#i bought the book from a second hand bookshop! it was 4€ :) | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

obsiomamaryjoy2000 · 1 year ago

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Empathy Map

Secondhand Bookseller -situation; Hard to find buyers and sell secondhand books to them

Secondhand Book buyer -situation; Want to buy cheaper books to save money.

Instrument

The target markets/interviews are required to respond through messenger chat, and interview face-to-face. We prepare two questionnaires, each questionnaire containing seven questions that address the main points outlined in the Empathy map. One questionnaire is intended for target market #1, while the other one is target market #2.

Results for the Interview

Questions Target Market #1 :

What do you need to do to find buyers and sell secondhand books to them?

Answers:

Online selling and online transactions.

Post it in social media accounts or group pages.

To find buyers and sell secondhand books by meet them with negotiable price.

Asking random students (survey) to post on social media.

SUMMARY: To find buyers, they use social media and personal networks to advertise and sell their secondhand books at negotiable prices.

2. What do you see or experience when you try selling your secondhand books to potential buyers?

Answers:

So tiring and shy to sell books. But it teaches me to not mind other's opinions.

It's really time-consuming when I'm finding buyers. Plus, I still have a lot of other things to do so it's not easy to schedule my time in selling secondhand books as a student.

It was a great experience to sell my second-hand book to the freshmen since they surely needed the book that I had used. And they said it was an advantage for them to have the book for future reference because it was the one the teacher was using.

I've tried selling my secondhand books so many times and it has been a big help to me especially to my buyers.

When trying to sell secondhand books, you might experience a range of responses from potential buyers, such as inquiries about book conditions, negotiations on price, and the satisfaction of finding interested buyers.

Nothing significant experience at all.

I feel thankful that they actually bought the book even though it's a secondhand book.

A number of variables, including the book's quality, popularity, price, and target market, must be carefully taken into account while trying to sell used books to potential customers. The likelihood of finding an interested buyer and negotiating a price can be improved by being aware of these elements and changing the sales strategy accordingly.

Summary: When selling, they experience fatigue and time constraints, but also occasional success and satisfaction in finding interested buyers.

3. What do you say about “Preloved Book Bridger”, a business in CMU that provides service by helping you sell your secondhand books at no money cost?

Answers:

Very thankful and happy.

It will be a godsend.

It was actually a great idea. It was already conducted by the JPIA officers to connect buyers and sellers of books which was convenient for everyone.

It would be a great help if such a service is provided here at CMU.

I'm not aware of a specific business in CMU that provides such services, as my knowledge is up to September 2021.

Thankful

Good

There are alternate possibilities available both online and offline, despite the fact that Central Mindanao University does not have a specialized firm that offers services to assist people in selling their used books for free. These possibilities consist of utilizing web resources, taking part in regional occasions or fairs, and contacting nearby bookshops. It is advised to consider several options while evaluating each one's viability in light of the specifics of the situation.

Summary: They are thankful for services like "Preloved Book Bridger".

4. What do you usually do when you're not selling secondhand books?

Answers:

Leisure time for relaxation.

If I have time to relax, I'll gladly do it. But usually, I have a lot of tasks as a student so that's what I usually do.

The books just stay in my cabinet.

Just let the books pile up in my room.

Engage in various activities like reading, working, or pursuing other hobbies.

Standby

Do school activities.

Kung di ko makabaligya og libro, ang akong main focus jud is maka learn sa tapos e analyze ang data in a statistical og logical way, kung unsay angay og di angay buhaton og unsaon pag improve para malutas ang problema.

Summary: When not selling books, they engage in various activities, primarily related to their studies.

5. What do you hear from others about the act of selling secondhand books?

Answers:

I hear from others discouraging other people to not buying my books because of their assumptions that it being bad quality.

They say things like my secondhand books are not of the best quality so it's not a good business but based on my experience, it's not as bad as I heard from others.

It was a good idea to sell to have income as a student.

They said that it helps them save more money than actually buying a brand-new one.

People often share their experiences with selling secondhand books, including success stories, challenges, and the importance of presenting books in good condition.

Interesting

Naay negative og positive sides nga akoang kagadunggan sa mga gabaligya og gapalit og secondhand books. Ang negative kay dili mahalinan ang mga sellers kay kasagara daw sa cheaper books according sa customers is cheap pud ang cover, designs, flow sa information sa book og uban pa nga gakakita sa book pero ang positive side is kagahalinan ang ubang gapamaligya ani kay ang underrated daw nga mga book or kanang books nga wala nakagain og popularity sa mga tao, mao daw kuno na ang mga nindot og context

Summary: People have mixed opinions about buying secondhand books, citing concerns about quality and cost savings.

6. What do you get from selling secondhand books?

Answers:

Other than profit, it makes me happy to help others save their money when they buy my books.

Other than profit, it makes me feel accomplished since I can finally reduce the space I consume in my room.

Aside from income I met new friends, which is my potential buyer.

I earn money by doing that and it adds up to my allowance.

By selling secondhand books, you can gain extra income, free up space in your home, and help others find affordable reading material.

Maybe it can no longer be helpful to me, but for others, it may be helpful to get books at a cheap price.

Help me gain extra income and help others to save their money.

Daghag benefits sa pagbaligya og books such as makakuha og compliments sa akong nabuhat, akong positivity og akong dedication sa tanang aspect as a seller. Also, possible pud nga makagain og popularity nga mas maka affect sa akoang willingness nga mag strive pa og e improve pa ang akong works. Sa pov pud sa buyer, dako pud kaayo nag impact sa ila especially those people who love books.

Summary: Selling secondhand books brings them income, space-saving, and new friends.

7. What are your pains in selling secondhand books?

Answers:

So tiring and shy to sell books.

Hard to find buyers and time-consuming.

It’s not really pain but just some obstacles like in a normal market, there are many competitors/sellers.

So far, there’s none.

Some common pains in selling secondhand books include dealing with negotiating prices, and the effort required to list and manage book sales.

It's enough for me to let it go, but I know it will surely help others.

Some of the buyers beg to lower the price even if it is low enough.

Kung pains, usa na ang mga tawo nga dili maka appreciate sa akoang works and that's okay. We can't force people, as long as makashare ko sa akong passion okay na na sa ako. Secondly, ang gasto. printing book is so expensive, sa ink and pages pa lang daan mahal na, how much more if apil na ang cover? But it doesn't matter as long as you love doing what you're doing, it really doesn't matter.

Summary: Their pains in selling books include tiredness, difficulties in finding buyers, and sometimes having to lower prices, but they also note the importance of book quality and pricing strategies.

DOCUMENTATION

Questions Target Market #2:

1. What do you need to do to find and buy a secondhand book for your own needs?

Answers:

I usually go to online shops but the quality of the books on display is really doubtful since I can't know the condition of the books directly.

Buy a secondhand book that I need and save money instead of purchasing a new one that has a higher price.

To find and buy cheaper books for personal needs, you can explore options such as secondhand bookstores, online marketplaces, and library sales.

Find them online during the discount time.

Posting on social media and finding a person who actually sells a cheaper book to save my money

Summary: They find and buy secondhand books from various sources, such as online shops, during discounts, or through social media posts from sellers.

2. What are the types of books you currently need to read right now?

Answers:

Academic books that are part of my college subjects this year.

The Contemporary World

The types of books I currently need to read depend on my interests and goals, which can vary from academic to self-help, or any other genre.

“Enhance your grammar” book, maybe.

Books that are related to businesses

Summary: The types of books they currently need range from academic to self-help or business-related.

3. What do you say about “Preloved Book Bridger”, a business that sells secondhand books in CMU?

Answers:

It's great.

Great idea, secondhand books are student-friendly price.

I'm not aware of a specific business selling secondhand books in CMU.

Great.

Nice

Summary: Their opinions about businesses selling secondhand books are generally positive, appreciating affordable options.

4. What do you usually do when you're not searching and buying secondhand books?

Answers:

As a student, I use my time to do assignments and study for exams. But if there's not, I want to play video games.

Mag search online

When I'm not searching for cheaper books, I may be engaged in other activities like work, leisure, or spending time with family and friends.

Online searching

Nothing special

Summary: When not searching for books, they focus on academic activities, leisure, work, or family time.

5. What do you hear from others about businesses that sell secondhand objects, specifically, books?

Answers:

I heard from others that they're poor quality but I don't mind as long I bought the book at a cheaper price.

Maybe the seller really needs money to sell secondhand books.

People often share their opinions on businesses that sell secondhand books, discussing aspects like book quality, pricing, and the overall experience.

Thankful

The damaged quality of the products.

Summary: Opinions about businesses selling secondhand objects, particularly books, are varied, with some concerns about product quality.

6. What do you get from buying secondhand books?

Answers:

It saves money

Saves money. Original books kay mas mahal.

Buying cheaper-than-original books can lead to cost savings, allowing you to purchase more books or allocate your budget.

Poor quality

Saving money

Summary: Buying secondhand books saves them money, but some acknowledge concerns about quality.

7. What are your pains in searching and buying secondhand books?

Answers:

None so far.

Cheap quality

Some common challenges in searching for and buying cheaper-than-original books include limited availability of specific titles, concerns about book condition, and the time spent hunting for deals.

Poor quality

The quality is poor.

Summary: The challenges in searching for and buying secondhand books include issues related to quality and availability.

DOCUMENTATION

Empathy Map

Lesson Learned:

From October 9 to 13, we make the Empathy Map Activity. We had to first identify our target market and request permission to conduct an interview at their convenience, offering alternative platforms if the interviews preferred not to have a one-on-one face-to-face interview. This taught us the need to be patient and flexible because some people are exceptionally busy, especially when midterms are approaching. We learned to adjust our plans to accommodate their schedules and needs. Therefore, we the group members are helping each other to accommodate the number of students to reach the answer that we need for our target market.

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chaosciara · 1 year ago

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List five things that make you happy, then put this in the inbox of the last ten people who reblogged something from you, get to know your mutuals and your followers!

I love these! I never seem to run out of things to talk about (do I just talk to much?) thank you fawn!

five things that make me happy:

1. I just submitted my proposal for my masters thesis! GIRL? RUN!

2. all the shows I’m currently watching. there’s not a single one that I’m not enjoying IMMENSELY

3. I’m on a trip in the mountains with my family and truly it’s the loveliest thing. we went to a little town and ate good food and wandered through funny little stores.

4. today I bought a book at a second hand bookshop thousands and thousands of kilometres away from my university and when I opened the cover there was a sticker of my university’s logo on the inner page! what a time to be alive? <333333

5. I made a cherry knot for the first time in a while the other day. I love cherry knots I can’t wait for cherry season to roll around again so I can sit with a whole punnet and see how many stems I can tie with my tongue

you’re so lovely angel friend! sending good things always <3

#ciara’s convos #fawn things

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twatkcox · 1 year ago

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[The Keihancarl Diaries: October 21, 2023]

Hi everyone, Keihancarl here once again. And I bet this weekend’s gonna be awesome.

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The Ozine Fest Halloween Special, held at the Fairview Terraces, will be the third anime/cosplay event I attended for this year, after the Pinoy Otaku Festival 2023: Shizen (Robinsons Novaliches) last May and the Best Of Anime 2023: The Reunion (SMX Convention Center Manila) last September. I never got to visit Coshabatsu, which was also held at the Fairview Terraces a few months ago.

Anyway, my awesome weekend should begin with a post-birthday celebration, with a cup of caramel macchiato iced coffee, cinnamon roll, and bloody velvet cupcake from Cafe Luca. I was initially planning to have a slice of Basque burnt cheesecake, but I changed my mind at the last minute.

I managed to take a lot of selfies, as well as food photos. I even took a couple of videos of the fork cutting a piece of the bloody velvet cupcake (one of the Halloween items).

I then uploaded the first batch of photos to my Instagram accounts. At that point, I was probably enjoying myself too much, knowing that I’d be attending the Halloween-themed anime/cosplay event later.

I only stay for about an hour since I need to get to the Ozine Fest. It was already 4:00 PM when I left the cafe.

Next stop, Fairview Terraces. I immediately headed to the event center to check some of the booths and bought a few souvenirs, including a couple of anime pins, a small Pochita plushie, and a book by Sskait (yup, he had a booth at the event).

As it is a Halloween-themed anime/cosplay event, the cosplay competitions are, of course, Halloween-related. There are also some mini-games as well. And there’s the trick or treat.

By the time I got there, the Worst Nightmare Cosplay Competition was about to begin. Seeing that most of the booths took up the event center, there’s very little space left in front of the stage. Not only that but some of the booths are located in the eastern hallway near Owndays.

From the second floor of the mall, the event center looked incredibly crowded.

Back at the event area, I had a few selfies with some of the cosplayers.

At the fountain area, I took some more selfies. The wacky ones.

The first day of the event ended as soon as the winners were announced. It was almost 7:00 PM, but the stage was empty. But the booths remained open until about closing time, I assume.

I then head to SM Fairview and visit a couple of bookshops. I managed to buy a second-hand manga at Booksale (Bodacious Space Pirates) that was on the shelf for almost four years. I remember seeing that book a lot of times whenever I passed by that branch, but it seems like no one bought it nor it was pulled out. But on that day, I finally decided to pick it up, and that was that.

I only checked the lower and upper ground levels and had dinner at Bonchon Chicken at the mall’s second level. I checked the department store after that (there’s a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf branch inside the department store aside from the one at the Parkway) and bought a couple of items at the supermarket before going home.

I must have spent a lot of money on these items, but they all serve as awesome souvenirs from the event. The manga, however, was bought outside the venue and may not be considered one of the souvenirs from the event, but I decided to include it anyway.

I'll definitely read the comic book very soon. Wish I also bought the eggplant plushie as well.

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That day was really special to me since that was the first time I celebrated my birthday at my favorite hangout place post-pandemic. I bought some awesome souvenirs from the Ozine event too. I never got to eat out at a Japanese restaurant (which I did a week later) or shop for some clothes to replace the ones in my wardrobe (I only bought a Shoyo Hinata shirt at the department store a week later as well). The small Pochita plushie and the recent book from Sskait serve as my birthday presents to myself. Too bad I never got to visit the second day of the event, but I somehow managed to squeeze almost everything in one day.

And that’s how my post-birthday celebration/first time at an Ozine event went. Hopefully, I can plan my next mall-hopping trip by November, as soon as I can procure some potential additions to my wardrobe.

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Most of the pics are from my Instagram account, @kcox_105. The Ozine Fest haul and the pages from the Sskait comic were exclusively uploaded to my Threads account of the same name.

#weekend #birthday celebration #Lagro #Ozine Fest #Fairview Terraces #SM Fairview #thirty three #mall-hopping #going places

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acerathia · 2 years ago

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I'm a person who scavenges used books from lobraries and second hand bookshops, so the first time i bought a book which wasn't meant for my school work, i nearly had a stroke. What do u mean this costs 30 bucks???? What??? I got another book with the same size for 4??? What is this????

#still got it tho #and excited to read it #i got #uhhhh #babel #and #the priory of the orange tree

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thesoulprophecies · 2 years ago

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Twelve People Who Visit Bookshops.

I have to confess, I haven’t read Shaun Bythell’s ‘Seven Kinds of People You Find in Bookshops’ so this list may have some similarities to his book, however the list below is based on my own observations from working in a large second-hand bookshop. Please note this list is loosely based on reality and is not meant to be taken too seriously.

1] The Box Rummagers

These customers are a curious bunch, when they see an open box, they have a strange compulsion to rifle through it. Sometimes this is a hindrance to the bookshop staff as the box rummager may be drawn to boxes of books that haven’t been processed or priced yet. Box rummagers also don’t appear to care where these boxes are, and are quite happy to sit in the middle of the floor in order to look through what can only be in their minds, a cardboard treasure box.

2] The First Timers

The First Timers are easy to spot, they usually walk into the shop with expressions of pure amazement and sometimes confusion. They will also ask loudly ‘Is this place a library?’

3] The Lost Husband Seekers

Usually sporting a frown or a look of confusion, these customers often come in with a bag of goodies they have bought from a different shop and offer an explanation for their arrival by saying; ‘I’m just looking for my husband’. Sometimes they may ask questions like, ‘Has a tall man walked in here?’ To which there is no adequate reply as there are often a lot of different customers browsing the shelves. The Lost Husband will sometimes hear their other half and offer some help in locating them by shouting out from their position.

4] The Annualists

These customers know exactly what they’re doing and exactly where they are going. They will spend hours browsing the shelves collecting armfuls of books they wish to purchase. Sometimes they may start a pile of books at the desk and add to it as they go round the shop. Once they are ready to pay, they will inform the staff that they make a special visit to the shop every year and may confess to saving their money especially for this one visit.

5] The Cafe Hunters

This may not happen in every bookshop, but we advertise coffee on our sign and most people assume that coffee equals cafe, it does not. We have a lovely coffee machine that makes very good coffee, but we do not have a cafe. The mistaken Cafe Hunter will stride in with a hopeful expression, look around and ask; ‘Do you have a cafe?’ When you inform them that you have a coffee machine, they immediately look disappointed and walk back out to find a cafe.

6] The One Book To Rule Them All Pursuers

These customers have a one-track mind and only one book they wish to find. Sometimes they have been looking for this one book for years, others are looking for a recent new release that we may or may not have. Often these customers can’t remember the exact title or the author of the book they are looking for, as it may be a book from their distant childhood. Other customers seem genuinely confused that you don’t know the book that they are talking about, or don’t have it in stock, Many people don’t realise that knowing every book is an impossible feat, approximately three hundred thousand new books are published every year in the United States alone.

7] The Desperate Child Distractors

Parents, grandparents, or aunts and uncles who are looking after the children for the day, will come in looking exhausted and relieved that they have finally found somewhere that might keep the children occupied for ten minutes. When we inform then that there is indeed a children’s section downstairs for young kids and upstairs for older kids, they smile weakly and march straight to the back to set up a temporary camp in the children’s section. Toddlers are especially entertaining as they will often swipe books that are far too advanced for them as their guardians usher them to the back of the shop.

8] The Book Dealer

The Book Dealer will make a beeline for the collectors’ books and then spend anywhere from fifteen minutes to a couple of hours carefully examining the rare books. If they do decide to purchase some books, they will always announce they are part of the book trade.

9] The Rainy Day Explorer

These customers are trying to escape the weather. They are usually on holiday somewhere in the area and have sought out an activity they can do that is inside when the weather turns bad. The Rainy Day Explorer is usually delighted with big bookshops and will spend hours inside browsing the shelves. They will often buy books that they didn’t know they were looking for.

10] The Short On Time Visitors

These customers don’t have much time to waste and go straight to the desk to ask any staff member if they have a particular book in stock. Sometimes these customers have a list of books they are looking for. If you can find their book, these customers are usually pleased and happy to pay and leave as quickly as possible.

11] The One Lap Sprinters

Not really customers as The One Lap Sprinters don’t tend to buy anything. They come into the shop and do a lap of the shop and walk back out again. No one knows why they have come in or what they are looking for, although sometimes they are silent Cafe Hunters.

12] The Bookshop Professional

The Bookshop Professional shops regularly in bookshops and knows the drill. Sometimes they ask for directions but mostly they locate the areas they want to search and find a book or two they wish to buy. If they have more time, they will spend longer browsing all the shelves and picking up whatever catches their eye.

#books #bookshop #bookshoplife #bookshopday #bookshelf #booklover #booklr #diary #funny

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shortace · 3 years ago

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I was in a used bookshop today, surprise surprise. And while I was in there with my kids, there was another family browsing too. Two small girls - about 4 or 5 - their mother, and her mother. At some point the girls decided they wanted a particular cookbook, and their mother wouldn't let them buy it - 'You won't use it, sweetie!' she kept saying. The girls got a little bit upset, but nothing major, no more than totally normal for children of that age upon being refused something. To be honest, I barely heard their upset; what I heard loudest of all, from the other end of the shop, was the mother complaining about them. 'I just can't with you. You've made this a terrible experience. I'll have to come back here another time without you. My mum and I will come back alone, we know how to appreciate books.' Honestly she went on and on.

Fam, it was just awful, I was so heartbroken for these poor little kiddos who just wanted a book. A second-hand book that can't have cost more than a few dollars. The mother was buying stuff, and trying to steer them towards other choices, it's not that she didn't have the money. And the way she berated them, literally for nothing - for complaining a little bit, just a tiny little bit - talking to and about them as if they were no more than a nuisance, in front of strangers (me, my own kids, the bookshop owners).

I almost wish I'd said something. I wish I'd bought the book for the kids and slipped it to them later. I wish adults in general looked at children as humans worthy of respect.

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corvus--rex · 3 years ago

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First of two ideas I played with as a foil to OLIP (Our Life in Pictures, for the uninitiated, and on Ao3). Pretty short, just under 1k. I decided I wasn't really happy with where it was going, so I abandoned it. Because it was meant to be a foil to OLIP, it is an Omegaverse, and as usual, skip it if it's not your thing! :)

Side note: the book mentioned, Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers, is part of the Lord Peter Wimsy series of detective stories written in the 1930s.

~*~*~*~

Keith sat on the floor of his studio apartment, putting the final brushstrokes on his latest painting. His alarm went off, telling him that he needed to be ready to leave in twenty minutes to get to his job at Olkarion, the independent bookshop he worked at. He rushed around the open space, cleaning up from painting, getting himself changed, and then putting the still-wet painting out of reach of his cat. Red sat like the emperor he knew he was, watching. They had originally thought he was a Maine Coon, since that was what the shelter said, but the vet later identified him as a Norwegian Forest Cat. Keith scratched his fluffy head on his way out the door, reminding him to behave.

He was an unusual Omega. 24 and still unmated. Living on his own. His Alpha half-brother checked in on him every couple days, but Shiro knew Keith was fine. It was really their mother Krolia who worried. She was afraid of what could happen to an unmated Omega living alone in the city. She didn’t need to. Keith may have been an artist who worked in a bookshop, but he was also an experienced martial artist and could more than take care of himself. It was why Shiro didn’t worry about his little brother the way their mother did.

Olkarion was within walking distance of Keith’s apartment. He preferred walking, especially with city parking and everything he needed being within walking distance anyway. It was one more thing Krolia worried about with her younger son.

“Hey, Ryner,” Keith said as he walked in.

Ryner, a thin, grey-haired, older Beta, was the owner of Olkarion. Warm hazel brown eyes sparkled with intelligence from behind her green wire-framed glasses. “Oh, Keith, there you are,” she said from behind the counter.

He stopped, turning back to her. “I'm not late, am I?” he questioned.

She laughed. “Oh, no, not at all. Romelle has been attempting to sort out the Art section and I’m afraid it hasn’t been going well. If you could take over for her, please? You know it far better than she does.”

Keith snorted. “Sure thing, Ryner. You want me to send her up here?”

“Please do. The Shakespeare club will be in soon. We’re still reading Much Ado About Nothing, and the arguments! But, yes, please, send Romelle up.”

He laughed to himself and left for the bookshop’s back room. Ryner had been running a Shakespeare book club for years with some members who had been there since the beginning and the rest coming and going. Keith had been working there since high school, and knew all the oldest members. He also knew how much they liked to argue over interpretation. He would never forget one time when they were in the middle of Romeo and Juliet, and Miss Trigel, Ryner’s oldest friend, announced to the whole of the bookshop, “It’s all swordfights and dick jokes anyway!” The entire shop had gone dead quiet for several long seconds before Ryner and Miss Trigel burst out laughing.

In the back room, Keith hung his jacket and slid his messenger bag into one of the antique wooden “lockers” Ryner had bought from a boarding school’s remodel several years earlier. Her entire shop was like that. Full of “rescued” antique wood in the form of bookcases – the only rule was that they had to be approximately the same height, sort of – side tables, chairs, the two latter scattered liberally throughout, and the farmhouse table surrounded by armchairs taking up an entire alcove.

Keith found Romelle in the Art section, where she was sorting books by size as opposed to subject and author.

“Ryner wants you up front for now. Shakespeare club,” Keith said stopping beside her, “I’ll take over here.”

“Finally! Thank you,” the other Omega sighed in relief, “I don’t know how much longer I could do this. How do you do it?”

He shrugged. “I dunno. I just kinda tune out, I guess.”

“Well, I’d better get up there.” Romelle practically skipped away.

Keith shook his head at her energy and got fixing the disaster. An hour later, and he’d mostly done it. Romelle hadn’t done as much damage as he’d been afraid of. Another twenty minutes, and he was reshelving the last misplaced book. Coming down from the tracked ladder built into the wall shelves he nearly walked into someone. He found himself eye-to-shoulder with an Alpha. The Alpha quickly backed up.

“Oh, I’m sorry. That was my fault. I wasn’t paying attention. Are you ok?” he asked all at once.

Keith blinked in surprise and backed up himself. “Uh, yeah, I’m fine. Was there something you were looking for?”

“I think I’m in the wrong place. I’m supposed to be looking for Gaudy Night?”

The Omega nodded. “Dorothy Sayers. Mystery’s this way,” he said, leading the way through the maze of shelves and bookcases to an entire room dedicated to the genre. He pulled a copy off the shelf, handing it over. Keith folded his arms and leaned back against the shelves. “I hope you don’t mind my saying, you don’t seem like the type for Thirties detective stories.”

“It’s more my sister’s thing, but she’s been trying to get me into it for years and I'm finally giving in.”

“Well, if you end up liking that one, there are several others in the same series and a couple other authors from the same period that are all good.”

Keith knew the Alpha nodded just from the wave his scent made. It was woody, but green, unlike the strong musk most Alphas had. A forest at the height of summer, bright and earthy, and if sunlight had a scent, this Alpha had it. Keith looked up to bright blue eyes watching him.

~*~*~*~

Links to the rest of the series:

1 | 2 | 3* | 4 | 5* | 6* | 7 | 8 | 9* | 10 | 11 | 12* | 13 | 14 | 15* | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19

#my writing #abandoned wips #keith kogane #lance mcclain #alpha lance mcclain #omega keith kogane #abo #omegaverse #klance #keith x lance #vld #voltron #voltron legendary defender

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alex-ruins-everything · 4 years ago

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Turning Pages - Chapter 9

Intrulogical bookshop au! Read the whole thing on ao3 here.

Logan wasn’t sure what made him invite Remus up to his apartment. It was only the second date, and yet...here he was unlocking his door and letting Remus in for a cup of tea.

“Sorry it’s a bit of a mess,” he apologized, looking around the pristine apartment. The mess in question was a mug he had left on the drying rack and a book he hadn’t put back on the shelf.

“If this is a mess you’re gonna have a heart attack when you see my place…” Remus mumbled, following Logan in.

“I’m sure it’s fine,” Logan assured, heading to the kitchen while Remus walked around the living room. Though he did smile a little at the promise that he’d see Remus’ place eventually. That meant Remus planned on keeping him around a little longer.

Logan pulled down two mugs from the cupboard, one black and one navy blue, and set the kettle on to boil water. He opened up another cupboard humming a little as he looked over the large tea selection.

“What kind of tea would you like?” he asked Remus who was currently looking over the book on the coffee table.

“What kind of tea do you have?”

“Well...I have blueberry, raspberry, ginseng, sleepy time, green tea, green tea with lemon, green tea with lemon and honey, liver disaster, ginger with honey, ginger without honey, vanilla almond, white truffle, blueberry chamomile, vanilla walnut, constant comment, and...earl grey.”

“Uhm…” Remus blinked. “Green tea with lemon and honey?”

“Of course,” Logan nodded, pulling that tin out with the tin of sleepy time and preparing their two mugs for when the water finished boiling.

“Well...I know what to get you for christmas now. Anything tea related,” Remus joked, putting the book down on the coffee table and coming into the kitchen to lean against the counter.

“That is what Patton does when he gets me in the shop’s secret Santa. I’ve got many animal shaped tea infusers from him, most notably the sloth and the llama we’re using now.”

“Aww...you guys have a secret Santa for each other? That’s so cute.”

“Yes, it was Patton’s idea, though I doubt that’s surprising at all,” Logan said, looking to Remus and not being able to stop the light smile from appearing on his face.

There was just something about Remus that made him feel illogical and happy. He was surprised that he didn’t find that to be a bad thing, but it was hard to think of anything other than Remus when the other man was around. The kettle started to whistle and he poured the steaming water into the mugs, handing the black one to Remus.

“We can sit on the couch if you’d like,” he said, heading over to where he usually sat for tea drinking, turning the radio on to his favorite classical station on the way. He kept the volume low so that they could still talk.

Remus followed, sipping his tea and scrunching his nose. He was not a tea person, but Logan had offered it so he would drink it.

“So, pirate royalty romance, huh?” Remus asked with a smirk, picking up the novel on the table again.

Logan blushed deeply, taking the book out of his hands and setting it down. “It’s, ah...a very guilty pleasure of mine. I can’t say I understand the romance aspect, but it is interesting to follow a storyline that is highly historically inaccurate for the sake of romance playing out. And I’ve found I have been giving into my more...whimsical side...recently. I even bought donuts for the shop.”

“Donuts?” Remus gasped, throwing a dramatic hand over his heart. “Who are you and what have you done with my Specs? Pirate romance is one thing, but donuts? Absurd behavior.”

“I know!” Logan said with a light chuckle, catching onto the joke once the hand went up. Roman had explained to him once that that usually meant sarcasm. “Like I said, my head has been up in the clouds.”

“When I’m with you my head is all the way up in outer space, babes.”

Logan blushed again at that, sipping his tea and enjoying the warmth that coursed through his body at it. Though that warmth might have something to do with Remus if he was being honest.

“What’s this?” Remus asked, picking up an open notebook from the coffee table.

Logan’s eyes widened a little when he realized what it was. Oh, shit. The list. The list he had made trying to rationalize away his feelings for Remus.

“Oh, that’s rather embarrassing, we don’t need to- and you’re reading it. Okay,” he sighed slightly, watching the other’s expression as he read.

“You like my eyes?” Remus smiled, looking up. “And you think I’m attractive. And tall.”

“Well, yes. I think the attractiveness and your height are plain facts. I am quite fond of your eyes, though. I think they’re, ah...pretty…?”

“Do you have a pen?”

“A pen?”

“Yeah, I wanna make a list of my own,” Remus replied.

Logan wasn’t sure quite how to respond, but he reached over to the small basket he kept remotes in and pulled out a pen, handing it over. Remus shot him a thanks and got to writing on a clean page of the notebook. Logan could only imagine what sort of thoughts Remus was writing down...but he couldn’t help but find further features to make his heart flutter a bit. The way the tip of Remus’ tongue poked out in concentration or the way his brow furrowed slightly, it was cute.

“Done!” Remus said with a happy grin, pulling Logan out of his thoughts.

“Done with...what?” Logan asked.

“Read it, silly.”

Logan looked down as the notebook was shoved into his hands, sipping his tea as he read the title. Things Remus Likes About Logan. Oh, it was a mimic to the list he had made, except there was no rationalization column. He blushed slightly, going down the numbered list. 1- He has a cute nose. 2- The way he dresses like an old man. 3- He always has good book recommendations. 4- Doesn’t tell me to shut up when I ramble. 5- Great ass. Really good ass. Awesome ass.

Logan thought he might cry a little bit, though the last number on the list got a small chuckle out of him.

“Add your laugh to that list for sure. And your smile,” Remus said, pulling the notebook back to write down both those things.

“Is this you flirting again?”

“It is.”

“Well, then...thank you. Your streams of compliments are appreciated, though unnecessary. I’m not really sure how to flirt back.”

“I think you just did,” Remus replied. “In your own special way, of course.”

“Then I shall continue to flirt in my own special way,” Logan promised with a yawn, a hand coming up to cover his mouth.

Remus looked down at his hardly touched mug of tea before looking back to Logan.

“I’ll get out of your hair,” he said, standing up. “Looks like that sleepy time is kicking in, hm?”

“Only partially, but it is best that I start on my nightly routine before I get too tired,” Logan nodded, standing as well. “Thank you for another nice evening.”

“My pleasure, babes,” Remus grinned, heading towards the door.

Logan followed Remus to the door, pausing with his hand on the knob. They were very close together and looking up at the other he got an urge to do something highly illogical. He wanted to kiss Remus Kingsley. That was ridiculous, Logan had never particularly wanted to kiss anyone ever in his life. It seemed Remus had a similar idea, though, as he started to lean in, hesitating for a moment to give Logan a chance to back away. Logan didn’t, standing his ground and tilting his head up a little bit until he felt Remus’ lips on his. Just a quick peck of a kiss, but it set his whole mind ablaze even more than when Remus had kissed his cheek.

“G’night, Specs,” Remus said, pecking Logan’s lips once more and heading out.

Logan was left rather speechless, not even processing Remus had left. Remus who he had just kissed and it had felt electrifying from just that small peck. He was left internally squealing as he sipped his tea with a personal smile and started on his night routine, smiling at the list Remus made when he went to clean up the other’s untouched tea. Maybe, just maybe, he could supply Patton with some proper gossip tomorrow.

TAGLIST

@theiwatobiicepic

#alex-writes-everything #turning pages #intrulogical #prinxiety #moceit #remus sanders #logan sanders #roman sanders #virgil sanders #janus sanders #patton sanders #sanders sides

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heliads · 4 years ago

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Away With Me Chapter 4: The Village

Princess Y/N is dreading her looming arranged marriage to a wicked nobleman when she makes an unlikely friend in castle craftsman Peter Parker. Will they be able to become close despite their differences in status?

previous / series masterlist / next

When the morning sun is finally too bright to ignore, you blink open your eyes, still tired.

You look up at the arched wooden ceiling, letting a slow smile cross your face. Here you are, lying calmly next to the boy your love. For the first time, you don’t have to worry about any marriage contract or palace decorum- you are finally free of all responsibilities except to live happily with Peter.

Speaking of Peter, the brown-haired boy is waking up, too. He presses a light kiss to your forehead and stands up, stretching. The two of you eat a quick breakfast before he heads out to the town center- he needs to check in on his job as village craftsman to make sure everything looks alright. You, on the other hand, have absolutely nothing planned. Well, what else can you do except go explore?

You pull on a faded green dress from the bag you brought with you, fixing your hair quickly before heading out the door. You bask for just a moment in the warm sun, then start on your journey.

You make sure to walk every inch of the village, not wanting to miss seeing a single street or cobbled square. Most houses have small flowering boxes or neatly trimmed gardens encircling them like a gate of greenery, and you make a note to yourself to look into making a garden of your own. Wouldn’t it be fun to have your own wandering lines of flowers and ferns in the back of your house? You stroll past bakeries and blacksmiths, milliners and marketplaces. At last, you are thrilled to discover a small bookshop, and eagerly slip inside.

The bookseller runs a quiet little shop, closed away from the hustle and bustle of an early morning. The cool air is scented slightly by the old books, and the rustle of fading pages is music to your ears. You feel like you could spend hours in that darkened store, but you tear yourself away after a while. You do allow yourself to buy one book though, a small book of fables that caught your eye with its intricate leather bindings and detailed illustrations.

As you stride out of the bookseller’s, blinking in the sudden sunlight, you catch sight of a young girl struggling to carry two buckets full of water. She barely looks older than five, and the buckets are so full that the water inside threatens to slosh over onto the street, ruining all of the girl’s hard work. Instantly, you run over, taking one of the buckets. The girl looks at you gratefully, and you follow her to a bakery, where she hands the buckets over to a thin-faced woman in a flour-covered apron.

The girl considers you for a moment, then sticks out her hand solemnly. “My name is Charlotte.” You take the girl’s hand with equal formality. “I am Y/N.” Charlotte peers at the book you’ve just purchased. “Thank you for helping me with the water. Is that a book from the bookseller’s down the road?” You nod, smiling. “I just bought it a few minutes ago. Have you read this one?” The girl shakes her head sadly. “I’m needed to help my mother with the bakery, so I don’t have time to go to school and learn to read. I’d like to though, a whole lot.” You smile at the girl, forming an idea. “What if I taught you how to read?” Charlotte’s face lights up. “Really? You mean it?” You nod, taking the book out from your bag and guiding the little girl over to a bench. “Absolutely. Let’s begin.”

Charlotte turns out to be a quick learner, and the two of you go through some letters before her mother calls her once more. Just before she goes, Charlotte begs you to come back the next day and teach her even more, and you readily agree. Smiling over the girl’s excitement, you wander your way back home.

Peter is waiting for you, and he kisses you in greeting once you open the front door. “How was your first day being a commoner like the rest of us?” You laugh, and swat him on the shoulder. “It was just wonderful.” And it was- the feeling of being free to do whatever you want instead of adhering to the guidelines of royalty is one of the best feelings in the world.

Most of your days pass like this- Peter heading off to work, you helping Charlotte learn to read or work on your (admittedly struggling) garden or finding some other way to help out around the village. You and Peter are easily welcomed into the village, and it brings you no small amount of joy that you can live with the boy you love and have such a wonderful time doing so.

Peter is glad that you fit in so well, too, and whenever he’s out in town he always does his best to come see you at least once during the day. One time, he came to visit during your daily lessons with Charlotte, and the beaming smile on his face when he saw the two of you bent over a book could have outshone even the sun.

Blessed hours turn into days, and glorious days turn into weeks. Before you know it, you have lived in the village for three months. To celebrate, you brought home a cookbook from the bookseller’s, and Peter comes home to find you studying a recipe for cherry pie with all the solemnity of one of the kingdom’s highest scholars.

“What’s all this about?” Peter walks up behind you, taking in all of the pots and pans you’ve used as well as the cookbook. You turn to him, grinning. “I am celebrating our three-month anniversary of living in the village. I made a pie, which should be ready right about-” You’re cut off by your clock striking the hour, and hurry over to your oven. “Right about now!”

Luckily for you, the pie looks perfect, and you and Peter hurry to set the table before it cools off completely. Just before you can cut into it, though, there’s a loud knock at the door. Peter looks at you confusedly. “Were you expecting anyone?” You shake your head, but Peter’s eyes clear. “It must have been old Mr. Bennett from down the road. He always does this whenever I start on a new project for him- I’ve barely been working for longer than a minute before he’s coming back to the shop and listing some other new idea. I’ll answer him- it’ll just be another moment.

Peter stands up and walks over to the door, unlocking it and pulling it open. At the look of fear flashing across his face you stand up, too, and realize with growing horror that it is not simply old Mr. Bennett at the door, but instead, the King’s Guard stands before you.

“Mr. Parker? You are under arrest for the kidnapping of Princess Y/N. You will be coming with us.” The guards step forward, and you realize that everything the two of you have worked so hard for, the life that you have enjoyed so much, is crumbling around you.

You race forward and stand close to Peter, wrapping your arms around him. “No! You can’t take him!” The captain of the guards moves towards you, and pulls you away from him. You fight as hard as you can, but before you know it Peter is being dragged out of the room and you are left alone. You crumple to the ground, sobbing.

When you finally are forced back to the castle, you immediately go to your room and lock the door. No matter how many times your father or your guards or even your ladies-in-waiting try to convince you to let them in, that door remains locked. You cry and cry for what feels like forever, mourning the loss of your life with Peter. It had all happened so fast- one minute the two of you were sitting down to dinner, no worries in sight, and then the guards had swooped in and taken him away from you. The cherry pie was probably still on the table, uneaten. Would little Charlotte know what had happened to you? Would the people of the village know?

Later that night, you’re finally able to slip away from the newly posted guards at your door long enough to see Peter. You wind your way through the dank passages of the dungeons until you reach Peter’s cell, and, without alerting the dungeonmaster (nicknamed ‘The Vulture’ by the castle staff because of his harsh treatment of the prisoners) or the guards patrolling the cells, you unlock the cell door and fling your arms around the boy you love. He holds onto you tightly, and you cry quietly into his shoulder.

“Oh, Peter, I’m so sorry! I never meant for any of this to happen- this is all my fault- I never should have-” Peter cuts you off softly. “Never should have what? I don’t regret meeting you or falling in love with you for a second. It was my idea to run away together, and I probably should have made sure that we went further away from the castle.” You pull back from Peter for just a second, taking in the sight of him. You lace your fingers in between his, and guide him out of the cell.

“Where are we going?” Peter asks you in a hushed whisper, desperate to not attract any unwelcome attention. “I’m getting you out of here. Come on!” You guide your love through the passageways and out of the dungeons until the two of you are standing near a castle entrance, lit only by the light of the rising moon. You thrust a bag of food into Peter’s hands. “There’s a horse not too far from here, I saw it from my window. If you hurry now, you should be able to get out of here before anyone realizes.”

Peter looks at you, confused, but you continue on. “The von Struckers are angry that I ran away from the wedding, so my father is going off of some lie that you kidnapped me. By pretending that it was all your fault, he can keep the marriage intact and still get the money and resources that our kingdom so desperately needs. The problem is, kidnapping a princess is a terrible crime and they’d probably kill you.”

Peter laughs at that. “I’m not against leaving. Come on, let’s go.” He takes a few steps towards the door, but looks back at you when he realizes that you haven’t followed him. “Come on, Y/N. You said it yourself- we need to get out of here before the guards realize we’re gone.” You shake your head softly, trying to hold back tears. “The guards won’t realize I’m gone because I’ll be back in my room. You know I can’t go with you, Peter.”

Peter rushes back to you, holding you close in his arms. “Why not, Y/N? We could make it out- no one would notice-” You laugh mournfully. “I would love nothing more than to run away with you. Those few months we had in the village were the best of my life, but the guards found us because they were looking for me. If I stay here, they won’t come and find you, and you being safe is worth a hundred terrible marriages.” You gently disentangle yourself from Peter’s arms. “You need to go. There’s only so much time we have.”

Peter looks at you, and you swear you can feel his heart breaking right along with yours. “I can’t let you go, Y/N, you know that. Please, come with me.” You take one step back, hating yourself all the while. “I need you to be safe. I need you to live! Take the horse, and go as far away from here as you can and never come back. I will miss you every second of every day, but it will be worth it if I know you will be alive.” Peter rushes to you once more, and kisses you one last time. “I will never forget you, Y/N. I will love you for as long as I live.”

With that, Peter holds you tight one last time, and then quickly races off into the night. He turns back once, just before he’s out of view, and you watch him go for as long as you can. Once he fully disappears from sight, you let out the tears you’ve been holding back. Peter is gone, and you will never love again.

#peter parker #peter parker imagine #peter parker x reader #peter parker imagines #spiderman #spiderman imagine #spiderman x reader #spiderman imagines #spiderman homecoming #spiderman far from home #royalty au #peter parker royalty au

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drawnecromancy · 4 years ago

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The Anti-TBR Tag - yeah it took me almost a week to get to it sghsdlk

Tagged by @logarithmicpanda, and yeah, i did see i just have stupid brain disease kllkdsghsdklg

1. A popular book EVERYONE loves that you have no interest in reading ?

That's a good question ! As per usual, i have absolutely no idea what kind of book *everyone* loves. So I literally can't tell if I'd have an interest in the books everyone loves, because I don't know which ones they are ?

The one book that was loved by a lot of people that I remember right now is The Song of Achilles and I bought it and started reading it. On the other hand, I do not like it and I'm not finishing it, ever, so let's say it counts.

2. A classic book (or author) you don’t have an interest in reading?

Uh... is The Great Gatsby considered a classic book ?

3. An author you have read a couple of books from & have decided their books are not for you?

HARUKI MURAKAMI. I actively dislike pretty much everything i've read from him except one short story and the beginning of a second short story.

4. A genre you have no interest in OR a genre you tried to get into & couldn’t?

I genuinely can't think of one right now ? No thoughts head empty...

5. A book you have bought but will never read ?

Let me check... the only ones I can think of are books that I've started reading and have stopped because No. Which, uh, is technically out of the answer but I tend to think that I will at least try anything I've bought before giving up... So to stay specifically in the field of the question : none lmao

As for tagging people : @nerdlemons @bookshop-cryptid @la-moustache-de-khadgar @wolfsnape i hope this catches your interest!

#tag game #anti tbr tag #can you tell my brain retains no information ever and that i don't know shit ?#some of these questions are hard i think #especially the fourth one since uh #seemingly unlike Literally Everyone I Know i can't tell what genres are #i can tell you if it's medieval fantasy based on the number of magic swords elves and dwarves but that's it #i don't know shit about fuck sgklhsdkgls this tag must have been extremely uninteresting to read #long post #ish

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yourfavoriteagent · 4 years ago

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Your Midnight Company Part 3

Hey guys! Here’s part 3 I promised! I hope you’re liking the series so far! I’m having a blast writing it!

Also found on my AO3: Here!

Content Warnings: None

It had been three days and you’ve only heard from Spencer a few times, he texted you briefly the first night he got there but other than that it’s been short check-in texts for the most part. One day he was waiting for his boss to get back and he had a moment to talk. He told you it was a rough case but they think they’re getting it and how he should be back within the week. He also mentioned how he was excited to see you again which made your heart do cartwheels in your chest.

———-

S: ’guess who’s coming home! :)’ ‘you???” S: ‘wow how’d you get that so quick? Yep! We lift off in an hour.’ ‘how was the case?’ S: ‘I can’t talk about it but it wasn’t an easy one, I’m just glad it’s over’ ‘aww, I'm sorry :/ I’m glad you’re coming home, unfortunately, I don’t work tmrw but I work Thursday so you should come in then!’ S: ’what if instead… I take you out to dinner tomorrow?” You stopped in your tracks, like a date? Was this a date? Are you two dating? ‘like a date?’ You pull the trigger and ask, terrified of his response, yeah he was cute and you did like him there was nothing to not like, you just didn’t want to look like an idiot and assume. S: ‘is that alright with you?’ ‘yes! That’s perfect with me! A date it is!’ you’re grinning from behind your phone, wow a date with Spencer Reid, sorry, Doctor Spencer Reid. S:’ I’ll pick you up at 7?’ ‘sounds great, I can’t wait.”

———

The next day drags on, every time you look at the clock it’s only been two minutes since the last time you looked. You have never sat through a longer one hour lecture in your life. Finally, it was 3 pm, your final lecture of the day. This one lasted until 4:30, you tried your best to read the slides your professor was putting up but every thought was about tonight. You had a whole outfit planned out, you knew exactly what makeup you would wear, the only problem is you have no idea where you’d be going, he could take you to McDonald's for all you know. The clock hits 4:30 while your professor is rambling about an essay due in a few weeks, you practically jump out of your seat when the professor dismisses the class. Okay, it would take you about 20 minutes to get home on the bus then you’d have like 2 hours to get ready. You’re planning out your time in your head so much you nearly miss your stop. You unlock your door and set your bag down, realizing you hadn’t heard much from Spencer today and he didn’t know where you lived, you’d been way too distracted with the thought of tonight and your classes.

‘hey cutie, did I give you my address?”

After sending the text along with your address you walked into your bedroom shucking off your clothes and setting out the dress you planned to wear tonight. The jumped in the shower washing everything you could think of, you were so nervous which is weird because you’ve spent a good amount of your time talking to him but somehow this was different. It was all real for the first time. You dry off and head back to your bedroom to slap on some makeup, you kept it elegant but simple, opting for a pair of subtle lashes and some tinted lip balm. You wanted the “you but better” look. You decided to go with loose curls in your hair, making it bouncy and smooth. Next, you slid on your dress, it was a dark green slip dress, nothing super fancy but still nice. The gold jewelry you paired with it stood out against the darkness of the dress. You were looking over yourself in the mirror when the doorbell rang, he was 3 minutes early. You rush down the hall with your flats in hand. You hoped you looked good as you threw open the door, trying your best to look like you hadn’t just run through your apartment. “Wow, you look amazing.” He smiled draping a black coat over his arm, he was wearing a white button-down with the top two buttons undone and a pair of nice black pants, you looked stunning. “I could say the same to you.” You were grinning ear to ear as you reached around the door to your side table where you grabbed your purse then you were out the door. He held his hand out to yours and walked you down your hallway and out into the cool night air. Thankfully it wasn’t raining tonight so the two of you walked a few blocks down to a nice Italian restaurant you've never eaten at, it had always looked too expensive for you, but he opened the door for you and the two of you walked right in. “Reservation for Dr. Reid.” He said to the woman at the front desk, she nodded and told him to follow her. She walked us through the tables until we got to the back where there was a table with a single candle on top. It was next to the window that showed off the lights of the city. It was beautiful. He pulled your chair out for you and sat down across from you. You were looking around the restaurant at all the hanging lights and paintings on the walls. “This place is so nice, Spencer you didn’t have to bring me here.” “Why would I not want to give you the best I could provide,” he smiled and reached across the table for your hands, “Besides, I pass this place on my way to work every day I’ve always dreamt of bringing the perfect girl here for the perfect night.” You blushed hard at this, “A hopeless romantic?” “You could say that.” He hadn’t stopped smiling since he picked you up. A waitress came by with two menus and water for both of you. He ordered a chicken alfredo and you got the mushroom ravioli, it was beyond delicious but also ridiculously expensive. I mean who would pay $27 for pasta? Apparently, Spencer would, he would buy even more, you two got a brownie with homemade ice-cream to share at the end of your date. Aside from the food you two talked, he talked a bit about his case, although not being able to provide too many details, apparently there was a serial killer in Boston that was preying on young girls, he said it like it was so standard. Almost like it was boring, you couldn’t imagine what it would take to shake him up. Before dessert, he pulled a brown paper wrapped package from his coat pocket and slid it across the table to you. “What’s this?” You ask. “It’s for you, I saw it in a bookshop in Boston and thought of you.” He smiled, “Go on, open it!” You tore at the wrapping uncovering a book. It was a gorgeous edition of The Ship of Theseus. You remembered talking about this the first day you two met. You put it in your Amazon wishlist of things to buy with your next paycheck but he already bought it for you. “Spencer, you didn’t have to! Thank you so much!” You flip the book over to look at all the detail of the cover. “I was hoping you hadn’t bought it for yourself already. I think you’ll like it.” He smiles, his eyes were bright and happy. It was a wonderful sight.

———

The check came but before the lady could come back with Spencer’s card he gets a call. “Sorry,” He says picking up the phone and starting to stand up. “This is Dr. Reid. I see. Okay, I’ll be there in ten.” “All good?” You ask as the woman comes back with the card. “Yeah I think so, I’m so sorry to ask this but I need to run to my office for a moment, would you mind coming with me? It’s just down the street, I’ll walk you home right after.” He looks at you apologetically, you guess this was not the perfect date night he had imagined for the two of you. “Oh, of course, I don’t mind at all. Is it okay that I’m there?” You ask getting up out of your seat and grabbing your purse. “Yeah, I’ll talk to Hotch it should be fine.” He takes your hand and you two walk out of the restaurant hand in hand. He wasn’t kidding when he said he passes this place on his way to work, he stopped at a building four doors down and handed you his coat. “Here, it’ll only be a second.” Then you stepped into the BAU for the first time.

#spencer reid x reader #spencer reid imagine #spencer reid #criminal minds #criminal minds imagine

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ziraley-j-crow · 5 years ago

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‘The Way You Look Tonight’ - Crowley x Aziraphale

Author’s Note: Hello! I haven’t written anything in a long time, but after being in the Good Omens fandom for nearly 4 months, I’ve finally caved.

This is simply a one-shot/short story. This is my first time writing Crowley and Aziraphale, so let’s see how that goes, shall we?

Also, I know we don’t exactly get to see Crowley’s lounge in the show, so using the description from the book, I try to conjure up my own vision of his lounge as if it was set in 2019.

Below is a link to the song that inspired me to write this. I can’t help but think of them dancing together to this. Please give it a listen!

https://youtu.be/gsALgi5yM_A

London

2 months after Armageddon.

It was always The Ritz.

They celebrated here after stopping Armageddon a couple of months ago. It wasn’t so hard to tempt Aziraphale to afternoon tea there in between. It was almost routine.

They’d always walk out together and get into Crowley’s car. Crowley would always remember to hold open the passenger door for Aziraphale before getting in himself. When Aziraphale asked him why he did that, Crowley would just shrug him off or change the subject.

Then, Crowley would drive Aziraphale back to his bookshop, stopping outside and cutting out the ignition. They would sit in a comfortable silence for a moment, before Crowley would say something along the lines of:

“Well, that hit the spot. Same time next week?”

And Aziraphale would nod and smile.

“Sounds absolutely wonderful. I wouldn’t miss it for the world!”

He’d get out of the Bentley, walk through the old doors of the shop, and turn to give one last small wave to Crowley before closing the doors softly. Crowley - usually needing five minutes to collect himself - would wipe the fog from the driver’s window where he was staring out from before anyone could see how infatuated he was.

It had been like this for the last 2 months.

This evening was going to be different, though. It had to be.

***

As always, they walked out together, the sunset casting a calm glow through the quiet, Sunday evening streets.

“Splendid as always!” said Aziraphale blissfully, as they walked to Crowley’s car.

“I’m glad you enjoyed,” Crowley said, as they put on their belts. “Where do you want to go now?” He turned on the car, music playing from the radio. He’d never usually ask that.

“I assume to the bookshop, but I suspect you have another place in mind?” Aziraphale inquired, watching Crowley as he turned down the music. Crowley raised his eyebrows, and began to drive.

“I was thinking... We could go back to my place? I have some old bottle of wine lying around, if you want to try. Leroy Rich, or something...” he trailed off. But he knew the name off by heart, of course. It was-

“Domaine Leroy Richebourg Grand Cru? Oh, I’ve heard that is a fantastic wine! You know, there are only 700 bottles made each year. How could you possibly have got your hands on that?” Aziraphale asked, sounding quite impressed.

“Wasn’t too difficult,” He gave a nonchalant shrug. “Just knew some people, is all.” he replied, trying to sound suave.

“Well, I suppose I will take you up on your offer, Crowley. I believe I have to see this wine for myself.” admit Aziraphale, and Crowley shot him a quick glance, the angel not noticing. He nearly hit the curb.

“R-Really? Great! It will be a relaxing evening then. Cool.” he tried to compose himself, and ever so slightly applied more pressure to the accelerator pedal.

***

“You can sit anywhere,” Crowley gestured to the living room of his flat. “Make yourself comfortable.”

Crowley had made himself a nice and modern home. Dark interior, not a spec of dust on any surface. It was as if he had just bought the place, furnished and spanking new. The living room was spacious, a dim lighting causing shadows to seep into the room. A long white leather sofa faced a wide flat screen TV, which was perched up on the wall, a pristine electric fireplace underneath it.

“Thank you. I must say, you have this place kept immaculate, Crowley!” stated Aziraphale, removing his coat.

“Not much a miracle can’t do, angel!” Crowley said. “I’ll get the wine. Here, give me your coat, I’ll put it away.” Crowley vanished to the kitchen, leaving Aziraphale to have a nose around the room. His attention was drawn to a rather tall display cabinet. It was black, with glass doors, so you could see what it entailed. There were some small bronze statues, collectibles perhaps. Some CD’s lined up together, music Aziraphale hadn’t quite heard of.

“Oh, that looks familiar...” he muttered to himself, inspecting a smooth, round cup, looking like it were made from brown clay.

“That cup is from Italy. 41 AD, if I’m not wrong.” he said, inspecting another artifact.

“That cockade is from Paris, in 1793. I wore that..” he trailed off when he realized something.

In the cabinet were tokens that Crowley had taken from every moment in history they were together. There was the coin Crowley used when they met William Shakespeare in 1601. Beside that was the tartan flask, lid and all from 1960.

There was something from every moment with them.

His attention was pulled to the sudden sound of music coming from a corner in the room. Surprised, he looked around, and sat by the window was what appeared to be a gramophone, but was neater and rather modern. An upbeat, foot-tapping song flowed softly from the speaker, unmistakably retro swing music.

“Hm, that’s not very Crowley, is it?” Aziraphale thought, amused. Just then, Crowley had returned. Two wine glasses in one hand, bottle in the other.

“Ah, Crowley. I was just admiring your gramophone! Quite a lovely thing.” Aziraphale said, walking over to the couch, and sitting himself down.

“Yes, handy little thing. Wine?” Crowley handed a glass to Aziraphale, who took it from him. He poured them both a drink, settling down onto the couch too.

“This wine is simply divine! Mind if I look for the date?” Aziraphale asked Crowley, who nearly choked on his drink.

“Date?” Crowley quickly trying to compose himself, clearing his throat. Aziraphale looked puzzled.

“Yes, on the bottle of wine?” asked Aziraphale, not picking up on the reason for Crowley’s behavior. Certainly not noticing how Crowley’s once pale complexion, had now turned rather flush.

“Oh, yeah, sure. Here.” Crowley handed Aziraphale the bottle. The music was still playing quietly in the background, setting a relaxed mood to the apartment.

“Ah, 1940... I remember that year like it was yesterday.” said Aziraphale wistfully. He concentrated on the bottle for a moment. “Do you remember that time? When you saved those books for me?” he asked Crowley, perhaps nostalgic.

Of course Crowley remembered that moment. The memory played out in his mind as clear as anything. Aziraphale needed help, so he was there. He’d lost the books, what would be easier than a *snap* and a little miracle? How much he wanted to say “Oh, don’t worry, angel, I’ve got you covered!” when Aziraphale was obviously troubled. Maybe he could have lingered for a second longer when handing the books back to him. Maybe “Lift home?” could have meant something more?

It was iconic. Like ‘Casablanca’.

“Yeah, I remember.” He paused for a moment. “Messy night.” He took another drink.

“Indeed it was. But I’m still glad you saved those books. I’ve cherished them ever since that night.” said Aziraphale fondly, having a drink too.

Neither of them shared a word between them, the music filling in the blanks. Glen Miller’s ‘In The Mood’ played smoothly from the gramophone. The sun was well gone by now, and the room was set with an orange aura. The glow softened both of their features, making them look relaxed.

“I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t shown up, really.” Aziraphale confessed, sinking into the sofa. He looked at Crowley, with genuine gratitude.

“I dunno, you could have pulled an MacGyver on them?” he said, humor in his tone.

“Um, who is MacGyver? One of yours?” asked Aziraphale, confused. Crowley was astonished.

“Who is MacGyver?!”

***

The wine bottle was empty after less than an hour, and the lounge was full of laughter from Crowley and Aziraphale. The two were sharing stories of deeds they had done over the years. Well, the stupidest ones.

“Wait, so you deliberately stuck the £2 coin to the ground? As one of your schemes? Why?” Aziraphale was quite entertained by Crowley’s story.

“Yes, because who doesn’t see a £2 coin and want it for themselves?” Crowley said shamelessly, finishing off his drink.

“But you tried to pick it up. You tempted yourself, Crowley.” said Aziraphale, feigning shock. “You could have...” The wine had gone to both of their heads by now. “Oh look, now I’ve forgotten my words!”

“Discorporated!” Crowley exclaimed, lifting his arms up for dramatic effect, nearly dropping his wine glass. “Oop, better put this down.”

“Yes! Very much so! Not a nice place to be.” grumbled Aziraphale, a small pout forming on his lips. He stared into his wine glass, not much left now. Crowley’s tipsy mind remembered Aziraphale’s discorporation, and racked itself to distract him from that memory.

“I suppose it’s not.. Sorry, angel.” he said, looking at Aziraphale, a tone of regret in his voice. Coincidentally, not even a second after saying that, another song had begun to play on the gramophone. Crowley knew just which song to ‘miracle’ onto the gramophone.

“Oh my goodness! I absolutely adore this song!” Aziraphale piped up, an almost child-like excitement filled him and his face was washed with a distant longing. Of course, the sight of this nearly made Crowley cry with pure adoration for the angel. But all he could do was sit, stare, and take in the beauty sat in front of him.

***

The song Crowley chose was “The Way You Look Tonight” by Fred Astaire.

Why? Simply because one night after dropping Aziraphale home after their traditional rendezvous, Aziraphale had forgotten his reading glasses in the car. He likes to use them when reading the menus at The Ritz.

“You know, if you didn’t want the trouble of glasses when you read, you could just... Miracle them away.”

“Yes, but, well... I think they’re rather nifty!”

On this particular evening, Crowley had driven well away from the bookshop before he actually noticed them on the passenger seat. The Bentley’s tires nearly produced flames from the sudden skidding halt, thanks to Crowley. He picked them up carefully.

“Holy shit, he forgot his glasses!” Crowley exclaimed, removing his own sunglasses to get a better look at the spectacles. They were delicate, small and round.

Like the angel.

The hasty beeping of a car horn pulled Crowley away from his thoughts. With a scowl, he quickly swerved his car around, miraculously not hitting anything or anyone, and made his way back to the bookshop.

He pulled up outside the bookshop once more, noticing a light was on upstairs in the building. He needn’t worry about his sunglasses now. It was late, dark, and he doubt he’d run into anybody. Carefully, he put Aziraphale’s glasses into his coat pocket, and made his way over across the road. He knocked on the bookshop door, and waited for an answer.

If you listened very carefully, you could hear the muffled sound of music coming from the bookshop. It was distant, but Crowley found himself being pulled to it. He followed the song, opening the door of the shop quietly. He closed the door behind him, scanning the room to bear his surroundings in the dark.

The song was clearer now. It was a swing song, the type that made you feel floaty when you listened to it. He noticed a warm light at the top of the stairs, presumably where Aziraphale was. He sauntered over quietly, so as to not frighten the angel.

“Uh, hey, Aziraphale, you forgot these...No. Hey, angel, these are yours, I think? No, that’s too obvious, of course you know.” Crowley was practicing what he would say when he gave Aziraphale back his glasses as he crept up the stairs. As he made his way up, Aziraphale came into view through the staircase, the music flooding the room. Crowley stayed low, observing. Listening.

Aziraphale was, as usual, organizing his books. But he looked.. Alluring.. Beautiful.. Captivating. He had removed his coat, which was likely to be hung up neatly somewhere. His shirt sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, an almost daring look for the angel to pull off. His bow-tie was removed, and the top buttons of his shirt were undone. His brown vest was snug on his hips, and when he reached up to place a book on the shelf, a little bit of his tummy showed. He was quite relaxed, doing what he loves to do the most.

Internally, Crowley was screaming. His heart was beating in his ears right now, and he almost couldn’t hear the music that was describing his feelings for the angel. Aziraphale was singing contently to himself. Or so he thought.

“...yes you're lovely, with your smile so warm. And your cheeks so soft. There is nothing for me but to love you, just the way you look tonight.” Aziraphale sang softly, examining the couple of books in the crook of his arm. Crowley didn’t want to move. He wanted to savor this scene for eternity. But he knew he couldn’t stay and watch how the light made his figure glow, so angelic. How he sang so heartfelt and almost waltzed across the room to retrieve more books to stock on the shelves. How he put so much care into his skill, when he looked fondly at each book, perhaps a thoughtful memory springing into his mind each time.

The song was coming to an end, and Crowley took that as his que to leave. He miracled Aziraphale’s glasses onto the table with the books, placed so that Aziraphale would see them in plain sight. He took one more loving look at the angel, taking him in as he took a deep breath, and then proceeded down the stairs quietly.

At his car, he looked up at the window where Aziraphale was working. He thought about him. How he felt about him. How he made him feel.

The light suddenly switched off.

“Must have found his glasses.” Crowley said to himself, and got into his car.

***

“Oh my goodness! I absolutely adore this song!” Aziraphale gasped. Crowley watched Aziraphale’s face light up with bliss, the song working it’s magic.

“Some day, when I'm awfully low, and the world is cold...” Aziraphale sang, perhaps not as well as when Crowley first heard him, but Crowley found it quite endearing to see him so happy.

That’s when Crowley plucked up his courage.

He stood up from the sofa, as casual as he could - in this case he hoist himself up, his hands held out at either side of himself for balance - and made his way over to the gramophone. He turned up the music, not blasting, but just so that it felt like the music was wrapping you in a reassuring hug. Almost so that Fred Astaire himself was saying “You got this. Go get him, kid.”

Crowley turned around to see Aziraphale tapping his foot to the music, humming contently to himself. He walked over to him, stopping in front of him and put out both of his hands in front Aziraphale.

“...There is nothing for me but to love you, just the way you look tonight...”

Aziraphale looked up at Crowley, confused. “Are you.. Do you want my glass?”

“No, Aziraphale. I... I want to take your hands... If that’s alright.” Crowley said, shyly. He wasn’t his usual confident and bold self right now. He was nervous. Aziraphale’s eyes opened a little wider, and Crowley looked away, thought about snatching his hand back and saying “I’m sorry, forget I did that.”

“Yes... Yes, of course, Crowley.” Aziraphale took Crowley’s hands in his - soft and warm to touch, a gentle grasp - and Crowley felt electric shocks shooting up through his arms.

“..With each word your tenderness grows, tearing my fear apart, and that laugh that wrinkles your nose, it touches my foolish heart..”

Crowley looks at Aziraphale, not believing the words he was hearing. Aziraphale was holding his hands. In Crowley’s flat. They were in Crowley’s flat holding hands.

“Okay... Can we... Can we try something?” Crowley asks, leading them away from the sofa, to the middle of the room. Aziraphale follows him.

Crowley was going to try and dance with Aziraphale. He’d seen lots of movies, he’d seen how they do it, the music was perfect. Except, he had never actually danced before.

“Lovely...Never, ever change...”

They both stood together in silence, still holding hands. Aziraphale giggled sheepishly, his eyes trying to meet Crowley’s. Crowley had never been close to Aziraphale like this. His sunglasses had slid down his nose, so he could see Aziraphale’s stunning cornflower blue eyes, quite possibly the most beautiful shade of blue he’d ever seen. The lighting of the room would give you the impression that they were glowing. It would be stupid of anyone to not be nearly intimidated by how striking they were.

He didn’t even notice Aziraphale was doing the same. With his sunglasses no longer shielding his eyes, Aziraphale could appreciate how Crowley’s eyes were the color of the finest whiskey money could buy, with the sunlight shining and rippling through it. He thought if he stared for much longer, he was sure he would melt. They were always covered, so he was savoring this moment for as long as he was allowed to.

“What were you planning on trying, dear?” Aziraphale asked, not breaking his gaze. Neither was Crowley.

“Hm?” Crowley asked softly. He wasn’t too sure if he heard Aziraphale actually say something. He didn’t want to move.

“...Keep that breathless charm... Won't you please arrange it?...'Cause I love you, just the way you look tonight...”

“You wanted to try something? What was it?” Aziraphale asked, batting his eyelashes. Crowley woke from his trance-like state.

“Oh, yes. I'd like to dance with you, if that’s alright?” Crowley asked, hoping he sounded somewhat like James Dean, but really sounded more like he was asking his date to dance at their high school prom.

“Dance? Of course, that sounds really wonderful, Crowley. Do you mind me asking if know how to dance?” Aziraphale asked, and Crowley shook his head, feeling rather foolish, come to think of it.

“Well, not to worry, we have already accomplished one step. We're already holding hands!” Aziraphale chuckled, easing the mood. They both looked down at their hands, cheeks almost burning. A sobering moment. Cliché, but their hands fit together.

“I think have to... If you don’t mind?” Crowley began, taking his hands from Aziraphale. He quickly adjusted his sunglasses, and placed his hands gently on the angel’s hips. Aziraphale took a deep breath to himself, and nodded.

“Y-Yes, that seems to be right.” said Aziraphale, feeling his heart beat faster with every passing second. He could have nearly passed out from the overwhelming bliss. “And I think that I-I have to put my hands..” he gingerly placed his hands on Crowley’s shoulders. “Here?”

Crowley gulped, and nodded. “Yes, that’s.. That’s good.”

“...Oh won't you please arrange it?..'Cause I love you, just the way you look tonight...Just the way you look tonight...”

The music blended effortlessly into another repeat. Perhaps another sneaky doing of Crowley.

“We have to move, that much I do know.” Crowley said, earning a smile from Aziraphale.

“Well, yes. That is how one dances.” Aziraphale giggled.

“Oh really? I wouldn’t have known!” Crowley remarked, sarcastically, a charming smirk on his lips.

“Oh come now, Crowley. Don’t be like that, my dear! Just... Follow my lead.” Aziraphale began stepping from side to side, Crowley following suit.

“See? This doesn’t seem too bad, does it?” Aziraphale said, finding he was getting into the swing of things.

“...I will feel a glow just thinking of you...And the way you look tonight...”

“No, I guess not.” Crowley replied, his hands relaxed on Aziraphale’s hips.

They swayed together with the music, familiarizing themselves with how the other moved and felt to touch. They stole a few quick glances at each other, nervousness made clear through their laughter.

The music helped them relax. There was something about that piano that made their steps feel lighter than air. There may very well have been no ground beneath them, their elated states were enough to keep them airborne. They could endure this dance for eternity. Nobody could take this bliss away from them.

“Crowley? Can I ask you something? And by all means, I don’t mean this to come off as impolite.” Aziraphale asked, softly.

“Sure, angel.” Crowley said, his brain casually rattling for whatever question Aziraphale could possibly ask him at this moment.

“If it’s alright with you, I would love to see your eyes again. Could I look at them while we dance?” Aziraphale asked, almost bashful at the question. Crowley raised his eyebrows. This wasn’t any of the thousands of questions he’d conjured in his mind.

“Oh.. Yeah, sure.” Crowley reached up to remove the sunglasses, his eyes averting Aziraphale’s gaze. He put them into his pocket, and placed his hands back on Aziraphale. “There.”

“Crowley, you can look at me. I.. I love your eyes. I always have.” confessed Aziraphale. Crowley looked into Aziraphale’s eyes, and he was sure he heard the angel gasp.

“They’re... They’re simply breathtaking, Crowley..” Aziraphale sighed. Crowley, not used to such words of affection about something he considered an imperfection, was now blushing furiously.

“They’re nothing, really. I mean, everyone’s got ‘em. Eyeballs, I mean..” Crowley was trying to take the attention away from himself. He noticed Aziraphale had stepped a little closer. Perhaps to get a closer look.

“No, really. They’re as warm as the first rays of a new day. They’re as beautiful and radiant as the freshest marigolds of the new season. They’re dangerously hypnotizing. But I am willing to get lost in them, if you’ll allow me to.”

Crowley couldn’t believe the words he was hearing, his eyes opening wider with astonishment. All he could do was smile. A smile that grew bigger as his mind repeated the words Aziraphale had just said.

“...Oh but you're lovely, with your smile so warm...”

“You really think so?” Crowley asked, nearly nose to nose with the angel. Aziraphale nodded, adoringly.

“Without a doubt.” Aziraphale smiled. Crowley found his focus being dragged to Aziraphale’s lips. He couldn’t help himself.

“What else do you think, angel?” Crowley asked, a slight change in his tone, shifting his focus back to Azirphale’s eyes.

“What else do I think?” Aziraphale repeated, Crowley nodding. But of course, Aziraphale understood. The feeling was obviously mutual. Just in case that wasn’t so obvious from the start.

“...There is nothing for me but to love you...Just the way you look tonight...”

“Well, your hair resembles the fiery autumn leaves, radiant in the warm, evening sun. Bold and striking to the naked eye, and.. If I may?” Aziraphale signaled with his hand, and Crowley nodded. Aziraphale slowly reached his hand up to Crowley’s hair, and took a sharp intake of breath, finally touching it.

“Delicate and feather soft to touch.” he sighed. “Light between my fingers like fresh blades of grass.” Aziraphale was now slowly brushing his fingers through Crowley’s hair. Crowley closed his eyes, a guttural moan erupting from him. The sensation of pleasure was almost overwhelming to him and he stepped closer to Aziraphale to feel more. His hands had snaked their way around the angel, pulling them closer. They were now flush against each other, neither one minding the lack of personal space.

“Go on...” Crowley’s voice was throaty, eyes on Aziraphale again. Aziraphale noticed Crowley’s eyes were more yellow than usual. They were fascinating. Aziraphale wasn’t startled or frightened. He knew what it meant.

“What else is there left to say about one so... Elegant... Radiant... Magnificent..” Aziraphale’s attention was tied between Crowley’s full yellow eyes, and his parted lips. Both equally tempting.

Which is what happened.

Time came to a halt when their lips first met. Their eyes closed upon contact, the urgency evident between them. Their lips soft, melting together, finally unifying them. Crowley pulled Aziraphale impossibly closer to him securely, breathing him in through his nose like he was fresh air. Aziraphale was gripping Crowley’s vest, almost clinging for dear life.

“..Lovely never, never change... Keep that breathless charm...”

Aziraphale’s hand found it’s way back to Crowley’s hair, soft and familiar, something Aziraphale swore he’d never get tired of. This made Crowley suddenly moan into the kiss, a sound that thrilled Aziraphale. A sound that made him grip Crowley’s hair just a tad to see what would happen. Crowley pulled away, stopping the kiss. Aziraphale’s eyes shot open in a panic, pulling his hands back to himself.

“O-Oh dear, Crowley, are you alright? I thought I was doing something right a-and-” Aziraphale stammered, his breathing a little rapid and cheek flushed.

Crowley’s eyes were still closed. “Angel..” Crowley’s voice was scratchy. “I think it’d be very wise of you to do that again..” He opened his eyes now, brilliantly gold, with full blown pupils peering at Aziraphale through half lidded eyes.

“Again?” Aziraphale repeated in a near whisper. Crowley nodded, stepping over to Aziraphale, who stared back in complete wonderment, bright blue eyes fusing with dazzling amber hues.

“Again.” Crowley said softly, “And only if you want to, I mean-” Aziraphale didn’t know where the confidence came from, but just knowing he made Crowley feel this way, it gave him a sudden drive. He didn’t waste time, catching Crowley off-guard.

“...With each word your tenderness grows... Tearing my fear apart..”

Their lips met again with a ravenous force, a flame ablaze they undeniably yearned to quench. Hungry hands roaming each other freely. Crowley cupped Aziraphale’s cheeks in his hands, kissing him deeply. Anything to have him closer. There were no prying eyes on them. Once more, Aziraphale’s fingers brushed through Crowley’s hair, earning a very satisfied purr from the demon. Almost mischievously, he gently tugged Crowley’s hair.

Crowley released a suppressed moan, a sound Aziraphale could only describe as euphonious. Almost like an instinct, he nipped the angel’s bottom lip, causing Aziraphale to wince slightly. Crowley was about to stop to ask him if he was alright, but Aziraphale instantaneously pulled him back into the kiss, knowing just what he had to do to make him do that again.

“My dear... I’m not made of glass... I won’t simply crack.” Aziraphale breath was raspy between kisses. Crowley’s hands then trailed down to the angel’s back, and he deviously grabbed his buttocks, giving them a tender squeeze. It was Aziraphale’s turn to moan, a sound so blissful it made Crowley dizzy with lust.

Crowley gently guided them towards the couch, never parting for a breath. Aziraphale collapsed onto the couch, dragging Crowley down with him. The demon straddled his hips, completely flush against Aziraphale.

“Better be careful, angel.” Crowley growled playfully when he noticed Aziraphale was attempting to remove his vest. But he needn’t stop him.

“Mm? Why?” Aziraphale asked, not opening his eyes. Crowley pulled away from the kiss briefly, his lips trailing down to Aziraphale’s jawline, peppering along it with light kisses. Aziraphale’s head hit the top of the couch with a soft thud, giving Crowley more access to his neck. He stopped fumbling with the vest, giving in to the immense pleasure. They were breathing quicker, more excited at every touch, sensation.

“To put it simply... If a foul fiend were to see something... As painfully tantalizing as you...” he said between kisses, “Something ghastly may happen..” Crowley’s lips made their way to his neck, obviously a sensitive area for the angel, who let out a pleasurable gasp.

“Ohh, whatever might happen to me?” Aziraphale played along. Something in the way Aziraphale sounded turned Crowley on even more than he thought was possible. Of course, it was made obvious through his effort.

“Nng.. Oh you wouldn’t like to find out, angel.” Crowley tried to restrain himself.

“Oh... But I really do, my dear- Oooh, Crowley!” Aziraphale whined, cut off when he felt Crowley’s hips grind painstakingly slow onto his as he kissed behind his ear. He was worshiping him.

“A demon might possess you, Aziraphale.” Crowley growled into his ear, returning to Aziraphale’s lips for a heated kiss. Aziraphale pulled him closer, gripping his thighs, letting him know that he very much liked what he was doing.

“If I may... I’m willing to be yours to possess, Crowley.” Aziraphale insinuated during a breath. A devilish smile spread across Crowley’s lips, and nothing but adoration filling his eyes.

“~Oh, angel~.”

#GoodOmens #crowley #aziraphale #crowley x arizaphale #fanfiction #ineffablehusbands

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sophielovesbooks · 4 years ago

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Mid-Year Book Freakout Tag 2020 📚

So... is it too late for a mid-year book freakout?

Probably is, right? But the lovely @appleinducedsleep tagged me in this ages ago and I really wanted to do it, only I didn’t get to it until now. Don’t judge me, okay? June and July were very busy! 😂

Anyway, I still want to do it, so here I go!

1. Best book you’ve read so far in 2020: Ummm… “My Dark Vanessa”! So incredibly well executed. Had that kind of dark can’t-look-away feeling and intense pull to it, but also so many deep insights. It was hard to read, but also amazing, if that makes sense.

2. Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2020: Gotta go with “This Coven Won’t Break”. I had been waiting for it for a long time and I had a lot of fun with it!

3. New release you haven’t read yet: Hahaha, sooo many. Some that I am currently interested include “Tweet Cute”, “Full Disclosure”, “You Should See Me in a Crown” and many more.

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year: This one’s easy. “The Witcher” by Tana French, because HOLY SHIT NEW TANA FRENCH BOOK SOMEBODY HOLD ME!!

5. Biggest disappointment: Ughh, definitely “The Hurting” by Lucy van Smit. I had been looking forward to this book for a long time, but the plot was beyond ridiculous and the writing was so bad.

6. Biggest surprise: Maybe “The Recovery of Rose Gold”? I found this book by browsing in a bookshop, which hardly ever happens to me anymore, because I normally find new books that interest me online. And this book just intrigued me immediately and was so different from what I had been expecting and from what I usually read? Also, I did not really see any of the plot twists coming, so I would say it was pretty surprising to me in that sense, haha!

7. Favourite new author (debut or new to you): Yeah, okay, probably Kate Elizabeth Russell (who wrote “My Dark Vanessa”). If she ever writes anything else, I just know I’ll want to get my hands on it.

8. Newest fictional crush/newest favourite character: Umm… several characters from “Loveless”, I guess? I love Rooney and thought Jason was so adorable!

9. Book that made you cry: Hmm… did any books make me cry this year? Wait, yes. “Station Eleven” made me cry at least once! (Also, I read this book during the beginning of quarantine, when Covid was first spiking in my area and damn, did this book hit different because of those circumstances. Most intense read of the year, I’d say. Especially since I had no idea the book was about a flu-like pandemic when I started reading! So that was wild and kind of scary.)

10. Book that made you happy: My most recent read! “Loveless”. So cute and all-round wonderful! So many scenes made me really happy, but especially the ending. :)

11. Favourite book to film adaptation you saw this year: Probably “Little Women”? Not that I’ve actually read the book. But the film was so good!

12. Most beautiful book you’ve bought or received this year so far: “All the Bad Apples” for sure! I mean, who is she??

13. Book you need to read by the end of the year: There are many lovely books on my shelves that I would love to get to, including but not limited to: “Tweet Cute”, “The Rehearsal”, “The Club”, “Shadow of the Lions”…

I won’t tag anybody, because those who wanted to do this have probably already done it, haha! Bur thanks for tagging me @appleinducedsleep I had fun with this! x

#mid-year book freakout #tag games #booklr #loveless #my dark vanessa #station eleven

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milky-mochi · 5 years ago

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before you (3) | cyj

genre: nerd! yeonjun, nerd! reader, aged up! yeonjun, college! au, boyfriend! yeonjun

pairing: choi yeonjun x reader

summary: falling in love with choi yeonjun was like breezing through the chapters of a book, with highlights of him bookmarked in your head.

listen to: 🎶 me after you - paul kim 🎶

chapters: intro | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

your first date with yeonjun was unexpectedly perfect.

after you received the news of your award, you were supposed to go out together to celebrate (just as friends) on that same weekend. but the first week, yeonjun fell sick, and you had a family dinner the second week, so the outing ended up being postponed for three weeks.

it proved to be lucky for you, though. during those three weeks, the both of you had the chance to reevaluate your relationship. you were already extremely sure you liked him, but you were still scared at the prospect of being rejected and losing the friendship you treasured so dearly. so, you decided to let this crush pass over without heartbreak, just like you’d been doing all your life.

yeonjun, however, had other ideas. while he was afraid of you not returning his feelings, his fear of rejection was nothing compared to his fear of losing his opportunity with you. it must have seemed foolish to believe so strongly in something without any good reason to. but yeonjun was a hopeless romantic. and he believed in fate.

so as the day drew nearer for your celebration, on one night, yeonjun found himself twirling his fingers around in nervousness as he prepared to text you. he even considered abandoning his plan, but as soon as he looked at your profile picture and saw you smiling brightly, his desire to bring you happiness overtook his fear.

and so he asked you to go on a date with him, to let him take you on one that lived up to your literary fantasies. and with your heart beating out of your burning chest, you said yes.

---

“y/n, hi, um” yeonjun stuttered, “you look great.”

shyly, you tucked a strand of hair behind your ear. your heart was fluttering with excitement. this was the first date you had read about in all your books and dramas: him showing up at your door, looking handsome as hell, waiting to pick you up. you couldn’t believe it was actually happening in front of your eyes, not in words on a page, but in choi yeonjun.

yeonjun cleared his throat (to try and clear his nervousness, but he figured you didn’t need to know that. he also decided it would also be better if you never knew that he was adopting all of this from every romance book he had ever read because, without them, he would have no idea how any of this worked).

as you stepped out of your house and closed the door behind you, yeonjun offered his hand to you with a sheepish smile. giggling, you laced your fingers in his and let him lead you to his car, a pink blush dusting your cheeks.

“i’m sorry, i definitely remember making a reservation. i even called to confirm just this morning!”

“i’m really sorry sir, but your name isn’t on the list.”

yeonjun sighed exasperatedly and ran his hands through his hair for the ninth time in a ten minute dignified scuffle. his eyes narrowed as he readied himself to bring out his most polite passive-aggressive voice once again, but you grabbed his hand before he could say anything.

in all honesty, you were really pissed too. yeonjun had made a reservation at this upscale restaurant that looked like the backdrop of a classic first date from a rom-com you had probably binged before. he had planned everything perfectly, but right now, the receptionist was ruining it. she kept insisting that he hadn’t placed a reservation, even after he showed them the confirmation email, only because she couldn’t find his name in the list.

“yeonjun,” you whispered, glaring daggers at the receptionist who maintained her devilishly cold poker face, “let’s just go. it’s not worth it.”

sighing once again, yeonjun squeezed your hand in his, and gestured towards the door. on your way out, you made sure to clack your heels as loud as you could, and pulled yeonjun away as quickly as your legs could carry you.

you stormed out of the restaurant and out into the street. you didn’t even know where you were going, you just kept walking, with yeonjun in tow, waiting for your anger to sizzle down.

“y/n, slow down.”

realising your speed, you slowed down and mumbled an apology. you didn’t even realise how long you had been sulking for. looking at you, yeonjun sighed again.

“i’m sorry that didn’t go as planned. and i’m sorry i got really passive-aggressive back there-”

“no! you had every right to be!” you cried out indignantly. “that woman was being a real pain in the neck.”

the ring of yeonjun’s laughter soothed the last bit of fizzling anger in your chest. he draped an arm over you to pull you closer. “you’re absolutely right. we’re never going there again.”

humming in agreement and smiling in triumph, you held his hand that hung loosely over your shoulder. a few quiet footsteps passed between the two of you. you were just enjoying his company, and he was enjoying the feeling of your hand in his. it was like a dream.

until you began to feel pricks on your scalp.

you faced your palm upwards, only to see tiny droplets on water accumulate on your skin. yeonjun muttered a curse under his breath as he took his blazer off and covered the two of you, using it as a very expensive makeshift umbrella.

damn, you thought, ain’t this a drama.

holding yeonjun’s hand, the two of you ran in the direction from whence you came. his polished shoes and your high heels were accumulating water, but for once, you didn’t mind. the sound of yeonjun’s laughter and the feeling of his hand in yours was the most romantic thing you could ask for.

the two of you kept running until you came to an unfamiliar bend. you had forgotten which way you came from, and the rain was too heavy for you to find directions back to the restaurant. you panicked and looked up at yeonjun for an answer, when your eyes fell on the warm amber light emitting from behind him and your ears picked up on the soft meowing of a cat.

behind yeonjun was the new bookshop he had promised to bring you to.

---

“hello welcome to- oh my! look at the both of you! you’re drenched!”

the ding of the bell over the door fell silent as yeonjun led you into the shop. you could have squealed at its ambience. the walls were decked with volumes of poetry, well over a hundred, no, two hundred, copies. there was a cosy sitting area in the middle, and there was one corner with a bay window overlooking a park. and there was absolutely no one in the store.

“are the two of you okay? i’m afraid we don’t have any towels,” the lady behind the cashier continued, “but there’s a heater by the bay window. feel free to sit there and enjoy a book while you wait for the rain to stop.”

you giggled and thanked the lady kindly. running over to the bay window, you glanced out at the view. the light of the street lamps were fuzzy with the rain, and the rain tapped against the window gently. you were so glad this was a warm bookshop, which didn’t force you to buy the books before you read them, because that meant you could take your time to find the book you loved. excitement filled your chest as you looked at the huge shelf stocked with poetry that guarded over the area.

“this is perfect,” you mumbled under your breath.

when you realised you were no longer holding yeonjun’s hand, you turned around to look for him, only to realise that he was right behind you, holding a stack of poetry books. he raised both the books and his eyebrows expectantly, inviting you to take one.

the two of you settled by the window, placing the tower in the space between. you plucked the first book off the look at its title. it was your third favourite anthology by your favourite poet, which you had offhandedly mentioned to him a few times.

and it was with your favourite binding. the one with the large margin before the text starts.

your lips curled into a fond smile looking at yeonjun, who had already found himself engrossed in a chapbook by his favourite poet. taking his hand in yours, you began to pour over the intricate words detailing the pages.

occasionally, one of you would break the silence to read to the other a line that struck home, or one that was so stupidly good that it needed to be shared. you didn’t know how long you stayed like that for, or where the cashier lady was. for a moment, it was just yeonjun, you, the rain and words.

when the pile of books dwindled to one, the both of you decided to read it together. you shuffled closer to yeonjun and leaned your head on his shoulder. instinctively, he curved his body ever so slightly to lower it to your height. then, the words began to pour off his lips, softly and lovingly, until you stopped to highlight a stanzathat struck something in you.

“i like this one,” you whispered gently, placing your index finger next to it on the page.

“you fill me with

calm adrenaline,

(which technically doesn't make sense,

but the feelings you give me

are beyond my comprehension).

the thought of you sends

stardust cracking through my veins

or sun rays igniting my vessels.

your earnest smile,

like the soft morning sun,

is enough

to light galaxies

lacing in my capillaries

or leak happiness

like the sun spreads its beauty

over the reservoir.”

“yeah, it‘s beautiful.” yeonjun looked back at the page. “until recently, i’ve never known what it’s like to like someone so much like that.”

you watched yeonjun’s eyes dart to make momentary contact with yours. shyly, your own darted back to the stanza. “neither have i.”

“do you think you could ever, y/n?”

you smiled up at yeonjun, taking his hands and interlacing your fingers gingerly. “i think i’m starting to.”

---

eventually, the rain stopped, the shop closed, and it was time for yeonjun to drive you home. you left the shop with a poetry book yeonjun bought you because you liked it so much, and a huge smile plastered on your face. his smile mirrored your own as you walked back to his car. the sound of your voices accompanied your footsteps as the two of you were immersed in the comfortable conversations you loved dearly. yeonjun never failed to make you feel safe.

the drive to your house was fairly short, though you wished you lived further away. you wanted to talk to yeonjun for a bit more, but it was already late and you had to go home.

eventually, when he pulled up to your driveway, you were prepared to say goodbye and open the door to leave. but yeonjun got out of the car first and opened the door for you. smiling embarrassedly, he said he wanted to walk you to your door. secretly, you were squealing. this was the classic end to a first date, wasn’t it?

you nodded excitedly. flashing you a genuine smile, yeonjun took your hand and began to walk towards your door. it was probably well over midnight, given the silence of your neighbourhood, save your own footsteps. the distance to your door had never felt shorter. you never wanted this to end.

“i had a really, really great time tonight,” you said (this was what people said at the end of a date, right?)

“so did i. i really loved it.”

“so when’s our next one?” you blurted out, immediately regretting it afterwards.

to your relief, yeonjun’s face lit up with the brightest smile you had ever seen. “whenever you’re free.”

“i look forward to it!” you smiled.

yeonjun smiled again, but his eyes darted to your lips. you felt your heart rate increase steadily at the tension in the air. the familiar scene was playing in real life. you were nervous, and a little scared, but you liked him too much to care. and he was standing so close.

sensing your thoughts, yeonjun gave you a look to ask you for your permission. instead of giving him an answer, you cupped his cheeks and placed a kiss on his lips. it was a short and quick one (you didn’t really know how to do anything else). but you did nothing to widen the distance between your faces, as your gaze lingered firmly on yeonjun.

hastily, his arm snaked around your waist and pulled you closer, kissing you softly and gently. once his lips were on yours, you were paralysed momentarily at the new feeling. it was a scene from your dreams, something you could never imagine happening to you in real life. but his lips felt so real against yours that, before you knew it, you instinctively gave yourself to the kiss, losing yourself in it as the seconds ticked by.

here on your porch, you were living your fantastical date with a boy you adored. and yet, as you felt yeonjun’s soft lips move gently against your own, you realised:

no movie, no book, could ever compare to this.

---

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