#have not seen such a great show for a long while

[s-awturn]

For As Long As It Takes || TW

summary: Y/N had always known what it was like to live with transient people in her life, so since she became a single mother, her main goal was to prevent her daughter from having to deal with people coming in and out of her life frequently. Dealing with a divorce is never easy, especially after sharing over a decade with someone, so the last thing Toto wanted, it was dealing with a new relationship, but life had new plans, both for him and Y/N.

Or where Toto waits five years for Y/N to accept him into her life.

cw: superficiality, a little anguish, a lot of cuteness, Toto completely surrendered, cute kid, media persecution, mention of hoax.

a/n: I know I owe Toto content 😩 and you can blame Carlos Sainz for that, but we finally have something here to soothe your needy hearts. There will be nothing suggestive here, but I know you'll like it (you better like it, understand?)

‘Darling, you're the one I want / And paper rings, and picture frames, and dirty dreams / Oh, you're the one I want’

Five years before...

When they met, Toto was going through a difficult divorce and her daughter had just turned one year old, and even though Toto was not inclined to enter into a new relationship. But there was no room for him to make a choice, when he saw her in the garden of Lewis's large summer house, playing with her daughter and the pilot's nephews, Toto saw his convictions fall to the ground. He spent a few seconds looking at you, who was smiling and playing with the children with great familiarity.

He asked Lewis who she was, and the pilot laughed, because Toto couldn't take his eyes off where she were.

"She's Y/N, she's my parents' neighbor, we've been friends for years" the Brit said, hiding his face behind a glass of peach tea "are you interested in her?"

"What are you talking about? I was just curious... I've never seen her at your parties or anything like that" he quickly dodged. There was no room in his life for anything other than his children or his job, he definitely didn't need another relationship. Lewis agreed, even if he didn't believe his friend's words, it was obvious that Toto was interested in Y/N; the pilot knew that Toto's marriage to Susie had been in crisis for over a year, so much so that Toto spent much more time at the factory or in a London apartment than at home with his wife. Toto had been living just for work for a long time.

Later that day, Y/N was sitting in a rocking chair by the lake, humming a lullaby while her baby napped on her lap, her daughter slowly fell asleep, enjoying every second of her mother's sweet voice, and Toto watched this from the balcony of the house, taken by the tenderness that the vision conveyed. As much as he wanted to deny it, something strange was emerging within him.

Y/N got up carefully so as not to wake the sleeping baby in her arms and gave a little jump when she found Toto there, she didn't expect to have an audience.

"Sorry for scaring you, I didn't mean to" he whispered so as not to wake the baby, he hadn't handled babies this small since Jack, and it had been a long time since then.

"It's okay, I just didn't expect anyone to be here, everyone is busy with the karaoke championship inside..." She replied, climbing the steps of the porch staircase.

"Better to go through the kitchen, there's less noise there and you won't wake your daughter," he suggested, indicating the place, the Austrian's perceptive eyes never leaving her face.

"Really? I should have known Sebastian and Fernando would make a show of it," she snaps, heading for the back entrance of the house and Toto, who had been following her at a polite distance, opened the door for her. S/N realized that Toto was right, there was less noise in the kitchen and living room, Sebastian was ruining another ABBA song "That's a shame, I won't be hearing Dancing Queen for a while now," she said, making Toto laugh behind her.

Toto remained in the kitchen, trying to understand what he was doing, he had no intention of getting involved with anyone, he really didn't need to get into another relationship while dealing with the end of the previous one. Toto was lost in thought when S/N approached, with a baby monitor in hand, he offered her a large glass of orange juice and the two listened to the horror show that Fernando and Sebastian were putting on in the living room of the house.

"Since when have you known Lewis? This is the first time I've seen you at one of his meetings," Toto inquired, trying not to sound too curious.

"We've been friends since I was a kid, he's a few years older than me, but that didn't stop me from being friends with him, especially because my dad was his go-kart mechanic" she replied, swirling the glass of juice to melt the ice cubes. "We became friends organically and spent a lot of time at each other's houses, I spent a few months with them when my parents had to return to America when I was a teenager."

Toto nodded, looking at her from the corner of his eye, Y/N stared at the baby monitor, even though she was present in the conversation, her senses were focused on the device, monitoring her daughter's sleep. Little by little, the conversation between them gained new topics, Toto really appreciated how S/N could move from one conversation to another very naturally. She was an intelligent and witty woman, making acidic and humorous comments whenever she could.

"And what is the name of the sleeping ladybug?"

He appreciated the genuine, loving smile that appeared on Y/N's face, letting her know how much she loved the baby.

"Agnes, I know it's silly and I'm not even religious, but my daughter was born at midnight, exactly when the day dedicated to Saint Agnes began. I interpreted it as a sign and named her that..."

"It's a beautiful name, the symbolism behind it is strong... Saint Agnes is the patron saint of what?" He questioned, it was obvious how much S/N loved talking about her daughter.

"of chastity, gardeners, young women, grooms, rape victims and virgins" she replied and finally took her eyes off the baby monitor. The tenderness with which she spoke of her daughter made Toto's heart twist in a strange way, Y/N was stirring Toto's already very compromised interior in ways he didn't know.

"You chose well"

"Isn't it? I think so too."

The two talked a lot more for the next couple of hours, Y/N did her best to dissect Toto until he was transparent to her eyes and he allowed it. There was something about her that made Toto spill everything that was on his mind, it was as if she had made him drink truth serum and wanted to know everything.

"Separations are not easy, how is your child coping?"

"Jack's doing well, as much as he can, I guess..." Toto murmured, running his index finger along the pattern of the granite counter. "Susie and I were honest with him, and Jack took it well, he himself said that he would rather Susie and I remain friends than fight like mortal enemies"

"That's good, it makes it less painful for him and God knows it sucks to see our children suffer," Y/N said thoughtfully. "And how are you with all this?"

"Honestly? At first I was a mess, I loved Susie a lot and but that love turned into friendship and we didn't know how to deal with it" he confessed "I'm still processing it, but it still sucks"

"The worst advice you'll hear today, you'll get over it, you'll survive, think that you were mature and dealt with it the right way" she said, there was bitterness in Y/N's voice and This took Toto by surprise "you could come out more hurt, Jack could come out destroyed"

"You're right, again," he replied and they both laughed, listening to Lewis try to stop Felipe, Sebastian and Fernando from singing as a trio.

Three years before...

“Torger, I told you I didn’t need it.” She looked at the huge dollhouse Agnes was playing with, the girl used the incredibly pink rooms as hiding places in a general headquarters. She created scenarios full of emotion and adventure with the Barbies, instructing Jack how he should move the dolls, making Y/N smile.

“It was no big deal, schatzi, I thought she would love a new hiding place for her spy Barbies,” he said, crossing his arms as he watched the little girl playing with Jack. “and I was right, apparently.”

“You spoil her too much, that’s not right,” she scolded him, making Toto raise his hands in surrender. “So much spoiling is detrimental to her education, and you know that, after all you have three children!”

“This is the last time, I promise”

“You said that the last two times, why should I believe you now, Wolff?” she arched her eyebrow, giving him the famous ‘mother look’, eliciting a spontaneous laugh from him, but Toto raised his little finger as he placed his left hand over his heart.

“I’m serious, schatzi, I won’t give Agnes any more gifts without any special occasion, I promise.” he said solemnly, making the woman roll her eyes before link your little finger with his.

“This is your last chance, Wolff, or I'll make you eat that pumpkin puree you hate” she threatened him and Toto grimaced, he really hated pumpkin puree.

“Urgh, no need to tell me twice,” he assured, “and how are things at work after your promotion?” he asked, keeping his eyes on Jack and Agnes playing. It was a pleasant surprise to discover that the two children loved each other at first sight, even though the age difference between them was very large, Jack and Agnes became friends the first moment they saw each other and played together whenever Toto took the boy to visit Y/N and Agnes.

“Obviously I have twice as much work now, but I can work from home and spend more time with my little bee, so I don't mind the extra work if it gives me more time with her," she said, smiling. "I've been waiting for this for three years, so obviously I'm happy.”

“That’s great, schatzi, I know how important it is for you to follow the growth of the sleeping ladybug.” He noted. “If you’re working from home right now, maybe you could join me for a run or two, the team appreciates and misses you both.”

“Toto... “I’m still paying off the apartment and I can’t get into debt like that right now,” she said, rubbing her hands on her jeans. “And don’t even think about offering to pay for it all, I wouldn’t accept.”

“What’s the point of having so much money if you can’t spend it on friends?” he said softly, “money that will stay here after I’m dead, so that I can enjoy it to the best of my ability while I am alive.”

“Anyway, I can’t accept it,” she insisted, not wanting to give in.

“Don't be stubborn, Y/N, you know that the money I spend doesn't make me miss it, nor will it make me poor tomorrow, you deserve some rest time sometimes, you are an exceptional mother, a splendid professional. And it will be good for Agnes too.”

She bit her lip, hating how Toto could hit sore points with well-articulated arguments. She hated it when he was the team boss. For better or worse, Agnes had come to love Formula One and loved watching the races with her. Y/N had set a goal that she would take the girl to see a race at the racetrack as soon as she could, but the apartment payments didn't seem to be decreasing, she hadn't received her pay yet after the promotion, so thinking about any other kind of expense was almost absurd.Toto never seemed willing to pay for things for her and Y/N was aware of his feelings for her, and for this reason she always felt reluctant to accept anything from him, she didn't want Toto to think that she was using his feelings for her own benefit.

"Please, you are important to me, I want to share with you and Agnes one of the best things I have, which is working with Formula One, and you love racing... Come on Y/N, accept my invitation" He cried out, holding her hands. “Try it once, if it’s uncomfortable for you or Agnes, I’ll send the jet to bring them right away,” he whispered the promise, watching her slowly soften.

“Torger...”

“Come on, honey, I know you’ll like it, trust me”

“Sure, we will, but we won’t go to races far from here, Toto.”

“What do you think of Spielberg and Spa?”

“I can’t believe you managed to get her, I’ve been trying since my time at McLaren, but she’s always said no,” Lewis said, teaching Agnes how to play with Roscoe, the bulldog lay on his back to receive petting from the girl.

“I almost begged for the intercession of some saint, you have no idea how hard it was,” Toto replied, placing the cap on Jack’s head. “You told me she was stubborn, but I hadn't imagined it was so much”

“She is, I thought I told you”

“Do I need to let you know that I’m still here?” she asked Jack, the boy shrugged in confusion.

The little boy approached Y/N and asked, "There's a box of Legos in my dad's office, can I take Agnes with me?"

Y/N smiled “sure, if she wants, but do you promise you’ll take care of her while you’re there?”

“Yep, I can! I’ll ask Jess to stay with us there.” He smiled, the same way Toto did that made her heart soften. Jack nudged Agnes gently, asking if she wanted to play with Legos. The girl's eyes lit up at the mention of the toy, she gave Roscoe one last pat before skipping after Jack, who was holding her little hand.

“I’ll appreciate it if you stop talking about me in the third person, you idiots,” she scolded, slapping both of their shoulders. Lewis muttered a curse and Toto laughed. “Now, I want to know if anyone is willing to show me the pitlane, I always saw it on TV and now that I'm here in person, I want to see everything”

“Sure, I'll take you schatzi, Lewis will have a debriefing with his mechanics and engineers to align the strategy for the last free practice session” Toto said, seeing the Briton snort before agree with a reluctant nod. “We'll be back in forty minutes, let Jess know if anything changes.”

“Sure, sure, as long as you two don’t hide in a dark alley and end up losing track of time...” he suggested, entering the small meeting room, where the team was already waiting for him, without hearing Toto and Y/N's insults.

Toto made a point of walking with Y/N throughout the pitlane, introducing her to whoever she wanted to meet, the Austrian contained his jealousy when he saw her acting like a groupie with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. But it was worth it, she was happy and that's what mattered.

“I didn’t know you were a Ferrari girl...” he tried to sound nonchalant, but Y/N laughed, noticing the jealousy bubbling beneath his polite disguise. Toto was not as discreet as he thought.

“I like Formula One because of my father, and he’s been obsessed with Ferrari since the Alain Prost era, I ended up inheriting his love for the Tifosi team,” she explained, crossing her hands behind her back. unable to hide her smile.

“Any chance you could become a Mercedes girl?”

“If Lewis tried to take me to the German side of Formula One and couldn't, you're not the one who's going to succeed.” Y/N gave a playful smile, seeing Toto close his eyes, but smile.

He made sure to take her to the paddock shop and get her and Agnes some souvenirs — all Ferrari, even though he really wanted to replace the prancing horse with the three-pointed star.

“I hate to admit it, but you look great in red. Damn,” he said, placing the cap on her, admiring her wide smile. Although to Toto, she was beautiful anyway.

“Listen up Toto, I’m beautiful no matter what. I mean, is that any way to compliment me?” she said, laughing all the while letting her ego grow a little.

Toto wanted so much to kiss her there, Y/N was radiant under the mild sun of Spielberg. Without the worry lines, the frown, she seemed even more stunning in his eyes. Only God and himself knew how hard he was trying not to kiss her, but Toto would respect her limits, he would make Y/N want to kiss him too, Toto hoped, fervently hoped that she would reciprocate his feelings, so he would wait.

He would wait for her however long it took.

One year before...

“You shouldn’t have given in to Agnes’ blackmail, I know you’ve been very busy with your work and Red Bull has been a thorn in your side… Really Toto, you didn’t have to come… And you even brought his kids along! They certainly had better things to do...”

Toto clicked his tongue, dismissing her concern. He pointed to Rosa, Benedict, Jack, and Agnes gathered in a corner of the school theater.

“I would never miss Agnes’ first play, Y/N, and that’s not up for discussion, and as for the kids, they insisted so much on coming, they love Agnes as much as I do, I didn't even insist, they themselves said they would come”

Her heart gave a huge jump inside her chest, Y/N could bet that if there wasn't a sternum there, Toto could see how much her heart was racing. For some time now she had noticed that her feelings towards Toto were changing, the way he was always around, the way Toto made a point of being her support in difficult times, she could no longer ignore that imagining life without Toto was almost absurd, the idea of moving away from him was ridiculous. Not that that would happen, Y/N did not intend to be away from him.

“Thank you for coming, Torcer, it’s important for both of us to have you all here”

It wasn't long before Agnes waved at you and ran backstage, then Rosa, Benedict and Jack returned to their seats, she didn't expect to get along so well with Toto's children, but to her — pleasant — surprise, Toto's heirs adored her, came to her house whenever they could, and included Agnes in whatever activities they were doing in London.

“She looks so cute! I can’t wait to see her in the bee costume!” Rosa said, clapping her hands, eager for the play to begin.

Benedict agreed with a murmur, “I thought she would be nervous, but the ladybug is quite calm.”

Y/N smiled, she felt so happy to know that her daughter was loved, cared for by people who, in theory, shouldn't even know of her existence.

She clutched Toto's hand tightly, anxious as the lights dimmed and the curtains parted, revealing the carefully painted stage, Agnes and her classmates in their places. The girl was not the protagonist, but he stood out, drawing laughter from the audience when he made some clearly improvised jokes. Y/N couldn't hold back the tears of pure pride, Agnes didn't show any nervousness, the stages seemed to be her natural habitat and she moved elegantly in front of the audience.

Toto slid his thumb across the back of Y/N's hand, without taking his eyes off the stage, he wasn't even paying attention to the other children, the businessman's eyes were fixed on Y/N's daughter. It was clear how much Toto loved Agnes and how much he cared for her.

“She's perfect, isn't she?” he said softly to Y/N, watching her nod as she cried silently, unable to stop smiling. Toto finally understood what had made him fall madly in love with Y/N since the first time he saw her: Y/N was overflowing with love, unconditionally and sincerely and ever since, he wished he could be enveloped, blessed by the love she emanated so strongly without realizing it.

“Yes, she is”

The rest of the play was filled with tears, laughter, and pride intertwined with genuine love. Y/N understood that there was no way to push Toto away, Wolff loved Agnes as if she were his blood, Toto loved her, he could no longer deny that Toto had become so deeply embedded in their lives that there was no way to pull him out.

“Toto!!” Agnes came running to them, she had already taken off her costume, but she still had makeup on, simply the cutest thing in the world. Y/N's heart pounded as she saw Toto pick up Agnes and throw her into the air, making the little girl laugh out loud "You really came to see me!!"

“I would never miss your first piece, little bee,” he said, leading her to the middle of the circle where Y/N, Jack, Rosa, Benedict and the Hamiltons were. “You were perfect up there, weren’t you scared?”

“Nope, I knew you would be here with mommy, so I looked to you guys whenever I felt scared” she confessed, blushing under the bee makeup. Y/N picked up the girl and kissed her non-stop, until Agnes laughed out loud, nestled in her mother's embrace. “My makeup, mommy!”

“You’re still beautiful, little bee! I’m so proud of you, you were the most beautiful in the play!”

It wasn't long before Agnes jumped off Y/N's lap and went to receive congratulations from Lewis and his relatives, and Y/N was wrapped in Toto's arms, feeling his soft kiss on her hair. .

“When are you two going to start dating?” Rosa asked, seeing them both blush.

Despite the blush on his cheeks, Toto was undeterred. “Whenever Y/N wants, and no matter how long it takes, I will wait.”

Y/N lost the rhythm of her heartbeat, her eyes wide and her mouth open, she didn't expect Toto to confess — if that wasn't a confession of feelings, then she was going crazy — in front of her children. Jack clapped excitedly, Rosa and Benedict smiled knowingly. Everyone who really mattered seemed to support their union, she just had to agree.

She stammered, not knowing exactly what to say and Toto smiled, sliding his thumb along the curve of her cheek “Take your time, Y/N, I’ve waited my whole life to find you, waiting for the rest of my life for you is a privilege”

Without thinking much, she wrapped her fingers in his shirt and kissed him, taking Toto by surprise, the children made a sound of disgust and moved away.

“You don’t have to wait, Toto. We’re on time,” she murmured as she pulled away, watching him smile before kissing her again.

Weeks after the play...

Y/N was surprised by Jack coming to tell her that Susie wanted to talk to her. The boy said that his mother was trying to contact Y/N, but her phone was listed as unreachable. Since the beginning of her official relationship with Toto, Y/N had been persecuted by the media, being labeled as a lover and home wrecker, several gossip tabloids, aggressive fans and other news sources claiming that she had been the pivot in the end of the relationship of one of the most beloved couples in the paddock. Since then she had blocked all calls from unknown numbers and avoided talking to strangers about her relationship with Toto. Not that she cared about other people's opinions, those who really mattered agreed and that was enough.

She entered the café that Susie had suggested and found the blonde at a table in the distance, Toto's ex-wife was absorbed in a book and didn't see her arrive.

“Sorry I’m late, the traffic was crazy,” he explained, putting his coat on the chair before sitting down. Susie gave a knowing smile and called the waiter over.

“Don’t worry, I should have suggested a quieter time...” she said and the two ordered, making small talk to break the awkward atmosphere. The waiter took their orders, They both ate in uncomfortable silence and Susie finally introduced the subject. “I was one of the first people to know about Toto’s interest in you.”

“I figured so, you and Toto spent a lot of time together... It was only natural that you ended up friends after the breakup...”

“I'm grateful that you understand and even if you do, I want to emphasize that I don't have any romantic feelings for him, and that brings me to the reason that brought us here” the blonde placed the cup on the table and looked at Y/N. “I don’t intend to get in the way of your relationship, I’m happy that Toto has finally found what he’s always been looking for and for you too, obviously.”

Y/N was not surprised by Susie's behavior, Toto had said several times that his ex-wife was noble and fair. She expected Susie to behave that way, like a true lady.

“I should say you’re lucky to have him in your life, but I suspect Toto is the luckiest one in the whole thing,” she said with a half smile. “I wish we could get along, our children adore each other and I don't want to take Jack away from Agnes, I suppose you feel the same way”

“Yes, you’re right, they really like each other and I love Jack, he’s a sweet boy and I would be devastated if I couldn’t have him around, so of course Susie, I think it’s great if we can get along.”

“Excellent! Jack talks so much about you and Agnes that I’ve been curious for years, and I understand, at least in part, why he seems to like you so much...” Susie said, causing Y/N to blush and widen her eyes.

“Uh, well, he also said amazing things about you and also made me very curious to meet you, it’s easy to see where his sympathy came from.” She said, as if telling a secret and they both laughed.

They spent hours talking and ordering more coffee, finding more common ground than they expected, neither of them considered the idea of ending up forming a bond, but at the end of that meeting, Susie and Y/N could expect that a friendship was blossoming.

When he arrived home, he found Agnes, Jack, Rosa and Benedict playing Twister in the middle of the living room while Toto worked at the kitchen table. In all the time she lived in that apartment, she never found the space small, after all it was just her and Agnes almost always, alone, however with Toto and the children staying with them — Y/N would never allow them to stay in a hotel, claiming she would be offended if they didn't —, The apartment seemed really small, but she didn't mind. She loved bumping into the kids or Toto. They made her house feel even more like home.

“Mommy!” Agnes broke free from the knot they had formed in the game, knocking the other three over without noticing and ran into Y/N’s arms “Do you want to play Twister with us?”

“Agnes?!” Jack yelled seconds before he was buried by Rosa and Benedict, making the older brothers laugh at him. The three of them stood up, rubbing their arms and legs that were sore from the game and Jack went with Agnes, curious to know what had happened at the meeting with Susie.

“I doubt I can play Twister as well as you guys, so next time, little bee,” Y/N replied, patting Agnes’ cheeks before ruffling Jack’s blond hair. “Susie is great, I hope she can have lunch with us sometime,” she said, feeling Toto’s searching gaze on her.

“How about you guys go take a shower so we can go out to dinner?” Toto suggested, joining the group in the middle of the room, he heard the excited screams of the children, fighting over who would enter the bathroom first, only when the doors closed did Toto turn to Y/N “how it was?"

“Susie is amazing, I didn’t lie about that, we get along well, I know she’s important to you and of course, to Jack... I can say that she and I are friends”

Toto breathed a sigh of relief, he didn't expect the two to end up fighting, but he was afraid that their personalities would end up clashing, both Susie and Y/N were temperamental...

“I’m glad you understood each other, family gatherings are going to be busy from now on,” he commented, wrapping his arms around the woman’s waist and he made a point of kissing every inch of her face, making Y/N laugh. It didn't take long for Y/N to lift her face and allow Toto to kiss her however he wanted, calm that there was someone who wouldn't leave her, who wouldn't be temporary. Toto had earned his place in her and Agnes' hearts with patience, he persevered until he finally managed to stay.

“Thank you for staying, Toto...” she tried to continue, but Toto kissed her again.

“It’s not something that needs thanking, schatzi,” he murmured, cupping her cheeks, “I’ve already made it clear that I’ll wait for you for as long as it takes, no matter what.”

Y/N felt her heart expand with all the feeling Toto poured over her, the certainty of his words digging deep into her soul, intertwining the calm and hope of finally having someone in your life, someone to hold on to when things weren't firm under your feet. Someone to take care of your heart.

[keeryhours]

birthday cake - rafe cameron

Baby daddy! Rafe x Baby mama! Maybank! Reader

Masterlist

Rafe Cameron Masterlist

Summary:

It’s Iris’ first birthday, and Rafe may have gone a little overboard.

Warnings:

None, just birthday party fluff, some kissing

Word Count: 2,960

A/N:

I love baby daddy Rafe. Let me know if you want to see more!

—

“Well don’t you look absolutely gorgeous!”

Iris smiled and clapped her hands, giggling at your excited expression. She was dressed in a big poofy pink dress, white Mary Janes on her feet. Her light brown hair had been gathered into two tiny pigtails. She had a party hat you would try to get a picture of her in later, but you knew better than to try to get her to actually wear it.

It was May 26th, exactly one year since the best, most amazing day of your life.

“Alright, let’s get this show on the road,” JJ called as he walked through the living room carrying an armful of gifts. He had been packing the car the entire time you’d been getting Iris ready.

You picked up your daughter and sat her on your hip, grabbing her diaper bag and your purse with your free hand as you followed JJ to the door.

JJ got the last of the party supplies packed in the back of the car while you buckled Iris in her car seat, which turned out to be more difficult than expected with the floofy dress. You briefly wonder if you should have changed her at the country club.

You got it done eventually, and then you and JJ were on the road to Figure 8.

Rafe had insisted you hire a party planner. You argued with him on it at first, because you are perfectly capable of planning a first birthday party yourself, but he wouldn’t drop it, saying he didn’t want you stressing about planning and setting it up yourself. You had rolled your eyes, but he was paying for it, so you figured, what the hell.

It actually wasn’t bad at all. The party planner had involved you every step of the way just like you’d wanted to be. She let you make all the decisions while she made it all come together. It was honestly amazing.

You arrived at the country club just in time to get settled before guests began to arrive. JJ carried the gifts while you carried the baby. You had planned the party for the perfect time, she was freshly up from a nap and would probably stay in a great mood for the whole event.

Your eyes widened as you, JJ, and Iris walked into the event space that had been booked for the party. The theme you had decided on was Berry First Birthday, and it was the most extravagant baby’s birthday party you’d ever seen.

When Rafe had told you he wanted to take care of the party, you didn’t know what to think. He told you you’d still have full creative control because he knew you’d been looking forward to it, but he was going to cover it and he wanted to hire a planner. He let you make every decision, mostly staying out of it, his only instruction being “It has to be the best for my girl.”

There was a big balloon arch made up of red, white, pink, and berry colored balloons, including some actual strawberry balloons, sitting in front of a large pink backdrop with printed strawberries that said Iris’ Berry First Birthday. A vintage looking white high chair sat in front of it, a banner attached to the front that said One with pink and red tassels.

There was a long table filled with food, including some cookies in the shape of strawberries and a large spread of fresh fruit. There was a table that held champagne, which you thought was kind of funny for a one year old’s party. Another table held a giant 3-tiered white cake decorated with strawberries.

He had really gone all out. You weren’t sure why you had expected anything less.

Rafe came walking over the second he noticed you walk through the door, a grin on his face.

“There’s my birthday girl,” he said, reaching his hands out for Iris. She immediately held her arms out, leaning forward towards him.

You handed her over with a laugh, knowing you were no competition when Rafe was around. She was a complete daddy’s girl.

He placed a big kiss on her cheek as he settled her in his arms, and she giggled.

“You look so pretty, baby girl,” he complimented her, smoothing down the puffy skirt of her dress. “I love your dress.”

“Dadadadada,” she babbled in response, a gummy grin on her face. She still only had about 5 teeth. Rafe wore a pink shirt and khaki colored pants, and it was adorable the way he matched with her.

“You really went all out,” you said, taking in the extravagance of the event.

“Yeah, well,” he said, brushing you off and not taking his eyes off the baby, “she only turns 1 once.”

Rafe was always a real baby hog. Once he took her when you arrived, you had a hard time getting her back. You busied yourself arranging the gifts on the gift table and setting out the gift bags you had put together for all the guests.

Guests began to arrive not long after. You and Rafe greeted them together with Iris, the star of the show, in his arms. She absolutely ate up all the attention, giving everyone a big smile and tolerating being passed around to friends and family.

“It’s my bestie!” Sarah squealed as she walked up with Wheezie next to her, holding her hands out for her niece. Rafe reluctantly handed her over, mostly because Iris had already been reaching for Sarah anyway.

Sarah and Wheezie cooed at the baby, fussing over her outfit and hair. Rafe watched, looking impatient to get her back.

“I can’t believe you’re one already,” Sarah said, looking emotional as she hugged Iris to her chest. Iris tolerated the hold for about 2 seconds before she was wiggling free, and then she was reaching for Rafe again. Rafe took her back with a smug grin on his face.

“Me either,” you said, fighting back tears. You had been emotional all day, you definitely didn’t need to be reminded how monumental of a day it was.

You had been satisfied with cell phone pictures, but apparently Rafe had hired a whole photographer. She called you over now, to the backdrop.

There was a whole photo session while the guests helped themselves to the food and refreshments. Photos of you and Iris, Rafe and Iris, you, Rafe, and Iris together. Pictures with Iris, Rafe, Sarah, Wheezie, Ward, and Rose. Some of you and JJ with her. And of course a group photo with the pogues with the birthday girl in the center.

When it was time for cake, you settled Iris into the vintage high chair. JJ brought over her smash cake, which was a smaller version of the big cake - small, round, and white with strawberries painted in icing decorating it. There was a big 1 candle on top.

JJ handed the cake to you, and Rafe pulled out a lighter and lit the candle.

The two of you walked over to the high chair, holding the cake in front of Iris close enough to see but far enough away that she couldn’t reach the fire.

The whole party began to sing happy birthday, and it was then that it really hit you.

The past 365 days of your life flashed before your eyes. First smile, first laugh, first tooth, first word, learning to crawl. First night home from the hospital, when Rafe never strayed far from your side, holding newborn Iris every chance he got so you could eat and shower and sleep. The day she was born, when Rafe held your hand the entire time you were in labor, wiping the sweat off your face, feeding you ice chips, and telling you You’re doing amazing, babe. How it had been a complicated labor, and when she was finally out and you heard her cry, you both looked at each other and breathed out a collectively held breath of relief. Seeing your daughter for the first time, just a tiny little thing, brand new to the world and snuggling into your chest for comfort. Rafe holding her for the first time, looking at her with pure adoration, and the way he cried (but made you promise not to tell anyone about that).

Your eyes moved up to look at him, and like he had the exact same thought at the same time, he turned and his gaze met yours as you continued to sing the song. Tears welled up in your eyes and you saw his become glassy, too. You both smiled at each other, a million unspoken emotions conveyed between them.

When the song was over, you and Rafe blew the candle out together, watching Iris’ delighted face. Rafe removed the candle and you placed the little smash cake in front of Iris.

She examined it first, cautious. Rafe grabbed her little hand, dipping it in the icing and bringing it to her lips. She gladly put her fingers in her mouth, they were usually there anyway, but her face lit up with a smile when she tasted the buttercream icing.

“See? Mmm, yummy,” Rafe said, beaming at her.

“Ummy,” Iris repeated, and she dipped her hand into the cake willingly this time, grabbing a big handful and bringing it to her mouth.

Rafe laughed, delighted, and clapped his hands together once. Guests were taking pictures and videos on their phones, the photographer getting plenty of shots. Everyone continued to watch as Iris devoured her smash cake, eating until she couldn’t anymore.

You and Rafe cleaned all the cake off of her when she was finished, which always made her cranky. She screamed as you wiped her off, but you and Rafe only laughed. You were still feeling emotional.

The big cake was served to all the guests by country club staff, and again it occurred to you that you had never in your life seen such a grand event for a one year old.

Presents were opened after everyone ate, you and Rafe on either side of Iris as she ripped into her gifts. She was more interested in the paper and empty bags than the gifts inside them, but at least she was having a blast. You knew she’d be excited about the actual gifts later.

The gift table was already overflowing with the amount of guests at the party, but you swore that Rafe himself had brought half the table. It seemed like every other present handed your way had From Daddy written on it in Rafe’s handwriting.

Iris was asleep in Rafe’s arms by the time the guests began to leave. She was absolutely knocked out from all the excitement of the day.

Rafe stroked her hair absentmindedly as you both saw your guests off, thanking everyone for coming.

It was just close family and friends left, JJ and the pogues were loading up the car with Iris’ gifts while you ate another piece of birthday cake.

“Turned out pretty good,” Rafe said, speaking softly as he held your sleeping daughter.

“Are you kidding? It was amazing. You did not have to go all out like this.” You raised your eyebrows at him, icing smeared on your lips.

Rafe reached forward with his free hand, swiping his thumb across your lips and gathering up the icing. He popped his thumb into his own mouth, sucking the icing off as he held eye contact with you. You watched him, stunned for a minute.

“It’s no big deal,” Rafe said as if nothing had happened. “I wanted her to have a good party.”

You just looked at him. He was unbothered as usual.

“Well, it was a great party,” you finally said. “I appreciate it, Rafe.”

He shook his head. “You don’t have to thank me for doing things for our daughter. I want to.”

You knew he was being honest. Rafe went overboard sometimes, this being a perfect example, but he had the best intentions and it wasn’t hurting anyone. It was hard not to fall in love with him when you watched him being the world’s best dad.

When the car was packed full and there were still plenty of gifts left, Rafe told the guys to start loading the rest in his truck.

“I’m worried all this stuff isn’t gonna fit in the house,” you said, furrowing your brows as you threw away some trash.

“Anything there’s not room for she can keep at my place,” Rafe offered. Most of her stuff was at your and JJ’s house, because that’s where she spent most of her time, but she certainly was spoiled at Rafe’s too.

When everything was successfully packed up, Rafe buckled Iris into her car seat. She was so tired she barely stirred, continuing to nap as he snapped the buckles around her body and carried her to your car.

Rafe locked the car seat into the base in your back seat. He turned to you, suddenly standing so close.

“I’ll follow you back to the house,” he said quietly. “Help you unload all this stuff.”

Back at the house, you carried Iris’ seat inside, unbuckling her and bringing her to her bedroom while Rafe and JJ unloaded the cars. You changed her out of her dress and into something comfy and let her hair down.

You rocked her in the glider. She was so worn out from her day she started to drift back off quickly, her eyes fluttering shut and body relaxing in your arms.

When you stood to lay her in her crib, you noticed Rafe standing at the door. You slightly jumped when you saw him, not expecting him to be there, which made him chuckle quietly and you gave him a playful glare.

You stepped out of the room, closing the door behind you and Rafe softly.

“She’s tired, huh,” Rafe observed, smiling at you. He was in a good mood today - it had been a good day.

“Worn out,” you agreed.

Rafe reached forward, rubbing his large hand down your arm. “You did really good, by the way.”

“It was fun,” you said. “But the planner definitely did most of the work.”

“She just did the boring part, you made the whole thing come together.”

You smiled back at him. He was being sweet, he was making an effort.

“I know everyone’s been saying it all day, but I can’t believe she’s actually one,” Rafe laughed, rubbing a hand over his face. “It feels like she was just born.”

Your smile was tinged with sadness, the emotions from the day sticking with you. “I know. It’s too fast. All of it,” You shook your head, thinking of how fleeting her baby days had been.

“I just wish…” Rafe began, looking down at his hands instead of at you as he spoke, “That I didn’t have to miss out on any of her life.”

You were silent. You knew what he meant. But you also knew that a relationship didn’t work between the two of you. It was toxic, you were both jealous, you fought all the time. When you co-parented as two single parents, things were easy. If only you could ignore the way he made you feel.

Rafe sighed when you didn’t respond. He said your name softly. You turned to look at him, finding his deep blue eyes staring into yours. He walked up to you until he was standing right in front of you, hand reaching up to play with your hair.

“Rafe…” you breathed, and you knew you should push him away, walk away, anything, but you don’t.

Rafe leaned down until his lips met yours, kissing you softly, gently. You felt yourself melt into his kiss, like every bit of common sense in your brain was dying.

His arms wrapped around your hips, pulling your body flush against his. Your arms went around his neck, and he deepened the kiss, his tongue sliding into your mouth, massaging your own.

You moaned against his lips, which only egged him on more as he slid his hands around your body to grab your ass.

You pulled away just enough to speak. “JJ could walk back here at any second…” you whispered against his mouth.

Rafe’s lips quirked up in a smirk, because he didn’t particularly care about that. But he knew you did.

“Maybe we can go to your bedroom, then?” he proposed, his fingers stroking over your body and sending shivers across your skin.

You wanted to say yes. But it was always a bad idea, always such a bad idea - maybe for once you’d make a smart decision.

“I can’t…” you said, sounding like it pained you.

Rafe just held you for a second longer. Finally, he pressed his lips to your forehead, giving it a kiss as he pulled away from you, squeezing your arm as he let you go.

“I better get going then,” he said, and neither of you wanted him to, but you didn’t change your mind. You didn’t stop him.

Rafe turned and left the house before you could even say anything. You stood in the hallway until you heard the front door closing, his truck starting outside.

You briefly thought about running after him, begging him to come back and spend the night with you. But you don’t. You decide to have more respect for yourself than that.

But you spend the whole night in your bed, thinking of him, aching for him. Until you reach for your cell phone, charging on the bedside table. You send him an impulsive text, just seeing if he’s still up.

His response comes immediately.

Rafey

Knew you’d regret letting me leave.

[petite-madame]

I just found again your account. I first saw your art when I was a teenager. And its been a while. Your art has felt like coming back to a brewed coffee and some pastries. Winter wind blowing against the coffee shop windows.

It feels like coming back home to fandoms i used to adore. And look at it fondly, in a nostalgic lense. You've worked very hard and honed your skill. I'm proud of how long you've been drawing and how you provided such joy and excitement in so many people. Heck even just sparked a glint in their eye whilst being on the internet.

Tu est merveilleuse. Tu as tellement contribué pour les fandoms. Merci énormément ♡

Hi anon ^^

First, I apologize it took me so long to answer. Messages kept piling up and it took me time to reach yours. 😳

This is one of the kindest messages I ever received. Not that other messages are not kind or sincere, or that I don't enjoy receiving or reading them but...you see what I mean ? 😳 Comparing my art and the feeling it brings you to "coming back to a brewed coffee and some pastries. Winter wind blowing against the coffee shop windows." is so...so poetic ? And strong ? And it talks to me, you see ? The nostalgia, the feels. 😭

It's really funny because I received a message from another anon who told me they hadn't "seen (my) art for years but it randomly came across (their) dash and (they) recognized the style right away" and I compared the experience to finding out that an old restaurant you used to go to as a kid was still open. That's me, I'm the restaurant, this little coffee shop that still tries to bring you good pastries. 🥳Sometimes, the menu changes a bit but it's still the same recipe and the same owner, who starts to get a bit old, but who is still enthusiastic about the new cakes available in his tiny shop.

I'm proud of how long you've been drawing and how you provided such joy and excitement in so many people.

I've always drawn, I think I will carry on as much as I can. And even if I draw for me (almost like a compulsion, a need), it's messages like yours that makes me carry on sharing my art on the internet because even if I have a "successful coffee shop", sometimes, I can't help thinking about some drawings I do "Nah, nobody's going to care about this one". 🤓 I forget about it but then, sometimes a few weeks later, I post the art and I receive messages from people telling me I made their day, that they were having a bad time but that my art cheered them up. It's incredible, right ? Someone is having a bad day in Milwaukee or Jakarta and me, and my stupid little "bakeries" helped them smile (*) for a couple of minutes. I think it's fantastic. So even if as an artist I love to share what I do, sometimes when I think that "nobody cares", I think about some random people and the possible positive outcome that my art can produce.

(*) Sometimes, I make people cry too because of death art and pretty angsty illustrations but that's another story. You're welcome, by the way 🤓

Of course, my artworks are not masterpieces, I'm not starting a pictural revolution, it's just TV show and movie characters doing "random stuff" but if these artworks that will be forgotten in 10 minutes will make someone smile just a couple of seconds at some point in time then, it was worth it. I guess. I hope so. (And sometimes, it's more than a couple of seconds because some people put my art as their desktop wallpaper or phone background. How awesome is that ? 🤩🥳)

Anyway, I'm rambling. 🙃🙃🙃 Thank you so much for this amazing message and for enjoying my art all these years. (Because I write, I write but I didn't even thank you!!)

I wish you a great weekend and I hope that you'll stop by my coffee shop again. 💗

[goose-on-the-loose]

The Darkest Hour - Styracosaurs in a Wildfire Paleoart Process Breakdown

It’s been a long time since I’ve shared my art on this account (at some point years ago I just forgot to), but I thought that this might be a great opportunity to start posting my art again! This is my first attempt at paleoart, and I think it’s worthy of sharing. It’s for my showcase at my art school, so there were time restraints that stopped me from adding elements that I would’ve liked, but ultimately I’m quite satisfied with it.

For any budding paleoartist (or anybody really) who’d like to see my process, I put it all below the read more! @a-dinosaur-a-day (hope you don’t mind me @/ing you, i originally meant for this post to be an ask but it got too long haha)

I started off knowing that I wanted to depict some kind of ornithischian for a number of reasons. Two of the biggest reasons were that 1) I simply like them more than theropods and sauropods and 2) My senior showcase is all about showing animals in ways that the viewer hasn’t seen them before, and most people don’t really think about ornithischians except for if they’re being preyed on by a theropod.

I then narrowed my choices further by looking at different formations and what species they have. I looked up what formations parasaurolophus was in (since it’s one of my fav dinosaurs and I was thinking of making it my subject) and I saw the dinosaur park formation. Looking at the different species found there and the type of environment they lived in, I knew this formation was going to be my choice. 

I couldn’t narrow it down to one species yet, so I decided to think of some scenarios ornithischians might find themselves in first. I thought, “Oooh, what about some dinosaurs escaping from a wildfire?”, since the storyline could easily be conveyed, the lighting would be interesting, and I could get creative with the composition (flames and burning debris can create arcs to guide the viewer’s eye).

I did some very quick simple thumbnails and sketches to get the feeling and flow of the lines. I saw some paleoart by Marzio Mereggia and I remembered one of his parasaurolophus pieces that I really liked. I also looked at the composition of the fire scene from Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron for inspiration. (the tiger doodle had nothing to do with it, i just wanted to draw a tiger) The shapes and silhouettes of these species weren’t really clicking for me, so I looked back on the list and saw styracosaurus. I looked at some paleoart and realized that the silhouette and shapes of their frill and horns could really draw the viewer’s attention.

So, I drew the top thumbnails and showed them to my teacher. He liked all of them, but especially liked the middle one, so I drew a larger version of it, making sure to elevate the best parts and communicate the story. I like to use highlighters when thumb-nailing because it helps me break down the background, middleground, and foreground while also giving attention to the focal points. I was satisfied with this layout, so I drew an even larger version of it that would be the same size as the piece of wood I would be painting on.

I wanted to add more dimension so I changed the placement a bit. I don’t have much to say on this one, except for the final project has less background detail because each piece in our showcase has to be finished within a certain amount of time, this is also why the adult styracosaurus doesn’t have scale detail. I would’ve liked to add it, but I have to be realistic with my time.

I then drew the sketch on the piece of wood, and then my teacher cut the excess wood off.

Painted the background and also changed the shape of the face horn to be more accurate. I believe that styracosaurus’ horns changed with age and each individual’s grew in their own slightly different way. I do regret not pushing the dark ground colors further back.

Started trying to figure out the colors in class here.

Did this all the next day, took about 6-7 hours. 3 during class and the rest in my dorm. I changed/added to the rest of the face colors later, but the beak stays the same. I still really like the way I painted the beak.

This was after 3 more hours of class time. I changed the face horn color and made the frill horns match it. I also started focusing more on highlights and shadows. This is the last photo I took during the process.

With the final version, you can see that I warmed up the highlights to match the fire and I dulled them out too (adding yellow to purple desaturates it). I also went over the background again, making the colors more vivid and adding a glow to the fire. Ngl I do regret not adding that glow to the fire on the trees, but oh well. Live and learn ig.

[sauronsgirl]

Strong Attraction

Gil Galad x Elf F!Reader

Warning: smut 18+

Eregion is so beautiful. A true elven kingdom. You are happy and lucky to live there. Although you really miss your best friend who still lives in Lindon, her parents didn't want her to travel alone with you. They thought it was too dangerous.

So you now live in a nice house near the forge of Eregion, the place where you are working now. It's an ordinary day like always when the bells at the gates of the city rings. Someone important is coming. Curious, you take a break and go outside on the ramparts to see who it is. Your eyes widen as you see it's the High King Gil Galad with his guards. You are surprised, because he usually never leaves Lindon. For the few times you've seen him, he is a good king. Always put his people first. And he is really handsome.

Knowing Celebrimbor will go meet him, you follow suit, being the smith's assistant. You climb down the ramparts and follow him. You are a bit nervous, you won't speak but he is still the King. Once you've reach the entrance, both elves starts to talk together. He is more beautiful closer.

-Y/N come here will you. says Celebrimbor smiling.

You approach blushing under Gil Galad's gaze.

-High King this is my assistant Y/N. She is helping me with a very important project I'm working on that will save us all from the upcoming darkness.

-My King, it's an honour to meet you. you say bowing your head in respect.

-My lady. It seems our smith has a great opinion of you and trust you very much. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. says the High King with a smile.

-Please follow us into the forge my King so we can show you the work we've made so far. says Celebrimbor.

For the next hour, you and the smith show the High King the rings for the elves that you have made and how they work.

Later, Celebrimbor host a diner for the High King. It's simple but appropriate for a king. You often catch Gil Galas looking your way while he is listening to his friend. You blush like a young teenage elf. He is very attractive and makes you think about inappropriate things about him.

Like right now, you imagine him laying you down on the table and dive between your thighs. He would eat you out slowly at first then speed up as he tastes more of you. The High King would look at you in the eye as he would make you come. Then once you are ready, he would fuck you on the table.

Blushing hard and feeling turn on at the idea, you excuse yourself pretending to be sick so you can go back to your room and take care of it. Before you do something stupid in front of the High King. You feel his eyes on your back as you leave.

Once you are back into your room, you lock the door and undress before laying on top of your bed. You slide a hand between your legs, feeling how wet you are only by thinking about dirty things done by Gil Galad. Already rilled up, it doesn't take you long to orgasm. You moan his name loudly, knowing you are alone in this wing of the building.

You feel tired but not entirely satisfied. It's always like this when you do this by yourself. The real thing is surely better. Feeling your juices dripping down your thighs, you get up to take a bath in the natural pond next to your room.

Once you've reached the water, you sigh in pleasure. The water is cold but feels good against your burning skin and it cleans all of the remaining of your release. Lost in thought, you don't hear the person coming. It's when they clear their throat that you open your eyes. And wish you could disappear. The High King is standing outside the water source, looking at you with wide eyes but with desire in them.

This is so embarrassing. Being caught bathing by the man you were fantasing about minutes ago. You go deeper in the water to hide more of your naked body. You are blushing so hard. The movement seems to wake him up because he quickly turns around.

-I'm so sorry Y/N, I didn't know someone was already here. apologize the High King.

-It's okay. I'm also surprised. I thought I was the only one who knew about this spot.

-I used to come here a long time ago when I needed peace from royal duties. It's a good spot. I will leave you and come back later.

As the High King starts to leave, you stop him without thinking.

-You don't have to leave. The pond is big enough for two. you say blushing.

He turns around surprised.

-Really? I don't want to impose myself.

-I'm sure yeah, come on in.

Turns out it was a good idea because twenty minutes later, you are on his lap, making out with him passionately. His hands are everywhere on your body as you grab his hair while kissing him.

Gil Galad is an amazing kisser and is most likely a great lover too. You really want to find out. You start moving your hips against him and feel his cock hardening more than it already was. The High King pulls his mouth away moaning and needing to breathe.

-Careful now. If we continue like this I will make love to you right here.

-And if it's what I want? you reply smirking.

-Then It will be my pleasure to do it, but in your bed. I want to see all of you. says the High King lusftully.

-Okay, my room is just on the other side...

You don't have the time to finish your sentence that he is picking you up bridal style and gets out of the water to go to your room. You laugh and feel more excited at the prospect of what he is going to do to you. It's going to be a great night.

[crimsononiarataki]

He'd been a bit of a troublemaker on purpose, but he'd not been behind bars since, and Yuji would know that since he'd seen him pretty much every day. Hearing the other nervously chuckle made him shake his head with a small grin, he understood though, he really did.

"Not for long ya ain't. Heizou is on the case and he'll have your name cleared soon knowin' him,"

He'd been thrown behind bars, denied medical assistance, and denied food for a week after he'd had his vision seized. Unfair as his loss was, it was still a loss that resulted in him losing his Vision, though the moment he got it back, he made sure to shine it good and proper before putting it back in its rightful place.

"There were times where I was thrown in the slammer despite not doin' anythin' at all. I'd been eatin' once, at Yukio's stall when I was suddenly taken in for no reason. Another time, I'd barely gotten back to Inazuma when I was arrested for somethin' that happened while I was in Liyue."

There was a group of humans who blamed him for everything that went wrong. Luckily, most of the time his name was cleared but here were some times where he was thrown in jail before the real perpetrator was brought in. Usually by Heizou. That was one of the reasons he and the Doushin were friends.

"I have the perfect place in mind, and the folks there love when I show up, cause my portions are larger on account of bein' an Oni, and I tend to order some of the top shelf sake to drink with my food."

The restaurant also had a great deal of food, some were even Liyue cuisine with an Inazuman twist. He felt Yuji would like it, the atmosphere was welcoming and the people were great.

"I've got friends in Mondstadt, Liyue, Sumeru, Fontaine, and Natlan, I've also visited all of the nations before, I think ya would like 'em. We could have a lot of fun travelin' together I think."

They might even be able to use his boat, really, it was a sea vessel, and there were no longer any crazy storms caused by the Archon surrounding the nation. He'd have to register it as an Adventurer's vessel, but he didn't mind, plus the fee wasn't that bad. As Yuji sat on his lap, the Oni would chuckle softly and then wrap his arms around the other male to bring him a bit closer to himself.

"Even if we weren't datin' I'd still wanna help ya as much as I could."

Yuji just tilts his head at his boyfriend's words, humming lowly as he listens. That was true. He has heard that the Oni has been behind bars. More times than he could probably count. A low, nervous chuckle leaves his throat as he looks down, nodding. "I-i understand that. Even still. I'm still labed as one, dispite not doing anything." He says as he frowns gently, "I know you got yourself in multiple predicaments."

Yuji would then smile again as he strokes Itto's hair more, his fingers running through his strands, humming happily as he plays with his soft hair. "That sounds wonderful. I like that idea." He agrees before his eyes widens softly at the idea of traveling, a wide smile on his lips as he gently sits up,

"Really?! i-I would love to travel! Especially with you!" Yuji says happily, nodding in excitement. "it's been my dream to travel to other nations!" The swordsman would suddenly move into Itto's lap, hugging his head close to him gently, watching his horns. "Honestly...it makes me happy to know that you're doing so much for me and now that we're dating...I haven't felt this happy in so long..."

[rith-lost-whatevertheyare]

first post to offer is: a big dump of my version of the koopalings......... cause i finished it yesterday and i just want to talk about it.

!!! DISCLAIMER !!!

The events here happens about years later of the original koopalings. And things got a little angsty in the process.

TW: Mention of surgical injuries.

Larry Koopa:

- 15 years old, second youngest koopaling.

- Rockstar, have a punk rock band with three friends.

Larry is the most rebellious koopa of the seven. He gets in trouble often, and it's not the type of trouble like breaking a ceramic jar or just be noisy. Nah, he gets in trouble with the police and break stuff in every concert he have. Pretty much a punk.

The most responsible one is Ludwig, making sure he doesn't get lost in the middle of the night, or intoxicated in every concert or party.

"He's just a kid" they say. "An angry kid" Ludwig corrects.

These situations made Ludwig have to get psychological help for Larry. For now, is going well, even if it's a long process.

Lemmy Koopa:

- 13 years old, the youngest.

- Juggler, circus artist.

Even if Lemmy is the youngest koopaling, and seems to be quite childish, he's quite mature when it comes to business. Since he's clearly not old enough to work in a circus, he's controlled by the crew of the Koopa Circus, which are the ones supervising Lemmy to not get hurt while doing his shows.

He's positive and the sunshine of the family, always cheering up his siblings. The closer brothership have is with Iggy.

Morton Koopa Jr.:

- 18 years old.

- Blacksmith of the castle.

Morton is actually the one that people considered that changed more. More after... What happened. Why does he have a scarf on? Easy. His jaw is broken. But like... Dislocated, almost tearing off his face. It's not pretty sure how did it happened, Bowser prefers to blame it on Mario. But what is sure, is that Morton became more intimidating after that, only seen inside his workshop, blacksmithing weapons for the Koopa Troops.

Despite the fact he's now mute, and is forced to eat specific food, Morton still have a kind soul and is a great company for his siblings. He loves to hear the new stories Lemmy have for him, attend to Larry's concerts, make a friendly fistfight with Roy, listen Iggy ramble about his new experiments, help Wendy choose her new dress, and listen Ludwig's new pieces.

Roy Koopa:

- 22 years old.

- Fighter, former boxer and street fighter.

You can think Roy as the typical 'bad boy vibe' guy. He's tough, easy going, smug... Everything you can expect from a boxer. He works with Wendy, though Wendy is more careful and intelligent while fighting, while he is more impulsive. It's not surprise Wendy won more trophies than Roy, but that's not a impediment for him.

Curiously, Roy and Wendy are the only biological siblings in the koopaling family. They don't like to remember how they started to learn how to fight...

Iggy Koopa:

- 23 years old.

- Scientist, specifically focused on biotechnology.

Iggy is a nerd. A crazy nerd. As far as his siblings know, Iggy didn't do anything too... Dangerous to experiment. More than mix some chemicals that ends up with a nosebleed and dizziness, or chemically modify a plant that actually would make the ceiling go broken. Yeah, not more than that.

But Iggy always talk about being a God, and have a strange fascination over human species. How the bodies works, how the human mind can go miles away...

The only rule is "Princess Peach must stay away from Iggy Koopa."

Wendy O. Koopa:

- 25 years old.

- Fighter, co-partner of Roy Koopa in the ring.

The only girl of the family, and the one that is obvious she grew with only men in her around. Wendy never leaves her coquette side when it comes to fighting, after all her muscles look good in a pretty pink dress that matches with her ribbon.

Wendy is not only a fighter, but also responsible of the younger ones, Larry, Lemmy and Bowser Jr. to be exact. She's a great help for Ludwig and also a great older sister, in all honesty.

VERY noisy though, if she wants to make a scandal, she won't think twice in doing it. But besides that, she's a sweetheart.

Ludwig Von Koopa:

- 30 years old.

- Musician, classical composer and professional piano player.

It's always "Ludwig is so fine" but never "Is Ludwig feeling fine?"

Ludwig is tired. Periodt. But even if he's tired, he still keeps his responsibilities in check, always acting authorative, and the one that takes most of the decisions commanded by Bowser or Bowser Jr., though he never takes Bowser Jr's suggestions. It's letting a kid rule the world, and he thinks that's pathetic.

Oftenly Ludwig prefers to pass time in his room or outside of the castle, live his adult life. Sucks at social interactions whatsoever.

He's the one that have more mental struggles, but refuses to get external help. Everytime that's mentioned, it causes an argument.

____________________

i think that's the whole thing i wanted to dump. all the other stuff works like in canon but just years later, if that makes any sense.........

i may draw more of these and also ill present my koopa oc later!!1!1!

[mak-be-ghouled]

ghouls pairs? what about dew and phantom?

phantom wakes up in a dissociative episode, dew helps, he understands more than phantom could ever imagine. (i’ll have to write about dews own experiences with dissociation later)

read under the cut:)

phantom unintentionally running themself too thin over the last few days, they’ve just done and gotten to do so much, it’s great really, but gods they’re so exhausted.

they shuffle to their room in silence. it’s rare they sleep alone, rarer they head off without saying goodnight to the pack.

phantom didn’t really even think about it, so tired the mere thought of addressing their pack, opening their mouth to form even one word far out of their ability now.

they must fall asleep the moment they hit the bed because the next thing they know is fighting to open their eyes against the morning sun.

their body feels impossibly heavy. they can barely see through the brain fog clouding their vision.

they hear the chattering of their packmates and the clanking of dishes. they hear cumulus’ giggles and mountains belly laugh. it dies back down to a muffled conversation, phantom is just out of earshot.

they want to go join them. satanas there’s nothing they want more than to go join their pack right now, somehow even their presence would make it all better.

but phantom is stuck, mentally or physically it doesn’t matter, maybe even both. as much as they want to join their pack, they can’t bring themselves to to make the short journey to the common room, and so they just lay.

they’re not sure how long they stay like that just…frozen.

for the first time in a while phantom’s brain is quiet, and somehow that’s the most overwhelming part.

somewhere, far off in the distance, phantom think maybe they hear a knock on a door? they’re not sure and the still can’t bring themselves to call out. it sounded so far anyway, maybe it wasn’t even on their door.

but then their bed is dipping under the weight of another ghoul. there’s an unexplainable warmth radiating from the weight too.

dew doesn’t speak for a long while, doesn’t move any closer, doesn’t reach out. he knows better.

finally a tiny bit of that fog has lifted, phantom turns their head to look at dew.

really dew should’ve expected it, should’ve been prepared to be met with a gaze right through him, but he wasn’t usually the one on this side, and seeing phantoms eyes so clouded, his heart feels like it’s shattering.

“hi baby”

dew croaks out

all phantom can muster out is a hum, but dew understands, that’s all he needs.

“can i hold your hand?”

dew asks inching just barely closer

“please?”

phantom breathes out

dew takes phantoms hand into his own and their hands are so unbelievably cold. sure their a quint but this is an issue, dew doesn’t need to be a quint himself to know this. he knows how the void can seep into quintessence, has seen it happen with his own eyes on more than one occasion. he can almost grantee that’s why phantom is so cold to the touch, why they’re feeling…like this.

dew tries not to let the sadness show in his face as he increases his temperature a bit.

dew sees the exact moment when another layer of fog leaves them, their eyes still dim, but far less so now. their fingers twitch in his palms and he smiles softly.

“you with me bug?”

dew whispers

“think so”

phantom slurs out. they’re definitely still struggling, but they’re slowly coming back.

“hey love? you’re awful cool to the touch, you think it’d be nice to get under you’re nice blankets? i also brought you some warm tea if you’d like that?”

phantom didn’t even realize they weren’t under their blankets. they must have crashed out on top of the covers last night.

phantom looks up towards dew and gives him a tiny nod and an involuntary whine as they start shivering.

as much as dew hates seeing the shivers wracking through their body, he know that means they’re come back to him. he also notes their eyes are just that much clearer.

dew helps maneuver phantom under the blankets and then phantoms eyes are flickering between the steaming tea sitting on their nightstand and dew, and again suppress a whine they didn’t even know they were making.

finally, dew realizes what’s distressing the quint so much

“how ‘bout this, i’ll sit up behind you and you can lean your back against my front, that way i can help warm you up and you can drink your tea, hm? that sound ok?”

“please?”

phantom breathes

dew quickly gets himself into position, pulling phantom into himself and handing off their tea.

the moment phantom settles into dew and begins drinking their tea their jerking shivers melt into soft purrs.

dew joins in with phantoms purring and runs his hands up and down their sides and legs soothing them, grounding them.

it’ll be a while before phantom is fully present again, but they know dew is there with them, that he’ll keep them safe, that he isn’t going anywhere, and that’s all they need right now, he is the grounding force they need right now.

and dew wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. he says as much into phantoms hair, leaving a kiss between their horns.

phantom doesn’t have to say anything for dew to know how much they appreciate him right now.

[mityfresh]

Thank you to Pantheon staff for such a great cartoon.

[scoops-aboy86]

You know what? You know who else loves that ‘doing co-dependent stuff but they’re not even dating, they should totally date’ shit?

Dustin. He’s just looking at Steve and Robin instead of Steve and Eddie.

So imagine one day he sits Steve down like, “Steve. Buddy. Longest of my older male friends.”

“It’s so weird that you call me that man, stop it.”

“Whatever, just listen to me.” And proceeds to go on a long, winding lecture about how when you spend all your time with someone, finish each other’s sentences, honestly seem to read each other’s minds half the time, that means something. He doesn’t mention Robin’s name because he knows Steve will shut him down the second he does, like always, so he keeps it general.

And he’s so damn pleased when a startled ‘oh’ of realization crosses Steve’s face because finally!! Progress!!

The next day, Steve is particularly antsy when he picks Dustin and the rest of the party up for a ride to Hellfire at Eddie’s new place. Dustin figures he's still hyping himself up to ask Robin out, so he makes sure to tell Steve all kind of supportive things, reassuring him that he looks good and he’s got this—to the point where Lucas and Mike keep giving him weird looks, but they wouldn’t understand, this is brother-to-brother stuff and all they have is sisters.

When they get to Eddie’s place Steve parks and comes in with them, which is a first. But Dustin knows that he and Eddie have been hanging out a lot lately, which is great! He probably wants an additional pep talk from his friend, and Eddie is great at getting people hyped up. Like, when Steve took them all to see Corroded Coffin play at the hideout a few weeks ago? Even Steve had been into it, let Eddie try and teach him how to head bang after the show and everything—and he doesn’t even like metal. So Steve asks Eddie if they can talk in the kitchen for a sec, and Dustin grins and flashes him a thumbs up.

And, you know, Dustin really feels like he has a part in this conversation, since the whole thing was his idea. He puts his stuff down at the table and only gets into a brief argument with Gareth about where they left off last week and what they should do next before trotting off towards the kitchen with the excuse of grabbing a soda.

He did not expect to walk in on his two favorite older male friends making out against the pantry. (… Okay maybe Steve is right, that does sound weird and he probably should stop calling them that, but that’s not the issue right now.)

They break apart just long enough for Eddie to pant, “Hey, Henderson… fucking thank you, man.”

Steve looks over his shoulder and shoots Dustin a happy grin. Like, the happiest Dustin has ever seen him look, ever. “Yeah, I never would’ve put two and two together without you, buddy. Now… get out.”

“This is great and all,” Dustin says, “but what about our game?”

“Out,” Steve repeats, while at the same time Eddie says, “Give me ten… fifteen minutes. And close the door behind you!”

So that’s a development. And, in retrospect… Dustin can see it.

They kind of make more sense together than Steve and Robin even, considering those two bicker like Mike does with Nancy while Steve and Eddie’s back and forth has always been like… Dustin doesn’t know, but some sort of something. An energy. A vibe. Maybe like that electricity Steve had been talking about, the first time they’d really talked back while looking for Dart.

… Whatever, Dustin is still claiming matchmaker bragging rights as soon as everyone else knows. For now, he has to go back to the game table and spin a worthy cover story to his compatriots about why dnd is going to start a little late.

you know what...my favorite steddie trope is actually "they aren't even dating...yet". love seeing the most ridiculous, homoerotic, and codependent shit slapped together in two sentences and then followed by they're not even dating. i eat it up every time, keep doing that shit🙌

[hella1975]

i cannot stand the aot fandom this is not a new take at all they are universally intolerable but oh my dayssss u are FORBIDDEN from making ANY take about the show it's actually insane to watch. 'aot is perfect' no show is perfect. 'tell me you didnt get the show 😂🫵' people have different opinions/interpretations about things. 'eren is a good guy they could never make me hate him' i think there's actually 4 seasons and two movies explicitely using him as a tool to show that no one is 'good' or 'evil' they are only trying to survive. hello. the fandom r all so far up aot's ass that they actually discredit its writing in the process and it would be laughable if it wasn't so frustrating

[honeyconez]

guys hear me out would painis cupcake pay taxes? Because he’s not like mega insane like ass pancakes I think he’d pay his taxes in my professional opinion.

[junipersdragon]

As I promised! For you, @jellyskink

Emotional Support Coat

A Grunkle Ford fic about his fuckass trench coat

It was rare to see one Stanford Filbrick Pines without his infamous trench coat on his person, but it does happen occasionally. Such an occasion had arisen on a lazy Sunday afternoon in the late spring while his niece and nephew were visiting for their school break. After a much-needed family hike through the forest of the sleepy town (Mable’s idea), Stanford had tossed off his coat in his bedroom before retreating upstairs for a shower.

A scientist’s mind was always working, and Ford was no exception to this rule. Equations and theories flashed behind his eyelids as he scrubbed the sweat and dirt from his hair with the sandalwood scented shampoo Mable had insisted he use.

“Grunkle Ford, you have to be mindful of your hair care!” She had explained. “Eight-in-one shampoo is not acceptable! This stuff is practically engine cleaner with the amount of sulfates in it!”

Sighing, he let the warm water run over his face as he rinsed his hair and body before turning off the water and stepping out of the shower. He loved his great niece, but sometimes he didn’t understand her insistence on things such as skin and hair care or how certain types of clothing should be washed. She was usually right in the long run, but he still didn’t understand it.

Once he was dry and dressed into his clean clothing, he made his way back downstairs to decompress and journal a bit before lunch. He enjoyed it, actually, despite no longer having his scientific journals with him. Keeping a journal just for himself was healing for him. It allowed him to categorize his thoughts and feelings with no obligation to show anyone else. His adventures with Stanley, his fond memories, his nightmares and fears; they were all recorded in his personal journal he kept.

Once he made it back to his room, towel lazily rubbing at his damp hair, he stopped in the doorway and looked around. Something seemed… different. Like something was… missing.

Panic slowly started to sink in as he tossed the towel aside and started rummaging around the room, looking for any signs of what it was that was making him feel so distressed. His journal was untouched, there were no fairies or squirrels hiding out in the small spaces, but- there! The small pile of dirty clothing he kept in the corner of the room was gone!

And his trench coat along with it.

“No…” he murmured quietly. “No no no no nonononono!!!!”

Racing out of his room, he called out into the house. “STANLEY!!!!”

“IM IN THE KITCHEN!” The man’s brother called back.

The man rushed to the kitchen, the tight feeling in his chest making it hard for him to focus. “Stanley,” Ford began as he walked into the kitchen, trying to calm his frazzled nerves. “Have you seen my coat?”

“Your coat?” Stan asked, pausing his sandwich making to look over his shoulder at him. “Yeah, Mable took it to the laundry room with all the rest of the dirty clothes. Why?”

The man felt sick to his stomach. Without another word, he turned and made a B-line for the laundry room as quickly as he could. His brother’s questions of if he was ‘okay’ were muffled and far away as he hoped and prayed to whatever gods were out there that he wasn’t too late.

Much to his dismay, he was.

“No!” He cried out, rushing over to the washing machine and pressing his face against the window that separated him from the inside. His beloved trench coat tumbled around in the soapy prison and he was powerless to stop it. The cycle was already halfway through, taking it out now was pointless.

The tightness in his chest grew to ahead as tears spilled down his cheeks. His chest rose and fell with breath as his fingers buried into his hair, grabbing and pulling the damp locks in a feeble attempt to get his brain to do something, anything!

“Grunkle Ford?” A sweet voice asked from the doorway of the laundry room.

His breathing became more uneven as his desperation grew. He needed his coat. He needed his coat now!

“Grunkle Ford!” Mable gasped, rushing over to him and holding his face in her hands. “Grunkle Ford, c’mon, look at me!”

Through his stress-induced brain fog, he flicked his eyes upward to look at the girl. She was worried, it was written all over her face. It made him feel even worse.

“Grunkle Ford, you gotta breathe, okay? Copy me.” She told him, taking in a deep breath. “Breathe in…. Hold it…. Then release.” She instructed, releasing the breath slowly.

Shakily, he mirrored his great niece. Breath in, hold, release. Breath in, hold, release. Breath in…. Hold…. Release.

“There we go…!” She smiled, gently taking his hands from his hair and putting them into his lap.

“Thank you, Mable.” He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you.”

“That’s okay!” She told him, but her smile faltered a bit. “What happened? Is everything okay?”

Ford sighed again and looked at the washing machine, the rinse cycle finished and waiting for the clothes to be transferred to the dryer. He felt pathetic. “My coat…”

“Your coat?” She asked, sitting down cross-legged in front of him.

“I didn’t realize that you were going to take it to wash. So when I came back to my room and saw that it was missing, I panicked.”

Mable gasped, eyes wide as her hands flew to her mouth. “Oh my gosh, Grunkle Ford! Im so sorry!” She said.

“Oh, no, Mabel it’s quite alright!” He tried to reassure her. “I’m not upset with you, you were just trying to do something nice for me! That coat means a great deal to me, you see, so I don’t like to be without it for very long.”

“So it’s like…. Your emotional support coat?” She asked.

Ford knit his eyebrows together, thinking for a moment before nodding. “Yes… yes, I suppose you could say that it is.”

“Oh!” Mable said, nodding her head. “Okay, I get it! It’s kinda like how Dipper always wears his hat!”

“Yes, just like that.” He smiled, gently ruffling her hair. “It helps ground me, in a way.”

“I get it!” She smiled. There was a beat is silence between them before she looked at the washing machine. “What are we going to do, though? Your coat is still super wet from the washer…”

“Hmm…” Ford hummed in thought before shrugging and standing up. “Toss it into the dryer, I suppose.”

“What?” Mable asked, surprised. “Are you sure?”

Taking a breath in through his nose, Stanford sighed and nodded. “Yes, I’m sure.” He said before smiling at her. “I trust your judgement and I know that you’ll take care of the things that mean a lot to me.”

Mable smiled, standing up and hugging her great uncle. “Thanks Grunkle Ford. For trusting me with your coat, and for not being mad at me when I mess up sometimes.”

The man smiled and hugged her back. “Mistakes happen, my dear. It’s how we handle the mistakes that make the situation better or worse. And I would say out of the two of us, you handled the situation far better than I did.”

Giggling, she looked up and him. “It’s okay Grunkle Ford! Any time you need someone to help you, I’ll be there.”

A weight lifted from the man’s chest and he nodded, squeezing her a little tighter.

“Thank you, Mable.”

Is there a Gravity Falls fic of Ford having a panic attack because someone tried to wash his nasty ass coat

[13eyond13]

.

[sunburnacoustic]

No post-gig IG post from Muse after Rock Werchter. Silence from photographers too. They’re not pleased about what happened last night huh.

[starchildghost]

look I like tlovm and I find it interesting the way they take some of the original gameplay and condense it into their cartoon to make it fit and not rely so much on what the gameplay naturally relies on - its narration and exposition.

But they won’t ever be able to take Kerrek’s passed through fire letter from me and here’s an excerpt of it because I truly love it:

“The town... when I say the repair is going well... it is a hard thing for me to talk about. I am not a particularly clever man, and much of this is new to me. When you make a mistake with metal, you can melt things down and start fresh. It is irritating, and it costs in time and soot and sweat, but it can be done. There is a comfort in iron, knowing that a fresh start is always possible. But a city is not a sword. It is a living thing, and living things defy simple fixing. Roots cannot be reforged. They scar, and broken branches must be cut and sealed with tar. And this makes me angry, as it always has, and my anger has no place to go.

It was easier when I was young. I could use my anger like a hammer against the world. I was so sure of myself, and my friends, and my rightness. I would hammer at the world, and breaking felt like making to me, and I was good at it. And while I was not wrong, neither was I entirely right. Nothing is simple.

I do not work in wood. I am not brave enough for that. There is a comfort in iron. A promise of safety. A second chance if mistakes are made. But a city is more a forest than a sword. No... it needs more tending than that. Perhaps a city is like a garden, then.

So these days it seems that I have become a gardener. I dig foundations in the earth. I sow rows of houses. I plan and plant. I watch the skies for rain and ruin. I cannot help but think that you would be better at this. But circumstance has put both of us in our own odd place. You are forced to be a hammer in the world, and my ungentle hands are learning how to tend a plot of land. We must do what we can do.

Did you know that there are some seeds that cannot sprout unless they are first burned? A friend once told me that. She was... she was a bookish sort. I think of gardening constantly these days. I wear your gift, and I think of you. And I think it is interesting that there are some living things that need to pass through fire before they flourish.”

So many people overlook Keyleth’s anger (especially if you’re only watching the cartoon, and that’s not your fault), but it’s one of my favorite things about her, and here Kerr is acknowledging it in both himself and in Keyleth. She is after all the druid who nearly gave up functional immortality and so much power to take a level in barbarian - to have a place to channel her rage. She heals, and her hands are gentle, but she’s still so, so angry. And, like some seeds she might tend and grow, she has to pass through fire before she can flourish. She becomes the leader her people need, even though she loses her love and she will watch her friends grow old and die around her, and some total strangers to her give her her mom back, and she helps bring a woman who died because of herself and her friends back to life. but first, she needed to feel that rage, she needed to be burned, to become sure of herself and her abilities and her love for her people and her friends, and I love her so