#i don’t like a lot of the variety shows they make the girls do (not even just rv but every gg) cause the plots can get weird

[cyberfunsupporter]

rv may have lost the music show they did today but at least we got aseul ending fairies!

[carmenberzattosgf]

Doing a self care night w carm 🥺 he gets home after the lunch shift to find you bought a bunch of face masks and scrubs for you guys. You giving him a back massage and washing his hair. Ofc you take one of those classic coupley face mask mirror selfies™️. He lets you sit in his lap and trim up his eyebrows 😭

Jesus I just want to take care of him 🧎‍♀️

-🧸

Oh God you get it. You get IT.

The amount of times I have imagined doing my hair routine on Carmy… AH

Like walk with me here. He’s over at your apartment after work and you’ve convinced him to let you do all of your self care things on him.

You tell him the first thing you’re going to do is wash his hair. He’s already getting excited because he thinks you two are about to shower together, but that’s not what you have in mind.

“Come in the kitchen and lay on the counter by the sink. Imma go get the stuff I need from the bathroom.”

“Wait, what?”

“I’m washing your hair in the sink. My mom did it for me all the time. It’s a lot easier this way. I already cleaned off the counter for you.”

You return from your bathroom with an arm full of hair products. Carmy is sitting on the countertop, waiting for your next instruction. “Okay, what is all of that for?”

“It’s hair products, Carm. I’ll explain it to you as I go.” You roll up a bathroom towel you brought with you and place it at the edge of the sink. “Can you lay down now?”

Once he’s settled, you turn the faucet on, feeling the temperature of the water with your finger. You use the sink sprayer to wet his hair. You begin by shampooing his hair. “This is a clarifying shampoo. It’s going to cleanse your scalp and your roots.”

“Are you saying my hair is greasy.”

“You do work in a kitchen, you know. Also let’s not ignore the fact you use two in one shampoo and conditioner.” Carmy doesn’t bite back, knowing you’re right. He closes his eyes while your fingertips massage his scalp.

“That feels really nice, baby.”

“Perfect. That’s the goal,” you reply, smiling at him as you rinse out all the shampoo. “Now I’m going to use a deep conditioning treatment. It’ll make your hair feel soft and healthy. It needs to sit for ten minutes, so why don’t you tell me about your day?”

Time goes by quick as Carmy tells you about work. Before you know it the timer on your phone goes off, and you rinse out the conditioner. “Thats it right?” Carmy asks.

“I gotta style your curls! I’ll be quick I promise.” You start to layer on different products, trying to be speedy.

“Okay what is all of this?”

“Oh, well I just put on a leave in conditioner. It does exactly what it sounds like. Right now I’m putting in a styling cream. That’ll keep your hair from being frizzy. Finally I’ll put in a mouse, which will help hold your curls without loosing any volume.”

“I’ve never used any of this before?”

“Carm, it’s a mystery to me how your hair looks so nice. If only you knew the daily struggles of a girl doing her hair.” You put the last touches on his hair, scrunching the product through his locks. “You’re all done now. It just has to dry. Ooo! Let’s do a face mask now!”

Carmy hops off the countertop and follows you to the living room where you already have a variety of sheet masks laid on the coffee table. “So do I just pick any of these?”

“Yep! Completely your choice.” Carmy instantly goes for the panda bear sheet mask. “I had a feeling you would pick that one,” you laugh.

You spend the rest of the night with Carmy watching his favorite shows while you do all of your skincare routine on him. He doesn’t even fight you when you sit on his lap to trim up his eyebrows.

I like to giggle and think that the staff notice the next morning that Carmy’s hair looks really nice and curly AND that his eyebrows are perfectly trimmed. He folds at some point and admits that it was all you, and he played zero part in it.

[jihyoruri]

THE GIRL IS MINE — idol!sakura miyawaki x idol!reader

warnings: yn and sakura from heart racing and best friends, gidle!reader, kissing, mentions and hints of caught in between

sakura knew yn was known for her visuals. she also knew that her girlfriend had a lot of people after her, so why was is such a surprise to her to see people actually going after the gidle member.

she watched from across the room seated with her members as ryujin made small talk to yn since gidle and itzy were placed beside each other and both girls were sat beside each other a little small talk was bound to happen.

personally sakura didn’t think it was small talk it seemed more like flirting to her.

“you are shooting laser beams at her head.” a voice snaps sakura out of her daze as she quickly turns to face chaewon who has a playful look on her face.

sakura scoffs at the short haired girl before shadily muttering a “you’re one to talk.” making a jab at the girls jealous ways towards her two other members.

chaewon shoots the older girl a small glare deciding to ignore her comment, “she seems to be telling yn a funny joke.” which makes sakura snap her head back to the pair.

even though she couldn’t sakura could hear yn’s soft laugh in response to something that sakura could hardly believe was that funny.

sakura stiffened and muttered to chaewon, “why are we doing this again?” three major groups doing a variety show together seemed like a good idea when it was told to sakura that lesserafim along with gidle and Itzy will be taking part in it, but now not so much.

“and why are they seated next to each other and we’re sitting alone.” sakura ranted to the leader of the group, “this is why we can’t have odd numbers.”

“are you sure the odd number is your problem?” chaewon asked before pointing towards yn and ryujin, “I don’t think so.” she says slyly.

sakura glared at chaewon before nodding towards her two other members, “instead of paying attention to me pay attention to those two.”

it was like an alarm went off in chaewon’s head as she immediately turns her head in the direction that sakura nodded towards, quickly squeezing herself into the conversation of the two members, her mind completely off of sakura.

sakura felt herself smile at the mess that she calls her members but it immediately disappears when she hears the mc call your name.

“yn!” he says pointing at youngest member of gidle, your head snaps up and you raise a brow in question.

“you have two popular and influential groups in this room with you correct?” he asks and you nod your head immediately in response, “which member of either groups do you admire the most?”

yn look at the ceiling in thought before bringing her gaze to the hybe group making immediate eye contact with sakura, she smiles before bringing her eyes back to the man, “sakura.” she says pointing at the older girl.

the members of lesserafim cheer as a smile makes its way to sakura’s only to once again disappear off her face when a certain itzy member speaks up.

“not me?” ryujin asks teasingly leaning closer to yn who covers to face in a flustered manner, “yeah yn, not ryujin!?” the other mc shouts at the girl who puts her face in her hand at the teasing.

sakura narrows her eyes at ryujin who pats yn’s shoulder teasingly, could she back off?

the rest of the filming was just ryujin flirting with yn and everyone eating up, well everyone but sakura who felt like pushing over one of the cameras.

she trusted yn, it was the itzy member she didn’t trust, sakura thought it was pretty obvious that something between her and yn was going to pretty much everyone in the industry, so its either ryujin is oblivious or she just didn’t care.

sakura was leaning more towards the didn’t care option.

the girls were done filming and sakura was determined to find yn, she walked through the halls until she came to a stop when she saw who she was looking for but with the person she didn’t wanna see at all.

sakura watched as ryujin picked up the necklace on yn’s neck, “this necklace is cute.”

sakura tensed her mind going a thousand miles as ryujin takes her hand from your necklace and brings to yn’s arm rubbing it in a “friendly.” manner.

yn smiles brightly before responding with a bright, “thanks my gir-”

“there you are.”

sakura’s voice cuts yn off as she looks behind her to see her girlfriend who pulls yn closer to her, “I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”

without sparring a look at ryujin sakura impulsively presses her lips onto yn’s who just stands still for a couple of seconds before kissing the older back.

yn slowly pulls herself away from sakura, coughing awkwardly before turning to ryujin, “you’ve probably met my girlfriend sakura right rue?”

sakura sends a fake smile to the girl as she wraps an arm around yn, “yes I have, hi.” ryujin replies making eye contact with the girl. “you got yourself a good one.” she smirks mockingly at sakura, making the japanese girls blood boil for some reason.

“I do.” sakura smiles it’s a petty smile, “you’re members might be looking for you.” she says nodding behind as she pulls yn closer to her if that’s even possible.

“you’re right...” ryujin trails off before bringing her gaze to yn, “I’ll see you around yn.”

“bye ryujin.” yn smiles still a little embarrassed as she leans into sakura who nods her head, “yeah, bye ryujin.” she says passively but the itzy member just chuckles and walks towards where her members are.

sakura visibly relaxes when the girl leaves before pressing a kiss on yn’s jaw who in response rolls her eyes, “what?” sakura asks innocently.

yn turns her body fully to look at the girl, “you know you don’t have to be jealous right? I only have eyes for you.”

“me?” sakura asks pointing towards herself, “jealous?”

in response yn nods her head, “yes you, but then again if I was my girlfriend I would get jealous too.” yn says teasingly as she presses a kiss on sakura’s cheek.

it’s now sakura’s turn to roll her eyes as she wraps an arm around yn’s should and starts walking towards the direction where all the groups are, “who gave you such an ego?”

“you.”

[honey-flustered]

Made With Love (Fluff)

Eddie Munson x Crocheter!Soft!GF!Plus!Reader

Summary: You love making gifts for your boyfriend and his cool uncle. And Eddie just simply adores you.

A/N: Just short draft that ive kept for a while now because i just didn’t know what to do with it. So ive decided to publish it as it is so that in the meantime i can get my shit together.

Word Count: 1.5k+

Summary: inexperienced!reader and eddie, plus size reader, hinted!autistic reader, eddie being a simp for reader, lots of fluff, wayne being reader’s number 1 supporter (don’t tell eddie 🤭), sexually suggestive language and behavior, some body worship, kissing, cuddling

Eddie Munson is the luckiest man in the world. No really because just how did he manage to get a girl like you in his arms? You went beyond his criteria of a perfect girl which was simply to be a woman. But you’ve exceeded in ways he could have never imagined.

For one, you’ve got amazing taste in music. Despite the differences in your music genres, you both appreciate the variety and exchange songs all the time. Second, you’re absolutely gorgeous. Eddie knew he loved rubenesque women but you were all that and more. He swears could die and go to heaven at the feeling of your thick thighs and soft belly as you’d lay his head on either part. And not to mention that beautiful face he yearns to see smiling at him constantly with those enchanting eyes that seem to twinkle endlessly.

Lastly—a fact about you that has both facts, one and two, beat—you’re awfully talented. You bake, paint, and, best of all, you crochet.

You crochet just about everything and he admires it. The best part is you always came up with the most interesting things that even Eddie wasn’t sure he needed.

Currently, you and Eddie were curled up on his couch. Your eyes wandering his shaky lean frame while his eyes stays glued to the television set, a gentle hand caressing your thigh.

You pride yourself for being an observant one, a skill you’ve had to perfect throughout your childhood in order to understand the world around you. And because you’re so observant, nothing gets passed you including the way he continues to shiver beside you.

“Something wrong?” You ask, concerned.

“Just my unusually cold wrists as always,” Eddie sighs. “Strangely specific, I know. It’s the chain bracelet and leather cuffs. The silver and leather are like ice against my skin with this freezing ass weather.”

You smile brightly, clapping your hands in excitement. “Actually, I have just the thing for this little issue.”

“Oh, do you?” Eddie smirks, nose scrunching up in amusement.

“Mhm,” You nod as you began rummaging through your bumblebee bag (crocheted by yours truly). “Close you eyes.”

“‘Kay.” He obeys with a smile never leaving his face.

Rushing up to stand in front of the television set, you held the items behind your back before commanding your boyfriend to open his eyes once more.

“So…I’ve noticed the way you rub your wrists for the friction to radiate some heat because they’re always so cold lately. And I also notice that when the cold becomes to unbearable you’re forced to remove your wrist accessories,” You began your spiel as if you’re in an infomercial. “Why should you sacrifice style or possibly losing your accessories because of naked wrists? Well not anymore with my handy dandy…wrist bands!”

You shoot your hands up and out in front of you, dangling each red and white patterned wristband in either hand. “I also call them Eds Bracelet Warmers as a placeholder product name.”

“That’s metal!” Eddie praises, standing up to study the bands closely. You release them into his hands and he stares down at them in awe, sliding each onto his arm and making a little show of them before his attention resumes back on you.

“Do you like it?” You say rocking back and forth on your heels anxiously.

“I love it! It’s the best gift you’ve ever given me.”

You snort out a giggle. “You say that with every crochet I’ve made you.”

“I was wrong all the other times. I mean, as much as I love the crocheted mug warmers, pillows, and seat cover…I’m thinking this might top them all. Just look at the detailing on this. You’re like a goddamn Picasso. Thank you, sweetheart,” Eddie says with a hand on his chest, letting you know just how much you’ve touched his heart. Then he suddenly grows shy, tapping his index fingers together as he avoids your gaze. “Permission to hold you. Maybe…kiss you a little.”

“You don’t have to ask,” You run into his embrace, cupping his face in your hands to plant a searing hot kiss onto his lips. With the mixture of your forwardness and his knee-buckling reaction, he’s sent falling back against the couch with you still in his arms.

You scramble to peel yourself off from above him, not wanting to put to much pressure on his slender frame. And yet he interlocks his fingers together right on your lower back, keeping you still. “Wait, I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You could never, baby,” Eddie says, bringing a hand up to your face to caress your cheek. He then traces his thumb faintly around your lips. “I want you on me all the time.”

He suddenly becomes nervous, a tinge of pink coloring his cheeks. He’s nervous under your alluring gaze, aware that you’re clocking every shift and change in his facial features and mood. Embarrassingly, he had an erection that you no doubt felt in between your bodies and pressing against your belly. Eddie decides to release you from his full grasp.

Instead of pulling away, you draw his thumb into your mouth slowly, pursing your lips around them as you look him through your lashes and half-lidded eyes.

He chokes out an audible whine, even the inside of your mouth felt good. He’s never wanted to explore it this badly. When you pull your mouth around the digit with a pop, Eddie’s quick to cup your face now and shoves his tongue into your mouth. He takes control of the motions, gradually rolling your bodies over so that he’d end up on top.

His eager hands glide up your smooth skin of your thighs, pushing up your dress that fit snug around you. Your hands entangle themselves in his hair, letting your long nails lightly scratch his scalp.

You and Eddie have been soft lovers with one another, taking your time and being patient with one another regarding physical affection. It took a lot for the two of you to feel comfortable enough to ask each other for touches and eventual kisses. You’d say you’ve gotten pretty far.

Sometimes, things would get heated and you’d be concerned that it might lead to sex considering you’re both virgins. However, aside from your anxieties and insecurities, you actually did feel as if you’re ready to give yourself to him. But ever the gentleman, Eddie is usually one to call it quits.

But with his lips moving against your own so passionately, you couldn’t see how he’d pull away now. Especially not when you’ve got fistful of his Hellfire club shirt in your hands to prevent him from doing so.

Nonetheless, he pulls away much to your chagrin. The faint reminder of his lips against yours still felt by you in the span of a millisecond. You wish that feeling could linger forever.

He stares down at you, examining the look on your face. It’s your turn to hold him still against you, your nails burrowing in his exposed lower back.

“Sweetheart…” Eddie begins as if in a trance.

“Yes…Eddie.”

“I think…that I—”

The swinging of the creaky, trailer door is enough to lurch you both apart, sitting in your designated seats on the couch. Uncle Wayne enters the room with a hand over one eye and an outstretched hand to guide himself into the home.

“All clear?” He asks.

Eddie rolls his eyes. “All clear, Waydog. We’ve been good.”

Wayne opens his eyes slowly, his gaze landing on you on the couch. He perks up with a bright smile. “Oh, y/n, what a pleasant surprise! I wasn’t sure you’d be here. I was actually worried I was going to walk into Eddie watching—“

“Dude!” Eddie interrupts, staring at his uncle in incredulous betrayal.

“Aw come on. I kid, I kid. You know that’s what we Munson men do. She’s used to that by now.” Wayne chuckles, placing some bags of grocery on the counter.

You giggle, soothing Eddie’s hair as way of ensuring him that it’s okay. Going over to the kitchen, you and Eddie help Wayne unload the groceries when Wayne notices the crochet bands around his nephew’s wrists.

“Those look neat! You think you could make me a pair?” Wayne asks you with hopeful eyes.

“Of course! And don’t you worry, I’ll even get them to match the beanie hat I’m still making for you.” You beam.

“Woah, woah. Wait a minute. He gets a matching hat?” Eddie inquires with a pout.

“Oh, like you haven’t stolen the first hat she’s made me.” Wayne chuckles.

“I didn’t steal. I borrowed.”

“For 4 whole months?”

“There isn’t a time limit for borrowing something. If there is, I’d like to see the rule.” Eddie challenges.

“I think you’re just jealous of us,” Wayne says, standing beside you with you nodding in agreement. “Why else would you take my gifts if not to have them all to yourself?”

“My girlfriend and my uncle in alliance against me.” Eddie laughs, shaking his head in bewilderment. “Didn’t think I’d see the day coming so soon.”

[burn-before-reading]

hiii! could i pls request reader x joost where reader meets his friends??? (stuntje, apson, tantu etc.) :3 thank u!!

Smitten

Joost Klein x shy! reader

word count: ill count it later

warnings: anxiety, imposter syndrome

a/n: This one got away from me. it was supposed to be shorter hahaha. idk if its what you expected but i had fun writing it :) not related to this fic but i love this picture so much Joost in skirts yall <3

also mini life update im finishing school rn so thats my focus. won’t completely abandon this blog but ill be offline a lot

RPF Below the cut ——

“We komen te laat, liefje” (we are gonna be late, love.)

You quickly slipped your shoes on and grabbed your jacket before meeting him at the door. opening your arms you do a little spin to show off your outfit.

“I look okay?”

“Yes, you look beautiful don’t worry.”

“Okay okay. Do the shoes match tho? I think maybe the black boots went with it better, and the shirt feels too fancy, gimmie like five-“

“Schatje,” he coos, grabbing your shoulders to steady you. He starts rubbing them slowly and you take a big breath in and out to relax yourself. “Its just my friends, they’re gonna love you I promise.”

“I know I know, I just wanna make a good impression.” you smile up at him sheepishly and he goes to kiss your forehead. he lets you go but moved his hand to grab yours and intertwines your fingers and tugs you gently out the door.

You make it to Tantu’s apartment about twenty minutes later, and you feel like you need a pep talk all over again. Joost feels your hesitation at the door and squeezes your hand tighter for reassurance before knocking. You can’t really say for sure why you are so nervous meeting his friends, but then the door opens and you are greeted by tantu himself. He introduces himself and immediately pulls you into a hug.

“we’ve heard so much about you. come in come in.”

The two of you walk in and you quickly scan the guests of the house party. Joost is familiar with most, but to you its a room of strangers and you feel all the butterflies in your stomach begin to turn. Joost leads you to where his main group of friends reside and you try to just focus on him and the feeling of your hand in his.

“Hey guys, this is y/n, my partner.” Joost introduces you to the group. “y/n, thats Apson, Alanis, Stuntje, and you met Tantu of course..” he takes the time to introduce each of his friends, and they all quickly wave or say hi to you. The girl you learned was Alanis stands up to shake your hand and go in for a hug as well, startling you again, but once again appreciating how friendly they are being.

“Hi, we’ve heard so much about you! great to finally meet you.” She takes both your hands and holds them. “You should sit.” she starts to pull you away from Joost and you turn and make a face that implies help? he just shrugs. “Theres drinks in the kitchen, Joost, if you guys want something.” she says and he hesitates before walking away.

“ill be okay for a second i promise.” you reassure. you see him slightly mouth something, probably in dutch, to Tantu, but he just shrugs and smirks before following behind.

You sit down and start to feel all their eyes on you. Tapping your foot nervously, you try to find the words to start a conversation, but Apson beats you to it.

“So you work at a coffee shop, right?” he asks. you nod.

“Yeah, for the last couple years or so. Its where I met Joost actually.” You see him just nod and smile, like he’s heard a version before.

“So, uh… what do you guys do for a living?” you ask and they start going around describing all their different creative jobs. Director, music production, art, content creation. The whole variety of creative jobs and it just makes you feel small. They are all so successful. Joost is so successful.

What are you doing here.

“So you and Joost have been dating for Three months, right?” Alanis asks, and you turn to her again.

“Uh, something like that. Its probably a little closer to 2 actually, but I guess we’ve been talking for a but longer than that so uh..” You feel a lump in your throat and start rapidly checking the room for Joost but he is no where to be seen. In your scan, you see a balcony that seems mostly empty so you quickly stand up and make an excuse to leave. “sorry, Uh, im gonna check on Joost.” you say and quickly walk the exact opposite direction of the kitchen and to the balcony. Two seconds later Joost comes back with two drinks in his hand and sees the empty spot where you should be. Glancing at the looks on his friends faces he just sighs.

“what the fuck, guys.”

-

On the balcony you try and use the fresh air to calm yourself down. Taking a breath in and out you just close your eyes in an attempt to center yourself. The sound of the screen door opens and closes behind you and you hear a voice pipe up.

“Sorry if we overwhelmed you. Joost told us you might be shy.” Alanis apologies. You open your eyes and smile at her.

“Its okay. Just feeling a bit out of place is all.” you reply and she tilts her head at your comment.

“What do you mean by that?”

“Well, you guys have all these super cool creative jobs, you’ve all known each other for so long it seems. Ive just barely met you all and I can already feel the talent and charisma radiating off you guys. I just make boring coffee.”

“Oh thats nonsense, you’re not boring at all. Joost wouldn’t have gone out of his way to go to your work every day if you were.” she smiles, “If we came off as overly friendly, its just because we were excited to meet the person Joost has been so taken with these past few months.”

“Guessing he talked about me a lot, huh?”

“Since day one.”

that admission piqued your interest a bit. “really?”

“Im serious. He walked out your shop that day and immediately texted Apson, ‘Just met the love of my life’ I don’t even think he had your name yet.” she laughs and you laugh a little as well learning about this side of Joost. You had known that he had been going out of his way to visit the shop you worked at as often as possible, but you didn’t know how taken he was with you right away.

“ I knew he started stopping by often, I just thought he liked our pastries.”

“He was Smitten. sorry again for being so overwhelming. Joost came back and lectured us all the second you left.” she admitted. The idea of Joost being so upset at his friends being too welcoming made you laugh.

“Its alright. Just feeling a bit overwhelmed i suppose.”

“Mind if I smoke?” Joost knocks on the open glass door before joining the two of you. He wraps his arm around your waist and pulls you closer to him before lighting his cigarette and taking a drag. he takes his cigarette with his free hand to lean a little closer to you and whispers. “alles goed, liefje?" (you alright, love?)

you nod and Smile at Alanis. “Yes, just needed some air. your friends are nicer than I expected.”

He nods and squeezes your waist before taking another drag and offering you his cigarette.

“I think im gonna head back inside. you two will be good?” Alanis asks and you smile and nod.

“I’ll join you in a sec.”

She heads back in. the second she is gone Joost immediately asks. “so how much did she spill?”

“only the good stuff.” you look at him and grin. “don’t worry I was smitten from day one too.”

[iliketangerines]

Idk if you do male x male but if you do- could you do like Raiden or just like- Wu shi academy boys ((liu, Lao, Raiden)) with a male reader who’s tall, buff, really intimidating- like those tall buff Japanese/Chinese guys but he’s very traditional and wears like yishang clothing and also a complete bottom and just a complete himbo. He’s taller and stronger then the boys and attracts the ladies ((which makes the boys jealous that some girls are trying to take their pookie away💦))

hands off!

a/n: i gotchu cutie, and djskdbdbs i want them to mark me up

pairing: liu kang x amab!reader x kung lao x raiden

warnings: nsfw (MDNI), blowjobs, handjobs, edging

Lao and Raiden had not been expecting you when they had come to the academy

you were tall, broad, strong, and dressed in a beautiful hanfu stitched and clearly made with a lot of effort and love

and when you opened your mouth to speak to greet them in a low voice, they were both heads over heels for you

they fight for your attention whenever you pass by them when they’re training, fighting harder and making harder jabs and trying to show off their skills

you never seem to notice, just smiling as you strip off your hanfu to only leave the baggy pants as you practice your exercises in the yard

Lao and Raiden can’t help but drool at the sight of your body, thick arms and a defined chest, but they both stop in their tracks as they watch Liu Kang come up to you and ask to spar

you agree happily, dopey smile on your face as you get in the ring and spar with Liu Kang with precise strikes and a body that moves like water

you barely win, your thick arms bulging as you bring Liu Kang into a chokehold and pin his legs down with your own

Lao and Raiden cannot concentrate on their own training for the rest of the day, distracted by the thoughts of your arms and your chest and everything else about you

but neither of them miss the way that Liu Kang has his sights set on you or the way that his body gravitates towards you at meetings or meal times

you don’t seem to notice though, happily eating away and explaining about something you saw in the flowers as you were trying to meditate

it’s one of those rare days where Liu Kang has brought his champions out into the nearby town to explore and rest from training

Johnny Cage and Kenshi disappear almost immediately, and so you’re left with Raiden, Lao, and Liu Kang to wander about the town

you stop by a variety of stalls, looking over the food, and the other three trail behind you like lost puppies, scrabbling to buy whatever they could if you even just glanced at it

but it's Raiden who first notices when they’re distracted with haggling for the price of some jewelry you looked at that a girl has come up to you

she’s twirling her hair and grabs onto your bicep, squeezing the muscle, as you remain oblivious to her flirting and make small talk

jealousy flares to life in Raiden’s body, and he leaves Lao and Liu Kang to place an arm around your waist and drag you away from the woman

it happens for the rest of the day, you're completely oblivious as various women place their hands up on your arms and chest or bend over in front of you trying to get your attention

it leaves Lao, Raiden, and Liu Kang feeling frustrated as you continue to frolic among the stalls ignorant to the hungry stares

they cut the day short, dragging you out of the town and back to the academy, and Raiden shoots the other two a quick text that they’re leaving early

you pout but follow along with them back to the academy

the next few weeks are torture; you tower over Lao and Raiden and grow much more friendly in your touches, patting them on the back or dragging them in for a hug

even Liu Kang has grown closer to you, leaving his hands on your waist for too long or staring at you longingly

but, it all comes to a head when there’s another trip planned to go to town, and none of them want to see women fawning over you

Lao and Raiden walk out to the training field early, sun barely rising over the horizon, expecting to find you already there and training to blow off some steam before they leave for the town

but, you’re nowhere to be found, and they immediately go to search for you

and when they find you, it’s a sight to behold

you’re in your bedroom, still in bed, hair strewn above you and hands gripping on Liu Kang’s hair for dear life as he bobs his head up and down your cock

you look gorgeous, chest covered in hickeys and nipples rubbed sore, and you open an eyelid and whimper, one hand releasing from Liu Kang’s hair to reach out for them

they hurry over, blood flowing from their heads to their dicks as they watch Liu Kang hum around your cock, causing you to arch your back off the bed

they approach you, and Liu Kang releases your cock from his mouth, a lewd sound as he detaches from your dick

the god moves you so that your sit in his lap, and it would be a comedic sight with the way you’re taller than Liu Kang

but, Lao and Raiden are too horny to really laugh and quickly pull their cocks out of their pants as you paw at their pants

Liu Kang slips a plug out of your ass and lubes his dick up before sliding inside of you, moaning as you clench around him

the god tells you that you’re so beautiful like this, bouncing on his dick, and you whine, taking Lao’s dick into your mouth first as you pump at Raiden’s with your hand

Lao groans at the feeling of your warm mouth around his cock, and you press your tongue into the slit of his tip

in your hand, you flick your wrist and pump Raiden from base to tip, and the champion can’t help but groan as pre-cum leaks from his tip

Liu Kang thrusts into you, which has you whining around Lao’s cock, and the vibrations have Lao gripping your hair tightly

you look absolutely debauched, eyes filled with tears as Lao pushes your head down until your nose hits his pelvis and skin covered in bite marks and hickeys

the three of them shower you with praise, telling you that you’re doing so good for them, taking three cocks for them, that you look pretty marked up for them

Liu Kang fists the base of your dick, preventing you from cumming, and you moan around Lao’s dick

the god angles his hips to batter into your prostate, and you keen loudly

Lao lets go of your hair, and you detach your mouth from his dick and go to lavish Raiden’s cock with your attention

you pump at Lao’s dick while you give kitten licks to Raiden’s dick, and the champion pets your hair as you leave licks and kisses along the shaft

but, he can’t contain himself, and he grabs onto your head and starts fucking into your face, admiring the way tears drip down your face

Liu Kang continues to bounce you on his cock, keeping a firm grip on base of your dick

you grow dizzy at the onslaught of pleasure and the lack of air as you gurgle around Raiden’s dick

finally, Raiden pulls you off and tells you to stick out your tongue, and he pumps his dick at the sight of your flushed face

Lao pumps at his dick furiously, wanting, needing to cum all over your face

the two of them need to show that you’re theirs, that no one else can have you, that you’re just for them

they cum on your face, and you close your eyes as their seed drips down your cheeks and lands on your tongue

you happily swallow what you can, and Raiden and Lao groan at the sight

they tuck away their dicks and reluctantly leave to go and grab some towels and water for you

Liu Kang doubles his efforts, picking you up until just the tip remains before slamming your hips onto his, and it has you moaning and begging for more

he whispers in your ears that you only belong to them, and you nod along dumbly

he pumps your cock with one calloused hand, spreading your pre-cum on the shaft for a better slide, and he presses the thumb into the slit of your cock

your back arches off of him as you cum, thighs twitching as your cum coats Liu Kang’s hand and the floor

Liu Kang grunts at the feeling of you tightening around him and cums inside of you, fucking you and him through your orgasms

eventually, he just lets you sit on his cock as you sniffle and hiccup, trying to come back down from your high

he coos at you and finally slips out of you but fills you up with the plug from earlier, keeping him cum inside of you as a reminder that you’re his

Raiden and Lao return with damp towels and water in hand and wipe you down and have you drink some water

Lao bites his lip at the sight of the plug snug inside of you

Liu Kang picks out a hanfu for you, one that exposes your neck and the hickeys on them

the god looks at Raiden and Lao and tells them to make their mark, and they eagerly suck matching hickeys onto the low part of your neck

it has you whining, but they just walk you out of the room and meet up with Johnny and Kenshi to go to the market

they go and buy some food for you while you look at some other stall, admiring the fabric, and a woman approaches you

but she sees the hickeys on your neck, and Raiden grins as the woman backs off

Liu Kang has a constant hand on the small of your back, and Lao shoots glares at woman who try to approach you

with their protectiveness and the way the plug shifts inside of you every time you move, it reminds you that you fully belong to the three of them

[allurilove]

What if a yandere husband's daughter was a real daddy's girl? She loves her father unconditionally, feeling possessive jealousy of him and considering his lap as her throne. She cries if anyone tries to catch her except her father. She would definitely fight with Henry to defend her father tooth and nail. Her father would certainly be heartbroken when she found a boyfriend.

I’ve been packing and moving for eight hours. oml 😭 I guess this is a little time skip to when Henry is a bit older, and the daughter is like around 4

Yandere husband volunteered to make all the food for the end of the year preschool party, and he brought his two close buddies, you, and Henry to help him hand it out. The arms of his white shirt is pulled back to his elbows, he took his watch off, and he puts on the plastic gloves.

The party is outside by the playground, and of course your husband bought all of the decorations and activities too. There was balloons, streamers, bubble machines, speakers playing kid friendly music, a face painting station, he even got a couple impersonators from their fave shows, and more.

He watches as the little kids run out of the school, a small toddler stampede, and he sees his daughter waving her tiny arms around.

“Dad dad dad dad!” she beamed and she ran around the table to hug him first. “You’re here!” his daughter nuzzled her face on his thigh. He dressed her up in a floral dress, white flats, and he even styled her hair up.

“Why don’t you sit down? I’ll give you food in a second.” he said, adjusting his hands in the gloves and he started to plate up the food for the other students. He made a wide variety of things: chicken, honey butter rolls, roasted veggies, salads, pasta, fish, and a lot of vegetarian options. When him and his friends handed out those, you cut the fruit into tiny pieces, and managed the chocolate fountain station.

Your daughter munched on the snacks while she stood by her father’s side. “Do you want anything else baby? Why don’t you get your face painted into a tiger? I know you like cats.” he looked down at her briefly before he smiled brightly at the little kid who wanted one of every food.

The girl pouted and she crossed her arms. “Can you come with me then?”

“Why don’t you go with Henry?”

“I wanna go with you!” she whined and tugged on her fathers shirt.

Yandere husband sighed and he took off his gloves. “Alllright. Let’s go.” he picked her up off the ground and he holds her tight as they approach the artist.

He sits down onto the chair and he places his daughter on his lap. He looked around the area to make sure that none of the kids were hurt, and that they were all having the best time of their lives. Your husband watched you intently, and his mouth salivated at the thought of—

“Look!” his daughter turned to him and she gently slapped his cheek when she noticed that he was distracted.

“Hmm?” yandere husband sheepishly smiled as he saw his daughter had a bunch of colors and stripes on her face. “Oh, wow! You look amazing!”

“You should get one too!” the girl on his lap pleaded.

“I don’t know-“

“Pleaseeeeee?”

—-

At the end of the day your husband was knocked out on the bed. A huge tiger face imprint on the pristine white pillow case, and his daughter is by his side.

You gently try to pull her away from your husband, but her arms are tightly wrapped around his waist. When yandere husabnd felt her presence disappear, his eyes immediately shot open, and he grabbed her back from you. “Just let us be for a moment.” he sleepily said and he cuddled the girl tight.

[theemporium]

wolfstar x reader remus and sirius spoiling reader

thank you for requesting!🖤

.

“This is too much.” 

“One would argue it’s not enough.” 

“I’m serious—”

“No, I’m Sirius.” 

You shot the boy a look, completely unamused by the joke. But it was a little hard to look threatening when you were surrounded by a variety of bags and boxes from different shops—which Sirius was happy to remind you every time you tried glaring at him from your spot on his bed. 

You had chosen to stay in for the weekend, the upcoming assignments and exams stressing you out more than you cared to admit. Your boyfriends had tried to convince you to take a break, to go out for a few hours at least and enjoy some fresh air but you had waved them off and told them to enjoy a cute day out without you. There was plenty of time after exams to make up for the lost time. 

So you could imagine your surprise when Remus and Sirius had returned from their day out in Diagon Alley and started showering you in gift bags and gift boxes until you could barely see the notes you had spread across the bed to revise—until you could barely move from the bed yourself.

“You have to return these,” you told the boys, shaking your head as you tried to mentally calculate just how much everything would have cost. There were bags with shop names you didn’t even recognise because it was in the fancier parts of Diagon Alley you usually ignored. “This is insane—”

“It’s what you deserve,” Remus corrected you as he walked into the room, unashamed in the way he placed the last of the bags at the foot of the bed. “You’re working yourself too hard, love, you deserve something for all your hard work.” 

Your cheeks burned. “I haven’t even finished my exams, I could have done completely shit—”

“And we would still buy you a world’s worth of gifts,” Sirius said with a casual shrug. “I have more money than I know what to do with, darling, it’s only right I treat my girl.” 

You swallowed the lump in your throat as you glanced back down at the gifts surrounding you. Your family was by no means poor. You had what you needed with a roof over your head and food on your plate. You got gifts from your parents on holidays and special occasions, and sometimes a little spending money if you were lucky. 

But this? This wasn’t something you were used to at all. 

“Relax, darling,” Remus cooed softly when he noticed the look on your face, like he could see the thoughts swirling in your head and sending you into overdrive. “We just wanna show you that we appreciate you, that’s all this is.” 

You nodded a little. “That’s a lot of appreciation.” 

Sirius’ lips twitched. “You’re our good girl, the best girl for us.” 

You squirmed a little under his intense gaze, clearing your throat a little. “I still think this is completely unnecessary.” 

Remus just winked in response, trying to hold back his smirk. “Don’t worry, love, I’m sure you can find a way to make it up to us.” 

“A few of these gifts are for us too,” Sirius commented vaguely, though the glimmer of desire in his eyes gave you a good idea just what a few of these bags held inside them.

.

[yothangie]

Missing Their Kids event

HJ ver, SH ver, YH ver, YS ver, SN ver, MG ver, WY ver, JH ver

Pairing: Dad! Wooyoung, Ballet student daughter (6 years old) Fem Mom reader

WRD count: 911

Genre: Idol Wooyoung, angst, a hit of fluff, Wooyoung cries, i can't write anything but angst Im so sorry

Ateez Dad Masterlist Join the Taglist

It was comeback season, during the time the group had different schedules such as music shows and interviews

For months your daughter has been telling wooyoung about her ballet recital and how she has a small solo in the dance

Of course wooyoung was excited for her and promised her he would be there

But the schedule has him at a variety show the whole day.. The same day his daughter has her recital he was devastated.

How is he gonna tell you he can’t make it, matter of fact how is he gonna tell his little girl he can’t make it??

He had all that in his mind during the day, once he got home he was a little sad on how he was gonna break the news

“How was work my love” you said

“It was good,” he sighed.

Wooyoung plopped down on the couch and let down a deep sigh

“Is everything okay” you sat down next to him

“We have a schedule the day of her recital” he confessed

“You can’t reschedule” you asked

“No I tried talking to hongjoong about it but it was already set and i can’t change it”

“Well you should try talking to her, she’s still awake” you suggested

He was debating if he should break the news to her now or not.

It took a lot of courage for him to be standing in front of her room, he quietly knocked on her door

He hears the little footsteps coming towards the door opening it a little.

“Hi appa” her eyes lit up seeing the sight of her dad

“Hi pumpkin” wooyoung steps into the room, he sits himself next to her bed on the floor.

He grabs the little girl bringing her to his lap, he hates having to break such news to her.

“You know how you have your recital on saturday” he starts

“Yes, appa promised he would go and watch me dance” she smiles

“Well pumpkin appa might have to break that promise” he says

A little pout begins to form on the girl she looked down not wanting to make eye contact

“But appa you promised”

“I know but i have work” he tried pulling the girl in a hug only for her to push him away.

“Appa likes work more than me” she cried

It broke wooyoung having to hear those words coming from her own daughter.

“Dont say that pumpkin”

She got up and ran out of her bedroom sniffing and crying

Wooyoung sighed and got up heading to your guy's shared room, seeing the little girl curled up next to you asleep

“She came in crying saying you don't love her anymore” you said

“I tried to have the schedule changed i really did” he sighed

“You shouldn’t feel bad, you have no control over that”

“But ever since she was born i told her i would never break her promise and i did that” he said

“She needs to understand you won’t always be here because of your job” you said

Wooyoung sighs and sits on the bed seeing the girls back facing him.

“I’ll talk to her again tomorrow she probably doesn’t want to see me” Wooyoung pouts

“Don’t say that”

“She pushed me away when i tried to hug her”

You got up carrying your daughter and took her to her room for her to sleep, you went back to your shared room seeing wooyoung in the bathroom.

You felt bad that wooyoung had to witness his daughter saying harsh things to him, wooyoung has a day off tomorrow so you’ll definitely have a talk with her about it.

The next day rolls around, you wake up to see your husband out of bed, you got up doing your morning routine, hoping he is in the kitchen which thank god he is.

“You’re up early” you mumbled

“I want to prepare something so that hopefully she isn’t sad anymore,” he said.

A few moments passed by you both hear little footsteps coming to the kitchen

“good morning mama” the little girl raises her arms to be carried

you went ahead and carried for daughter making your way next to wooyoung who’s preparing the plates

“say ‘good morning appa’ “ you said

your daughter quickly whipped her head into your neck not wanting to look at her dad.

Wooyoung gave you a look, a look of ‘see she hates me’

“what’s wrong” you say nudging her a bit

“he’s not going” she pouts

“that’s because appa needs to work”

“he always works” she grumps

“if he doesn’t work then you can’t do ballet” you said

The little girl slowly looks over at her dad and pouts

A tear sheds from wooyoung, he feels like he disappointed the girl he treasures the most

“I’m sorry I can’t go my love but please don’t be mad” Wooyoung chokes

Your daughter started to crying in your shirt, you look over at wooyoung signaling him to grab his child, which he did

He held his child tight, afraid to let her go, both crying.

Wooyoung pulled his daughter back wiping away her tears

"appa please come" she cries

"you know i want to go but i can't"

Wooyoung continues to wipe the tears away from his daughtr as they continue to spill

"promise me you will do good at your recital" he holds out his pinky

the little girl nodded intertwining her little pinky to his.

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

Taglist: @reooreo @starhwahwa @nnnarchives @enbymingi @nvdhrzn @strawberry-cube @tinyelfperson @soso59love-blog @pai-fe @Kkumiikumii @blackb3ll @marvelfanatic4life @n3neni @everythingboutkpop @taz-97 @jjoongstar

[iris-of-bliss]

𝕋𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝔸 𝕃𝕠𝕒𝕕 𝕆𝕗𝕗 [𝟙𝟠+]

Summary: Hwoarang deals with an irritating headache after his fight with Jin. Perhaps he could use a helping hand from you?

Pairing(s): Hwoarang/F!Reader

Warning(s): Smut, Foreplay, Teasing, Creampie, Fingering

Word Count: 1.5k

Hwoarang made his choice to match Jin for an upcoming tournament. This time, Kazama gained the upper hand through every round. They were at Yakushima with you and Xiaoyu watching over their every move. Although Hwoa has been a bit sloppy, you rooted for him regardless. Xiaoyu has done the same as Jin, who performed well on his part. It was a heated duel, just like last time. Both fighters still had a decent fight, showing off their skills and capabilities. After the match was over, you and Ling applauded them while approaching. The men pat down some of the dirt from their clothes. Hwoarang looked rather irritated, but your presence makes him feel a lot better.

“You did a good job today, boys!” you congratulated the fighters.

Xiaoyu followed, “Yeah, you two were great! So, we will meet up again next week, yes?”

Hwoarang sighed, “Sure, we gotta get back home. I’m starting to get a pounding headache.”

You and Ling exchange goodbyes as you follow your boyfriends. You could hear Ling catch up to Jin before bringing up a discussion about eating steamed buns. Hwoa was rubbing the back of his neck with his head hung low. It seems like he needed some rest. Maybe Jin went a little too rough? You place a hand on his back and question his state, “Are you feeling alright, babe? You don’t look too good.”

“Of course not. Must have caught a fever during the fight,” he insinuated, “Hop on so I can lay down when we get home.”

—

“Alright, Hwoarang. I’ve prepared an ice pack for you.”

Approaching the worn-out and shirtless Hwoarang, you place the pack against his forehead. He immediately grabs your hand to press the cooling bag against the aching pain. A relieved sigh slips from his mouth. His eyes open to see you while giving a small smirk.

“Hey, (Y/N),” he responds softly, “You got other ways to cure my headache besides a pack of ice?”

“Well, I can serve some soup if you want,” you came up with the best answer you could.

A chuckle emitted out of Hwoarang, “Oh, babydoll, I wasn’t talking about that kind of cure. I was wondering about the pleasurable variety.”

“Oh?”

Your eyes widen with a faded blush across your face. He swiftly grabs you by the wrist to get on top. You sit up facing Hwoa, his smirk widening more feverishly. He didn’t seem motivated to sleep. Just seeing you was enough for him. His hands trail over your hips before firmly squeezing them.

“H-Hwoarang?,” you hesitated, “What are you even scheming?”

“You know what this is, (Y/N). It’ll be worth it.”

You suddenly feel the redhead thrust his erection against your crotch. Gasping from the tease, you latch his wrists, still gripping your flesh as he continues to give a few more shots. He’s a quick thinker and knew about your weaknesses in bed before. It was impossible to hold back from keeping up with his rhythmic movements. Hwoa smirks and places the ice pack on the bed stand. He then pulls you down to hold you close while returning the favor. You can still smell his sweat from the match. Even when you convinced him to shower, he refused due to his headache. Without thinking, Hwoarang turns you over to the bed on your back, another surprised gasp escaping your lips. He now towers above you before leaning down your jaw to kiss. You already missed the dry rubbing between your thighs, so you end up doing the work yourself. The wet spot grew warmer as you wrapped your hands around his neck, the sweet sound of your moans teasing Hwoa’s ear. He groans against your skin and grabs your hips again, lifting them upward.

“You gonna be a good girl for me, baby?” the redhead whispers.

As you begin to feel your face heat up, you quickly nod, “Yes. Anything for you.”

He chuckles, “Now how about that?”

Hwoarang brings a hand between your thighs to rub your dampness. You allow him to keep you wet and close your legs around his working hand. You grab his face and share a hungry French kiss together. During the kiss, Hwoarang’s hand unzips your pants before sliding down further under your panties. It causes your voice to shiver at the touch. A pair of fingers gently tease your folds. They inch in to rub your walls before pulling away for your folds again. He loved listening to your frantic whimpers. Luckily for him, there was more to come.

Hwoa hums, “So, you’re ready to take me?”

“Please, do it!” you plead.

Hwoarang sighs and removes his pants to spring his erection out. He even lent a hand, taking off yours, too. Each cloth left your body as he slid them away. After the pieces of clothing were tossed aside, you immediately felt his cock rest over your entrance. He grinds into you all the while kissing your cheek. The stream of slickness coats underneath him as he kept going. You can even feel yourself getting hot from being close to your boyfriend.

“Heh, I feel big, don’t I?” he teases.

You were in the middle of mewling, so of course he didn’t need an answer when it was right there. He aligns himself and presses into your entrance, settling between your legs. The more you got filled up, the louder your cries became. Hwoa bites his lip after noticing how tight you were. From his perspective, this felt perfect.

“Better hold on tight, sweetheart.”

A few seconds after being completely filled, Hwoarang’s thrusting starts rough and hard. He claws at your shaking hips while exchanging kisses with you. Your breaths were already hot from the intensity. The kissing got sloppy due to your boyfriend’s wild pounding. As he did so, he smacked the side of your rear and gave you a gentle squeeze. Your fingers scratched into his shoulders, yet this did not lead him to flinch in the slightest. Both of you were overcome by the heat inside and out. Hwoarang lifted himself up as he kept up with his thrusts. Looking down at you, he grins at the exhausted state you are in. What a sight to see.

“Like what you see?” he teases.

Your words were struggling to piece themselves together, “Y-yeah. Please, more- oh!”

He emits a chuckle at your reply. You felt a knot form in your stomach. It was such a pleasing view, Hwoarang couldn’t resist while kneading your skin. It bothered him that you were still in your shirt, so he slowed down to pull that off as well. Leaving you in your bra was just enough. He bends down to kiss you, all the while sneaking his fingers under your bra, finding their way to your nipples. The redhead scratches your pebbled skin. You moan in his mouth, your body arching up to him. Though your eyes remain shut, you trail your hands to his hair to undo his bun. The rest of his red strands drape down in the process. Fuck, he looked so hot. You take a handful of his hair and comb through it. Your legs wrap around his torso for him to go deeper. Hwoarang pulls his hands away to embrace you. He groaned due to his hair being messed with.

Hwoa keeps fucking you harder, close into attempting to bottom you out. He breaks the kiss with a string of saliva falling off. Panting for air, he tries his best to speak, “Do I feel good? Huh?”

You were trying to catch your breath, “Y-Yes, so good…”

You move some of his strands to the back of his ear for a better view. He takes your wrist in order to place a kiss on your hand. The both of you embrace each other again, the session continuing on. Hwoarang starts kissing and biting your jaw, urging you to give him access to your neck. You grant his wish before he abuses your weak spot. He managed to earn plenty of moans, and they drove him wild. The tightening of your walls around his cock. He growls in your flesh like an animal, almost reaching his climax. After giving a rough hickey on your neck, he rests his forehead along yours to lock eyes. Breaths arose while you two were about to release. Your cunt flutters when you stare into his brown eyes. Everything about Hwoarang was perfect to you.

“Hwoarang, I love you! I-“

The sentence was cut off by the sudden finish, loud cries erupting from pure pleasure. Hwoa’s cum spurts out after you are quickly filled. He didn’t care much, though. Overfilling you would eventually satisfy him more. As you finally settle down, you kiss your boyfriend once more. The fatigued redhead pulls out and collapses on his stomach beside you. He brings you close by your torso, careless to move around any longer. You hold onto his arm before looking back at his smirking face.

“Thanks to you, my head isn’t pounding any more,” he chuckles at you.

You hummed, “If that’s the case, maybe we could try that method next time? Whenever it comes back, of course.”

“Heh, good girl.”

He plants a kiss on your head as you sigh yourself to sleep. From now on, Hwoarang has a favorite cure he can make use of next time. That sneaky tease he is.

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

Congrats on wrapping up the Cursed Raven Saga!! 🎉 I had a lot of fun reading it. One thing I loved was how Miss Raven has different relationships with every character. A lot of the saga was focused on just her and J Word though so I wanted to ask if you could clarify what her relationships are like with the other characters especially the ones we don’t see a lot of in the saga or not at all. Sorry if it’s a big ask, I’m just curious! You can do just the 22 NRC boys for now if you want. 😊

[Referencing this series!]

AAAAAAH THANK YOU FOR LIKING IT, I'D LIKE TO THANK THE ACADEMY 😭💐

Having a character with very different relationships with the rest of the cast makes them feel more "real", doesn't it? Miss Raven doesn't get along with everyone! I spent a long time thinking about how she would interact with the others in the cast. A lot of those relationships are complicated or change over time, which is why I decided to explain each individual one rather than slap together a quick chart. The NRC students, staff, and a few key characters are included. I hope you enjoy reading ^^

Riddle

They’re very awkward friendly acquaintances. If you asked either one of them though, they’d deny it and instead claim they just have a professional relationship.

They initially get to know each other via dorm meetings (as Raven attends to take notes); Riddle likes that she does her job and stays focused. He sometimes nags his freshmen students to be more diligent and to follow her example.

They take tea together occasionally and complain about the eels. Riddle has to deal with them all the time—one as his classmate, the other approaching him at random, much to his chagrin.

Not sure how to deal with him when he’s mad. Raven locks up out of fear but attempts to talk him back into a state of calm. Sometimes just cowers.

Frequently tells Raven it is “ill-advised” to associate with the twins.

Trey

Acquaintances out of convenience, I’d say? Raven and Trey don’t talk much themselves, but Trey appreciates that she’s Riddle first “new” friend at NRC.

Raven sees Trey has a reliable senpai, but doesn’t really have reasons to talk to him outside of business. She tries not to bother him since it looks like he’s already got a lot on his plate dealing with his own dorm members.

Trey uses her as a waste receptacle taste tester for his latest creations whenever he feels the Heartslabyul boys have had their fill of sugar. “Ravens can basically eat anything right? Here, have some of this then.”

Cater

Calls Raven "Rae-chan".

They’re not close at all, but they’re aware of the other person’s existence. The two don’t vibe so well…

Raven’s an introvert that doesn’t really understand Cater’s sparkly persona and social media obsession. Cater doesn’t get why a cute girl like Raven doesn’t show off more.

Cater isn’t entirely comfortable around her because sometimes it seems like she’s staring at him… It makes him feel like he’s an open book and she’s examining him for flaws or seeking out something more of him. He really plays up his persona around her to compensate and to cover for that.

Ace

Classmates but not friends. He’s more like a bully. Raven tolerates him because they share the same homeroom. She thinks of him as an annoying little brother she has to "model" the correct behavior for.

He’s constantly teasing her for a variety of things: being short, being a brainiac, being related to the useless headmaster, etc. Raven tries to be the bigger person and ignore him, but there’s only so much she can take before snapping at him.

Occasionally steals glances at what she’s writing in her diary or snatches it from her to read the entries out loud. Tells her she has shit taste in men.

Raven thinks she’s more mature than Ace, but Ace sees right through her “lady” act and points out she’s more childish than she’d like to admit. He says she should be more honest with herself, but she never is. She probably avoids Ace if given the choice because she doesn’t like her lies/tsundere behavior being called out.

Deuce

Classmates, closer to being an acquaintance than Ace is. Though they’re not exactly friends, Raven thinks of Deuce a little more positively because it’s usually him who intervenes to tell Ace to “cut it out” or to “leave her alone”.

Deuce looks up to Raven as the honors student ideal. (Raven gets a slightly swelled ego because of this and thinks of herself as Ace and Deuce’s “big sis” figure.)

When he goes delinquent mode, Raven cowers in the corner until he has returned to normal. Can’t totally understand some of his delinquent slang. Probably repeated a few of the phrases to ask what they mean and Deuce apologizes for saying them in front of her.

She once heard that Deuce likes eggs and she looked at him horrified.

Leona

Calls Raven “Canary”. It's meant to be an ironic nickname, since despite her black feathers she tries to be bright and optimistic with him.

They started off having a really sour relationship because Leona has an attitude that Raven finds is difficult to work with. She sees a lot of her old self in him (disheartened, lost, not willing to try) and takes it upon herself to encourage him because she doesn't want to see him going down the same dark path she did. Unfortunately, Leona doesn't appreciate that he's her "charity case" and tends to put up resistance to her efforts.

Raven's REALLY skittish around him since he's a big cat and she's a bird--they're naturally predator and prey.

Leona saw her as super annoying back then; he doesn’t understand why she has so much faith in him when he has given up on himself. This frustration manifests in a few threats which definitely did not help the relationship.

Over time, I guess the two realize on their own how similar they are and they sort of soften up to one another. Leona starts to treat Raven a little nicer and finally acknowledges her for the "lady" that she is. "I can't quite place it, but Leona-san seems to be different somehow," she says. In a good mood + feels proud when she sees him in high spirits.

Raven really praises his intelligence and leadership abilities, but laments that he doesn't use them to their full extent.

They can bond over intellectual activities or something. Chess, reading books, etc.

Still get on each other's nerves by making verbal jabs. I guess that's the nature of a cat and bird, huh... Their relationship is very "Zazu-Scar" and "Beauty and the Beast" coded.

He's aware that she has a crush on Jade 💀 Angsts in private about not being "the one", why couldn't he have had this kind of support earlier in life, etc.

Ruggie

An acquaintance, forced to be cordial with him due to circumstances. Raven's often around campus doing odd jobs for her uncle, and she sometimes bumps into Ruggie (doing his own odd jobs). They chitchat here and there, but aren't super close.

Raven initially views Ruggie as "one of Leona-san's goons", but they become a little more amicable as Raven's relationship with Leona improves. Ruggie now comfortably teases her and commends her for putting up with the demands of their dorm leader.

He was the mediator for Leona and Raven back they didn't get along at all, asking Raven to cut Leona a little slack and telling Leona to lighten up with the birdie.

They share a love for shiny things and have a talent for finding edible plants. Sometimes they trade tips on the latter.

Jack

Raven's scared of Jack based solely on the principle that he looks intimidating. The first time they ever crossed paths, Raven took out her wallet and handed it to Jack (thinking that he was going to wail on her for her lunch money). He was very confused and handed the wallet back to her.

They don't talk. Like, at all. They only communicate on an as-needed basis, and even then it's difficult to get the ball rolling because Raven just freezes up when he looks at her. Jack very much reminds her of the wild predators she'd have to avoid in the forest.

She thinks it's cute when his ears twitch and his tail wags, but doesn't dare get close to him. Would prefer to stand on the other side of the room and shout at him.

... Jack doesn't get why she acts this way, isn't this way of communicating inefficient?

He tries to remain respectful of her since it seems like (in his eyes) she's friends with Ruggie-senpai and Leona-senpai. Wonders if there's something more there that he's not fully getting, but figures it's none of his business to ask about it.

Azul

Thought he was polite at first, but Raven eventually came to understand that his smile is, in fact, shady. She maintains a certain level of professionalism (given that he's a dorm leader), but she's pretty on edge around him otherwise. If he's nice to her, she assumes he wants something or has an ulterior motive.

Azul sees a lot of value in Raven due to her connection with the headmaster. He's always reaching out to her and 'offering" favors or items to get in her good graces. Often is rejected, but man doesn't know when to quit.

Though Raven doesn't like Azul or what he stands for, she thinks the Mostro Lounge is very comfortable and dines there on occasion. (Insists on paying full price when Azul tries to slide over a discount.)

Jade

Her crush

When Raven first arrived at NRC, she got really attached to Jade since he seemed like a kind and reliable gentleman. They had a falling out (after Raven learned that Jade was sent by Azul to manipulate her) and have been on rocky terms since. Unfortunately, a (very stupid) part of her is still attracted to him, though she strongly denies it.

He derives a lot of amusement from her overreactions to little things, like having their fingers brush against one another.

Raven keeps Jade at as much of a distance as she can. Sadly, he keeps popping up in her life (all orchestrated coincidences) to charm her. She convinces herself that he doesn't actually like her and that these are all calculated moves to get back on her good side.

Many of their interactions devolve into bickering, with Jade teasing her and Raven trying to fire back with something witty.

They're curious about each other's home biomes and true forms. Back when they were friends, they'd teach each other many new things on those topics.

Very vengeful towards those who are "too cruel" to Raven (because only he's allowed to be that mean to her :>). Offers to "take care" of them for her. She tells him not to, but isn't sure if he actually listens to her.

Floyd

Calls Raven “Black Pearly”/“Kuroshinju-chan”. Normally Floyd nicknames people after sea creatures--and notably, with Raven, he calls her an inanimate object from the ocean. This is intentional (from a meta perspective), as it highlights that Raven is an entity that doesn't quite "fit" within the school and the story.

Raven's not a fan. She can't deal with Floyd acting so unpredictably and rashly. He's such a headache, why can't he at least PRETEND to be polite like Jade does? (This comment really pisses Floyd off and makes him stomp off.)

He thinks she's boring but keeps starting shit to see if she'll react if he pokes the right buttons.

Makes fun of her because he sees her crush on his twin is sooo obvious. Doesn't understand why she has to overcomplicate things by hiding how she really feels. "Just do it already."

Kalim

Friends! But in small doses. Raven gets tired being with Kalim, who’s always so friendly and energetic, for extended periods of time. Cares for him in the same way a big sister might for a younger brother, even though Kalim is in the higher grade level.

Showers her with gifts, especially foods. He shows her his menagerie and encourages her to try petting tigers or something 💀 Kalim had a big heart and shares a lot of what he has with her.

He listens to her worries about connecting with others and fitting in. Not good at wording his advice, but encourages her to keep trying and that he’ll always be there for her!

Raven finds Kalim’s cheer refreshing but worries that people could take advantage of his naïveté like she was (by Jade). Tries to protect him from shady types of characters.

Jamil

Not exactly friends, but they see each other and immediately see the tired mom energy. There’s a mutual understanding between them.

Raven takes shifts with Jamil to help Kalim with his assignments. Helps keep an eye on his dorm leader when he’s up to his neck with other tasks. It’s like they’re coparenting 😭

She often finds herself staring at his hair accessories. When she was less accustomed to human life, she yanked on one of them and earned his ire for the next several weeks. Jamil has cooled off since then, but he’ll bring it up subtly if he’s annoyed with her.

Vil

Calls Raven “Shetland potato”. (Yes, I know Shetland is an irl location that doesn’t exist in Twst; just assume Shetland is an old fashioned way of saying Shaftlands/it’s a variety of potato from the Shaftlands.)

She approached Vil first and nervously asked him for etiquette lessons (since she wanted to know how to be more human and “ladylike”), which he agreed to. Vil’s pleasantly surprised that she had the agency to seek self improvement like this, so now his expectations of her are set really high.

Raven admires Vil’s mastery of potionology and tries her best to emulate him in the lab. Her technique is a little clumsy, but her heart’s in the right place. She also loves his sense of fashion since she lacks the confidence to pull off the daring looks that Vil does.

He’s like the stern, icy older brother she never had. Vil doesn’t go out of his way to help her out (he wants her to learn to fend for herself), but he’s there if she needs advice or help dressing for an occasion.

One of the few guys she can go to for “girl talk”. Raven tries to keep who she’s talking about vague, but Vil always sees right through her and tells her it’s a poor choice.

Rook

Calls Raven “mon petit oiseau”. Later on (like, after Raven becomes more confident in her identity), he'll switch over to the nickname "Conteuse des Corbeaux".

A good friend! If not a little too over eager. Raven was definitely put-off but him at first, but he grew on her over time. She loves listening to him wax poetic; it inspires her in her own creative endeavors—and his cheer is so infectious!

They share a love for the arts and sit around trading their takes on the latest movie or play or art piece they saw. Sometimes he reads and offers critique of her latest work.

Lives for the tea. Besides Vil, he’s one of the other guys Raven can talk to about love. Problem is, Rook is content watching her try to find her way (there’s something romantic about it!) and vaguely encourages her to “follow her heart’s desire”.

Tries to give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe too much. (“I-I’m sure Rook-senpai has a perfectly good reason for breaking into your dorm room to leave a rose on your pillow… r-right?”)

They sometimes whisper stuff to each other in bird.

Epel

Epel has beef with her cuz she's a raven (aka one of those pest animals that wreak havoc on his village's crops!). Stares at her from a distance with kind of a grumpy face.

He doesn't really act on that beef because Vil will whoop his ass for being rude and provoking a fight with his peer. If he's in a situation where he has to talk with Raven, Epel will do his best to put on that soft, sweet polite facade that Vil has taught him.

Raven has zero clue what Epel's saying when he speaks in his accent. Asks him to repeat himself, which annoys him.

Idia

Raven thinks he’s basically a ghost that haunts Ignihyde. Does that guy ever go out and get sunshine??? (Raven thinks that, but she’s a hypocrite because she also holes up in her room… writing…)

Doesn’t really have an opinion of him since he’s so withdrawn and they barely interact. However, she doesn’t like it when he acts all high and mighty about the media he consumes. Raven thinks it discourages people from giving the media a shot because he’s making it seem so unappealing.

She also thinks his laugh and general presence is

a little eerie. Maybe she’ll get cursed if she bathes in his negative miasma for too long.

Even though they don’t know each other irl, I think it would be funny if Raven posted her writing online and Idia was one of her biggest fans 😭 Like this guy religiously likes, comments, and shares every post…

Ortho

Calls Raven “Raven Crowley-san”.

They’re friends! Little buddies experiencing a lot of their firsts and exploring the world and its oddities together.

Ortho is very pragmatic while Raven has a big imagination and tends to daydream. They balance each other out well.

He tells Raven about his older brother (which is how she first learned about Idia’s existence.) “Eh… Ortho-san, you have a difficult sibling like that…?” She feels bad for him 💦 but respects him for having the patience to deal with that.

Ortho thinks Raven’s an interesting subject to observe and gather data on. It’s not every day that he gets to do this! He’ll be sure to collect accurate readings on her.

Malleus

Calls Raven "the young Crowley".

Because Malleus is often missing from dorm leader meetings, Raven has to either go fetch him for them or deliver the meeting notes to him. He’s thankful for her help but doesn’t engage with her outside of these instances.

Raven is pretty neutral about Malleus?? She respects him and all, but doesn’t get involved with him more than she thinks she should. Malleus is the same way with Raven; he doesn’t think much of her beyond her duties.

Malleus was slightly amused by Raven standing up to him during GloMasq; he announces his intent to strike Rollo down but Raven insists they hear him out. Since then, he’s kept an eye on her and wonders if she’ll have the audacity to do it again.

I imagine that Raven goes to Briar Valley to serve as a royal scribe or messenger for Malleus in her fourth year internship. This would lend them a Maleficent-Diablo dynamic.

Lilia

Acquaintances, mostly because Raven communicates with him about dorm leader meetings or sometimes passes meeting notes to him if she cannot find Malleus herself.

He commends her for being a bright girl but thinks she could make do with loosening up a little. Takes delight in popping up out of nowhere to spook her.

Believes that Malleus and Raven are friends. (They’re not.)

Lilia jokingly asks his boys who they think os cuter: Raven or him? It’s definitely him, right? 🥺

Raven has the inkling that Lilia is a lot older than he seems just based on the stories he tells when he has the chance to. She loves listening to them and dreams about traveling to those places too.

Silver

Friends, but not right away. Raven used to be scared of Silver because he looks intimidating when he stares at you. Still, she feels oddly drawn to him anyway. It must be his princely aura drawing in all the local wildlife… including her 😭 For a long while, she just observed Silver from a distance.

Once she learns Silver’s actually very normal and even sweet (most likely from the neighborhood birds), Raven settles in nicely by his side. For example, she might work on writing while Silver dozes off beside her on a warm afternoon.

Models some characters in her stories off of Silver. He’s so gallant! (Raven complains that the other NRC students should be more like him. Silver doesn’t understand what she means.)

He’s dense, but he’s a good boy. Will help her grab or carry things she can’t on her own. However, Silver is useless with other matters. Like if he sees Raven and Jade bickering, Silver will intervene and try to help “sort out the misunderstanding” so they can all be friends.

Sebek

(Loudly) calls Raven “Bird”.

Frenemies…? Sebek talks down to Raven and demeans her like he does many of his peers, but sometime around GloMasq he came to the conclusion that she must be a long lost relative of Malleus's and develops a sense of respect for her. Since then, he has been acting like an eager puppy that trails after Raven and says/does things in hopes of earning her praise.

Raven is confused by his shift in demeanor and wonders why he's suddenly being so nice to her... Not that she's complaining, but it took a while to get used to.

She's still a little intimidated by his looks and loudness.

Book buddies! They give each other recommendations and discuss their latest reads.

Crowley

Calls Raven “my adorable little niece”, sometimes “Raven-kun”.

He's your typical bumbling/silly but well-meaning father figure. Irresponsibly offloads many of his responsibilities onto her. She also often serves as a messenger to Yuu on behalf of Crowley. Usually apologizing for him.

Not above using Raven to make himself appear competent to potential sponsors and donors. Crowley uses a combination of fake tears, bribes, and flattery to get her to act in his favor.

Despite this, she cares for him and he cares for her too. Raven just wishes Crowley would step up sometimes!!

Crewel

She’s scared of him, especially when he raises his voice (even if the scolding isn’t directed at her). Works hard in his class to avoid his ire.

He sees a lot of potential in her, but dislikes that Raven lacks a spine. Crewel often picks on her in class in an effort to get her to be more confident in herself and to learn how to speak up.

Trein

Raven likes Trein! He provides her with a sense of warm and grandfatherly comfort. She's never had a grandpa before, so she considers Trein something akin to that.

Sometimes stays after class to ask questions or just to chat with him. He appreciates this since some of the other first years act out or don't have an interest in the subjects he teaches.

Trein keeps things professional; he feels that a teacher and a student should remain in those roles and not cross those boundaries. However, he lets Raven know that if she needs any guidance, his door is always open. Maybe that's his empty nest syndrome speaking.

Lucius

The one cat Raven isn't immediately apprehensive about, if only because Trein reassures her that Lucius is gentle.

He chills in Trein's lap while they talk.

If he's in a good mood, he might bat a paw at her or let Raven stroke him. She calls him a "very good boy".

Vargas

Slightly intimidated by Vargas's physique and gung-ho attitude. She admires his enthusiasm for self-improvement, but isn't so sure about his methods.

He doesn't let the fact that she's a girl deter him from pushing her hard! If anything, Vargas declares that she has to work two times as hard to prove herself and build some muscle! Raven always leaves his class hugging and puffing, sweaty, and red in the face... but also feeling super proud of herself.

Traumatized by that one time she witnessed Vargas down five dozen raw eggs for breakfast.

Sam

Business owner and customer--there's nothing more to it than that! Sam sees Raven as a particularly valuable customer due to her need for specific ingredients to concoct her enchanted inks. Occasionally puts aside a rare find and lets her know about it for a good deal.

Raven's thankful to Sam for filling in the ingredient gaps for her. Though, uh... she begs of him to stop placing bets with her uncle about whether or not he can buy out his stock.

Yuu

Cordial enough classmates. They're in the same homeroom which is convenient for when Raven has to pass messages or tasks from Crowley to them.

Willing and able to help Yuu out whenever they ask for it.

[Insert other information as desired; varies widely depending on what kind of Yuu features here.]

Ramshackle Ghosts

Raven greets them like they're her friendly neighbors.

The ghosts treat her like that nice Girl Scout from down the lane that stops by every so often to offer them cookies.

Grim

Brings a tuna can as a peace offering. Pushes it to Grim using a stick. Makes him promise to not bite her or set her on fire. Raven walks on eggshells around him.

Grim is mildly insulted by her acting like he's a monster. "I'm a civilized mage too, yanno!!" (He eats her peace offering anyway.)

Neige

Raven mostly knows him from all his appearances as a celebrity. Doesn't think much of him other than "oh, he's cute" or "he's like a fairy tale princess".

Upon welcoming Neige to NRC for the cultural festival, she's surprised to see him being so princess-like in person as well. To Raven, Neige almost doesn't seem real.

Neige gives off a very inviting aura that makes Raven feel welcome and comfortable in his presence, even though they just met.

He'd treat her as he does all of his fans, in a very sweet and pure manner. Might be interested to know that she's a raven; Neige could think it's cool or invite her to join in on their song since ravens count as a songbird. She gets embarrassed and says she can't possibly do such a thing.

Chenya

Another cat boy? Big nope for Raven. Her bird instincts are shouting at her to keep away. Chenya's a lazy sort of cat, so he seems fine to be around (especially since Riddle and Trey vouch for him). They're basically strangers though.

Raven stares at him as he picks up a slice of cake and chomps through it, then asks for seconds. Her only impressions of him are that he's sneaky and kind of a glutton.

Chenya thinks Raven's sorta funny. He teaches her some bad cat puns and asks her a variety of nonsensical questions just to see how she responds.

Loves spooking her by appearing out of nowhere or poking her while he’s still invisible.

Cheka

Calls her "ojitan's friend". Cheka is 100% convinced that Raven is besties with Leona.

She thinks he's a lost child and takes him by the hand to take him to help him reunite with his parents. (Cheka thinks Raven is a lost child too.)

He's a little ball of fur and energy! Cheka runs all over the place and wears Raven down real fast. She's never been so eager to hand the kid off and be rid of him (though she tries her best to smile and wave good-bye).

Rollo

HE HATES EVERYONE, INCLUDING RAVEN.

... But Raven doesn't want to give up on him! She insists on being his pen pal and keeping in touch, since she feels that a large part of why he broke down was not having people to talk to or to support him. Rollo's forced into this situation... but no matter how often he tells her to quit this, she won't let up!

He finds her extremely bothersome, of course. (Rollo won't admit that there's sort of a comfort in including this in his routine, that it's nice to have somewhere to vent and let loose his bottled rage.)

At some point, he extends the offer to listen to her woes about the NRC boys, whom he is certain are sin incarnate.

What? No, they are NOT friends. Absolutely NOT. (His aide and vice president think they are.)

Fellow

Calls Raven the “lil’ lady” of Night Raven College.

Picks on her. Steals her food, takes her books, etc.

Such an ass-kisser (he's hoping to get sympathy and then leech resources off of her). Gets Gidel to play along with his schemes too. Alas... Raven does, in fact, feel something for their situation.

She's highly suspicious of him. Doesn't like it when he acts overly familiar and touches her on the arm or shoulder... or cocks that smug, suspiciously crooked smile.

Raven likes it when Fellow allows his inner child to come out; it's nice to see that he's still able to keep dreaming as an adult, she thinks.

Gidel

To Raven, Gidel's some kid that Fellow strings along in his schemes. She's much more forgiving of him compared to Fellow and does her best to read his body language to understand what he's trying to communicate.

Gidel's curious about her. She's a scholar, right? Wow, he wants to know what that's like! He just kinda stares at her with big, eager eyes.

Skully

He acts like they’re BFFs but Raven tries to keep him at a comfortable distance. Skully (wrongly) assumes that she's his ally and will agree with him on everything.

She thinks that Skully acts and talks like a character from a fairy tale, but in practice she's a little put off by how touchy-feely he is. Raven will let him kiss the back of her hand, but when he's not looking, she'll gently wipe it off on her skirt.

She'll happily sit there and listen to him ramble for hours about Halloween and the traditions of his village. Raven loves a good story!

She acts as the mediator when Skully butts heads with other people about his hyperfixation and idol. It's not very effective, but someone has to do it.

[aziraphales-library]

Hello! Are there any fics about Nanny Crowley and Bookseller Aziraphale?

Thank you^^

Hi! Here are some nanny Crowley and bookseller Aziraphale fics...

I Hear You're in Need of a Nanny by emptymasks (G)

Aziraphale was trying his best to raise his son on his own, but at a certain point it was difficult to be running the bookshop while also keeping his eyes on Oscar all day. Crowley liked working with children, and children liked him, they’ve just always been drawn to him. A lot of people prefer hiring a female nanny to a male one, and as much as he thinks it’s a little ridiculous, it works out fine for him. He was happy to identify and present as female and tap into his maternal instincts. He’d been wanting to take a job closer to his apartment, but there’s not that many people wanting to hire a nanny in Soho; then he comes across a job advertisement in the local newspaper posted by a Mr. A. Z. Princer. When he meets Oscar, he finds a little girl tired of being told by the world that she's a boy. Single Parent! Aziraphale & Nanny! Crowley, Human AU

The Demon on Her Shoulder Has Her Back by Barely_a_human (T)

"'Hi, Crowley.” “What did you need, dear?” “I’ve- uh- been kicked out of my house. I don’t know where to go, and it’s raining. I’m sorry for bothering you, but you said I could call if I needed anything, and right now I need a grown-up that would be on my side.'" or Crowley adopts a young trans girl named Eve, and she get's to witness the almost-apocalypse, as well as Crowley finding love with an angel, from an outsiders perspective.

dancing queen (guaranteed to blow your mind) by Quilly (T)

Warlock has a secret, and it's that he invited three former staff members from his estranged parents' household to his wedding in the hopes that one of them is the one Nanny is still in love with. Crowley is just wondering what entity he pissed off to make three of his old flames show up the day before his adopted kid's wedding.

Connection by AppleSeeds (M)

In March 2020 when the UK goes into Lockdown, Crowley is faced with the unenviable task of homeschooling Warlock. A silver lining emerges when Warlock starts attending literature classes on Zoom run by local bookseller Aziraphale, who Crowley finds extraordinarily attractive. Crowley jumps at the chance when the opportunity arises to actually talk to Aziraphale away from Warlock and his classmates, and the two of them begin to build a friendship via Zoom. When they realise their friendship could be the beginning of something more, they explore ways to feel connected to each other until the day comes when they can finally be together in real life.

Millennial Blues by comicgeekery (E)

Aziraphale is a standard retail bookseller trying to make ends meet. One day a man named Crowley shows up with a flyer for a variety show looking for new acts. And, well, Crowley is handsome and Aziraphale has been lonely...and working on some magic tricks. What harm could a bit of light flirting do? It all should be fine as long as no one asks about his past...

- Mod D

[jujumin-translates]

[18TRIP] Ten Murakumo | [SR] Black Melting Into the Hustle and Bustle | You Can Drink, But Don't Get Drunk

Characters: ☁️ Ten Murakumo, ☔️ Kafka Oguro, ☀️ Renga Nishizono

Location: HAMA House - Tiger Room

*Drink being poured*

Kafka: You’re having a nightcap again today too, Ten?

Kafka: Maybe it’s fine once in a while, but don’t you think you should hold back from having one every night? It tanks the quality of your sleep, y’know.

Ten: C’mon, stop worrying so much, Prez. This is just what works for me.

Ten: (I can’t have him messing with my routine.)

Renga: Exactly, Kafka. Ten likes to drink, and it’s not like he drinks recklessly.

Renga: And when we go out for drinks together, I think he always seems fine! You don’t gotta worry.

Kafka: I see. If my drinking buddy Renga says so, I guess it’s fine.

Ten: (...Never thought I’d have Renga-san to back me up.)

Ten: Cool, with that settled, to doing this again…

*Ten taps his glass on the table*

Renga: …

Ten: …

Ten: …Renga-saaan, don’t stare at me like that. I thought drinking wasn’t your strong suit.

Renga: Ah, my bad! Don’t worry about me, just enjoy your drink!

Ten: I’m only saying that because I care.

Renga: No, I was just thinking that I’d be able to drink like you do someday, Ten…

Ten: Ah~, you do get hammered in no time, don’t you, Renga-san?

Renga: T-That was just last time! I was more tired than usual, so…

Ten: Haha, you sure about that~? It would’ve been pretty dangerous for you if you were a girl.

Renga: Whatever, there isn’t anything wrong with me watching! All I’m doing is watching you drink!

Ten: (Just watching’s not gonna make you a better drinker… Well, it’s all according to plan. That’s just how much you’re fascinated with me.)

Ten: Alright, just for today?

Renga: Yeah! Thanks!

Kafka: (Hehe. There’s something pretty interesting about those two.)

· ❀ —– ٠ ❀ ٠ —– ❀ ·

Location: Shirohori Studios

Staff: That’ll be it for today’s shoot, Renga-san! Thank you very much!

Staff Members: Good work!

Renga: Heh, I’m looking forward to seeing the finished thing.

Capable Producer: Do you drink wine, Renga-san? We prepared a vintage for today’s shoot.

Renga: Huh? Yeah… Thanks.

Renga: (Maybe it’s because of the last variety, but I’ve been getting a lot more gifts like this…)

Capable Producer: Don’t doubt it. It’s a genuine vintage, okay? There’s that famous saying… “I only want the real deal”.

Staff: Well, you heard the producer. This is undoubtedly the real deal.

Renga: H-Haha… Fair enough.

Renga: (I’m grateful, but what am I supposed to do…? Ah, I wonder if Ten would like it if I gave this to him.)

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Location: HAMA House - Tiger Room

Renga: I’m back~... Wait, where’s Kafka?

Ten: Ahh, Prez is working late tonight.

Renga: Gotcha… Ah, I’ve got a gift for you today, Ten.

*Renga takes something out of a bag*

Renga: …Ta-da!

Renga: It’s a vintage wine. It was given to me by a producer, and I think it’s a good one! Hey, let’s drink it together!

Ten: Ah, sorry, I’m not really a wine guy.

Renga: YOU’RE NOT!!?

Ten: (Wine’s the only thing that gets me really wasted… Still, I’m pretty confident that I’ve got a better tolerance than him.)

Ten: Alright, how about I drink my sake and you drink that wine, Renga-san?

Ten: That way, we’re still technically drinking together.

Renga: That’s true! Alright, let’s do that!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Renga: ‘Cauuuuse~! That’s the kinda shoft-heartednessh that proves that you’re sucha good guy, Ten!

Ten: I know, that’s the third time you’ve told me that.

Ten: (Not even a full glass and he’s already like this.)

Renga: Noooo! I shtill haven’t gotten the point acrossh! Despite how you seem, you’re sucha good guy, Ten…!

Ten: Ow, wasn’t that like sorta a diss?

Renga: Mn~mh… Mmmhmnh…

Ten: Renga-sa~n, if you sleep with your stomach exposed like that, you’ll catch a cold.

Renga: I’ll show you the roshes when they bloom, Ten…

Ten: (Roses? The hell is he going on about?)

Ten: Jesus Christ.

Renga: Ten, let’sh have another drink together again~...

Ten: … Alright, I’m gonna tuck you in now.

*Sheets rustle*

Ten: (Goddamn, this guy is hopeless…)

[aihoshiino]

Hello professor and CEO of Ai Hoshino! I don’t know if you’ve gotten an ask like this before (I think you did but I honestly can’t find it now) but I’m curious, in an AU where Ai survives and manages to graduate/retire what do you think her life would be like after? Being an idol is a huge part of her character so it’s hard to imagine her without that. In an RP with some pals of mine I was thinking of submitting an AU version of Ai where she officially graduates from being an idol and decides to move to a small city (which is the setting of the RP, I wanted to come up with a reasoning for why she’s there) which is mostly why I’m asking, I don’t wanna mess up her character

YES… LET HER RETIRE AND JUST HANG OUT… 😭 PLEEEEASE GET HER OUT OF THESE SITUATIONS….

It admittedly is really hard to conceptualize who 'Ai' is without idolhood, because so much of her personhood has been tangled up in and warped by the entertainment industry but tbh, I think you could make that struggle to find herself post-idolhood an IC thing and have Ai try to carve out 'Ai Hoshino's' identity when she isn't defined by 'Ai of B-Komachi'. And I think above all else, the thing that really matters to her the most is being Aqua and Ruby's mother - it's the thing she finds the most comfort, joy and genuine emotional fulfillment in. So if she was ever going to leave idolhood and Tokyo behind, it'd be for them.

I don't think she could ever really fully leave the entertainment industry, tho - I mentioned this in an earlier ask I don't have handy, but she really is kind of trapped there. She sacrificed her education and formative years to it and the result is someone who doesn't really have the skills to navigate mundane, day-to-day life. Kyun mentions in Viewpoint B how shittily ex-idols get treated when they try and make their way into the working world and that's for girls who AREN'T autism creature gijinkas without full literacy or a high school diploma.

So I've always thought she'd graduate to being a multi-talent, a TV personality who does a bit of everything but is still kind of defined by her 'Ai of B-Komachi' image even after she's tried to shed it. She'd do a lot of TV shows and variety stuff, but singing and dancing would always be her main focus. She'd keep doing that to put away a good amount of money for Aqua and Ruby's education and probably start stepping back a bit more into private life once those two graduated university and she didn't need to worry about providing for them as much.

[mychlapci]

Best girl Sentinel Prime’s coworkers are happy to surprise her by having her gender changed on the official paperwork without her even needing to ask. First Aid verified it so they could submit it, and now all of the records have been corrected to reflect that Sentinel is their good girl. Although she’s stopped taking her “heat suppressants,” her medic has prescribed her estrogen! They look the same to Sentinel, but First Aid assured her that many drugs do and it’s nothing to worry about. So she doesn’t. Her focus is on beating this heat so she can get back to work and stop having to wear her soft, pretty skirts and cute little bras… well, okay, maybe she’ll still wear them but Sentinel misses not feeling so emotional and needy!

Her coworkers are sent from Primus, she’s sure! They’re so understanding of her mood-swings, always eager to pet her plating and coo understandingly as they slip their spikes into her wet pussy. They always know what she needs! And they insist that she not wear plugs or close her panels; they need to be able to administer her treatment whenever the heat symptoms get too much to bear. I.e. anytime they think Sentinel is being too bitchy or demanding, they give her enough overloads to turn her into a giggly, clinging mess. Which means that lubricants and transfluid are often painting the inside of her thighs by the end of the day.

They all have different styles of fucking her, which Sentinel loves. Variety is the spice of life and all! Jazz likes her loud and begging, and is generous with overloads. He’s got lots of tricks for fragging a valve, and it absolutely shows when Sentinel is crying through yet another overload. First Aid makes her do all the work under the guise of “letting his patient take what she needs.” But mostly so he can watch her figure out how it feels best to ride his spike. Blurr frags fast and overloads quickly, but he makes up for it by overloading /a lot/. And the sheer speed and desperation of it do something for Sentinel, leaving her pliant and well fragged when he finally pulls out. Cliffjumper makes her warm his spike and totally ignores her. It’s almost unbearably hot, the way he pretends she’s not there even when he frags into her. Doing his datawork over Sentinel’s shoulder, occasionally hushing her when she whines. If she gets *too loud* he just tells her to do her own work on that lovely hypnopad and then continues lazily fucking an eager valve whenever the mood strikes. Some of them toy with her limp spikelet, some don’t. Some pinch, bite, or suck her nozzles, and some don’t. But they’re all happy to help their best girl with her needs. When Sentinel inevitably winds up pregnant they’ll have no idea whose it is other than hers. Maybe it’s all of theirs, the sheer volume of transfluid mixing in her forge.

When First Aid confirms that Sentinel is pregnant she feels relieved! Her protracted heat is finally over and she can stop fucking her coworkers like a slut. She’ll be able to get back to work with no distractions, now that her hormones age totally gonna level off! Except her men are quick to remind her that carriers need lots of transfluid to stay healthy, and they’re more than happy to contribute for their best girl’s sake. Transfluid with every meal! Taken orally and by valve, of course. And plenty of fragging to keep her topped up and relaxed. Stress is bad for the baby. They’ll spend the entire carriage helping Sentinel understand that getting her fucked at work is what’s best for all of them.

ouhhh they made such a good girl out of her… You know, now I can't help but wonder what Ultra Magnus thinks about this though aasdbshksk. Did he just watch on, silent, as the entire office conspired to turn Sentinel into a girl, and just let it happen? Was he completely ignorant until one day, Sentinel walked into his office, cute skirt swishing around her hips, the only thing more striking than her new hourglass figure being the little starting baby bump on her belly…? Either way, I think he should join in on the fun, introduce her to a whole new kind of stretch. Sentinel likes the variety in her lovers, after all.

[xoruffitup]

Hold On To Me Darling, Act 1

Hii and welcome to my HOTMD Act 1 run-down! This post is mostly intended for a) people who won't have the chance to see the play, and b) people who've seen it and would like to relive it!

I would NOT recommend reading if you have tickets for an upcoming performance, as I do include a lot of dialogue. I wouldn't want to spoil some of the best/funniest moments before anyone's first viewing, so be forewarned that what follows is extremely detailed!!!! I'm basically trying to recreate the viewing experience as much as possible for those it won't be accessible to. <3

(and let me give fair warning, this is only Act 1. I apologize for the cliffhanger but this was already so long, it was time to post!)

LET'S GO! :)

SCENE 1

Adam’s in black jeans, a dark blue henley with the top button open to show three necklaces underneath – one strung with a guitar pick – and a black cowboy hat. 

Open on Adam/Strings and his assistant, Jimmy, mid-conversation in a hotel room. Jimmy is attempting to show Strings a video on his phone “from those two girls you met last night – they just sent it.”

Strings, hands raised in front of him in disbelief/outrage: “I don’t give a damn who it is. What do you think my mama would think if she knew I was up here watching pornographic movies on your damn cell phone?”

Jimmy: “I just thought it would cheer you up, is all.”

Strings: “How in hell is that supposed to cheer me up?! I’m in mourning!”

Jimmy switches tactics, asks Strings if he wants a drink.

Strings: “No, I don’t want a drink, I want my mama!”

Strings proceeds to speed through a series of rants on a variety of topics, talking a mile a minute: how Strings is relying on Jimmy to keep the press at bay at his mother’s funeral; his lack of privacy; the declining state of American culture and its complete lack of boundaries.

Strings deflates into renewed misery as he reaches the end of his rant, claiming “This ain’t about me.” (Jimmy dryly remarks: “Kinda seems like it is.”) “No, this is about Mama, and making it up to her for all those wrong turns I took when she was here.” Adam usually grows emotional here, voice wavering and head tilting upwards as he fights off tears.

Jimmy briefly leaves him alone – just long enough for Strings to pick up a guitar, briefly attempt to play/sing something, only to throw the guitar to the floor and savagely stomp it to pieces.

Jimmy returns, mourns the mess. “Help me, Jimmy, I’m lost,” Strings pleads, unraveling. 

Strings briefly collapses onto a sofa, but a moment later, he’s off on the next mile-a-minute series of topics: how they can’t get his brother on the line about plans for their mother’s funeral because his brother has a landline and no call waiting “like primitive man.” Next, on to Strings’ determination to find his estranged father so he can attend the funeral. “If that bastard’s still breathing, I want him at that funeral.”

Each new rant seems to end with Strings only more morose and miserable, until Jimmy suggests, “How about a good rub down, you’ll sleep like a baby.” Strings agrees, though clearly his heart isn’t in it. 

Jimmy gets a phone call from the director of the movie Strings is currently working on (that “damn space movie”), which involves Jimmy speaking German and Strings saying “Guten tag” down the line in his Tennessee accent.

Then there’s a knock on the door – it’s the massage therapist Jimmy called for Strings. She begins setting up the massage table while Jimmy leaves the room. She introduces herself as Nancy, apologizes for being flustered and star-struck in front of him, then begins talking him through the “entirely unique” selection of massage therapies offered by the hotel. This is overwhelming to Strings, who becomes visibly emotional. Nancy asks him what’s wrong, he tries to say “nothing,” Nancy replies “Well crying is not nothing. Now let’s get those clothes off and you can tell ol’ Nancy all about it.”

And then, ladies and gentlemen, he proceeds to do just that!!!!!!!!!!!!! Strings strips off his shirt and pants, then lays down on his front on the massage table in just black boxer briefs.

Nancy is very much affected: “My goodness! Someone’s certainly been putting in their time at the gym!”

Strings, dismissive: “Not really. I got four trainers. I don’t do shit, I just lie there and let them move me around.”

Nancy, very much like she’s talking to a 6 year old: “Is it your trainers doing those reps? Is it your trainers burning those calories? Now, who’s doing those reps, who’s burning those calories?!”

Strings, face pressed into the massage table yet still managing to sound pouty,: “…..me.”

And THEN, ladies and gentlemen, Nancy proceeds to give Strings a massage, thoroughly and visibly massaging his naked back and even climbing up onto the table at one point on her hands and knees to work him over. A sheet covers him for part of this sequence, but there’s still so much arms and shoulders on display, dear lord!!

Strings tells her a bit about his mother and their fraught relationship, then rants a bit more about the trials of fame and how even though he feels like he’s met “every girl in the United States,” he’s never met one who sees him for himself. They only see him as “something” they’re after. “But I don’t want to be a something no more, I want to be a person.”

Conversation shifts to Nancy – he asks if she has a family (all while she continues massaging away). She does: a husband and two little twin girls. Even as Nancy talks about her family/husband, the tension begins ratcheting up between them as she starts massaging his lower back and thighs. (Nancy: “I love my husband and if there’s one thing I hate it’s disloyalty…. My god, these thighs.”) 

Meanwhile, Strings is essentially moaning at this point, as he leans up on his elbows on the massage table. (Yes this IS every bit as intense and unbelievable as you’re imagining – words cannot do this experience justice alkdfjaslkfj) He’s laying there shirtless, arms, chest, and shoulders fully on display, breathing hard, moaning, pushing his hair back out of his face, necklace chains jingling against his chest…. My GOD, dear reader, I’m about to pass out just trying to describe it!!!!

Nancy finally tells him he can turn over onto his back, but he hurriedly grabs the sheet to keep his waist/crotch covered and says he needs a minute. Sitting up, he asks her if they could just talk a while. 

Nancy: “It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, Strings, it’s a normal reaction.”

Strings: “Well… I ain’t embarrassed.”

Nancy: “Oh.”

The tension keeps ratcheting up even once Strings is dressed. Feeling what may be the stirring return of inspiration, Strings asks Nancy if she would sit on the couch for a moment while he plays “a little something” for her.

Nancy, increasingly flustered: “No, but I could sit there and die.” Raucous laughter from the audience as she rushes to sit down on the couch as instructed.

Strings again attempts to play a song. He gets a few bars in this time (with hilarious pauses as he keeps glancing at Nancy, then repeating the same bar), before again hitting the same emotional block. 

“My heart is broken,” he tells her, voice breaking too. He’s sitting on the sofa with the guitar in his lap, head bowed over the instrument.

“Oh Strings, you’re just about breaking mine.” 

Nancy reaches out to him. Kissing begins, then breaks off. Strings asks if she’s worried about her husband. No, her real issue is his rumored engagement to starlet Katie Crosby. He tells Nancy in no uncertain terms that the engagement was just made up by the press and he’s not involved with her anymore. 

At an impasse on what to do about their growing physical attraction and the attendant moral quandaries, Strings recalls Nancy mentioned that she plays the guitar. He asks if she would sing something for him. 

Nancy, while actively picking up the guitar: “Oh I could never sing in front of you!”

Seated next to Strings on the couch, she proceeds to sing a hilariously solemn rendition of Silent Night, even more hilariously accompanied by Jimmy, who appears out of nowhere in the doorway to harmonize with her. Strings stops her just before they reach “Sleep in heavenly peace,” saying: “I’m sorry, it’s just… them lyrics.” 

Nancy: “Oh my gosh, what an insensitive song selection!” She hurriedly lays the guitar aside.

Kissing begins again, followed by a few more interruptions. Moral scruples are again overcome when Nancy tells him “It’s just… I’ve had a crush on you since trade school, I can’t help how I feel.” Strings: “Eh, okay.” Then, when Strings mentions his mama as they’re kissing again, Nancy asks, “Oh, are you calling me your mama by mistake?” Strings: “What? No!! That’d be sick!”

But they’re back at it soon enough, and the scene fades to black as they at last commit.

SCENE 2

Adam’s in black jeans, an olive green button-up shirt, chains and hat again. 

Strings enters a cramped but cozy living room where his brother, Duke, sits watching TV. Strings is fielding calls from Nancy and Jimmy about the arrangements for Nancy to fly down for the funeral. Duke complains about the phone ringing off the hook, then they lapse into stilted conversation. First about a new planet that may or may not be discovered in the outskirts of the Kuiper Belt (Strings: “I ain’t really been following it that closely”), then about Duke’s current job. 

The atmosphere grows testy when Duke says Strings should “come down off your high horse and drink a beer with normal people every once in a while.” Strings takes offense to this, reminding Duke of when he once lent Duke money that has yet to be repaid. They agree they aren’t as close as they once were as kids, and that they have little to talk about these days. This leads to Strings confiding in Duke the plan that’s been growing in his mind: to “make a change,” move back to his hometown, and get a job at “Ernie’s feed store.”

Duke thinks this is nothing short of a ludicrous idea. “I think you’re cracking up if you’re thinking of working at the feed store. You’re telling me you’re gonna drag your world-famous ass to the feed store every morning like you ain’t the third biggest cross-over star in country music?!”

This leads to an argument about Strings’ work ethic, and Strings vehemently insisting to Duke that he works harder than anyone else in this town. (“I get up at 5 AM every morning of my goddamn life, when I’m filming! And when I’m on the road, boy you don’t even know what that’s like. If you think I got everything in life handed to me on a silver platter, you try coming along on one of them damn Japanese press junkets.”)

Cycling back to the feed store idea, Duke says, “In case you don’t remember, I worked there for two years after I quit school.”

Strings: “Course I remember, that’s what gave me the idea.”

Duke: “Well, let me just describe it to you, in case you go the wrong impression. Every morning, you gotta get up and go to the fucking feed store.” (Huge laugh at this every time.) “You gotta get there at 5, 5:30 AM, open up and stand there behind the counter while people asking for hog feed, chicken feed, cat food, pelleted horse feed, critter ritter crunch horse treats….” This list of increasingly ridiculous types of feed goes on for about a solid minute, and it’s literally one of the most impressive and hilarious moments in the entire show. I love every time CJ gets a round of applause for this entire spiel because he 1000% deserves it!!

Yet this fails to dampen Strings’ enthusiasm for his scheme, no matter how harebrained. “Ain’t gonna let you tear me down, Duke.”

They cycle through the topic of marriage, women, and the “bullshit” their mother used to give Strings over the women he dated. “Wasn’t all bullshit,” Strings admits, then tells Duke about Nancy, how he’s “never been with someone like her for more than a few hours at a time.” He opines on how she’s “Warm-hearted, simple, flexible, unambitious” and how she’s got him “hook, line, and sinker.”

Duke can’t resist asking about the alleged engagement to Katie Crosby. Eagerly shifting to sit on the arm of his easy chair, he asks: “Ain’t it true you broke it off, and she flew to Afghanistan to hand out buttons or what?” 

Strings: “No no, she was struggling for peace!”

Duke: “Getting her picture taken in one of them topless burqas?”

Strings: “It wasn’t topless, it was mesh, a fine metallic mesh! It was a statement of sexual enlightenment and solidarity with the women of Afghanistan!”

Duke: “Is it mesh even if you can see right through it?”

Strings: “If it’s finely woven!”

Strings again shuts down the Katie-engagement rumors and they focus again on the topic at hand: Strings possibly moving back home. 

Strings: “I’m gonna do it, Duke. I’m gonna be happy. Hell, I feel happier already.”

SCENE 3

Hold on tight to your armrests for this look: Black suit, white dress shirt with the top buttons undone, necklaces still visible underneath, black snakeskin boots and hat in hand. I swear he has never looked Lorger.

Strings and Duke step into a backroom at the church, seeing their mother’s casket for the first time. Jimmy comes in, telling Strings that family members at the funeral are asking for his autograph and that Jimmy’s collected their funeral programs. 

Strings is appalled – “they really want me to autograph my mama’s funeral programs?!” – and quickly sends Jimmy on his way. 

Strings complains to Duke about it, Duke quickly shuts him down, telling him they should focus on mama. Strings admits he was out of line. They share a hug before Duke steps out of the room.

Strings then fully notices for the first time that a young woman’s sitting in the room. He asks who she is, and she introduces herself as Essie.

Strings needs a minute to process this, then appears in disbelief. “You’re my cousin Essie? That little girl on the bicycle with the fringey basket going ‘scuse me!’ when there was never no one in your way? Well damn, you done grown up!”

They sit down together as Strings attempts to catch up with her on how she’s doing, but awkward moments ensue as she tells him both her father and husband recently passed away. She wrote Strings letters letting him know, but Strings “must have been on tour.” 

Strings: “That’s the worst thing I ever heard, losing both daddy and husband at the same time.”

Essie: “Yeah, well…. They were drag racing.”

Strings: “… they was drag racing each other?!”

Essie: “Daddy just loved drag racing. They ran each other off the road down that narrow pass.”

Strings: “… I wonder who was winning.” (Huge audience laugh)

Awkward catch-up now behind them, Essie tells Strings that she grew very close to Strings’ mother over the past year. Strings is surprised to hear this at first: “You didn’t find her too censorious?”

Essie: “She was never mean-spirited, just a little gruff. I don’t know how I would have gotten through the last year if not for her.”

Then follows the first time Strings ever really falls silent for any considerable period of time. He’s visibly both touched and shaken as Essie tells him about the days she spent with his mother, smoking cigarettes, baking pies, and talking the whole day long. (“We’d bake fourteen different kinds of pie.”) 

Essie also corrects Strings’ impression that his mother found him a terrible disappointment. She tells him how his mother had all of his records, how protective she always was of him, how “if anyone spoke harshly of you in front of her, they never did it again.”

Strings compulsively reaches to take her hand. “I can’t thank you enough for talking to me like this, Essie.”

Essie: “It’s a pleasure to talk with you, Strings, to be some comfort to you. I’m all alone in this world now and she meant a great deal to me.”

Their quiet moment is interrupted by Jimmy and Nancy, who just arrived straight from the airport. The tone of the scene immediately changes with Nancy’s arrival, as Nancy turns attention to how she would have preferred if Strings could have picked her up from the airport himself, and how she wishes she could have come into the church together with him because she “would have felt more protected.”

Strings gamely reassures her, and has Jimmy make room in the front family pews so Nancy can sit with him during the service. He then asks to be left alone with his mama for a few minutes.

Here comes one of the most moving and beautiful moments of the play. Alone in the room, Strings perches on a stool beside the open casket and, looking in, haltingly begins to speak. 

“Hey, Mama. It’s me, Clarence. I don’t know what to say…” (Pause as he begins to grow emotional. Usually one of his hands begins to clench and unclench in a fist, and you see his face begin to flush as tears slowly rise in his eyes.) “I know we didn’t always get along, but I always knew you were on my side. …. I’m helpless without you, Mama. How am I supposed to light my way through this terrible world?” 

At some shows, he’ll carefully reach into the casket at this point and adjust something inside, as if he’s straightening a blanket. Nancy enters again at this moment, asking if he’s ready. 

In my favorite performance yet, Adam was so emotional at this point that he had to reach for tissues from a box nearby and fully sobbed into the tissues a few times before he could face Nancy.

Nancy embraces him, then strangely (and hilariously) tries to reassure him: “You have to remember that you’re alive and she is dead.” He, through tears, gamely tells her he doesn’t know what he would have done without her these past few days.

SCENE 4

Adam wears the same on-fire suit look from the last scene

Essie’s living room – she’s just been woken by a late-night knock on the door. She hears, “It’s your cousin, Strings” from outside and lets him in. 

Enter Strings, a bit drunk and out of sorts. “I’m clear-eyed, I’m not a danger or nothing,” he assures her. “It’s just, I was at the Hyatt with Nancy and I didn’t have no one to talk to.” Huge laugh from the audience as Strings sits, struggling his way out of his suit jacket. 

Essie offers to make him some coffee, he agrees that would be a good idea. He ambles around her living room, commenting on a picture on the wall of Essie with his mother. He compliments her photography, saying, “I knew you had some talent in you, from the first time I saw you.” 

Strings soon descends back into grief, recalling with shame his initial feelings of relief upon hearing his mother had passed away. “I wish I was dead,” he despairs. 

Essie immediately comforts him, assuring him that these are normal feelings, that he’s not a bad person.

Strings scoffs at this, pointing out that he’s just left Nancy all alone in a strange city. 

Essie: “She’s a big girl, she’ll understand.”

Strings: “That’s what you think. Anyway. Fuck ‘er. (Huge audience laugh) I didn’t ask for her to stick her nose into my business, I don’t need that bullshit. All my life I’ve been looking for a girl like you, and look what I always end up with.”

Essie, caught off guard: “That’s a funny thing to say.” She stands from where she’d been kneeling beside where he sits on her sofa.

Strings, watching her with rapt attention and unable to help himself: “Man, you sure grown up pretty.”

When Strings stands and attempts to lean into her space, speaking more compliments about how there’s a “radiance” to her, Essie quickly deflects. She tells him he’s just worked up, “overwrought.”

“Never thought I’d find you in my own backyard,” says Strings.

Essie objects: “Stop it now, this isn’t your backyard. This is my living room. And I don’t believe you mean a word you say.”

Strings makes a few more charming come-ons, assuring Essie that he’s trying to change.

Then Essie delivers the line that always brings the house down: “That’s good and I wish you luck. Only… it’s 2 AM, and we’re cousins.”

Strings, after a long pause for laughter, waves his hand dismissively: “Distant cousins!”

Essie successfully wrangles Strings back onto the couch, then goes to fetch the coffee. She asks how he takes his coffee; he replies, “Black. Black as my fucking heart.” (Big audience laugh.)

Essie returns, carrying two mugs of coffee. When Strings tries to help her with the cups, some coffee splashes over the edge onto her hand. They both kneel down, rushing to clean it up.

Essie: “I think I burned myself.”

Strings: “Let me see. Yeah… it’s all red. (Dramatic pause as he holds Essie’s hand.) … Red like a rose in the shape of a hand.”

Once the ridiculousness of his comment passes, the air grows serious between them again. She stands, and he quickly follows, making an earnest appeal to her now.

Strings: “I live in a world with no real feelings at all. And that’s what I’m in need of now – and I think you are too.”

Essie rebuffs him, telling him firmly that it’s not fair for him to throw himself at her feet like this when he’s going to be leaving town with another woman in a matter of days. Strings relents: “I guess I’ve troubled you enough. Besides, Nancy is waiting for me.”

Essie: “Is it very serious between you two?”

Strings: “Feels about as serious as death.”

As he collects his suit jacket and moves towards the door, Strings says what he likes about Nancy is that “she’s real.” He mentions that she has two little girls (“Always wanted some kids. Maybe this is my chance to pick up a couple on spec.”) Just about ready to leave, he asks Essie if she likes kids.

Essie: “Of course I do, or I wouldn’t be a kindergarten teacher.”

Strings, rapidly coming back into the room again: “Is that what you do?!”

He plops right back down into a chair again, commenting that he could talk to her all night, and how good that feels. Essie says she’s glad for that, that she wants him to think of her as a friend.

Strings: “It ain’t easy thinking of you as a cousin, I’ll tell you that.”

Essie successfully corrals him back to the door, only for him to ask, “Will you shake hands with me, Essie?”

He holds on for a few extra beats, until she says, “Strings, you’re embarrassing me.” They lock eyes, neither of them let go of each other’s hands, and then they’re both leaning in at the same time. Almost just as soon as the kiss begins, Essie pulls away, hurrying to put distance between them.

Essie: “You have to go now, I mean it.”

Strings: “Please don’t send me away, think what I’m going through.” 

Essie: “I wish you’d think of what I’m going through. I find this very overwhelming.”

Strings: “I know, me too, darling. But ever since I saw you, sitting there in your little… funereal outfit… (Huge audience laugh every time) I felt a connection to you, and I think you felt it too.”

Essie objects that she’s concerned about how she’ll feel the next day if they give in to their attraction. She knows he’s leaving soon, and that it’s uncertain whether he’ll ever actually move back home like he said he might. She palpably begins to give in to her yearning, though, as she says, “If you only knew how lonely I’ve been.”

Strings approaches slowly, and this time she doesn’t step away. He reaches for her, and she doesn’t pull away as he slowly, tenderly cups her face. He gradually leans down. They kiss, once, twice, and then fade to black.

END ACT 1 

Soon to come: ACT 2!!!! :) Feel free to send me any asks or comments about Act 1! Obviously I'm more than a little in love with this play and it's literally my favorite thing to talk about!!! Hope to see everyone back here for the Act 2 play-by-play very soon!