emotions swirling inside. Despite being miles away from home, the weight of his family’s burdens seemed ever-present, pressing down on his shoulders.
At twenty-one, Luke had built a life for himself that he was proud of. Attending a university in bustling Atlanta, he was pursuing a psychology degree, hoping to one day become a therapist. College was his refuge—a stark contrast to the suffocating atmosphere of home. Here, Luke had carved out an identity all his own, one not defined by his parents’ struggles or the small town he had grown up in. He had joined the psychology club, volunteered at a local shelter, and played intramural soccer with a tight-knit group of friends. It was through these friendships and his involvement on campus that he found solace, a way to distance himself from the emotional drama back home.
Luke had worked hard to establish a balance, juggling his part-time job at the campus library with a full course load, while still finding time to hang out with friends at their favorite coffee shop. He had become the dependable one among his peers, the friend people went to when they needed advice or support. Luke was known for his level-headedness, for his ability to listen without judgment—a skill honed from years of playing peacemaker at home.
But no matter how much he immersed himself in the freedom and excitement of college life, Luke could never fully escape the emotional weight of his family. There was always a phone call waiting—his mother venting about the latest fight with his dad, or his younger sister, Emma, texting him for advice about navigating high school drama. And while he loved them deeply, sometimes Luke resented being the one they all leaned on. He had built a new life here, one free of the constant turmoil that seemed to define his parents’ relationship, yet he still found himself tethered to home.
Luke’s family had always been close-knit, at least from the outside looking in. His parents, Mark and Julie, had been high school sweethearts, the quintessential small-town couple. Mark was the steady, hardworking factory man—reliable, though emotionally distant. Julie was the vibrant, charismatic homemaker, adored by everyone in their town. But beneath the surface, Luke had always known something was off. Their marriage, once full of love and laughter, had become a husk of what it used to be.
Julie had always dreamed of having a big family, but after Emma was born when Luke was eight, she experienced complications that left her unable to conceive naturally. This had crushed her, and over the years, Luke watched as his mother became more and more withdrawn. The inability to have more children had led Julie into a spiral of sadness, and that sadness had turned into frustration—frustration with Mark, with life, and, Luke feared, with herself.
Mark, on the other hand, seemed to check out emotionally. He threw himself into his work, spending longer hours at the factory, and when he was home, he barely spoke to Julie unless they were arguing. The arguments were never explosive—there was no shouting, no thrown dishes. Instead, it was a slow, simmering tension that pervaded the house. They fought about everything and nothing at all: bills, housework, groceries. But Luke knew it wasn’t really about those things. It was about the years of unspoken resentment, the grief over what could have been.
By the time Luke had reached high school, he had learned how to navigate the emotional landmines of his parents’ marriage. He had become the peacemaker, the mediator between his mother’s simmering sadness and his father’s cold detachment. And as much as he hated to admit it, he was the glue that held their fragile relationship together.
Emma, his younger sister, was only sixteen and still in high school. She didn’t seem to notice the cracks in their family the way Luke did—or maybe she was better at pretending they weren’t there. She was busy with her friends, trying to figure out her place in the world, but Luke knew that Emma needed him too. She had always looked up to her older brother, and Luke felt a sense of responsibility to protect her from the emotional mess at home. He was the one she confided in about her school crushes, her struggles with friendships, and the pressure she felt to live up to their parents’ expectations. Luke tried to be there for her as much as he could, even from a distance, offering advice over late-night texts or FaceTime calls. But there was only so much he could do.
The burden of holding his family together had become an invisible weight that Luke carried with him everywhere, even in his new life at college. And now, with his mother’s latest fixation on having another child, that weight felt heavier than ever.
Julie’s longing for another child had never truly faded. The dream of expanding their family had persisted, like an ember smoldering beneath the ashes of years of disappointment. When she learned that IVF could still be an option—using her own egg and Mark’s sperm—her hope reignited. Julie saw this potential child not only as a new beginning but as a way to salvage everything that had frayed between her and Mark. The baby, she believed, could restore purpose to her life, reignite the spark in her marriage, and fill the emotional void she had lived with for years.
Luke understood all too well that for his mother, this baby wasn’t just about the joy of a new child—it was her lifeline. And yet, the thought of being the one to give it to her filled him with an inescapable sense of dread. He had always admired how loving his mother had been, but over the years, her emotional fragility had deepened, leaving Luke concerned about her readiness to raise another child. He also worried about the impact on his younger sister, Emma, who had never expressed a desire for a sibling. And perhaps most of all, he worried about what it would mean for him—his body, his future, and the life he had worked so hard to build.
Julie began mentioning surrogacy casually during Luke's visits home or in phone conversations. She would bring it up as though she was merely musing aloud, making comments about the modern options available to women her age. At first, Luke brushed it off, chalking it up to his mother’s longing and knowing it was unlikely to happen. But the more she mentioned it, the more he couldn’t shake the growing suspicion that she was testing the waters, subtly suggesting something deeper.
One night, after a particularly tense phone call where Julie had spoken about the new possibility with teary-eyed excitement, Luke found himself lying in bed, wide awake. The idea of surrogacy had started to take root in his mind. Could he do it? Could he carry his parents’ child? The concept was wild—unsettling, even. But then, guilt crept in. His life at college, his independence, his escape—it was all built on leaving the burdens of home behind. His parents had done so much for him, and here he was, living free while their marriage continued to crumble under the weight of years of unresolved issues.
Hadn't he always been the glue holding them together? The peacemaker? He had been the one to console his mother after her fights with Mark, to help Emma when their parents were too distracted by their own issues. It seemed like his duty to help, especially now that the family was at its most fragile. Maybe, just maybe, this child could heal the wounds between his parents and restore some semblance of happiness to their home.
But the idea also stirred deep personal conflict. Luke had always imagined that one day, with a loving partner by his side, he might carry a child of his own. He had been open to the idea, fantasizing about building a family with someone he truly loved. But carrying his parents’ child? That was something entirely different. This wouldn’t be his child, and the thought of nurturing life within him—knowing it wasn’t for him—filled him with confusion. Could he emotionally detach from the pregnancy? Would he be able to hand over the baby after months of carrying it inside him, forming an inevitable bond?
The physicality of pregnancy also weighed heavily on his mind. He imagined his body changing—the subtle roundness of his belly growing larger with each passing month, his hormones shifting, his life entirely different from what he had envisioned as a carefree college student. Luke had always been proud of his body, his sense of self. But pregnancy—especially for someone else’s child—was a challenge he hadn’t anticipated. How would his friends react? Could he keep up with classes? What would it mean for his own life?
Over the next few weeks, the thought gnawed at him, growing more insistent with every conversation he had with his mother. She never outright asked him, but her comments grew more pointed, and Luke knew—she was waiting for him to offer.
He found himself sitting in class one day, his mind wandering as the professor’s voice faded into the background. Would it really be that different from what he’d already been doing his whole life—holding his family together? His friends at school didn’t know the weight he carried back home. To them, Luke was the confident, dependable one, always ready with a smile and advice. He played soccer with a group of guys who looked up to him, volunteered on weekends, and had a vibrant social circle that made him feel like he had truly found a new version of himself.
But that sense of freedom felt fragile now, like it could slip away at any moment. If he agreed to this—if he carried the child—would he lose the life he had built here? Would he ever be able to return to this carefree version of himself?
As the days passed, Luke felt the tension build inside him. He was torn between his deep sense of obligation to his family and his own dreams. And, perhaps most frustratingly, he found himself thinking that maybe, just maybe, he could do it.
The idea weighed heavily on Luke and one night, after another restless attempt to sleep, Luke found himself scrolling through his phone, searching the internet for anything—anyone—who might have gone through something similar. He searched for stories about surrogacy, unconventional families, and people who had carried children for their loved ones. That’s when he stumbled upon a series of articles and interviews featuring a man named Aaron, a man whose story felt strangely familiar and deeply resonant.
Aaron had navigated not only nontraditional pregnancies but also the complexities of love, loss, and family in ways that Luke hadn’t imagined possible. Aaron’s life had been anything but conventional—first having triplets with David, a man his father’s age, when Aaron was only 22, then acting as a surrogate for his stepson who was the same age as him. Years later, after David’s death, Aaron had found love again with Lucas, and together they had twins when Aaron was in his mid-40s.
The more Luke read, the more he felt a connection to Aaron’s experiences. Aaron had faced the emotional toll of carrying a child for someone else, navigating the boundaries between love, obligation, and the very human desire to protect and nurture. His journey had been filled with struggles, but it was also a testament to resilience and the redefinition of what family could mean.
Luke devoured every interview, every article. He found himself returning to Aaron’s story at odd moments, reading passages of the book Aaron had written about his family’s unconventional journey. The surrogacy for his stepson hit Luke the hardest—it mirrored his own situation in a way he couldn’t quite put into words. Aaron’s openness about his feelings, about the complex emotions of carrying someone else’s child, struck a deep chord in Luke.
One night, after sitting with these thoughts for days, Luke made a decision. He would reach out. He didn’t expect a response, but there was something about Aaron’s story that made Luke feel seen. Perhaps, if he was lucky, Aaron might understand the weight of the decision Luke was carrying and offer him advice. After all, who better to talk to than someone who had lived through something similar?
Sitting at his desk, Luke stared at the screen, fingers poised above the keyboard. The cursor blinked back at him as if waiting for him to find the right words.
Finally, he began typing:
Dear Aaron,
I hope this message finds you well. My name is Luke, and I’m a college student who recently came across your story while researching surrogacy. Your journey and the love you’ve shown for your family resonated with me on a deeply personal level.
I’m writing because I find myself in a difficult position. My mother has always wanted another child, but due to health issues, she hasn’t been able to have one. Recently, she’s been discussing the possibility of surrogacy—using her egg and my father’s sperm—and without asking directly, it’s clear she hopes I’ll offer to carry the child for them.
I admire your openness in sharing your story, especially the surrogacy for your stepson. I feel like I’m in a similar situation, though I haven’t made a final decision yet. The idea of carrying my own sibling is emotionally complex, to say the least, and I’m torn between my sense of duty to my family and my own dreams and future.
If you have any advice or insights, I’d be incredibly grateful. I don’t expect a response, as I’m sure you’re very busy, but your story has already helped me in more ways than you can imagine. Thank you for sharing it with the world.
Sincerely,
Luke
After hitting send, Luke felt a knot of nervous anticipation twist in his stomach. He didn’t expect a reply, but at least he had put his feelings out into the world. It was a strange relief.
Two days later, Luke was surprised to see a response in his inbox.
Dear Luke,
Thank you for your thoughtful message. I can’t tell you how much it means to hear that my story resonated with you. First off, I want to say that what you’re going through is incredibly complex, and the fact that you’re even considering this shows how deeply you care for your family. But I also understand the weight of carrying someone else’s hopes and dreams inside your own body, especially when it’s your family.
Your situation reminds me a lot of my own when I was deciding to be a surrogate for my stepson. It wasn’t an easy decision, and there were moments when I questioned everything. What helped me was understanding that family doesn’t always fit into the traditional mold, and that’s okay. But it’s also important to recognize your own needs and boundaries. Carrying a child for someone, especially your own sibling, is a monumental commitment—both physically and emotionally.
I’ll be honest, it’s not something you should do unless you feel fully at peace with the decision. It sounds like you have a lot to think about, and I’m happy to chat more if you’d like. As it happens, my husband, Lucas, and I will be touring some colleges with our twins in a few weeks, and one of the schools we’re visiting is your university. If you’d like to meet in person, I’d be more than willing to grab a coffee and talk.
You’re not alone in this, Luke. If there’s anything I can do to help, let me know.
Warmly,
Aaron
Luke could hardly believe it. Not only had Aaron responded, but he was offering to meet in person. It felt like a lifeline. He immediately replied, setting up a time and place to meet at the campus café during Aaron’s visit with his family.
When the day came, Luke arrived early at the café, a mix of excitement and nerves swirling in his stomach. He didn’t know what to expect, but the idea of meeting Aaron in person filled him with a sense of hope he hadn’t felt in weeks.
At exactly 2 p.m., Aaron and Lucas walked through the door, their twins trailing behind them with curious eyes as they took in the campus. Aaron spotted Luke immediately and waved, his warm smile putting Luke at ease. He was taller than Luke had imagined, and the presence of Lucas by his side made them seem like a team, solid and grounded.
“Luke, it’s great to meet you,” Aaron said as they approached the table. He shook Luke’s hand firmly, his grip reassuring. “This is my husband, Lucas.”
“Nice to meet you, Luke,” Lucas added with a kind smile as they sat down.
Luke couldn’t help but glance at the twins—two teenagers with a mixture of Aaron and Lucas’s features, both looking excited about their campus visit. The sight of them made Luke think about the child he was carrying, and the emotional complexity of his situation hit him again.
“So, you’ve been thinking about surrogacy for your parents?” Aaron asked, his tone gentle but direct.
Luke nodded. “Yeah, it’s been… a lot to think about. I want to help them, but at the same time, I don’t know if I can go through with it. I feel like I’m caught between my family and my own life.”
Aaron leaned forward, his expression serious but compassionate. “It’s a huge decision, Luke. Trust me, I know how it feels to be torn between your love for your family and your own needs. When I was a surrogate for my stepson, it felt right at the time, but it wasn’t without its challenges.”
Lucas added, “You have to ask yourself if this is something you truly want to do—not just out of obligation, but because you feel at peace with it. And if you’re not sure, that’s okay. It’s better to be honest about that now than to carry regret later.”
Luke nodded, feeling the weight of their words. “I just don’t want to let them down. My parents are… going through a lot right now, and I feel like I’ve always been the one to hold things together.”
Aaron smiled gently. “I’ve been there too. But the thing is, Luke, you can’t be the glue for everyone else if it means sacrificing yourself in the process. You have to take care of your own needs first, especially when you’re talking about something as life-changing as pregnancy.”
The conversation flowed easily after that. Aaron shared more about his experiences, how he had navigated the emotional complexity of surrogacy and what it had meant for his family. Luke felt a sense of relief as he listened, realizing that he wasn’t alone in his struggles.
As Luke left the café and walked back toward campus, he felt a weight lift from his shoulders. Aaron’s story had given him the courage to confront the reality of his situation. He felt more in control than he had in weeks. Aaron’s insight had planted a seed of confidence in him—a confidence that whatever choice he made, Luke knew now that it had to be his own.
The weight of the decision had hung over Luke for weeks, pressing on him from every angle. He had lost sleep, his thoughts consumed by the what-ifs and the emotional complexity of it all. His college life felt like a distant dream whenever he spoke with his mother. The easy laughter and carefree nights spent with friends had been replaced with the heavy burden of knowing that a choice was waiting for him, and the pressure was mounting. His mother’s subtle hints had become more frequent, her sadness more visible every time they talked, and the guilt gnawed at him.
Then, one evening after a particularly strained conversation, something shifted in Luke. He found himself pacing his small dorm room, his mind racing. He was tired of running from the decision. Maybe it was time to stop resisting, to face the truth that had been growing in his heart: he would do it. Not because he wanted to, but because he felt like he had to. The sense of obligation had finally outweighed the fears.
The next weekend, Luke made the trip back home. His stomach churned the entire way, his thoughts tangled with anticipation and doubt. He rehearsed what he would say in his head, but nothing felt quite right. It was only when he walked into the house, seeing his mother sitting quietly by the window, staring out into the yard, that the words came naturally.
"Mom, I’ve been thinking," Luke began, his voice soft but steady.
Julie looked up at him, her eyes tired but hopeful. “Thinking about what, honey?”
Luke swallowed hard, feeling the lump in his throat tighten. “About the surrogacy. About me... being the one.”
For a moment, his mother was silent, her eyes widening as the realization dawned on her. Her hand flew to her mouth, and tears instantly welled in her eyes. “Luke, are you serious? I don’t want you to feel like—”
“I know,” he interrupted gently. “I know you’d never ask, but I’ve been thinking about it a lot. And if it’s what you really want, I’ll do it. I’ll carry the baby.”
Julie burst into tears, standing up and throwing her arms around him. "Oh, Luke, I can't believe you'd do this for us. You have no idea what this means to me. To us."
As she wept into his shoulder, Luke stood there, holding her close, but his heart felt heavy. He had expected some relief to come from his decision, but instead, he felt the weight settle deeper into his chest. What had he just agreed to? Was this truly the right thing to do? His father's footsteps sounded from the hallway, and soon, Mark joined the embrace, his expression more restrained but still visibly moved.
“Luke,” his father said, his voice thick with emotion. “I... I don’t even know how to thank you. You’re giving us a gift we can never repay.”
Luke simply nodded, overwhelmed by the moment. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions—part pride, part fear, part resignation. His parents were overjoyed, but the gravity of what he had agreed to still hadn’t fully sunk in.
Part 2
#mpreg#male pregnancy#mpreg belly#pregnantbelly#pregnant man#belly#pregnant#mpregbelly#mpregstory#mpreg birth
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𝐍𝐨 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐝 ꨄ Elias
˜”* ❝𝙃𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙢𝙚, 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙖 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚.❞
⎯⎯ ୨ ୧ ⎯⎯
ꜱʏɴᴏᴘꜱɪꜱ: ʏᴏᴜ ꜰᴇᴇʟ ᴛʀᴀᴘᴘᴇᴅ.
⎯୨⎯ " " ⎯୧⎯
“You ever get bored in here?” You asked Elias, making him turn to you. His expression look like it would if you interrupted a wedding. He’d been on what seemed like autopilot for weeks without letting his personality shine through.
“What makes you ask?” he replied, his voice steady but edged with curiosity.
“C’mon, Elias, it’s boring here. I know you know that.” You leaned in slightly as if sharing a secret, hoping to draw him out from the shadows of his own thoughts.
He raised an eyebrow, and for a moment, you thought you saw a flicker of something—maybe humor? But it vanished as quickly as it came. “It’s just routine. Keeps things… predictable.”
“Predictable?” you scoffed. “Predictably dull, more like. There’s a whole world out there, and we’re stuck in this… this prison of monotony.”
Elias sighed heavily, turning his gaze back to the window. The sun was setting, casting long, exaggerated shadows that seemed to stretch toward you as if reaching for something more. “You can’t change that, you know,” he said, his tone resigned, as though he’d accepted this stagnant existence as a part of life.
But maybe you could. After all, you weren’t made for this life, so why should you live in it? You glanced around the sterile room, its walls closing in, suffocating in their sameness.
“Sometimes,” you said, “I think about what it would be like to just walk out that door and keep going.”
Elias shifted, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. “It’s not that simple.”
“No, it’s not. But staying here feels like giving up.” You stepped closer, the air thick with unspoken possibilities.
He finally met your gaze, and you caught a spark of defiance igniting in his eyes. “What are you saying?” His voice was a mixture of caution and curiosity as if he were standing at the edge of a precipice.
“Just don’t be surprised when you open this door,” you said, gesturing toward the front door with a mix of hope and determination, “and you can’t find me.”
The words hung in the air, full of possibility, as you stood on the verge of a choice that could change everything. You looked over at Elias, trying to find a reason to keep yourself in this setting but it wasn’t worth it anymore and you knew if he was in his right mind, he’d agree.
When the night came, you waited for Elias to tire of observing stars and packed your stuff. There were a few times when you’d stop yourself to think it all over, but you just couldn’t. It terrified you to be out this late, lacking protection from anyone, but you chose that circumstance and didn’t regret it. You got to breathe the fresh air and fully immerse yourself in it. You got to walk around a space that didn’t start at one wall and end at another.
Elias wasn’t ready to wake up to cold silence. Even in the morning, there would be some kind of noise from you or a warm feeling of you next to him. However, this morning, he got none of that. He would assume you went in another room but after inspecting the place, it was clear you were gone.
It didn’t take you too long to notice your reported disappearance being plastered everywhere you went. A part of you felt guilty, like you betrayed and worried Elias to such an extent, but the other part of you felt annoyed that you couldn’t even live in peace when leaving. Didn’t help that people weren’t afraid to walk up to you, practically shoving their phones at you to ask if you were the person in that photo.
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈
........... JUST VIBE YALL JUST VIBE
#zsakuva#asmr#sakuverse#zsakuvaxreader#elias#i dont wanna get jumped by fluff city#guys plea— [GUNSHOT]
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Hiiiii!!😁 Could you write something with Pedri? Where his girlfriend (reader) has a little baby sister (1/2 years old), who adores Pedri very much from the first day. Thank uu ☺
Cherished Moments - Pedri
Authors note: i'm still alive i promise, just incredibly busy with my exams🥲
Warnings: incorrect grammar (probably), my first language isn't english so if you notice any mistakes please tell me
WC: 600 ish
Summary: You wake up with Pedri, excited for the family gathering ahead. Your sister adores him, and as you watch them play, you realize his importance.
You wake up to the soft rays of dawn filtering through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. The faint chirping of birds outside signals the beginning of another day. Rolling over, you find yourself nestled in the comforting embrace of your cozy bed, the familiar scent of your room enveloping you.
Your gaze drifts to the bedside table, where a framed photograph stands proudly. In it, you and Pedri are captured in a moment of pure happiness, your smiles mirroring each other's as you hold each other close. It's a reminder of the love that binds you together, a love that grows stronger with each passing day.
You rise from bed, anticipation coursing through your veins. Today is a special day, a family gathering filled with laughter, love, and the warmth of togetherness.
Downstairs, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, mingling with the sweet scent of pastries. You make your way to the kitchen, where Pedri is already busy preparing breakfast. His smile lights up the room as you enter, a silent promise of the love and happiness that awaits you today.
"Morning, mi amor," he says, reaching out to pull you into a tender embrace. You lean into his touch, reveling in the warmth of his arms around you.
"Morning, Pepi," you reply, returning his smile. "Breakfast smells amazing."
Breakfast is a simple affair, together, you and Pedri set the table, the clinking of dishes a cheerful accompaniment to the sounds of morning.
The doorbell rings, signaling the arrival of your family. Excitement bubbles in your chest as you rush to greet them, Pedri following close behind.
Your baby sister is the first to burst through the door, her eyes lighting up with delight as she sees Pedri. She rushes into his arms, her laughter filling the room like music.
"Pedri!" she exclaims, throwing her arms around his neck. He laughs, lifting her up and twirling her around in a joyful dance.
The rest of your family gathers around, hugs and kisses exchanged as you welcome them into your home. It's a scene filled with love and laughter, a snapshot of the happiness that fills your life.
Later in the day, as the adults gather for conversation, you steal a moment to observe Pedri and your sister. They're sitting on the floor in the corner of the room, surrounded by a colorful array of dolls,
Pedri is fully immersed in the game, his voice taking on different tones and accents as he brings the dolls to life. Your sister watches him with rapt attention, her laughter filling the room as she joins in the imaginary world he's created.
It's a simple moment, but it fills your heart with warmth. Watching Pedri play with your sister, his face alight with joy, you feel a surge of love and gratitude. In that moment, you know with certainty that he's the one.
As the day draws to a close and your family bids their farewells, you find yourself lost in thought. In Pedri's presence, everything feels brighter, more beautiful. He has a way of bringing out the magic in even the simplest moments.
As you curl up in bed later that night, Pedri's arms wrapped around you, you drift off to sleep with a smile on your lips and a heart full of love.
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Okay it's after 1am and I've had a lot of wine so obviously it's time for a late night wall-of-text post, but this time it's less likely to piss off your weird uncle or whatever because once again, I gotta talk about the best $4.99 a month I've ever spent.
Please, if you haven't yet, I'm begging you to look into all of the incredible content available on the Dropout.tv streaming service (formerly known as College Humor) . Not only did Whose Line Is It Anyway's Wayne Brady say that the Dropout crew are the only ones doing improv comedy on the same level as Whose Line, but they were also one of the only studios/streaming services allowed to work during the writers' strike because their contracts went above and beyond industry standards. (And, from my own observations, Dropout LOVES hiring queer, trans/nonbinary, and BIPOC performers + crew. Obviously I don't know much about the industry, but they seem like one of the most inclusive companies in Hollywood.)
"Alex, thanks for the recommendation! What shows do they have that you think I'll like?" Oh, you're asking me to gush about my favorite tv shows? Don't mind if I do!!!
Are you D&D curious, but took one look at actual play shows like Critical Role and thought "6 hours an episode? and there's like 750 episodes or whatever? oh baby not my adhd ass..." Don't worry, me too (sorry CR I love you I promise). But Dropout has a show called "Dimension 20" where comedians play Dungeons and Dragons with emotional, immersive storytelling, gut-busting laughs, and spectacular set design that makes you forget it's a fully improvised series controlled by the roll of the dice. They even did a miniseries perfect for D&D beginners called "Dungeons and Drag Queens" where absolute novices and Drag Race royalty Jujubee, Monet X Change, Alaska Thunderfuck, and Bob the Drag Queen embark on an adventure full of mystery, intrigue, and stupidity. I mean, Alaska plays a muscle-bound, axe-wielding, caveman-grunting Orc named Princess, what more could you want? Plus, the primary game master Brennan Lee Mulligan is so easy on the eyes. Oh, you're not into dorky ginger dudes? How about Aabria Iyengar, a 6 foot tall goddess who's equally as nerdy as Brennan but loves basketball. that's right, if nothing else, there's eye candy for every person in every season.
"Oh, why aren't there any good game shows on TV?" you wonder, wishing that the Game Show Network could come up with something that isn't a lame remake of a free-to-play phone game. Well how about Game Changer, "the only game show where the game changes every show (except for [...] Game of Games, Taskmaster, and a few others that have come to light AFTER [Game Changer first aired]. That's right, [the] players have no idea what game it is they're about to play. The only way to learn is by playing, the only way to win is by learning, and the only way to begin is by beginning." And yes, I did sit there and watch the beginning of an episode to make sure I was accurately quoting Game Changer host (and Dropout CEO) Sam Reich's description of his flaghship game show that has THREE separate spin-offs. (for context, he only mentions the other shows that copied his in the one episode I pulled up to get an accurate quote. could you imagine how uncomfortable it would be if he said that every episode? hah!)
Are you more of a traditional Whose Line fan? Look no further than Game Changer spin-off Make Some Noise, where contestants act out "improvisational prompts that [they have] never seen before, isn't that right contestants?" ("We won't know if we've seen them before or not until we see them!" Brennan insists every time he's on...)
You like musicals but wish they were less... ya know, scripted? Check out "Play It By Ear", a fully improvised musical! (you may be familiar with its primary cast members Jess McKenna and Zach Reino from the podcast that inspired it all, "Off Book: the Improvised Musical Podcast with Zach and Jess")
Or maybe you're more into trivia, cuz you're a total nerd like me (and every single performer that's ever appeared on dropout.tv). How about "Umm, Actually" where contestants are given an incorrect statement and have to buzz in to correct it - but you have to say "Umm, Actually" first!
Straight up, you can't go wrong on Dropout. Please, check it out. They're nearly doubling the amount of original shows they have in 2024, and no other streaming service is doing it like them. If I haven't convinced you yet, get the 7 day trial and give em a chance. There's no referral code I can give you that gives me some sort of kickback or whatever, I genuinely wrote what looks like a thousand word essay about Dropout at 1am just because I love them so much.
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#dropout.tv#umm actually#dimension 20#make some noise#game changer#brennan lee mulligan#aabria iyengar#for a late night wine-fueled rant on a broken keyboard i think this went well#actually i feel so guilty about my CR dig because i loved Exandria Calamity so much so please dont yell at me#also google said quiddie is exactly 6 feet i hope i did her justice
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LOVE SEASON IS "FINNALY" HERE!
DISCLAIMER: This is LUKOLALAND only. Do not read if you're not a shipper. This is PURELY FICTIONAL. No harm intended.
It was a quiet Friday evening, and Nicola was packing up her things in her trailer after another long day on set, lost in thoughts of how much things had changed. She missed the parties she used to host during their season, Fridays used to mean champagne and enjoyment with the cast and crew, but now, all she wanted was to get home, and above all she missed Luke, she missed sharing the make-up trailer with him, those were times filled with laughter and fun. Now, every moment around Luke felt heavy, tinged with a mix of nostalgia and heartbreak. The past weeks had been a whirlwind of emotions, and she had managed to maintain her composure only by keeping her interactions with Luke mostly professional rekindling their friendship little by little. It had been incredibly difficult; they had just filmed their first intimate scenes as a couple for the new season, and although the professional side of their job was completed, the emotional undercurrent between them lingered like a charged atmosphere. Nicola had to keep her emotions in check every time their eyes met; the unspoken history between them was palpable. The way Luke’s touch felt against her skin, the warmth of his breath on her face, and the closeness that once felt so natural now sent her heart racing. Each kiss, though scripted, felt like a battle against her own desires; she had to catch herself from slipping into old feelings, holding back the urge to fully immerse herself in the familiar comfort of his embrace.Nicola often felt sad and uneasy in Luke's absence, like a piece of her life was missing. Without him, there was a constant sense of imbalance, as if something crucial was out of place. Luke had always made her feel secure, confident, and grounded. His presence boosted her energy, allowing her to live more fully and embrace happiness. With him, everything seemed lighter; he brought strength into her life that she couldn’t find on her own. His support made her feel unstoppable, and being with him just made everything better. She fought hard to maintain her composure, to remind herself that this was just a role, but every scene brought them closer, blurring the lines between performance and the raw emotions that still simmered beneath the surface. She had gathered all strength she had left to endure these first weeks. She had been friendly, and everything went well but that was it for today, she needed to recharge, she was exhausted
For Luke, watching Nicola from a distance had been a daily torment. He had seen her light up screens and stages, but now she was different with him, he could feel the space that was created between them, she was even more guarded than before. Even when she smiled or looked and him, he knew that she was reserved, it wasn’t the same He missed the carefree way they used to be around each other, the late-night laughs, and the unspoken bond they once shared. But his summer had been full of mistakes, missed opportunities, and an overwhelming realization that Nicola was the one person he couldn’t let go of. Luke also had remained professional, friendly but he was also acting as if nothing had changed, slowly approaching her more and more every day.
Before the filming days, Luke’s state of mind was a tangled mix of longing, regret, and jealousy, fueled by the glimpses he got of her summer through social media posts. Each update photos with friends and fans, scenic shots from events, and the occasional candid moment, although it filled him with joy was also like a punch to his gut, reminding him of what he had lost. Seeing her seemingly happy, surrounded by people, made his insecurities flare up. He couldn’t help but obsess over every detail: her smiles, the new faces beside her, the places she went. It all felt like a reminder that she was moving on, finding joy and connections without him. Luke’s imagination ran wild, envisioning her with someone else, and it drove him to the brink of desperation. His jealousy wasn’t just about who she was with but about the life she seemed to be building without him, a life that, not long ago, he had been a part of. He had called her in the summer, and though their conversations were warm, Nicola kept a noticeable distance. Luke had seen the songs she chose to share online, each lyric and melody feeling like they were meant for him. Her subtle support, the quiet ways she showed she still cared, made him fall for her even more deeply. But doubt gnawed at him; he couldn’t be sure if the messages were really about him or just wishful thinking. He clung to the hope that there was still a chance for them, but uncertainty loomed large, he didn’t know if he still had a place in her heart.
Seeing Nicola again during rehearsals and filming hit Luke harder than he expected. She tried to avoid him whenever possible, only spending the bare minimum amount of time required for their scenes or work-related tasks. It felt like a game of cat and mouse, Luke was constantly seeking opportunities to get closer, to reconnect, but Nicola kept slipping away, maintaining her distance and making herself elusive. Each time he thought he had a chance to bridge the gap, she would subtly evade him, retreating before he could truly reach her. He could feel her slipping through his fingers, running away just as he tried to draw near, leaving him frustrated yet more determined to break through her defenses. Her presence stirred a mix of longing and regret inside him; she looked so beautiful, radiant, focused, and guarded, maintaining a polite "pal" distance that reminded him just how far apart they’d drifted. Every stolen glance, every soft smile she gave to others, reminded him of how he loved to hear her speak, how much he had missed her scent, the closeness they once shared and now seemed lost. Without her, life was so draining, he felt at ease in her presence, it reminded him how little he had laughed without her.
During rehearsals and on set, Luke tried to bridge the emotional gap, using every moment of their scripted closeness as an opportunity to reconnect. He leaned into their scenes, savoring the way her laughter sounded, the familiar touch of her hand in his, and the subtle electric charge that still sparked between them. In unguarded moments, he would linger near her, trying to reignite the warmth and ease they once had, hoping she could feel the sincerity in every look and gesture. He missed her terribly, and being this close again, hearing her voice, feeling her body, only fueled his determination to find his way back into her heart, though he knew it would take time and patience to break through the walls she had put up.
Nicola and Luke were cautiously trying to rebuild their friendship, navigating the fragile ground between what they once had and what they now were. Nicola was always supportive of Luke, never letting past wounds interfere with her genuine concern for his well-being. Luke appreciated her maturity, recognizing how she never acted petty or held grudges, but instead, offered kindness that reassured him during his moments of self-doubt. He found solace in her presence, feeling a comfort that he had missed deeply, but he could also feel the lingering distance between them. While he cherished their time together, jealousy gnawed at him, especially when he thought about Nicola’s close friend, the one she often spent time with, the one he’d seen in social media posts. He wanted to be the one she turned to, her first call, her safe space. The thought of her sharing those moments with someone else stung. Luke realizing with each passing day that he wanted to be more than just a friend to her; he wanted to be her priority, just as he had discovered she was his. The ache in his chest reminded him that, despite all the progress they had made, his feelings for her were far from platonic.
Torn between the fear of rejection and the burning need to reconnect, Luke realized he couldn’t stand on the sidelines any longer. He had to take the risk, reach out, and try to reclaim what they once had, even if it meant facing the painful truth of her moving on.
A sudden knock interrupted Nicola’s thought, startling her. Without thinking, she opened the door, expecting a crew member. Instead, there he was, Luke dressed casually with a white t-shirt and black jeans, but the tension in his posture was evident, looking up to her with an expression that she couldn't quite place. His brows were knitted together, jaw tight, and his attempt at a smile seemed strained. She thought to herself what now? But she was an actress, and she had to be a great one now. Nicola, confident and in good spirits, tilted her head with curiosity.
"Luke, what’s up?" she asked with a light-hearted chuckle, trying to ease the tension she felt radiating from her insides.
"Can we talk?" he asked, his voice tinged with a frustration she hadn’t heard from him before.
Nicola hesitated but she said «Sure, come in,", stepping aside., gesturing for him to enter. Luke walked in, looking around her trailer as if searching for the right words. He finally turned to her, his eyes not quite meeting hers.
"How was the rest of your summer?" he asked abruptly. It was the first personal question he’d asked this week. Nicola raised an eyebrow, caught off guard by his sudden interest.
"It was… great," she said cautiously, trying to read his mood. "I worked, met some great people, and had a lot of fun. You?"
Luke shrugged, avoiding her gaze. "Alright. You’ve seen most of it… I’ve seen some of yours too," he added, his tone edged with something she couldn’t quite place.
Luke hesitated before blurting out, "I saw that you were in Malta… "
Nicola’s heart skipped a beat at his words, her defenses rising. "Yeah, well, I’ve been busy," she started to say, but Luke cut her off, his voice softer now.
"Nic…" he said gently, and the sound of her name from his lips made her heart lurch.
She looked up, meeting his eyes, feeling the familiar pull between them. But she held her ground, not willing to be swayed by his vulnerability.
"Are you happy?" he asked, his voice cracking slightly.
Nicola blinked, taken aback by the question. "Seriously, did he really ask that? Knowing what he did? she was getting angry. Why was he bringing this up now? Luke had already apologized and that was it. She had thought they had moved past this.
Nicola’s patience was wearing thin. Anger simmered beneath her calm exterior. How could he ask that now, after everything? She straightened her posture, refusing to let him see how deeply his question rattled her.
"Luke, you don’t get to ask me that," she said firmly. "Not after everything."
Luke’s mind raced. He knew he had messed up, that he had let his fears and doubts drive a wedge between them. But seeing her with someone else, knowing that she could move on without him, was unbearable.
“Answer me please “He insisted.
"I am happy," she answered firmly. "And I’m also exhausted. So, if there’s nothing else …"
Luke moved closer; his expression pained. "I need to know... are you dating him?" He took a deep breath, his frustration spilling over. "Nic, I can’t keep pretending. I’ve made mistakes but seeing you with him… it’s driving me crazy. "I need to know... are you dating him?"
Nicola’s eyes widened in disbelief. She couldn’t believe her ears. He was mad surely. How did he found the courage to ask that? He may have lost his mind during his summertime; those Italians and Spanish sunrays are fierce.
She pulled back, shaking her head as if trying to wake up from a bad dream. "Luke, this is none of your business."
"Please, just answer me," he begged, his voice laced with worry.
“Do you love him? He dared to ask with jealousy in his voice.”
Nicola’s calm facade cracked. "Luke, we work together. I need you to respect my boundaries. You made your choices, and I’ve made mine. Let’s keep it professional".
“I can’t!” he almost screamed.
What? She replied dumbfounded.
“I must know if you’re with him. I can’t take this anymore.”
She was incredulous. She decided to go for the door.
He stopped her by kneeling in front of her.
His frustration bubbled over. "I can’t keep this professional anymore!" he almost shouted, his voice breaking.
Nicola was stunned. In all those years they’ve worked together, she had never seen him this troubled before. She stared at him, unable to process his words. "What do you mean?"
“"Nic, I'm really sorry. I should have been honest with her from the start, and I regret how things turned out after the premiere. That day was meant to be about us, and I ruined it. I was afraid to end things with her because everything was happening so fast, and I had already made a commitment, thinking we wouldn’t get there. I couldn’t handle the situation, and I’m truly sorry. I know it’s late, but I wanted to apologize again, deeply and sincerely."
Nicola was totally at a loss for words, moved by the sincerity in his voice.
“Thank you for saying that. It’s very nice of you... “
Are you dating him? He asked again cutting her speech.
“Why would you need that information?”
"I miss you," he said, his voice raw with emotion. "I messed up, Nic. I thought I could handle it, but I can’t. I ended things because I realized you’re the one. I’ve missed you every single day, and I can’t stand the idea of you with someone else. Nic., I thought I could, but I can’t pretend anymore. I want you."
Nicola’s heart pounded in her chest. She’d dreamed of hearing those words, but now they felt like too little, too late. "Luke, you can’t just show up and…"
Luke stood up, towering her totally as she wasn’t wearing heels.
“I want to know if you’re single because… I want to date you. I ended things with her. I’m tired of this Ross and Rachel bullshit.” I was miserable, I missed you so much all summer, I thought that I was going crazy, my world was upside-down, it turned darker every day, everything seemed boring and irrelevant when I was not with you, everything was tasteless and useless, you make my life so much better.
Nicola was stunned. Speechless. She was staring at him disarmed by his words. Her eyes softened as she saw the genuine pain in his. But she couldn’t let go of her own hurt.
“No” she simply said.
“I was scared, and I pushed you away when I should have pulled you closer. But I’ve realized… you’re the one. You’ve always been the one” he said moving closer to her.
"Nicola, I know I’ve made mistakes, but I want to be better for you. I want to be the person who makes you happy, who supports your dreams and never holds you back. You deserve someone who lifts you up, and I’m ready to do that. I’m committed to growing, to being the kind of partner who enriches your life, not complicates it. Let me prove that I can be the person who stands by your side through everything, who helps you find peace and joy. I want us to be something real, something strong."
Nicola felt her defenses crumbling, but she held her ground. " "Luke, you can’t just show up and expect everything to go back to how it was. You broke my heart, and I’ve worked hard to put the pieces back together. I think it’s best if we just stay friends." "
"I know," Luke said, his eyes filled with regret. "But I want to fix it. I want to be more than a friend, I want us."
She turned away, trying to collect her thoughts. The weight of his words was heavy, pulling at her resolve. "You hurt me," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I don’t know if I can trust you with my heart again."
Luke’s heart sank. He wanted to take back every missed opportunity, but he couldn’t change the past. All he could do was prove himself now. "I’m willing to do whatever it takes," he said earnestly. "I want you, Nicola.”
“Only you” he said moving closer to her.
Nicola looked at him, her expression torn between hope and caution. Her eyes filled with tears, torn between her love for him and the pain he’d caused. She had missed him too, more than she cared to admit. But she wasn’t going to make it easy for him, she wasn't ready to give up on them either."We’ll see," she said finally, her voice a mix of guarded optimism and lingering doubt. "But you’ll have to prove it."
Luke nodded, knowing he had a long road ahead.
“Don’t date another man. I’m yours".
"The only one “. He added with conviction.
His expression changed, his eyes darkened, a mixture of determination and desperation. He stepped closer, his eyes locked on hers. She backed against the wall, expecting his advance. The air between them crackled with unresolved tension. He gently lifted her chin, forcing her to fixate on his gaze. She saw the depth of his feelings, the intensity that had been missing.
“Don’t speak,” he whispered, his voice low and commanding. “I’m done going back and forth. I’m done waiting for the right time. I need you now.” He pressed his body against hers, his hands pinning her wrists against the wall. She let out a small sound, a mix of surprise and longing. His touch was electrifying, sending shivers down her spine.
He leaned in and kissed her left cheek his hand caressing her other cheek. " I want to be yours, he said gruffly “and I want you to be mine “he murmured in her ear, he moved a little to see her face, his eyes searching hers for any sign of resistance.
She could feel her resolve melting, her body responding to his nearness. "Please," she whispered, her voice barely audible, filled with need.
He leaned even more wanting to capture her lips with his, she parted hers delicately "The kiss started soft and slow, but it quickly turned voracious." She responded eagerly, deepening the kiss, her hand roaming through his curly hair. His moan vibrated against her lips, and he pulled her closer, his hands wandering about freely on her body, his hand grabbing her breasts, his lips kissing her everywhere with voraciousness, he was hungry of her.
They moved to the sofa, still lost in each other, Nicola put her hands on his bum, he growled with pleasure, she straddled him, their connection electric, both smiling and chuckling despite the intensity. For a moment, everything else faded away, leaving only the two of them, rewriting the stars one kiss at a time.
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Looking for your next horror audio drama?
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Welcome to "Liars & Leeches," an immersive, full cast, supernatural horror audio drama. The first original audio drama from Hemlock Creek Productions (@hemcreekprod), “Liars & Leeches” delves deep into the complicated horrors of grief, trauma, resilience, and steadfast human determination to uncover the truth.
Grief. Anxiety. Terror. Tonya Wright felt it all after the tragic murders of her sister and brother-in-law in a random act of gun violence. Struggling to travel outside of her home, she now lives constantly on edge about perceived threats that seem to surround her. Retreating to the house her sister and brother-in-law once shared to process her grief, Tonya soon discovers that someone — or something — has followed her there. With the help of her best friend Natalie, and others she meets along the way, can Tonya overcome her fears before they completely consume her?
You might enjoy "Liars & Leeches" if you like:
Psychological and supernatural horror like Stephen King's "The Outsider"
A creeping sense of dread or a feeling of something being "off" like "Get Out."
Tension building through sound design, especially in quiet moments like "A Quiet Place" (which was a massive source of sonic inspiration for the show)
Audio dramas such as "Dark Dice," "Dark Sanctum," "Maxine Miles," "Aftershock," "Transplanar RPG," and "Connections," as Hemlock Creek Productions assisted with audio editing for all of them.
Soundtracks like those from "Yellowjackets," "Smile," "Chernobyl," "Broadchurch," and "The Rising," all of which were used as inspirations for the music in "Liars & Leeches."
Some other facts about the show:
Season 1 is complete with a run time a little over four hours. Season 2 is currently in pre-production.
We have transcripts available for every episode of the show, as well as video versions of each episode on YouTube that are fully subtitled.
We have won awards for best horror/thriller podcast, best podcast, and best leading performance in an audio drama. We have also been nominated for additional awards including best director, best sound design (action), best supporting performance in an audio drama, and best music/score (podcast).
We have "Liars & Leeches" merch available on Streamlabs, as well as the soundtrack from season 1 available on Bandcamp.
If you're interested in listening to "Liars & Leeches," you can find us wherever you listen to podcasts. If you do listen, feel free to toss us a review there, or on Podchaser, and let us know what you think!
Don't be afraid, just have a taste.
#liars & leeches#audio drama#horror#original post#horror audio drama#horror podcast#hemlock creek productions#audio fiction#podcast#Youtube#saved for later
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