#i have gorgeous windows. HUGE windows in my living room that let in so much light

[anyamaris]

Purrfect Company

Word Count- 6726

Pairing- Boss!Lee Know x Employee!F!Reader

Trope/AU- Coworkers to lovers AU

Summary- Working at a cat cafe has a variety of perks, though you’re not sure if your crush on the handsome shop owner, Minho, counts as one.  Despite it being the holidays, you have no one to spend it with so you’ve volunteered to take the shift at the cafe on Christmas eve. A power outage and a surprise visit from your seemingly rigid employer has you discovering things you might never have known otherwise.  Maybe Minho has a warmer, softer side than you’d realized.  

Warnings-Vulgar language, sexual language, unprotected sex, forbidden relationship dynamic (boss x employee), lots of pussy (ha!), MINORS DNI 18+ ONLY

This is one of my two entries in our 16 Days of Smutmas 2023 Collab! Check out the other writers as well!!!!

A/N: Firstly, definitely an enormous thanks to @kwanisms for this collab, listening to me flail my way through it AND creating the BEAUTIFUL BANNER HEADER-ISNT IT GORGEOUS? ISNT SHE AMAZING?

A huge huge huge thank you to @sanjoongie for helping me through the many hurdles of writing this and reading snippets to ease my anxiety. It means more to me than you'll ever know. @millennial-fangirl as well for reading part of my smut and giving me helpful criticism, I love it so much!

Thank you to everyone who listens to me whine about everything always, I love you all.

Tags- @cultofdionysusnet @ksmutsociety @wooyoungmybelovedhusband @yoonguurt @shinestarhwaa @stardragongalaxy @kpop-stories-21 @starlitmark@millennial-fangirl @ericssmile @wooahaeproductions@changbinslovelylegs @yeosxxx @millennial-fangirl @starillusion13 @duchesskaren @minki-moo

A huge thank you to @saradika and @cafekitsune for the amazing banners, without you creating them our work wouldn't look so beautiful!

“Goodnight! Happy Holidays!” You wave, closing and locking the door behind the sweet couple who had come in last minute to pick out a cat for their daughter.  You can’t help but smile at the thought of the beautiful kitty who will get to wake up with a new family to love and accept her. 

Turning, you smile at the few cats left in the living room/play area the owner had set up for them.  The three left were napping, one on  the couch and the two others curled up together on a cat tree.  Humming happily, you turn to finish the few closing duties you have left.  You’d closed down the cafe area after the couple had gone in to play with the cats and now you just had to make sure the till was put in the safe.  You planned on spending some time with the last few cats before you made your way home for the evening.

It was Christmas Eve and as you turn to look out the window once more, you frown at the heavy snow coming down.  “Figures, going to be hell going home,” you breathe out as you lock the safe, then the office door.  You stretch and yawn, taking off your apron to hang as you make your way into the kitty area. 

 “Peanut, are you comfy?” you ask the lone orange tabby curled up on the sofa.  Minho, the owner of the cafe, had furnished this area nicely for the comfort of the cats and the people who came to play with and possibly adopt them.  If you took away the cafe portion, this could be the cozy living room in the home of any family.  

Peanut peeks an eye out at you from under his tail to let out a soft trill as you sit beside him, running a hand over his velvety fur.  “Merry Christmas to you, too.  I wish I could take you home with me but I’m afraid I can’t have pets at my tiny apartment.” He purrs softly, leaning into your hand as you scritch his ear.  He gets up and stretches then immediately climbs into your lap, curling up and making you beam proudly.  You’ve always gotten along well with most of the cats here, and it always brought you joy to have them accept you.  

Letting yourself relax, you close your eyes as you pet your comfy companion.  The soft overhead christmas music lulls you into a half sleep and you don’t even realize you’ve drifted off until something draws you back to consciousness.  Blinking yourself awake, you freeze as you suddenly hear a rattling noise from the other room, as if someone is trying at the doorknob.  Peanut perks his ears up and lets out a soft growl at the disturbance, but you soothe him quietly as you lift him from your lap, placing him down so you can go to see what the noise is.  

You’d accepted the shift for Christmas Eve without hesitation because everyone else had plans.  You had only a studio apartment and the prospect of take out at home, so you’d volunteered so no one else had to work.  Minho had entrusted you with the closing duties, and now here you were, faced with a possible break in.  

Your heart pounding in your chest, you creep into the hallway leading to the back employee area, as well as the door to the back of the building.  It feels as if your chest is going to explode from fear and anxiety as you watch the door creak open with wide eyes.  Your thoughts on the cats you are there to protect, you reach out and grab the nearby broom handle, holding it out as you yell, “Stop, or you’ll regret it!” 

The figure opening the door stops, their arms laden with something but you don’t process much else than a harsh sigh, then the lights are being flicked on.  “Really, what are you going to do with that? Sweep me to death?” The male voice greets you and it takes you a brief moment before you realize the voice and face belong to your boss, the owner of this cafe.   

Lee Minho.

Letting out a relieved sigh, you fall against the wall and clutch your chest.  “I wasn’t aware that you’d be here this late, did something go wrong with closing?” Minho asks, then his eyes widen.  “Are the cats alright?” His severe frown as he shoots a look behind you has you immediately responding.  “No, no everything is fine, I just checked on them a moment ago and was going to head home.”  you tell him, rubbing your eyes.

His eyes meet yours again and his eyebrows furrow.  “At one in the morning?” he asks and you just blink at him.  “Excuse me?”  shaking your head, “No…I didn’t-”  you turn around to dash back into the cat room, grabbing your phone.  “Shit.” you say and you hear a soft laugh behind you.  “Lose track of time?” He asks, coming in behind you and setting down the bags he had been holding.  Peanut immediately runs to him, purring around his legs as the other two sleepy cats peek out to see what’s going on.  

“I closed a little after 9pm, and everything was done.  I sat down to pet Peanut and I guess I just….” you shrug, frowning.  “I’m sorry, I promise I did everything for closing before I nodded off.  Don’t worry, I will mark my time slip as off at 9pm.”  you tell him, embarrassed, cheeks heating from having fallen asleep in your workplace.  

“Nonsense, you were keeping the cats company on Christmas Eve.  Peanut needed company, right buddy?” he asks, kneeling down to scratch his ears.  You smile softly, noticing how much your boss seemed to go from the gruff, teasing, sarcastic man to this warm, caring soul when faced with feline company.  Relaxing a bit, you remember your last part of the evening. 

“Sylvie was adopted at the last minute, the couple said that they will let us know if their daughter changes her name when she gets her.  Sylvie really loved them, they were here for a while with her before they took her home. They were very pleased.” you smile, watching Minho look up at you, his eyes widening in excitement as you speak.  You have to stop your heart from thumping as he beams happily at the news.  He was far too handsome for your health.  

You definitely didn’t have a crush on your boss, definitely not.  

“I’m so glad, she deserves a little girl to play with.  How old is the daughter?” he asks, his eyes sparkling.  “Twelve. They said that’s all she wants for a gift is a kitty to love.  So I’m hoping it’s a good fit.”  He smiles and nods, looking back down at Peanut, who is now sniffing at the bags he’d brought.  “You’re stuck with me, pal.  You, Luke and Leia. Christmas with Uncle Lino.” he coos at him, looking over at the pair napping.  You can’t help but smile at the names of the two, one of Minho’s friends having named them when he stopped by.

Blinking at yourself just lingering and ogling your boss, you shake yourself out of it. “I’ll get out of your way.” you say, glancing at your phone again, finally noticing the missed messages.  Frowning, you open a text from your neighbor.  “It’s pretty nasty out-” you hear before your mind is processing the text sent hours ago.  “Well, damn.” you mutter at your phone.

‘Hey-just fyi, power is out in the building. You might want to find somewhere else to stay if you have one!’  it reads and you just deflate from the news.

 Of all things, especially on Christmas Eve when everyone was out of town or busy, you think.

“What’s wrong?” you hear from beside you, Minho’s voice concerned.  Rubbing a hand over your face, you look out the window at the heavy snowfall.  “I guess my building’s power is out.” Looking over at him, you can only smile and shrug, then lean down to pet Peanut as he winds around both of your legs.  “Going to be a terrible Christmas Eve alone with no electricity, huh bud?” you whisper to him.

“Don’t be ridiculous. Help me put this stuff away and then you can come upstairs and sleep on the couch.” When you open your mouth to protest he just turns his back and starts unloading the bags.  “If you don’t feel comfortable, you can sleep down here with Peanut.  Either way, there’s no point in going back to a place with no power.  Unless you have someone who you can go to?” he asks, tossing you a look over his shoulder.  Shaking your head, you glance one last time out the large window at the cold, white sheet obscuring any view and just sigh.  

“If it’s really alright, I’ll take you up on it.  I’ll stay.” 

After helping put away the cat food and litter he’d brought in, you smile as he takes another bag of toys and opens each, letting Peanut sniff at them.  Luke and Leia are finally stirring, peeking out to see what’s going on.  You can’t help but smile as they just yawn and curl back around each other.  Lucky kitties, you think.  Am I jealous of the cats? You ask yourself, suppressing a small laugh. 

Minho stands, noticing your look and he clears his throat.  “Come on, I bet you haven't even eaten anything since before your shift started.” He says harshly, but when you look over at him, he’s smiling softly.  “I-” you start, then wince, shaking your head.  “Are you spying on me?” you ask him with a laugh and he just stares at you for a moment, then nods once.  “Of course I am.” 

You can’t help but chuckle at his deadpan expression as he turns to go to the door leading upstairs.  “I hadn’t thought to ask but…what’s upstairs?” Without looking back, he starts up the stairs leaving you to follow behind.  “I live up here, leave the door cracked, please.  The cats like to come upstairs if they get bored down here.” he says and you smile as he leads you into a big open space apartment.  

“Oh wow….I had no idea you actually lived here.” You say, looking around.  He smiles as he turns on some lights and takes off his shoes, and you do the same. You make sure to leave the upstairs door cracked as well, noticing his approving nod.  “Mmm…I bought it years ago, when I first moved here.  The downstairs was being leased out to a bakery.  Once they left when their lease was up…” he just shrugs, shooting you a look over his shoulder as he makes his way into the living area.  

“Wow, what made you want to turn it into a cat cafe?” You ask him as he gestures for you to sit.  “Make yourself at home.  Do you want something to drink?” he asks, heading into the kitchen.  “Sure, whatever you have is fine.” He hums as he goes into the fridge, pulling out some water bottles.  “I’ll make some tea.” He says, turning on the electric kettle, then he comes to sit next to you, handing you the water.  “Thank you.” you say and he smiles, leaning back to look around.

“It’s not a very … interesting story.” he finally answers, his lip twitching.  “You’re likely to think I’m weird.”  he says, eyes darting over to you.  Twisting off the cap to drink, you recap it as you set it down and try not to grin.  “And if I already do?” You say, surprising yourself at your boldness.  Before you can regret your remark, he throws his head back, letting out a laugh and it makes you smile as he looks back at you with a smile to echo your own.  “Well, then I have nothing to worry about.” He quips and you blush, looking away.  

He really was far too attractive and here you were with him, alone, on Christmas Eve.  Ignoring the pleasant warmth in your stomach, as well as the fluttering, you turn your attention back to his words as he answers.

“When I moved here, I really missed my cats back home.” he is saying, smiling as Peanut slips through the opening of the door.  “I have three at my parents house.” he says, watching the big orange cat wander off to explore.  “Aww, I bet that was really tough.” you respond, frowning, remembering your own cats you left behind to move here.  He just nods, continuing.  “Well, one day I found two kittens outside in a box, and I couldn’t leave them.  So I brought them home.  Then another followed me home a few weeks later after I fed it.  The next thing I know, I had seven cats and a space downstairs to lease out.” 

“Wow! Seven cats?” you exclaim, blinking in disbelief at him.  “And counting.” He laughs, shaking his head.  “I couldn’t leave them out in the streets.  I was trying to figure out how to keep gathering all these stray cats and figure out how to rehome them, all while trying to work.” You just look around, taking in the apartment.  While it was spacious for more than one person, you couldn’t imagine having seven plus cats roaming around without the downstairs.

“So you just thought, ‘Oh I'll open a cat cafe’?” you can’t help but smile at him.  He shrugs, tilting his head as he hums softly.  “Pretty much.  I had some help from friends and family, thankfully.” His gaze feels suddenly intimate for some reason as you relax into the conversation, his deep brown eyes warm and soft.  Finding yourself leaning towards him more as you listen, you both are startled when the kettle starts to beep and he clears his throat, standing to go to the kitchen.

“Actually….” he stops halfway there, looking out at the fat snowflakes falling down, then turning to look at you.  “Would you like some hot chocolate?” he asks and you smile at him, nodding happily.  “That sounds amazing actually.”  You lean your head on your hand, watching over the back of the couch as he busies himself in the kitchen, inhaling blissfully as the scent of chocolate slowly permeates the open space.  

Your earlier embarrassment has faded into almost happiness at falling asleep with Peanut, grateful that you’re not in a cold, lonely apartment tonight.  The scent of the cocoa mixed with the euphoria of having an actual conversation with Minho has you in an odd headspace.  In the months you’ve worked for him, you can’t remember having many conversations with him.  He was always on the go, in and out of the shop, most of his time being spent with the cats. 

That’s what started this silly crush, you think. 

Watching him talk to the cats, cooing at them, playing with them when he had any free time.  Admiring the way all of the felines would flock to him, noticing him immediately when he came in bearing food and treats, as well as a variety of toys and new furniture for their temporary living space.  

The way he checked in on all of the cats that got adopted, treating them like each one was his child.  How he cared for them, expression lighting up when he comes through the door to see the beautiful furry creatures; playing, fed and happy.  He truly was dedicated to their well being and watching it over the months you’ve spent working for him, it had definitely interested you in finding out who he truly was.  

You can’t lie to yourself as you listen to him hum a soft tune, smiling as he turns to mix the drink in a saucepan. It was pointless to deny that that simple crush on a handsome man was turning into a little bit more. 

Not that you’d expect anything from it, of course.  He was your boss, you were his employee. That’s not even accounting for his own personal feelings.  You didn’t have any illusions about anything happening, but you just couldn’t deny it any longer.  You’d just keep it to yourself, enjoying that sense of being young and silly, pining over the unobtainable.  Sometimes that’s all you need, just something to look forward to, for yourself. 

“Are you alright?” you hear him say, snapping you out of your thoughts as he walks over, carrying two steaming mugs.  “It’s hot, be careful.” he says, an almost worried look on his face as he hands you one of the drinks.  You can’t help but smile and blush at his concern, feeling suddenly like you’re getting an inside view of what the cats must feel like under his care.  

He raises an eyebrow at you as he blows on his own drink, sipping at it carefully.  “I’m fine, just ….” you look down at the cocoa, the smell making you feel more nostalgic for the holidays than you’ve felt for a long time.  “Just?” he asks, frowning as he blinks at you with those beautiful eyes.  Letting out a sigh, you take a tentative sip, your eyes widening at the flavor.  “Wow…this is…amazing!” you say, taking another sip of the warm, rich beverage.  His eyes light up at your words and he smiles proudly.  “It’s homemade, not the powder, it’s quite different from the packets you get.” He tells you and you nod, savoring each sip.  “Well, it’s delicious.  I don’t think I’ve had cocoa in ages, let alone something this good….ever.” His eyes crinkle at the sides as he looks down and you swear you can see him blush a bit.  You might have to compliment him more if he was going to react like this, you think.  

“It’s fairly easy, I just happened to have the ingredients.  I thought for Christmas Eve it was a bit more festive.” he says, and you nod as you watch him talk.  “Speaking of….” he says, brow furrowing suddenly, “Why did you decide to work tonight?” He asks, settling back as he turns to you, his gaze curious.  

You hum as you raise a shoulder to shrug, “I don’t have family in the area, and we don’t really celebrate together much, as everyone gets really busy this time of year. All the friends I have here all had plans, and honestly, it’s really just another day to me most of the time.  I figured I’d give everyone else the night to spend with people since they all seem more interested in that.”  His hum and pursed lips as he nods has you suddenly realizing he’s alone as well.  

“What about you? You mentioned your parents and cats at home, why are you here?”  you ask and he smiles, rocking his head back and forth as he thinks.  “This year, I decided to send my parents on a vacation since they’ve worked so long and hard all their lives.  I gave them the gift early and they are currently on a beach somewhere nice and warm.  As they should be.” he says, smiling softly. 

 Your heart thumps at his expression, your throat closing at how very caring he was for the people he loved.  Suddenly, you feel overwhelmed with some feeling you can’t define, almost as if the idea of being loved that much made you feel happy and extremely lonely all at once. You almost laugh as tears spring to your eyes and he blanches, looking shocked.  

“Hey, are you alright?” he asks as you wipe at a stray tear and you let out a soft chuckle at your foolish emotions.  “Oh yes, sorry.  Just thinking of how proud they must be of you, to have raised such a caring, lovely son.” Your words take him off guard and he looks down into his drink, blinking rapidly.  “I don’t know if I’d say all that…” he says, his cheeks flushing red.  You bite your lip, having to look away from how adorable he looks being shy.  

“Really, I don’t know many people who think like you do.  How you are with the cats as well as your family…” you shake your head.  “Most people tend to think of the holidays as a time for getting things, I’ve found.”  He hums softly, the silence between you slightly tense but far from awkward as you both enjoy your drinks.  “I’ve been meaning to ask…” he says, clearing his throat as he sets down his mug on the coffee table.  “Hm?” you say, curious.  “I thought you’d be spending the holiday with someone special.  I figured you’d have someone waiting for you at home.” He says, studying you.  “Someone special?” you ask, then realize what he’s asking. 

“Ah…no, I don’t have anyone.  I broke up with my last boyfriend shortly after starting work here.” you gesture around you. “Ah yes, that’s why I thought….” he trails off, looking away. “I noticed a man coming in when you started so I just figured.” He shrugs and you sigh, frowning as you set your mug next to his.  “No, we broke up…he…it’s a stupid story.” you laugh without any amusement, waving it off.  “Oh?” he says, leaning forward a bit.  “If you don’t want to-” You shake your head, making a sour face.  “Long story short, I found out I wasn’t his only girlfriend.  So, I broke it off.”  

The look on his face has you bursting into laughter.  The sheer disgust is so adorably cute, his lip curling as he lets out a ridiculous noise of revulsion that you just can’t help but snort as you giggle loudly.  It only seems to encourage him as he repeats the noise, adding, “Is he stupid?”  You just nod as you wipe your eyes, this time the tears are from your laughter and you can feel your stomach hurting from it.  “Yes, that was my thought, honestly.” you tell him, his sudden smile bringing butterflies to dance in the pit of your stomach. 

“He must be, I wouldn’t-” he stops, shaking his head.  “Any man like that isn’t worth your time.  Better off without him!” he says, throwing his hand up into the air.  You laugh again and this time he joins you, the shared moment has you relaxing back into the cushions as you turn to settle more comfortably on the couch, facing him fully. 

“Yeah, definitely.” you sigh, “Still lonely around this time of year though.” His smile slips and you decide to not ruin the mood.  “What about you? I didn’t even know you lived up here, I thought you’d have some big house with a wife somewhere.” you say and he winces, looking away.  “No, it’s been a while since I’ve dated.  Between the cats and running the cafe, I’ve kept myself from being too lonely.  I have everything I need right here.” he says, eyeing you.  “Besides, being alone doesn’t always mean being lonely,” he says, giving you a look. 

“That’s entirely true.  I do enjoy my time to myself, plus it’s easy to just crush on someone to keep myself from thinking too much about a relationship.  Sometimes it’s better to live in my own head and create my own narrative than to deal with another person.” you say with a smirk and he raises his eyebrows in response.  “A crush?” he asks and you freeze, realizing you’ve likely said too much.  “Sure, why not? Everyone has crushes throughout their lives.” you say nonchalantly, shrugging a shoulder.  

“Who’s this crush?” He asks teasingly, but you swear his eyes darken a bit, almost dangerously.  Swallowing, your cheeks heat up as you look away.  “Nobody it would ever work with, so it’s not really important.”  you respond and sneak a peek at him.  He’s studying you intently, not smiling and the room is suddenly oddly tense.  “Don’t tell me it’s some idol-” he starts but you wave your hand, laughing softly.  “No, nothing like that. I mean, of course I have those as well but that’s not what I meant.”  

“What about you? Or is raising kitten children your only passion?” You tease and he raises an eyebrow, smirking.  “Hm…” he hums, “Strangely enough, my answer is much like yours.  Nothing that would ever work.” It’s your turn to be curious, leaning forward towards him.  “Why wouldn’t it?” you ask him, wondering what would stop this man from pursuing anyone lucky enough to catch his interest.  His lip twitches and he suddenly leans forward with a sly grin.  “It’s one of those taboo things.” he says cryptically, his wicked grin drawing your attention.  “Taboo?” you say, scooching forward and widening your eyes dramatically.  “Well now that sounds interesting.  What’s so forbidden about this person?” you ask softly, trying not to grin.  You’d never seen or heard of him being involved, that’s why you assumed he must be married, or voluntarily single.   

“Well, aren’t you the gossip.” he shoots back and you laugh.  “I mean, yes.  Just wondering what would keep a man like you from doing anything he wanted.”   His eyes widen as his eyes flick down to your lips, then back up and he clears his throat.  “A man like me?” he asks, and you can feel the tension again building at the softness of his voice, the nearness of him.  You take a moment to collect your thoughts, not wanting to sound ridiculous.  

“You’re successful from what I know, of course I don’t know everything about you. Just from the outside looking in.  You’re handsome, caring, you have your own place, run a business. You’re funny, you make amazing hot chocolate-” You stop at his look, at how his adam's apple dips as he swallows thickly.  “Do you plan on pursuing your interest…your…crush?” He asks you in a whisper and your cheeks flush, heating up at the very idea.  What he’s asking...how easy it would be to just lean a bit more forward….

“No…I can’t.” you shake your head, looking down.  “Why not?” he asks softly, and your whole body feels like it’s vibrating from his nearness.  “It would be unprofessional and I doubt he’d even look at me like that.” you say without thinking.  His eyebrows raise then draw together at the comment, confusion on his face for a moment as you feel embarrassment wash over you. 

“But the only guy-” he says, shock registering on his face.  “He’s married!” he gasps and you blink at him as you realize he’s thinking of your other male coworker.  “No! Oh my god, do you think I’m that horrible?” you ask, stunned.  “Of course it’s not him it’s y-” your words catch in your throat as you stop yourself too late, his goading making you thoughtless.  “Forget about it, it’s nothing, really.” you say, turning to stand, to go somewhere-anywhere but here.  

Before you can though, he’s grabbing your arm, tugging you back down, his eyes large, dark and serious as he pulls you towards him.  “Me?” he asks, and there is no way you can read the look on his face.  Your stomach bottoms out as you realize just how badly you just fucked up.  Here you were, in your boss’s apartment, with nowhere to go and a snow storm outside.  

You were going to lose your job, you just knew it.  You know how inappropriate it is to-

“Is it me?” he asks, this time a bit more forcefully, his words snapped out.  Slumping back, you close your eyes and sigh out softly, unwilling to look at him.  “I know it’s not right, you're my boss.  it’s unprofessional and I-” 

“You’re fired.” he says harshly.

Despite knowing it was coming, your eyes snap open to protest just in time for him to close the distance between you; any words that were about to leave your lips dissipates as he slips a hand behind your neck, pulling your mouth into his. Your body stiffens for the briefest of seconds before you’re wrapping your arms around his neck, combing your fingers into his hair as his tongue slips along the seam of your lips.  You shiver at the growl that escapes from deep in his throat when your tongues meet, his arm sliding around your back to yank you closer to him.  

Giving in completely to the moment, you shift with him as he guides you into his lap. Pure instinct takes over as you move together, his fingers prying at your clothing, yours threading through his hair.  As your thighs settle on either side of his and you press down into his lap, he moans into your mouth.  You gasp between kisses as his hand settles on your lower back, pressing you down against his stiff length through your clothing.  

“I want you.” He purrs out as his mouth parts from yours, looking up at you with those rich, lustrous eyes.  You can barely catch your breath as you take in his gorgeous swollen lips, parted as he gazes up at you with desire.  “You can have me,” you declare, your body almost humming for him and without another thought, his hands are traveling up your back, his hips lifting as you grind against him.  “Take me, Minho~” you utter, tugging at his hair.  “Fucking christ-” he hisses, burying his face into your neck.  

As his lips brush the skin of your neck, you tilt your head for him, rocking your hips against his hardness.  You should be ashamed at how your panties are already soaked from his touch but you can’t feel anything but need, pure carnal lust for him right now. 

 Consequences be damned, the way you needed him was the only thing on your mind.  

“Take this off.” You manage to say as you shudder under his mouth.  It takes him a moment to register that you’re tugging on his shirt and his tongue darts out to lick your neck where he was kissing before he leans back and helps you remove the garment, his hands immediately yanking your shirt over your head as well.  

Tossing it to the side, he takes a moment to lean back and admire you, his dark gaze hungry as he runs his hands up your sides.  “Fucking gorgeous, just like I always imagined you would be.” Your breath catches at his words, at the look in his eyes for you.  He leans forward to press his face between the valley of your breasts and you let out a long moan.  “Smell so fucking good, too.”

 Everything he’s doing is causing you to clench like crazy, small mewling noises escaping from your throat as his hands work at the clasp of your bra.  “Minho-” you shiver as you feel him free you from it, sliding the straps down your arms.  “God, keep saying my name.” He groans, his cock twitching against you as he pulls your bra down to reveal your bare tits.  

“So beautiful,” he whispers as his lips close around your nipple.  Your fingers dig into his scalp, your other hand gripping his shoulder as he sucks harshly at the sensitive bud.  “Please…” you whimper as his hands slip up to cup the flesh of your breasts, kneading them as he lets your nipple go with a popping sound, immediately moving to the other to do the same.  Your breathing is ragged as you reach between you to tug at the button of his pants.  

“Not here.” he rasps out, then he’s sliding you off his lap, standing you both up.  Before you can protest, his hands are around your waist, his mouth back on yours, his tongue urgently seeking your own.  You return your hands to the front of his jeans, unbuttoning, then unzipping as he backs you up towards the hallway.  

“Door-” he says between kisses as you are pushed against it.  He reaches behind you to twist the knob and then he’s walking you into the room, the back of your knees hitting the bed.  He stops as you slide your hand into his now open pants, slipping your palm along him through his boxers.  He lets out a low groan as you touch him, his hands cupping your ass before he’s shoving your pants down as well.  

“Tell me you want this-” he gasps out as his hands run over your bare skin, his lips tracing your collarbone.  “I do, more than anything-” you respond, tugging off his remaining clothing as well.  “I need to make sure, I don’t want to make you feel pressured-” he says as he pulls you close, brushing his lips against yours.  “I swear, Minho, there’s nothing I want more than this.” You tell him as he pauses to study your eyes, the concern ebbing away as he watches you, his fingers skimming your lower back.  

“I’ve been dying to hear you say that to me.” he whispers, and the urgency seems to fade as he leans in to kiss you deeply.  For a moment you both stand there lips connected, your arms around his neck, his hands roaming your back.  Then his hands cup your bare ass, yanking you firmly against his stiff cock as he moans your name.  You pull him down with you onto the bed, your mouth never leaving his as he settles between your legs, the underside of his cock pressing along your wet core.  

He growls softly as he moves his hips against you, and you arch your back as the length of him parts your folds.  Breath hitching as the ridge of his head brushes against your clit, you look up into his half lidded eyes as his lips part.  “Tell me again.” he whispers, his hand dropping down to clutch behind your thigh and raise it around his hip.  “Tell me you want me.” he hums as he watches your eyes roll back from the ache of clenching around nothing.  

You reach up to comb your fingers through his hair, digging your nails into his shoulder as he rolls his hips again.  “I need you so much-Minho-please I want you so fucking much-” you manage to gasp out.  His eyes darken as he reaches down between you, pulling back to cup you, his fingers sliding through your drenched lips to part them.  “For me?” he asks, his voice low as he dips down to brush his lips to yours.  He swallows your moan with a kiss as he pushes his finger into you, tasting your panting as you tighten around it.  “All for you-” you cry as his tongue plunges into your mouth.  

He deepens the kiss as he pulls his finger from you, suppressing any protests.  Any dismay at the loss is replaced with pleasure as he guides the tip against your slit, slipping along your folds, teasing at your clit.  There are no thoughts in your mind, only overwhelming need as he rubs his head along you, finally, finally giving in to your wordless pleas as he presses it against your tight hole.  As he thrusts forward suddenly, he breaks the kiss with a cry of his own, your walls giving as he stretches you.  

“Minho….. Minho-,” his name echoes through the room to mix with his moans as he draws back to snap his hips forward again.  “So fucking….tight!” he bites out, his breathing heavy as he drops his head into your neck, his hot breath tickling your skin.  As he starts to plunge in and out of you, your legs wrap around his waist as you tilt your hips for him.  

Your nails run down his back as he fucks you, making his motions stutter as he moans loudly for you.  “So good, oh fuck-Minho!” your cries have him propping himself up to look down at your face.  “Yeah?” he asks, his nose wrinkling as he puts more force behind his thrusts.  “Yeah? Like that?” he asks and you have to clutch his hair as your body jerks, your tits shaking the harder he moves.  “Yes! YES! I - LOVE IT-” you scream, words devolving into loud, animalistic moans.   

“Your-cunt- is so-fucking-divine-” he gasps out, each word punctuated by his cock delving deep and hard into you.  You can feel the familiar tight burning sensation building deep within you as your legs shake, as he slips a hand under your back, as he lunges forward to wrap his lips around your nipple to suck and nip at it.  The friction of his pelvis rubbing against your clit, and his mouth on you has your entire being vibrating and you start wailing his name over and over as you begin to clench.  

“OH FUCK-” his voice grates out as he releases your nipple, his breath hitching as your climax hits you like a boulder, blindly intense as you arch beneath him.  “Fuck fuck fuck I can’t-” he cries out as his hips falter, his pace becoming erratic.  “COME!” you scream out desperately, clinging to him as you shudder and his mouth crashes into yours as he lets go, bursting in a hot flood deep within you.  Your kiss is frenzied, crying wordlessly into each other as you come together.  His thrusts slow, lazily emptying himself into you finally as he gasps with every clench of your pussy around him.  

As you finally come down, he collapses onto you, nuzzling his face into your now sweaty neck, his chest pressing firmly against yours.  You can feel the fast beat of his heart as he places small kisses along your damp skin, along your collarbone and you slowly comb your fingers through the strands of his hair.  “Fuck.” he whispers, kissing his way up to your lips, his own fingers smoothing back your hair.  “Fuck.” you echo and he smiles softly, drawing back to study your eyes.  You can only smile dreamily at him, completely exhausted from the entire experience.  

He slowly rolls you both on your sides, facing one another as he pets your hair, placing kisses to your lips.  “I…” he starts, gasping as you clench around him again and he laughs softly.  Then his face registers a sudden shock as you adjust and he slips out of you.  Your thighs are damp from your combined releases and he blinks rapidly, worry on his features.  “Oh fucking hell-I didn’t even think about-” he cups your face but you shake your head, silencing him.  “I’m on the pill.  Sorry, I ….wasn’t even thinking about that.” he relaxes slightly, pressing his forehead to yours as he closes his eyes.  

“Don’t be sorry, this wasn’t exactly what I expected to happen.” he murmurs, his gaze studying your face.  “Unexpected but not unwanted.” you reassure him, reaching up to tuck his hair behind his ear.  You can’t help but blush as he smiles at you softly, pulling you closer to him to hold onto you.  “I’m glad I wasn’t the only one…” he whispers against your mouth as he kisses you again.  

He rolls onto his back, pulling you with him to settle your head on his chest, playing with your hair as you wrap around him.  The silence settles around you as you savor the moment with him, both of you just touching and kissing each other, exploring one another deep into the night.  

Finally as exhaustion begins to overwhelm you, you look up at him with sleepy eyes and he smiles down at you.  “Tomorrow…we can talk about everything.” You nod against him and then suddenly you remember, snapping your head up.  

“You fired me!”

His laughter makes you frown, and he just kisses your nose.  “Just for now, kitten.  Don’t worry.”  

The cat cafe is humming with excitement, and it’s just another day that you get to watch families take home the much deserving animals to become their family.  Peanut keeps you company, of course.  He was now a permanent fixture at the cafe as Minho had decided to keep him.  As the day winds down and you lock the door, you feel the familiar arms of your boss wrap around you from behind, placing a kiss on your neck.  

“Lee Minho! How dare you do that with an employee!” You berate him, unable to stop yourself from laughing as he spins you around.  “Ah yes, I forgot.  I’m horrible.” he purrs out, touching his forehead to yours.  

“You’re fired.  Now kiss me.”

[radiant-reid]

Easter Sunday

a/n: in honor of my favorite holiday and favorite comfort character

Summary: A cute Easter brunch with the team and some Reid babies

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Fem!Reader (fluff)

Word Count: 3.0k

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The sun shining through the large double windows marks the perfect start to the day. The weather forecast has promised sunshine and higher-the-usual temperatures for the holiday weekend. Emily let the team have a five-day weekend as the BAU tradition has dictated for several years. Hotch originally started it, realizing, three months after Christmas, there was a need for family time. 

For the Reid children, things look different now that their dad is home more. He has always been very present, but now he’s at more practices, doing drop-offs and pick-ups, and reading stories at bedtime. Still, their excitement for Easter has been growing, knowing it means uninterrupted time with all of their uncles and aunts.

“Good morning, gorgeous.” Spencer greets her from the doorway before she notices he’s not in bed next to her.

He hands her the mug she has every day, filled with perfectly made coffee. He’s the expert at that, so it’s his first task in the morning.

“Thank you, handsome.” She replies, adding to the thanks with a soft kiss on his lips. “It looks like a good day out there.” She notes as he draws the curtain open. 

“It’s meant to be in the high 70s later.” He reports, probably having already skimmed the New York Times.

She grins, sipping her coffee. “Perfect for today.”

“We should host one time,” Spencer suggests.

Y/n chuckles softly, shaking her head. “Rossi would never go for it, and I thought you’d know better than to mess with tradition.” 

He nods, knowing it’s true. “We’ll stick to summer barbeques and birthday parties since it’s the perfect house.”

It’s the type of house Spencer never really saw himself living in. Growing up, he lived comfortably, and thanks to the mortgage being paid off before his dad left, he continued living in a very middle-class area of suburban Las Vegas until he went to school. 

California was more expensive, but between his multiple scholarships, he had enough money to feed himself, always be caffeinated, and live in a small apartment near Cal Tech. He didn’t see the need to spend every cent he had living somewhere fancier, and his mom’s treatment wasn’t fully covered, so he paid for that. 

In DC, his place was simple. He didn’t need anything more than a one-bedroom apartment since he didn’t have family coming to stay, and without any student debt and a good-paying job, he had more money than he needed.

When they moved in together, it was to Y/n’s larger apartment that they eventually brought, and with two bedrooms, there was no need for anything huge until Matilda was old enough to sleep in her own room.

After learning they would have twins their second time, their quickly growing family needed much more space, so they brought their dream house. As much as he wanted it, Spencer never expected to have a family or a large home in the suburbs, but he does now, and every morning, he’s grateful for it.

“True.” Y/n agrees. 

Spencer sits back on the bed next to her, and she throws her legs over his lap, wrapping her arms around his waist and nuzzling into his side as they enjoy a few minutes together in silence before the craziness of their day starts. 

Gurgling on the baby monitor breaks the peace, and the video feed shows Mabel standing up and shaking the crib bars. 

“I’ll go.” Spencer declares, shuffling away from her to get out of bed. “And I’ll get the twins changed.”

Y/n raises her eyebrows, looking impressed with what he’s promising to tackle. “Good luck.” She jokes, grinning at him as she also gets out of bed. 

“I’ve got this.” He assures her. “Go shower and get dressed up.” 

She’s not about to argue with it. Having a shower where she doesn’t get interrupted by little hands banging on the door asking for snacks or to change the TV channel would be a rarity. 

Her new dress is perfect for Easter and spring, long and flowy white fabric with a blue floral pattern and a sweetheart neckline. It’ll look even better with some soft curls in her hair.

Spencer’s first stop is Mabel’s room. The door’s sign says her name, and the bedroom has cute flowers painted on the wall above the crib. “Hi, sweet baby.” He coos, reaching out for his youngest. She still wears her sleep sack to bed, and Spencer thinks it’s the cutest thing.

She squeals when she recognizes him, jumping adorably. “Daddy!” She yells in her sleepy voice. 

He scoops her up, wrapping his arms around her and cuddling her tightly to his chest before kissing her forehead. “You know, I think you might be ready for a big girl’s bed soon.” He tells her.

Mabel rests her forehead against his. “Like Tilda?” She asks, eyes sparkling at the mention of her big sister.

“Just like Matilda and the twins, too.” He answers.

She pulls back from him quickly with excitement. “We go see them?”

“Let Daddy put your pretty dress on you first, and then we can see them.” He tells her. “If they’re awake.” 

They are awake, he discovers when he finally finishes dressing Mabel. She runs ahead of Spencer and climbs the stairs without help to find the three of them in the living room.

“Hi, little people,” Spencer says, announcing himself to them. 

They spin around from the TV, jumping up from where they’re sitting and rushing over to hug him. It’s one of his favorite sights when they get excited that their eyes shine upon seeing him, and one of the best feelings is how warm he feels when they race over and fling their arms around him. He has never felt as much love as he does now, yet somehow, it grows more each day.

“Daddy, it’s Easter!” Matilda cheers. 

“I know.” He says. “Happy Easter.”

“Did the Easter bunny come?” Toby wonders. 

Spencer nods. “Grandpa Rossi called to say he’d dropped off lots of chocolate eggs for all of you.” It’s a lie, technically, but it makes their faces light up all over again, so it’s worth it.

“Are the cousins coming?” Aspen wonders. 

“Henry, Michael, Jake, David, Chloe, Lily, Rose, and Hank is as well,” Spencer lists the other BAU kids and former BAU kid, earning another round of cheers from his kids. “We need to get ready, though. Tillie, your dress is hanging in your wardrobe. Want me to help you, Aspen?”

She shakes her head. “No, I can get changed by myself.”

Independent as always, and something he should have anticipated. “Okay, upstairs and into dresses.” He instructs. “Then you can watch TV. T, you want daddy’s help getting ready?”

“Can you put gel in my hair?” Toby asks. “Mommy says that it looks handsome.”

Spencer chuckles at how cute his little boy is. “Sure, bud.” He agrees. “And it does make you look very handsome.”

It’s always a juggle with four kids, trying to get everyone dressed in time to go anywhere. Mabel can’t be left alone, so Spencer has to multitask between keeping her from running away to cause trouble while doing Toby’s hair and ensuring Aspen and Matilda haven’t gotten distracted. 

“Look how handsome you look.” Y/n coos as she peers into the bathroom where Spencer’s finishing off Toby’s hair. 

“Mommy!” He squeals, jumping off the stool and running over to hug her.

She hugs him back, careful not to ruin his hair. “Hey, bubba, did Daddy do your hair really nice?”

“Mhm.” He answers. 

“You want help getting changed?” She offers, met by him shaking his head, following the independent streak of his older sisters. “Alright, get to it, Mister.” She instructs, sending him off to his room with a pat on the back. Spencer’s eyes stay fixed on her as she stands there, and he rests against the bathroom counter. “What?” She asks shyly.

He smiles softly at her. “Nothing.” He shakes his head. “It’s just you’re so pretty. I still can’t believe you’re my wife.”

Then Y/n is grinning dumbly, twirling in her dress for him to get the full 360 view. “I might marry you again if you keep being so sweet.”

“Then I’d be the luckiest guy in the world again.” He tells her, walking over and placing his hands on her waist. He just stands there looking at her, admiring every detail of her makeup.

“Stop.” She says, pushing his shoulder. “I love you, Spencer Reid.”

Spencer steals a kiss, careful not to mess up her pink lipstick. “I love you more, Y/n Reid.” 

She shakes her head. “Impossible, but we should debate that later.” She decides. “We’ve got babies to get ready.”

“Yeah.” Spencer agrees. “It’s been oddly silent for a little too long.” 

Thankfully, the silence wasn’t getting-into-mischief silence. Y/n takes over getting the kids ready while Spencer gets himself dressed, and impressively, they’re done five minutes early.

“How you do this every morning is a miracle to me.” He remarks as they make their way out the door. 

“I’m just a super mom.” She jokes, but it’s the truth.

“You absolutely are.” Spencer agrees with her. “The best mom in the world.”

Car rides are possibly louder than being inside, thanks to the enclosed space, but Rossi’s house is only a few minutes drive, and they pull in behind JJ’s car. 

The girls are in pretty pink dresses that’ll no doubt end up covered in grass stains, and Toby’s pastel blue shirt matches Spencer’s. In both Y/n and Spencer’s eyes, they’re the most beautiful children ever.

“Little Reids!” Penelope cheers as soon as they’re through Rossi’s wide-open front door. She’s crouched down to scoop them all up, wrapping them all in a tight hug, looking like the definition of sunshine in her yellow dress. “Aren’t you four just so perfect?” She asks rhetorically as she pulls back to look at them. They are, and their parents nod to answer her confession.

After answering a few of Penelope’s questions, they squirm away to run through the house and greet everyone else. 

“And the perfect parents.” She greets them with hugs as well. 

 Y/n chuckles onto her shoulder. “You look incredible, Pen.” She compliments.

“That’s you, Mrs. Reid.” She replies. “And you’re all matching, just the cutest family ever.”

Spencer grins, wrapping his arm around his wife’s shoulder. “We kind of are.” He agrees.

“Come on, come see everyone.” Penelope ushers them through the house, taking on the role of secondary host as she usually does at Rossi’s. She and Krystall tag-team the job.

Henry, Michael, Hank, Matilda, Toby, Aspen, and Mabel are waiting in the living room, their little faces pressed against the glass as they look out the big glass doors trying to spot the hidden easter eggs in the garden. 

Everyone’s in their nice clothing, dresses and good shirts with jackets. It’s mostly BAU members Y/n often sees at Rossi’s, but Derek and Savannah have made the trip and quickly hug their old friends.

“Look at you, mama,” Derek remarks. “You’re as gorgeous as ever.”

“And you’re as flattering as ever.” She jokes, nudging his shoulder. “We didn’t know for sure that you’d be coming.”

“Couldn’t miss a family day.” He reminds her.

The Simmons’ walk through the door a moment later, and Rossi flings open the glass doors for the excited children to race outside and start their egg hunt with squeals of delight. 

Y/n gives Rossi a hug as the adults stream outside. “Thank you for hosting another wonderful Easter.”

“You’re always welcome, my dear.” He assures her. “I hope you don’t mind the little Reids going home full of sugar.” He nods to the massive baskets of chocolate and candy each kid carries, almost as big as Mabel. 

“I guess Spencer’s doing bedtime.” She jokes. An hour on the trampoline should do the trick.

“Speak of the devil,” Rossi says, drawing her attention to her husband as he comes waltzing over, holding out an extra mimosa to her.

She takes it appreciatively, letting him wrap his arm around her shoulder. “A very handsome devil.” She chuckles, making Spencer blush easily. It’s endearing to her that he reacts the way he did the first time.

“Shall we eat?” Rossi asks, looking around the yard where everyone’s scattered chatting. 

“It almost looks too delicious to eat.” Y/n compliments, looking at the spread.

It’s the gorgeous, perfectly prepared food the team has become accustomed to having at Rossi’s. There are hot cross buns, fresh bread, fruit salad, pastries of all kinds, bacon, eggs, waffles, and all the toppings in the world.

They sit at the adult table, and Spencer’s hand drifts to her knee instinctively. It’s why she sits on his left side each time. The kid table is next to the big one with smaller seats and prefilled plastic cups of juice. Rossi and Krystall are always prepared to entertain.

The kids take their seats, and Y/n momentarily leaves to ensure they’re getting balanced plates and not just gorging themselves on chocolate and candy. 

Then she’s back to Spencer’s side, and they’re talking with the rest of the team, basking in the warmth of the sun and family. It’s what they always have been. Even throughout the darkness they’ve seen over the years, they’re closer than ever, and there’s so much love between them.

After brunch, a few drinks in, and Spencer’s more relaxed, pulling Y/n onto his lap and resting his head on her shoulder while they laugh and joke with the team.  

It doesn’t last too long before someone’s pulling on Spencer’s sleeve. “Daddy, can you look for the Easter eggs in the trees?” Toby asks, showing him his best puppy eyes even though it’s unnecessary since he’d do anything for him.

Spencer looks around the table to see Derek and Matt being asked the same question, all three of them being targeted by their sons for their height. Flashing a curious look at Rossi, Spencer agrees, moving out from under Y/n to join the hunt. 

Rossi and Krystall insist on cleaning up, not wanting their guests to move a muscle, which leaves most of the girls alone at the table since Penelope and Luke are getting drinks and definitely not flirting with each other.

Rose, who has been sleeping so far, starts to cry in her carrier, and Kristy unclips her, pulling her into her arms for cuddles to quiet her. She’s adorable, most similar looking to Jake, in Y/n’s opinion. 

“She’s so tiny.” Y/n remarks off-handedly, looking at the small baby. “What’s it like? Four to five?” 

All eyes are on her in a second, but JJ beats everyone else to speak. “You’re not...”

Y/n shakes her head quickly, stopping that rumor before it can start. “No. No, I’m not.” She assures them, holding up her glass of champagne to prove it. “I’m just wondering.”

“The nights are rough, but diaper changing is still the same,” Kristy answers honestly. “And Mabel’s probably young enough that you’ve got all her stuff. Is it something you’re considering?”

Y/n shakes her head again. “Not until I see a little baby or that.” Her eyes drift to Spencer, who’s chasing Toby and Aspen around the yard. “But we could end up with twins again, and I think six is a little too crazy.” 

Laughter breaks out around the rest of the group, which relieves the seriousness of discussing family planning.

“Here.” Kristy offers Rose to hold, and Y/n takes the baby happily, looking at her adorable face and seeing up close how tiny she is. 

“She’s so precious.” She notes, catching Spencer’s eyes. “Spence, look at how little she is.”

Her address gets Matt and Derek’s attention, who are standing next to Spencer. “Uh oh,” Derek remarks knowingly, smirking at Spencer. 

“Someone’s about to commit to a new baby.” Matt pats him on the shoulder, smirking as well. 

Spencer chuckles, unsure of if it’s true or not. He’ll give her another baby, promised he’d go up to five if she was willing. “Do you think I could pretend I didn’t hear her?” He asks jokingly.

“Get over there, papa bear.” Derek insists with a laugh. 

Dutifully, he walks over, sitting next to Y/n and admiring the baby. “She’s so cute.” He compliments Kristy first.

“Look at how little she is.” Y/n repeats. 

“Yeah, it seems impossible they’re ever this little.” He remarks, earning hums of agreement from the other women sitting around the table who once had babies this little and now have fully grown children running around in the yard. He remembers when his children were that little like it was yesterday, but Rose still looks tiny. “No more, though.” He tells his wife with a laugh.

“Yeah, you’re right.” She agrees. “Not when we’re just getting full nights of sleep.”

The party continues into the late afternoon. The company is too good, and too much fun is being had for anyone to leave earlier. 

Despite how much candy they’ve eaten, Aspen and Matilda still manage to eat more in the car on the way home. Y/n agrees they can sleep in the lounge for a sleepover while watching movies, and it takes them far longer than usual to fall asleep, but they do. 

Y/n and Spencer hug in the kitchen as they watch the ending credits. He knows it’s a good chance to ask about what he heard earlier. “Do you actually want another baby?”

She’s taken aback, figuring it was forgotten, but she shakes her head. “Not really, but I think our kids are beautiful, and babies are cute when they’re that little.”

“We’d get more chocolate if we had five.” Spencer jokes, nodding to the baskets on the table and pulling away from her to steal one. 

“Spencer.” She giggles, splitting the chocolate egg with him. “I think we’ve got more than enough. It’ll last us until next year.”

“I love Easter, you know?” He asks rhetorically. “And you, everything we have, our kids, being a dad, brunch.” 

She nods in agreement, leaning up to peck his lips. “I love you, too. Thanks for being in this with me.”

Spencer takes her left hand and kisses her ring finger. “Always.”

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[plussizefantasia]

Cozy Corner

Flufftober Day 5: Book Shop

Loki Laufeyson x f!reader

Word Count: 1.0k

AN: I loved writing this one. I love Austen and you can absolutely tell haha. I feel like I probably should have said this before but I don't have a beta reader, any mistakes are my own. (if you want to be a beta reader for me let me know) Please reblog if you enjoyed it!

divider credit: @royallaesthetics

Your favorite part of living in New York was the fact that you could find pretty much any kind of store you could ever think of, and it would only be a short walk and a subway ride away. Take your favorite bookstore, Cozy Corner. The owner was an older woman who had introduced herself as Martha to you within the first few minutes of your first visit. Martha had been a librarian at an elementary school in Brooklyn for 45 years before she decided that she wanted to open her store.

You had stumbled upon this place by accident. You had been looking for a new store to buy books from when you had decided that the huge Barnes and Noble in the city was way too hard for you to navigate. So you went for a walk and decided to see if you could find a small one on your path.

You had, and it turned out to be one of the best things to happen to you since you moved into the city. You could spend hours of your day here, lounging in the plush chairs that sit by Martha’s front window, reading whatever new books she had gotten. She keeps bringing you mugs of coffee, and you're not exactly sure where they come from given that she doesn't sell coffee but you’re grateful for it anyway. 

Your favorite way to spend your day had become reading at the store, and the other regular that you have seen come in increasing frequency is just a bonus. At least that is what you tell Martha when she asks you what you think of the handsome man who keeps smiling at you without ever saying anything.

He is nice to look at, you won’t deny that. He’s tall and lithe and has an aura of confidence and power that you can’t seem to forget. Martha tells you he’s a fan of the classics, that he’s bought a copy of every Hemingway that she has in stock and she’s sure that the two of you would get along. You don’t know if she just wants to matchmake or if she genuinely thinks the two of you would get along but you don’t have the heart to tell her that you don’t think it’ll work out. 

He’s gorgeous and intimidating and everything you’d want in a man but is too afraid to go for. Luckily you don’t have to muster up the confidence to speak to him, he speaks to you first.

“Is this seat taken?” He asks gesturing to the only other plush chair in the store. It doesn’t exactly match the one that you’re sat in but it doesn’t take away from the ambiance in the room at all. 

You’re taken aback by his request but still manage to nod your assent. He’s never stayed this long before. Usually, he just comes in and presses the stacks for an hour or so before making a purchase and smiling at you as he leaves. Today he seems inclined to sit and start his newest purchase right away.

“Loki,” he says and reaches his hand out for you to shake. You do and give him your name in response. You don’t try to continue the conversation beyond that, afraid to interrupt Loki’s reading. He however doesn’t seem to have any qualms with conversation.

“Haven’t you read that before?” He references the semi-battered copy of Pride and Prejudice in your hands. You’re stunned by his observational skills and you admit to yourself, also a little flattered.

“It’s my favorite Austen novel. I read it at least three times a year.” You admit, pulling the book closer to your chest. You move it closer to your heart.

“I’m partial to Persuasion myself but I enjoy all of Austen’s work,” he replies and fully closes and puts down his book. It’s a leatherbound copy of Crime and Punishment, you remember reading it for a college literature class and are excited to be able to talk to him about something else.

You don’t even realize how long the two of you are talking until Martha rounds the corner with a sheepish expression on her face.

“I hate to interrupt you two but it’s time to close.” You take a glance at the clock and are surprised at how late it’s gotten. But what catches your eye is the fact that technically the shop should’ve closed two hours ago.

‘Martha!” you exclaimed “Why on earth did you let us stay for so long?” You quickly stand and go to collect your things grabbing the book on the table in front of you without really looking. Loki moves to the same. Martha tuts at you, “I was going to, but I saw how wonderfully you two were getting along and I didn’t want to stop you.” 

Your chest swells with affection for the older woman and you fondly shake your head at her. “Well next time feel free to interrupt, you don't have to stay open just for us.”

‘Next time?” Loki asks and you turn to him.

“Yeah, unless you don’t want to continue our riveting conversation on philosophy in fiction?” You ask teasingly but with an undercurrent of seriousness. You thought the conversation was going well but now you worry that maybe he didn’t think the same.

“I’d be delighted to.” He tells you “But I also believe that it is much past our dear Martha’s bedtime and we should postpone our discussion for at least a few hours.” He smirks and looks towards the woman. She takes the cue and goes to collect the rest of her belongings so that the three of you can leave and she can lock up the store behind you.

With your jacket on, ready to face the slight fall chill that permeates the late-night New York air you step out of the comfort of the store. You turn to Loki and wish him a good night before making your way down the street and towards your apartment. 

It isn’t until you get back to your palace and unpack your bag that you realize you’ve grabbed the wrong book. You smile without meaning to, it seems you have another reason to see Loki again soon.

[l-starlight-l]

The love of a hero

An old friend

Master list

Part 1, part 2, Part 3, Part 4,

A/n: Oop not me being flaky with posting, my bad y’all!

Description: an old friend has finally found time to hang out with you

Pairing: dick Grayson x reader (platonic)

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:Reference:

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This was your first time living alone in such a big city but it certainly was not your first time living in Gotham. Sure it had been a very long time but that didn’t change much. A long time ago, maybe ten years ago, you had runaway to Gotham. You and your dad had gotten into a huge fight and you were beyond angry with him. You need space and comfort from somewhere other than your home so you decide to go to Gotham. You had some very close friends in the city and knew they would be willingly to let you crash at their place. These people were basically a second family to you. It took some convincing for them to let you stay, but once you were there you lived with them for a little over a year. It was the happiest time of your life you would say. Of course nothing last forever and you had to leave. You would argue you were stolen from them but others would disagree.

You rushed to clock out of your twelve hour shift when your phone rang. The caller id read “boy wonder”, you rolled your eyes and answered. “What” you answered not knowing if you were happy to hear from him or not.

“You free?” Asked the man on their other side, he sounded like he was moving around a lot but wasn’t out of breath.

“Ummm yeah, I just got off of work” you replied while gathering your things from your locker.

“I’m just finishing a job up, do you want to hang out after?” He asked feeling guilty from not reaching out sooner.

Your brows knitted in frustration, “oh so now you want to see me, you’ve blown me off for the past three weeks” you said trying to keep your temper in check.

“I know I know I’m so sor-“ as he was apologizing you heard a grunt and then a big slam on the other side of the phone. You hear dick sigh in pain and then him cheerily saying “damn that one hurt”

“I understand you’ve been busy” you shrug off your anger at him with a soft laugh, “how about you come over when you finish up and I make you dinner”

“You would make the perfect wife you know that” he teased as he nearly avoided a punch.

You let out a soft sigh, “in your dreams boy wonder” you said with a laugh as you hung up.

Some time later you’re busy in the kitchen when you hear a knock at the window. You jump and turn just to see dick sitting on the fire escape holding his wounded rips and waving at you like an idiot. His wide smile smile made you laugh at the sight of him. “Could you have taken any longer” you said sarcastically while letting him in. “I made your favorite” you told him while walking back into the kitchen.

He dramatically stopped mid step and exclaimed, “cookies!” Like he was a child. You stare at him with a smile, he hasn’t changed.

You rustle through your cabinets trying to find your first aid kit, “I just put them in so it will be a few minutes, let me clean you up while we wait” you said grabbing it and leading him to the kitchen. “I have some of your old clothes if you want to change out of your uniform, though I’m not sure if they fit or not” you say scanning his certainly grown up body. The last time you saw him he was just some scrawny teenage. As you admire his gorgeous body you remind yourself that he is a friend, just a friend.

You two spend the night catching up, even thigh you’ve known him since diapers it’s been years since you were in the same room as him. Although there were long phone calls and so, so many texts it wasn’t the same as being able to see him in person. It felt nice having he next to you again.

“How’s the new job?” He asks in-between cookies.

You smile thinking about how much you’re enjoying your time here, “ I love it honestly”. You look at him and his wounded face, “how’s being a hero” you say with a melancholy tone.

He gives you a sad bit understanding look, “hard, as you know” he answers serious. You look away from him as your body tenses. He quickly changes the subject when he notices your reaction, “so when are you going to tell me the recipe Alfred so kindly gave you?” He says with his sweet smile as he holds up a cookie to his lips.

“That is between me and him, you are never getting it” you say with a laugh. The night is till early when he gets called back out, you hug him with a heavy heart. “Be safe” you say worried.

He smiles down at you as he releases the hug, “I always am” he says as he leaves through your window, disappearing into the night.

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[expatesque]

(second message attempt, not sure first posted) Exquisite taste in interiors! I have a hard to describe issue, but it’s driving me insane so here goes … in my living room I have a gorgeous wall of huge windows with a beautiful view of greenery. However. The wall opposite is a big boring blank white wall. I can’t add shelves or furniture because my dining table is placed pretty close to the wall, but also abhor gallery walls … how can I make it as beautiful and interesting as the wonderful windows?

Ooooh love this!

My first instinct: giant framed wallpaper scene. You can do the whole wall (looks great) but I also really like when you make a border for it out of moulding so that it looks more like a giant piece of art, like this one. If you're renting, you can even do peel and stick.

Other ideas:

Wall of mirrors, either trimmed out or just the whole wall or bunches of rectangles, normal or antiqued (can you tell I'm really into mirrors right now, ever since I saw this article in WoI. Okay one more, how sick is this with the lighting and the picture rail, I'm obsessed with Adam Bray.)

Just trimmed out, either classic style or something more mod.

Okay this is kinda rogue, but what about a whole wall of pleated curtains? Adds a lot of texture, can visually warm up rooms where there's a lot of glass, easy to swap out for different looks for different seasons, v dramatic.

I know you don't like gallery walls, but what about like, two (or three, dimension depending) really big pieces of art? (Note, vintage stores are great for finding these kinds of things)

Perhaps a tapestry / fabric piece? Or if you want just texture, how cool would an antique lace runner look framed? (maybe consider building the frame yourself to keep costs reasonable)

Okay I know you said no shelves but what about like, very narrow shelves? Like, slightly wider than a glass shelves? Like the top of this built in bar width shelves. For styling, I would go thrifting and grab as much crystal and little silver bits as you can find and put it up there, possibly with some cool lighting underneath?

Hope something there gives you an idea! Keep me updated on what you decide to do, and let me know if you have any further thoughts!

[oxpogues4lifexo]

Full Kook - JJ/Rafe Fic

Part 1/? - Bella Brooks

Summary: Part 1 is an introduction to the OC told by JJ Maybank. The lead up to my story. Overall this fic is about a troubled Pogue who finds comfort in people she least expects whilst dealing with many turns of events. A/N: This isn't planned out in any way shape or form. No reliability on the release of any parts I'm just writing this because I enjoy writing if it's not for you please move on. Warnings: Mentions of sex, alcohol, drugs, violence, abuse (mental and physical) Anything I missed lmk. Word count: 800

(Not proof read)

JJ's Pov:

Bella Elizabeth Brooks

My best friend since before I can remember. 

Most commonly known as the 'Princess of Kildare Island'; With the face of an angel and a heart of gold. The girl everyone wants to either be, or be with.

I'm pretty sure she'd give it up to anyone if she could... 

She's the perfect girl: a sweet persona, gorgeous appearance, kindest soul to exist. Who wouldn't want to be friends with her?

The answer.. everyone.

She has a close-knit group of friends, only through her dad. Me, because our dads used to be close friends, Sarah because him and Ward are disgustingly inseparable, and then Topper and Kelce because.. well.. Rafe. 

Swiftly moving on..

Bella's the type of person that people don't particularly see as a friend, but more of someone they can go to if they need something. She thinks it's a compliment; that people go to her when in desperate need of help. 

But no just.. no.

She's a toy.. pretty much sums it up; an easy target. 

It makes me sick thinking about it. 

People take advantage of her empathy, her soft attitude, the fact she can't say no. They see her as someone who can get away with anything and use that to their own benefit. 

She puts everyone first, doesn't want there to be any bad in the world, likes to make everyone happy anyway she can. Even if it means breaking herself in the process.

So my duty as her best friend is to keep her safe from the world. Keep her away from the bad. 

It physically hurts to know about the way people see her, and so I feel as if it's my job to protect her from ever dealing with it again. Dealing with the pain and the hurt she puts herself through for others who deserve nothing but a stick up their ass. 

She's my priority. And I will let nothing get in the way of me taking care of her and treating her how she deserves. 

Except for one tiny problem..

Thomas Brooks. - The man who created the Island's untouchable sweetheart.

Let's just say he's got a bad reputation.. but having Ward on his side gives him MAJOR  advantages. 

Don't get me wrong, the Brooks family is THE MOST respected family on the Island but just.. for the wrong reasons. 

And sadly it's not my place to say. Sorry, not sorry. I hate talking about it. 

Anyways, Bella is my everything and before you say ANYTHING, it's purely platonic. 

Well, to her. 

But, with everything she's been put through with all the fucking leeches in the OBX, I don't blame her and I wouldn't ask for it any other way. 

She's my rock, my girl. And no one will EVER take her from me. At least, they can try but it won't end well. Speaking from experience.

Enough about Bella.. but more about Bella..

She lives on the Cut, with me. Well no actually I live with her but, same thing. 

She has never once moaned about the little amounts of money her dad earns, and never once made a single comment about where she lives. 

It's this run down shack-like house. Imagine the Chateau but just.. worse. 

The walls are boarded up from the masses of storms that have destroyed what used to be there causing the remains to become rotten. The windows are cracked and the furniture is far from usable. 

The only healthy-ish part of the house? Bella's room.

It's a huge contrast from the rest of the building, almost like it was placed there separately. The wall's a bright white colour, her soft bedding and her drawers overflowing with colourful clothing puts the rest of the place to shame. A large window overlooks her room, filling it with more light than the whole house sees combined. 

The reason behind this is because her dad isn't the greatest dad. But in his defence he's aware. And so he spends the only bit of money he has on her - Always. Without any slight slither of guilt. He would give her the world if he could and she knows that, which is why she excuses his actions. 

She holds a pretty smile to cover the hurt she feels beneath. Her vibrant choice in her room reflects the young girl inside of her. 

She hasn't got an easy life and if it wasn't for me living with her, I wouldn't understand.

If the island really knew why she's the way she is.. they wouldn't want to be her. 

Please let me know what you think x

Thank you for reading 🌹❤️

Masterlist

[isuckatwritingsobenice]

Hii! I saw you wrote for My hero and wanted to request something! Denki Kaminar x Milf Reader? Maybe she’s like, loaded, but not a sugar momma - sugar baby trope, if that makes any sense? this is my first time requesting on tumblr so i’m not sure how this works, but if you don’t want to do it it’s fine!

The way this thought came into my head after I saw a Kaminari edit, and then I open tumblr and BOOM, the perfect request. You better believe your girl will write no matter what time or place. Let’s talk about it though, he is so 😩😩!!!

Warnings: Mentions of Smut, Age Gap, Nudity, mentions of Drinking, P in V, mommy kink, body worship, headcannon format, denki being horny 25/8, slight insecure reader

Navigation!! // MHA Masterlist!!

You two meet at a bar, and he ends up going to you first

He thinks your so gorgeous and he’s probably not gonna have a chance but it’s worth a shot right?

You two end up talking and get to know each other

His shock when you tell him your age 😨😨

you apologize, you say you understand if he isn’t interested anymore and that its completely fine

but hes just looking at you like ‘🤨🤨 girl who the fu-‘

But he tells you he doesn’t care, and he really doesn’t, he thinks your amazing

Im thinking he’s like mid 20’s & reader is late 30’s early 40’s, you know?

When you two start talking more he finds out you have a son, and they’re around the same age ?!?!?!

You introduce the two boys to each other, and your son is a bit weary at first but eventually he grows to like Denki

Now, do not be fooled, this man is absolutely WHIPPED for you no matter what

He absolutely has a mommy kink you cannot tell me otherwise ESPECIALLY with Milfs

He has a shirt that says i 🫶 milfs, specifically you

if you ever complain that your not the way you used to be he will shower you in compliments 100%, he loves you so so so much

Now if your LOADED??? oh fuck

he’s in love with you for life, but he doesn’t exploit the fact you have money, no no

it makes him work harder, he wants to be equal with you, you know? he wants to be able to buy you things with his own hard earned money, so this is important to him

Let’s say you have a large house, with a large pool

He’s definitely fucking you by the pool, no questions asked

he is THE pool boy, and we’re living for it honestly

if your house is huge he’s fucking you anywhere he can

kitchen counter, poolside, in the pool, in the hot tub, in your shower, guest bed, ON YOUR BALCONY, living room, garage / car sex

his favorite place to be is in you

he makes it his life’s mission to have sex in every room in the house

private garden? you looked so pretty bent over watering your flowers he couldn’t help it

own tennis court? he’s flipping that skirt up and giving you back shots till you can’t think straight

hot tub? you bet, the jets work over time that day

if your really loaded and have a private jet, he’s fucking you right by the window, just for fun

prívate boat? he’s fucking you mid ocean

he. is. FILTHY. and he has no shame

likes ripping all your expensive clothes off you, he says they rip easily even though they’re expensive

body worshipper 100%, because he thinks your absolutely stunning and you need to know all the time

doesn’t matter who you are, if Denki loves you, he loves YOU

[xxstorywriterxx]

Your local barista / Part 6

Larissa Weems x fem reader fanfiction

You´re a barista working at Weathervane. A tall blonde, beautiful woman comes in from time to time to get a coffee and talk to you. She seems nice at first but after a while you find yourself wondering if you could become more than friends?

Thank you so much for your support! I´ll try to post updates every week!

Link to the following chapter is at the bottom.

Warnings: fluff, sexual thoughts, intense kissing, drinking alcohol (in a controlled manner)

You arrived at Nevermore at 6pm, perfectly on time. You opened the car door, thanked your Uber and turned around. Nevermore was huge and beautiful, just like the woman standing in front of the school. The principal wore a white dress that revealed her curves. Her blonde hair looked perfect with all the pins in it and her red lipstick was even more prominent than usual, really sticking out from the dress. Larissa looked at you with a big smile. "Welcome to Nevermore, Darling!" She gestured at the school with an outstreched arm. Her white teeth reflected the sun light. "Wow. What a gorgeous building! I would have wanted to visit that school as a kid, no doubt. I still kinda want to." Larissa chuckled and put an arm around your shoulders. "Let me give you a tour."

She showed you the entire school, the green-houses, the classrooms and the grounds, which included a big, dark lake. You were amazed by the architecture and really considered working there as a teacher once you were finished with school. "This place is amazing! Working here must be great. It´s like all the magic schools I´ve read books about as a child." Larissa smiled at you. "I assume it seems 'magical' for a lot of people. But to me it´s just home. I went here as a teenager and now I work and live here. Nevermore has been my home for as long as I can remember." You couldn´t help but feel a bit sorry for Larissa. Calling a school 'home' was something you would never do. Eventhough you had problems at home when you were a child, you were still able to call it a 'home'. Larissa didn´t seem to be bothered though. You walked down a corridor and stopped at a huge black door with golden details. A sign on the door said 'Principal Weems'. "And this, my Love," Larissa opened the door "is where I live." You walked into her office and your jaw dropped. The room was huge with a big fireplace to your left and a big brown desk was placed in the back of it. Multiple comfortable looking chairs and sofas were placed in every corner and in front of her desk. Larissa noticed your amazement and walked passed you. She opened another door which lead to an apartment. It was big with lots of windows that were covered with black curtains. You were standing in the living room that contained two big sofas, an armchair and a big TV screen hanging above a fireplace, smaller than the one in the office. It smelled like vanilla. "My entire home could fit in your living room Larissa. This is insane. I´m not jealous of course… well, maybe a bit." You smiled at Larissa, who had started to laugh. She grabbed you by the waist and turned your body facing hers. "The size of a home doesn´t matter, Darling. It´s all about who you get to share it with." She grabbed your chin softly and made you look into her eyes. Then she kissed you. At first very gentle but it turned more passionate very quickly. She pulled you against her body and you stroke over her breathtaking curves, stopping just above her ass. Your tounges played with each other while you kissed and you felt yourself getting very hot. When you finally let go of each other you were both panting with red, hot faces. "Oh, wait a second." Larissa reached out an arm and brushed aways some lipstick stains on your face. "There you go, Darling. All pretty again." She smiled lovingly at you. "Thanks," you said, still out of breath. Larissa chuckled and turned around. "Sit down and get comfortable. I´ll get us something to drink." You nodded and sat on the sofa facing the fireplace. A big white rug was laying in front of it. What would it be like lay on it with Larissa? While a hot fire was burning and the two of you were-

"There you go." Larissa sat down on the sofa sideways and handed you a glass with sparkling water in it. You drank it, thirsty from all the excitement. Larissa took a few sips from her own and placed it on a small coffee table next to the sofa. Then she put one hand on your thigh. "I´m glad you´re here today, my Love." She looked at you lovingly. You blushed and smiled at her. "So am I." You reached out a hand and stroke over Larissas right cheek. She looked surprised at first, but then she closed her eyes and relaxed. She loved the touch of your soft fingers against her skin. You could tell she wasn´t used to being touched so gently and it really hurt you. Someone as lovable deserved any kind of affection they could get. You were going to admire and care for her always, you said to yourself. Larissa opened her eyes to look at you. Then she moved closer to you and placed her head in the crook of your neck. Her hot breath tickled and her styled hair stroke softly against your cheek. Warmth spread in your chest and you couldn´t help but smile. You wrapped your arms around Larissa and held her. You didn´t now how much time had passed when Larissa freed herself from your grip to gaze at you. "Are you hungry?" You barely ate the entire day because you were so nervous about meeting Larissa. You felt your stomach being empty and craving food. "Uh, yes. I guess I am." Larissa nodded and got up. "Do you wanna eat Pizza? I prepared a dough and we can choose our toppings ourselves?" She held out a hand for you to grab. "Ooh, you are a well-prepared woman, I see." You winked at her and she grinned at you. "I am indeed." You walked into her kitchen, which was next to the living room.

Making a Pizza with Larissa was hilarious. 1 she looked very displaced in her elegant outfit while she was rolling the dough and putting tomatosauce on it and 2 you both couldn´t help but tease each other the entire time. It started off with you accidentally spilling some sauce in Larissas hand and turned into a small fight. You tried to ruin each others Pizzas, putting too much pepper and way too less cheese on it and you both ended up having tomatsauce on your face, your clothes and on the floor. Your Pizzas looked horrible and were half-finished while you sat on the floor, breathing heavily and laughing uncontrollably. You wiped tears of laughter from your face and Larissa placed her head on top of yours, still panting. "I can´t remember the last time I had this much fun," she said, trying to control her laughter. "Me neither," you chuckled. You moved your head and looked her in the eyes, then you kissed her. The taste of strawberries was still on her lips, probably caused by a lipbalm she used. It was very difficult to not get addicted to the taste and feeling of her lips. She leaned forward and kissed you more passionately. She went trough your hair and you cupped one side of her face, one of your hands stroking her hips again. Just when you got really hot again, Larissa pulled back. "I really think we should eat first," she said out of breath. You wanted to tease her but she raised a hand, telling you to stop. "Food, I mean." You both laughed and got up, trying to fix your Pizzas. Afterwards you cleaned yourself up a bit. When you were finished you headed back into the living room, opened a bottle of wine and turned on the TV. You were watching a movie while eating and when you were finished you cuddled up under a blanket.

You felt incredibly comfortable and safe being cuddled up to Larissa. She held you in her arms and rested her head on yours. Just a few hours ago you thought you would never be close to her again and now you were closer to her than ever. "Y/n?" You were half-asleep while watching the movie when Larissa spoke to you. It was just so warm and comfortable in her arms. "Yes?" Larissa moved away from you to look in your face. "You seem tired. Do you want to head home once the movie is finished?" You had trouble thinking because once again you were lost in her beautiful blue eyes. She looked at you so caring and loving, like no one before. Just when you wanted to answer, Larissa started talking again. "Or you could stay here of course." She chuckled but when she said it, she seemed to be serious about her offer. She avoided looking into your face. "Sure. If you don´t mind." Larissa looked at you, suprised. "Are you sure?" You smiled at her. "Yes, I am." She looked at you for a few seconds then she started to smile as well. "Great, Darling. I have everything prepared already so if you need anything-" "Wait. You were planning to have me stay over?" You chuckled at Larissa blushing. "I just wanted to be able to present mutliple options for you, that´s all." "Suuuure," you laughed. "You just wanted me to sleep with you, be honest," you teased her. "Oh, stop it." Both of you laughed and Larissa gave you a tight hug. “I would never do anything you’re not comfortable with.” You breathed in her wonderful scent. “I know.” Then you slightly pushed her away to look in her eyes. She looked so pretty. “Have I ever told you that your the most beautiful person I know? Like, you’re breathtaking.” Larissa’s eyes were widened. She looked surprised and didn’t know what to say. You could tell this was completely new to her. “Th- Thank you, Darling.” You saw her eyes getting watery and before you knew Larissa grabbed your face and kissed you. It was hot and passionate. Something had changed. All of the sudden Larissa didn’t try to control herself anymore. She wanted you. When your tongues interlocked she removed her hands from your face and placed one of them on your hips the other one on your inner thigh. Her touch was electrifying. You got goosebumps all over your body when she moved her hand up your thigh. You stroke over her curves up to her breasts. “Are you ok with this?” You asked, pausing from kissing. “Yes, I am. Are you?” “Yes.” You weren’t able to talk. Once you made sure you were comfortable it got even more intense. Larissa moved forward and pushed you on your back. She was on top of you, both your hands were touching each other uncontrollably.

The movie in the background was completely forgotten. The only thing that mattered were the two of you kissing, hugging and touching. Larissa placed herself between your legs. You didn’t want to stop. You wanted continue whatever-this-was forever. Feeling her hot body being so close to you made you feel like you were going crazy. You couldn’t tear your lips apart. You were both panting when Larissa pulled back. Her lipstick was faded, a few hair strains were falling in her face and her dress was half unzipped. “Do you want to continue? I mean… would you be ready to take it further?” You looked her deep in the eyes. They were dark and lustful. Usually it took you some time to feel comfortable enough to sleep with someone. But you’ve known Larissa for so long. You wanted her for so long. All you could think about was being intimate with her and it drove you crazy. You looked her up and down, then you answered confidently. “Yes, I am.”

[lastweeksshirttonight]

All righty, I managed to get back home despite the hurricane, let's talk about the show.

Tl;dr - I traveled cross-country to see John Oliver and Seth Meyers. It was amazing and I am still giddy about it!! Gonna put all the details under a cut to not clog up your timeline/the tags.

(All jokes will be paraphrased/guestimated bc my adrenaline and ADHD played havoc with my memory recall, lol.)

Firstly, the Beacon Theatre is absolutely stunning. It reminds me a bit of the Theatre at Ace Hotel in LA, in that it's clearly had its old elements lovingly preserved and harkens back to an older time. It was truly a gorgeous venue.

I missed getting a pic of the other side of the stage, which had a massive sculpture of shields and spears. John made a joke about the opulence of the room not matching the entertainment for the evening, and noted that "even Coco Chanel would say to keep it to one shield". Really wish I'd thought to get a picture of it, he was not wrong.

I was extremely close to the stage - 3 rows back and dead center. I definitely had the anxious excited adrenaline jitters because of it.

I mean COME ON.

The opener was Brooks Wheelan, who I remembered from his brief stint at SNL. He talked a fair deal about that, and told a great story bit about getting fired from there and opening for John shortly after, wherein he drank an entire bottle of "HBO blood diamond whiskey" from John's dressing room and had, in Seth's later words, "a nervous breakdown". I'd heard Brooks has opened for John before and was glad I got to see him, he's a lot of fun.

He also told a joke about not wanting to learn karate because of the huge glass windows in front of every karate studio and not wanting anyone to watch him learn karate. Lots of very understanding laughter there, including from me. (Why do all these places have massive plate glass windows?!)

After Brooks was John Oliver, and y'all. Let me get this out of the way.

He is fine as hell. Look. Just LOOK. HOW WAS I SUPPOSED TO DEAL WITH THIS

I would also like to take the time to gush effusively about John's mastery of set structure. The set was, aside from the typical "before we get started, I need to let you know I'm British" pseudo-opener he's used since like 2005, entirely new material -

(As an aside... !!!!!! I KNOW!!!! A FULL FUCKING HOUR OF ENTIRELY NEW MATERIAL!! THAT I WAS NEAR THE FRONT FOR!!!! I'M SO VERKLEMPT STILL YOU HAVE NO IDEA)

- and it was just beautifully written from a structural standpoint. It was pretty much all political material all centered around history and the need to understand it for context on the world as it currently stands. There were some digressions from that point but they were seamlessly woven in. He is such a goodamn incredible stand-up comedian.

A few things he talked about in his set:

That time the US dropped nukes on itself twice (which was briefly mentioned on LWT but not in this detail and not including a reenactment of a man dropping a bomb while working on a plane and him reacting to watching it roll away).

That the current British royal line of succession exists because of a "cousin-fucker who cut someone into pieces like a Benihana chef". (John told us this is something he learned researching this bit, which caused me unending joy. I love that he's making new sets!! :D)

John delights in the misery of billionaires and wished that the rocket Jeff Bezos was on would blow up. He doesn't want him to die, though. Through this he also talked about Elon Musk and his favorite fake blue check company tweets, mainly a series made by a fake Chiquita account claiming to have overthrown Brazil, followed by Chiquita saying they hadn't actually overthrown any governments since 1954.

John got booed at a Sesame Street benefit and told a killer set of jokes about Bert judging him for it. ("The man lives with Ernie! He knows chaos!")

He claims we will all know things are okay with the US again when we are all irrationally mad at Anne Hathaway for no reason again. Told an incredible story about how he just blundered into the street in LA once, almost got hit by a car, looked up, realized it was Anne Hathaway in the car, saw her wave at him, and, despite the scenario being objectively his fault, being somehow mad at her.

Shaded Dave Chappelle in an analogy about how we are not at Civil War division times because "somehow our level of division is people debating whether Chapelle's SNL monologue was okay or not", in a way that suggested it was very much not okay. 10/10 no notes.

Okay so there was one recycled bit - him being informed the Queen wanted to give him an OBE. He added to it fantastically though, by personifying the man from the embassy as the most offensively British stereotype you could possibly imagine. He said the man sounded like "if a British person rubbed a teapot and a genie came out".

There was definitely more but I could gush forever so let's move on.

Brooks came back out to introduce Seth and forgot the name of his show, lol. For a brief moment we all contemplated what Last Week Tonight with Seth Meyers would look like. (I assume the show's Adam Driver would be Stefon.)

Anyways, here is the only good photo I took of Seth.

Seth was great as well - not as good as John, but I'm very biased in that regard. The material was also pretty diametrically opposed to John's, much more domestic comedy about his wife and kids and their idiosyncracies.

I really liked Seth's energy and approach. I don't quite know how to explain this, but he had a touch of Dennis Reynolds energy to him, a restrained manicness, that was really interesting to watch. That's not my normal association with Seth's energy, either, but it was very fun. Definitely puts some of the more deranged things from his tenure as Weekend Update host in context.

Some highlights from Seth's set:

He had an amazing brick joke about doing accents as a comedian, where he imitated a Swedish accent and talked about how everyone's Swedish accent is basically the Swedish Chef from the Muppets and how the only Swedish food anyone has nearby is the meatballs at IKEA. Funny on its own, but later in the show, Seth talked about how people assume he's fully Jewish, including people on the street. He noted that he's 25% Swedish but no one comes up to him on the street and goes -insert Swedish Chef impression-. (This straight up killed the guy sitting next to me, who ended up laughing with his head in his hands for a solid 30 seconds.)

His kids eat very healthily, so when they end up going to friends' houses and eat one Skittle, they turn into demons. Literal demons. Seth's impression of an actual demon trying to undo a double-buckled car seat was the hardest I laughed at his whole set.

Seth also had a section which he claimed would be the part where he'd tell anti-trans jokes "if he was a complete asshole". I enjoyed the trans affirmation the whole evening, ngl.

Seth's family and his wife's family have very different ways of conversing at the dinner table, which directly mirrors my and my partner's family - Seth's family (like Mr. Lee's) is big on listening to everyone and contributing to conversations only when someone else has talked; Alexi's family (like mine) is constantly screaming over each other.

After Seth's set, everyone (including Brooks) came out to do a Q&A. I could not think of a song in the moment, but realized at the hotel room an hour after that I should have made @chiijohn 's evening by asking John's opinion on Planet of the Bass. :facepalm: Sorry mate!

Still, some great questions were asked, and it was about 30 minutes of just audience interaction. I've never experienced anything like it at a stand-up gig and genuinely loved it. John, of course, told people they were free to leave before the Q&A because why would they want to stay; the man is incapable of thinking anything good about himself and much as I hate his bad self-esteem, I would have been concerned if he hadn't said something to that effect.

Brooks was asked almost immediately if he remembered the name of Seth's show, which was honestly hilarious. Brooks said "I conferred with John backstage and we're both pretty sure that it's Late Night with Seth Meyers".

Someone asked how fearful Seth and John were of their shows being cancelled after one year, and Brooks snarked that he knew that feeling. (Brooks seems to have a good sense of humour about not being a huge presence on SNL.) Seth said that he wasn't super worried but that they redid his entire set (background set, not stand-up set) because Alec Baldwin said it looked like "a sushi restaurant in Burbank". (theoniontheworstpersonyouknow.jpg) John said he was told most HBO shows don't get cancelled at one season and he said "we'll see about that".

There was definitely some extended riffing on Alec Baldwin being a piece of shit afterwards, while John giggled helplessly. I love John's giggling.

Seth and John's favorite Muppet is Cookie Monster. They talked about how interesting it is that you can have amazing chemistry with Muppets, and then meet the puppeteer and have literally nothing to talk about. Seth also talked about how low-tech Big Bird was, and how the late Carroll Spinney, when on SNL, held a script in one hand, the controls of Big Bird in the other, and a flashlight in his mouth to read the script.

Everyone is upset they didn't get to cover the indictments because of the Writer's Strike. John thought there were only 3, but I honestly don't know if one of them came down before the Writer's Strike and he was just referring to the ones since then. It's been a long few months for us all.

Brooks basically forces John and Seth to get out of their hotel rooms when touring. Otherwise, Seth said, "they both just sit there anxious". That tracks, especially for John, who literally said on Seth's podcast that he is physically incapable of relaxing.

When asked about their influences, John said (rather obviously) that he wouldn't have a career without Jon Stewart, and Brooks talked about how both Seth and John really uplifted him and cared for him after he got fired from SNL. Seth talked in a really lovely way about how Amy Poehler basically adopted him and got him out of his shell and was a real friend to him early on.

I really wish I'd written down every stand-up that the three of them recommended when prompted, because I've completely blanked on half of them. Seth said Joe Pera (who I also highly recommend); John recommended Maria Bamford (again, also highly recommend). He also said that most people in the room would have probably not heard of him but that the best in the UK was Daniel Kitson (paging @tellthemeerkatsitsfine to provide her recs bc she knows Kitson backwards and fronts). Brooks gave a shout to Kyle Kinane (who I am not as familiar with as I should be).

There was so much more, but honestly, I was just so in the moment that I feel like I remember things in waves. It was an amazing evening and I was honestly so blessed to be there at all.

I did not wait at the stage door or anything, because I am truly not that kind of person and have consistently been sure that if I ever met John, I'd barf on his shoes. I know on Instagram some people had gotten stage door photos, though, and I'm happy for them!

Thank you all for always being supportive of this dumb blog. I don't think I would have had the confidence to go on this cross-country journey without you all randomly egging me on all the time. It was one of the best nights of my life. 💖💖

[sandcobangevent]

sherlock and co flashbang submission!!

‘Drop the case.

Or I will let the whole world know how hopelessly in love you are with your precious doctor.’

- Show Your Hand by @drinkingmelonwater !!!

“Sherlock, have you seen my socks?” John asked, emerging from his room. “My stripey yellow one’s missing its pair. Have you- oh my god what are you doing with my sock.”

Sherlock, who was in the process of dipping John’s sock into a beaker of acid, didn’t reply.

“Sherlock! What are you doing?! I wear that, you know?!” John yelled, attempting to rescue his sock to no avail.

“Apologies, but I’m afraid this is important,” Sherlock replied briskly.

“Important enough to destroy my stuff?” John snapped. “Couldn’t you have used your own?”

Sherlock hesitated. “If that’s what you want.”

John sighed, “Nevermind, you can have it. Keep the other one too, if you want. No use having one sock without the other.”

Sherlock brightened instantly, resuming his experiment with vigor, at the expense of John’s stripy yellow sock. John sat down on the sofa, now sock-less, and stared out the window at the rainy sky outside. It was a downcast sort of Tuesday, the kind that made you want to sleep in and enjoy a nice mug of hot chocolate. He would get no sort of rest, however, for he was interrupted by a case.

“Sherlock, John?” Mariana knocked and opened the door. “We have a client.”

“Excellent,” Sherlock replied. “Tell them to leave their damp shoes and belongings by the door.”

“How did you- nevermind, just get down here as soon as possible,” Mariana said before retreating.

“Another client already?” John exclaimed. “Excellent. Wait, let me get the microphone.”

“Grab a towel too,” Sherlock called. “The client will have absorbed a significant amount of rainwater, if how much rubbed off on Mrs. Hudson in their brief interaction is anything to go by.”

When John returned, towel in one hand and microphone in the other, Sherlock was waiting for him by the door. Together, they went downstairs to meet their new client.

“Boys,” Mariana said, “This is Flora Hawkins. She’s our new client.”

Sherlock was right. Flora was drenched in rainwater. She’d removed her boots and raincoat by the door, but water still dripped from her hair in rivulets, leaving damp spots on the floorboards.

John handed her the towel, “Hi, Flora. Why, exactly, are you covered in water?”

Flora didn’t dignify his question with a reply.

“What I want to know,” Sherlock said, “Is what exactly prompted someone to run from Camberwell to Central London in the middle of a rainstorm.”

“Jesus Christ, Camberwell? You walked that far?” John gasped.

“I like walking,” Flora said defensively. “It’s better for you.”

“What brings you here today, Flora Hawkins?” Sherlock asked.

“I’ve got a case for you,” she replied. “But, I suppose you already know that. Recently, I’ve gotten in a spot of trouble. In Surrey, there’s this lovely nature reserve. I’ve been several times, and it has this gorgeous lake and forest. But, about a month ago, some company or another bought up the land and started cutting it down to build a factory! Right on top of the wildlife living there, like it was no better than mud! So, I called up some old friends from Uni. We were part of this activist club, and all cared deeply about nature. So we went to the construction site to protest.

“Only, when we got there, the site was abandoned. Turns out the workers have Sundays off. We basically showed up to nothing. A few members started getting worked up, and before I knew it, a riot broke out. People were smashing construction equipment, yelling, screaming, causing a huge ruckus. Monkeywrenching is crazy illegal, and I saw cameras all over the place. So I smashed them. I work for a tech company, I know my way around cameras, and how to destroy the data they store. After that, we ran off. They still don’t know who did it, last time I checked.”

“Hey, um, you know I’m recording this, right? For the podcast. It’ll be on the internet and, well, you know,” John asked.

Flora sighed, “I know. I might have minded, if not for what happened next.”

“What happened next?” Sherlock leaned forward eagerly.

“Well, I started getting emails. I dunno from who, they were always just… strings of random letters. Attached were photos of…”

“Blackmail,” John breathed.

“Right. The sender threatened to release the photos to the police and the press if I didn’t cough up £100,000,” Flora said.

“And what did you do about them?” Sherlock asked.

“Well, nothing. I wasn’t like I could go to the police, they’d arrest me for vandalism. So I ignored them. The emails kept arriving, all from different addresses, once a week, and I did nothing. Until one day, I didn’t receive an email. I received a letter.”

From her pocket, Flora produced a letter. It had been sealed in a plastic bag to keep it dry, which was a good call. The outside of the bag shimmered with water droplets. Sherlock snatched the bag, ripped it open, and handed the letter to John.

“Watson, read the letter aloud for us,” he instructed.

John stared at the letter, neatly typed and printed. He read it aloud.

“Hawkins,

This is your final warning. Drop the money off at the Peckham Road petrol station on Saturday, 2pm. Fail to comply, and there will be consequences. I will be watching.”

“That’s why I came to you,” Flora explained. “I live with my mother, and I was worried. If I didn’t do something… who knows if the consequences might be more than jail?”

“Don’t worry,” John reassured, placing a hand on Flora’s shoulder. “We’ll find the culprit, right, Sherlock?”

“Hm,” Sherlock closed his eyes, deep in thought. “Watson, hand over the letter. Hawkins, may we see the emails sent to you?”

“Sure, I’ll pull them up now, and forward them to you later,” Flora replied, tapping at her phone. “Here.”

Sherlock took Flora’s phone and compared it to the letter. “South London Gallery postage stamp, bought at Camberwell, perpetrator likely lives in the area. Standard A4 paper, office quality. Typed, not handwritten; even the envelope. Could be a show of excess caution, but there could be a specific reason for the blackmailer to conceal their handwriting… Then, there’s the location.”

“What is it?” Mariana asked. “Did you notice something?”

“I believe so,” Sherlock said. “When did the letter arrive?”

“Yesterday.”

“Inconsistent with the emails,” Sherlock muttered thoughtfully. Then, he stood. “I believe I have solved part of the case.”

“Already?! Christ, Sherlock, what is it?” John exclaimed.

“The email blackmailer is not the letter blackmailer.”

“How’d you know that?” Flora asked.

“Simple, really,” Sherlock said. “There are many discrepancies between the emails and the letter. For one, the delivery date. The emails always arrived on Wednesday, at 11am on the dot. However, the letter arrived on Monday. The letter also requests a different drop off location for the money. It doesn’t add up.”

“Well, that doesn’t mean it’s a completely different person,” John argued.

“Perhaps not. However, it’s enough to raise suspicion. If there is someone already aware of the blackmail, then we may have our culprit,” Sherlock turned to Flora expectantly.

“…You think it’s Tom?” Flora asked.

“Wait, hold on. Who’s Tom?” John interrupted, confused.

“An ex-boyfriend,” Sherlock explained. “The breakup was recent too. It wouldn’t be difficult to reason that Hawkins here fought with ‘Tom’ over the blackmailing incident, and broke up with him when they refused to see eye-to-eye. It makes sense that he did it. Bitter over the breakup, he decided to get revenge. It would explain why the blackmailer knew your address, and why the letter was typed. He knew you would recognize his handwriting. I doubt he really expected you to pay up, but he offered an avenue just in case.”

“That piece of shit!” Flora cursed. “I knew he was shady, but to take advantage like that- I ought to give him a piece of my mind!” With that, she gathered her belongings and stormed away.

John coughed, disrupting the silence that ensued after Flora’s dramatic departure. “So… is that it? Because that’s barely enough for an episode. Heck, Sherlock, you hardly even had to leave your chair!”

“This is hardly the end, Watson. The email blackmailer is still very much at large,” Sherlock rose from his chair and turned for 221B. “Grab your raincoat. We’re going to Surrey.”

—

“Sherlock, did we really have to take a train to Surrey in the middle of a rainstorm? I mean, couldn’t we have waited a few hours for the weather to clear? Feels like it’d be a whole lot easier to investigate when you can see more than a dozen feet in front of you,” John winced as he trudged through the slurry of mud that was once a working path.

“Contrary to your belief, this was entirely necessary. The construction crew will have cleared out due to the rain. This is our chance to investigate uninterrupted,” Sherlock explained.

“The last time the construction crew left, all their cameras were smashed. There’s no way they’ll leave the place unattended,” John countered.

“They won’t. But they won’t have cameras either. After the cameras proved themselves faulty, the company would have found alternative methods of protection, such as a security guard. A security guard that we can fool.”

“Brilliant. So what’s the plan, walk up and tell the guard we’re investigating the vandalism?”

“Precisely, Watson. Precisely.”

-

“Hey! What are you two doing here?!” a voice cut through the rain and fog.

John whirled around to find himself face-to-face with what he supposed was meant to be a security guard. It wasn’t a very impressive security guard. He was gangly, his too-large uniform hanging off his shoulders and pooling at his boots. The acne and scraggly beard only made him look more like a teenager. The man- boy, really- had squared his shoulders to look bigger and more menacing, but with rain-drenched hair and clothes, he looked more like a wet cat. The only vaguely intimidating thing about him was the taser strapped to his belt, which he hovered his hand over in warning.

“Hey- look, we were just-“

“We are investigators, hired by the company to look into-“

“The lights? Finally! I’ve been trying to get someone to look into that for ages, but nobody seemed to believe me,” the guard interrupted.

“Sorry- what lights?” John asked. He exchanged a glance with Sherlock, who simply shrugged in response.

“You don’t know? Well, I’ve been stationed out here for a few weeks- ever since the cameras were smashed. The name’s Adam, by the way. I usually work night shifts, and this past week, I’ve been seeing lights in the distance. Brief, flashing lights. I’ve reported the incidents dozens of times, but it always gets waved off. Not anymore, though. They finally sent you two to investigate,” the guard was so eager, John almost felt bad for having to burst his bubble.

“Actually, we’re here for-“ John began.

“We’ll look into it,” Sherlock interrupted.

John blinked, “Sherlock, what are you doing?”

“Adam,” Sherlock said, ignoring John’s protests, “Where do you see these lights coming from?”

“Over there,” Adam replied, pointing at the tree line by the lake, which was barely visible through the rain. “The flashes appear at night, in the same general area.”

“Have you investigated them?” Sherlock asked.

“Ah,” Adam blushed. “I’ve been too nervous to go see for myself. I mean, what if it’s aliens?”

“I doubt it,” Sherlock said coldly. “Come, Watson. It’s time to investigate.”

“It’s just over there,” Adam pointed, stopping in his tracks. “I’ll leave you two to the investigation. If you need me, I’ll be over there, watching. From under the shade, far from the rain. Comfortably.” With that, he scampered off.

“Watson, pull up the photographs Hawkins sent to you,” Sherlock instructed, before crouching down by the treeline, prodding away damp leaves and shrubs with a stick.

John did as told. “So what, you think the lights are connected to our case?”

“I think they’re more connected than you can imagine,” Sherlock replied. “Look here. It’s rather faint, the rain’s washed most of it away, but those are definitely not natural marks.”

John peered at the mud. Sherlock was right, there were faint, odd-looking marks. There were a few that seemed to be bootprints, but also several wide, shallow divots, and most peculiarly of all, three deep indentations, no more than a centimeter in diameter, arranged in a triangular shape.

“What on Earth is this?” John gasped.

“These are clearly bootprints, so the shallow indents are likely caused by a person pressing their legs and torso against the ground. The three marks are likely caused by the legs on some sort of equipment- I’d wager it was a camera tripod. If the photographer was sitting on their knees, the camera would be at just the right level to- bingo.”

“Bingo what?” John asked. It was always fascinating to hear Sherlock’s deduction process live, right as it happened.

“Take a look at the photographs of Hawkins. They’re both taken from a low angle, almost exactly from this spot. This mystery photographer is the one who captured the photo of Hawkins.”

“Hold on,” John said, “If this photographer caught the photo of Hawkins, then why did they stick around afterwards? I mean, those flashes of light Adam saw, they were the camera flash, right? Why linger around?”

“That is a great question, Watson, and the one we must find the answer to.”

-

“Sherlock,” John called, “Sherlock, stop pacing. Adam’s not going to reply if you wear a hole in the rug.”

Sherlock stopped pacing to flop back onto the bed next to John. “I have theories, John, but no concrete answers. Who is the blackmailer, and how can we catch them?”

John leaned back, laying next to Sherlock. He stared up at the water stained ceiling of their rented room. “Penny for your thoughts?”

“What?”

“Would you like to share your theories?”

“…” Sherlock flicked his eyes towards John before fixing his gaze on the ceiling. “I contacted the Irregulars. Turns out, there’s no shortage of blackmail systems in England’s underbelly. Many have homeless networks of their own, watching for slip ups among Britain’s most influential. We have plenty of suspects to choose from.”

“Any idea who it might be?” John asked.

“Perhaps.” John waited, but Sherlock didn’t continue.

Laying there, next to his friend, listening to the rain outside begin to ebb, John felt strangely relaxed. He felt his eyelids begin to droop, and didn’t bother fighting the lull of sleep.

-

“Watson.”

“Watson.”

“John!”

John felt hands on his shoulder, shaking him awake. He grumbled, turning and batting the hands away.

“John, wake up!”

John opened his eyes. Sherlock was standing above him, eyes gleaming.

“Mmh, what time is it?” John murmured sleepily.

“It’s 2:18 am, and Adam’s messaged us. He’s seen the lights, it’s time.”

“Oh shit, really?” John jolted up, suddenly wide awake. “Let’s go!”

“You see that, over there?” Adam pointed. John and Sherlock watched as, in the darkness, there was a small flash of light. It wasn’t very bright, but in the dark, it may have been a spotlight.

Without hesitation, Sherlock began creeping towards the light. He edged around, creeping like a cat, before breaking into a sprint and leaping at the shrubs. John heard a soft yelp, which thankfully didn’t sound like Sherlock. He ran to Sherlock and turned on his phone flashlight to reveal a short-haired woman with her cheek pressed to the mud, wrists pinned behind her back by Sherlock Holmes.

“Ack!” the woman yelped, “Get off- What do you think you’re doing?!”

“Sherlock, what-“

“Who are you?” Sherlock asked, “What are you doing here?”

“I’m- not- answering- until- you- get- off!” the woman yelled, thrashing wildly. She actually managed to throw Sherlock briefly, but he held firm until John pulled him off.

“Sherlock, stop-“ John said before turning to the lady. “Sorry about that.”

“You better be,” she scowled, “Who do you guys think you are, going around tackling photographers in the middle of the night?”

“What’s a photographer doing in the middle of the night?” John asked incredulously.

“Wildlife photography,” Sherlock answered.

“How’d you know that?” both John and the photographer asked at the same time.

“Your bag has a logo on it. WWP, World Wildlife Photography. It would explain why you’re in a nature reserve in the middle of the night,” Sherlock explained.

“Oh.” the woman said. “When you put it like that, it sounds bloody obvious, doesn’t it?”

“I will ask you again,” Sherlock said, “Who are you and what are you doing here?”

“Kathleen Moore,” Kathleen glared at Sherlock. “And didn’t you answer your own question? I’m here because I’m a wildlife photographer.”

“Not at all,” Sherlock replied, “Why would a wildlife photographer stay in the same place for over a week, and why would you photograph the worst possible area? Factory construction has driven away most of the wildlife. Not much for you to shoot, is there, Kathleen Moore?”

“Well, I-I’m here for freelance work. I’m taking photographs of the damage caused by the factory to publish in a magazine,” Kathleen replied.

Sherlock regarded her suspiciously, so she continued. “I’ve already got reporters purchasing my photos.”

“Is that so?” Sherlock asked. “Who?”

“Marcus Douglass,” Kathleen replied easily.

“Sorry, who’s Marcus Douglass?” John asked. The name didn’t ring any bells.

“A reporter, obviously,” Kathleen sneered. “Does only one of you have your brains on at a time?”

John probably would have yelled at her for the insult, if Sherlock hadn’t aimed a kick at her shins. Kathleen fell to the mud with a wet splat.

“This is assault!” she wailed. “You can’t do this!”

“Cooperate and I won’t have to,” Sherlock said coldly. “I have questions to ask.” Sherlock reached out a hand wordlessly. The photos, he seemed to say. John retrieved his phone and pulled up the pictures of Flora Hawkins. They were taken from almost exactly where John stood. He handed the phone to Sherlock.

“You took this photo of Flora Hawkins in this very place one month ago. Don’t deny it, you know you did. Then, you sold it to Marcus Douglass.”

Kathleen’s lip quivered. “I didn’t realize what I’d done until it was too late. I saw the person I’d captured in the photo, and heard the commotion, but I’m used to tuning out distractions, so I kept working. I was so tired afterwards that I forgot to delete the photo off my SD card. When Marcus Douglass approached me, he was genuinely interested in my work, so I showed him the photos I’d collected. He loved them, and offered a very good price, so I saw no reason not to sell them to him. It wasn’t until after I’d sent him off with a copy of the photos that I realized what I’d given him, and by that point, there was nothing I could do. He’s gone off and blackmailed the poor girl, or got her arrested, hasn’t he?”

“Hey,” John said soothingly, bending down to rest a hand on Kathleen’s shoulder. “It wasn’t your fault. Any and all blame falls squarely on his shoulders.”

“Why stick around afterwards?” Sherlock asked. “The one person that showed interest in your work turned out to be a fraud. Why continue?”

“Well, I wanted to give up, and very nearly did, too. I took some time off and gave it some thought. I’m still very invested in this little passion project of mine, even if nobody else is. So I chose to keep going,” Kathleen replied. John had to admit, he admired her dedication to her job.

“Very well then, Ms. Moore. That is all. We will leave now,” Sherlock said, turning away.

“Sherlock,” John hissed under his breath. “You tackled this poor girl and kicked her to the ground. Oughtn’t you apologize to her?”

Sherlock looked as if he’d been asked to eat a lemon, peel and all. “Very well, Watson. My- apologies, Kathleen.”

“There we go. That wasn’t so hard, now was it?” John said cheerfully. “Sorry again, Kathleen. Have a nice day- night- is it day now? Whatever. Have a nice one.”

Kathleen gave him a soft smile. “Sorry for what I said earlier, I was worked up. Have a nice day as well. I should go as well. Bye, John.”

John waved goodbye as Kathleen packed up her equipment, then turned to Sherlock. “Well, we have a name now.”

To his surprise, Sherlock was frowning, almost glaring at his shoes as he walked. “Sherlock? You alright there, mate?”

“I don’t trust her.”

“Who? Kathleen? Why not?”

“I didn’t call you John earlier.”

John’s mouth fell open slightly. “But she did.”

“She knew who we were already. She could be in cahoots with the blackmailer. We can’t trust her testimony.”

John sighed, “So what, we’re back to square one?”

Sherlock sighed as well. “Unfortunately.”

-

When they returned to their room, it was three in the morning, yet John and Sherlock both found themselves unable to sleep. Sherlock sat in bed, tapping frantically at his phone, while John paced in slow circles around the room.

“Bugger,” Sherlock cursed under his breath. “Another Marcus Douglass, but this one’s a baker. Not the one we’re looking for. Marcus Douglass may just be a name Kathleen Moore used to throw us off the culprit’s scent.”

“What about Kathleen herself?” John asked.

“I’ve checked. Some of her work’s been published. On the surface, she’s just a small wildlife photographer. She has a website for freelance work, but- wait.”

John moved to peer at Sherlock’s phone from over his shoulder. “What is it- Marcus Douglass. He’s listed as a customer.”

“Marcus Douglass, for ‘Show Your Hand’…” Sherlock opened a new tab and googled the name.

“‘Show Your Hand’… It’s a tabloid magazine. Why did Kathleen think a tabloid wanted wildlife photos from her?” John wondered aloud.

“She didn’t. Her work for Show Your Hand likely wasn’t related to wildlife at all.” Sherlock frowned, “Dammit, there’s no Marcus Douglass on the list of writers for Show Your Hand.”

“Wait, what? If Kathleen’s work wasn’t wildlife related, then what was it?” John asked.

“It’s the perfect moneymaking system. Show Your Hand collects evidence of wrongdoing, then blackmails them. If they refuse to pay up, they publish the scandal. Kathleen Moore was likely hired to watch the area. Hawkins wasn’t the intended target, the company building the factory was.”

“So you think Show Your Hand is behind the blackmail?”

“Yes.”

“That’s brilliant!” John exclaimed. “You’ve done it again, Sherlock!”

“…Thank you.” Sherlock said softly. “But don’t praise me yet. The most dangerous part is still ahead of us.”

“What’s that?”

“We need proof of guilt. Evidence. Show Your Hand has headquarters in London. In the morning, we will pay them a visit.”

“Breaking and entering again?” John sighed. “One of these days, we’ll be able to solve a case without committing a crime.”

Sherlock suddenly glanced sharply at John. “Be careful, John. These people know who we are and tipped Kathleen off about us. Make sure you don’t have any blackmailable secrets out in the open.”

John shrugged, “I don’t think I do. I’m sure I’ll be alright.”

Sherlock yawned softly, then laid down, turned over, and fell asleep. He must have been exhausted. Sherlock clearly didn’t sleep earlier. John glanced at the clock. 3:13. He knew he should be heading to bed as well, but his mind was racing. They were getting close, he knew it. Sherlock’s warning was ominous, but John was sure he would be alright. He wasn’t a secretive man, and had few skeletons in his closet. John glanced at Sherlock. He might not have anything to hide, but what about..?

Sherlock’s phone chimed softly. John glanced at Sherlock, who stirred softly but didn’t wake. The phone chimed again. Sherlock had left it on, and it emitted a soft glow. John reached for it, intending to turn it off, when he remembered Sherlock’s warning. They were being watched by a blackmailing organization. The text was from an unknown number. John itched with curiosity. The phone chimed a third time.

He knew he shouldn’t but he couldn’t help himself. He picked up the phone and read the text.

‘Drop the case.

Or I will let the whole world know how hopelessly in love you are with your precious doctor.’

-

“Sherlock, John!” Mariana called when they returned to 2218.

“Hey, Mariana,” John said. “We’re back.”

“There’s something I think you guys should see,” Mariana said, biting her lip.

Sherlock frowned, “What is it, Mrs. Hudson?”

“Follow me.” Mariana led them up the stairs to 221B.

John and Sherlock gasped as they entered 221B. “What the hell happened here?!”

A small cyclone had torn through the room. Drawers were open and shelves were ransacked. Random odds and ends lay on the ground. The window was ajar, a cold breeze blowing through the flat.

“I checked this morning, and found the flat like this,” Mariana explained. “I’m not sure what happened.”

“What do we do?” John asked.

“Nothing here. They’ve made their move. Now it’s time to make ours.” Sherlock turned for the door. “Come with us, Mrs. Hudson, we’re going to Show Your Hand headquarters.”

After lunch, of course. The three of them stopped by a sandwich shop for a bite, and Sherlock explained the case to Mariana. Then, they hailed a cab. The cab brought them to a modern-looking, nondescript building. Sherlock swung the door open and led them inside.

John and Mariana followed Sherlock to the front desk. “Hello, we have an interview scheduled for 1:30.”

The receptionist didn’t even look up from the paperback novel he was reading. “Directory’s on the wall, elevator’s to the left.”

They piled into the elevator. “So, what now?” Mariana asked, looking at Sherlock expectantly.

Before Sherlock could reply, John hit the button for floor 3. “Now, we visit Bobby Crawford,” he said.

Sherlock and Mariana stared at him uncomprehendingly, so he continued. “Robert Crawford is one of the executives at Show Your Hand. A search of his name will reveal an obituary for Marcus Douglass Crawford, his son.”

Sherlock’s eyes widened and he grinned excitedly. “He’s the true mastermind of this scheme. That’s brilliant, John.”

John smiled softly, but the elevator door opened before he could reply. “Let’s go.”

Crawford’s office was at the end of the hall. The door was locked, but Sherlock picked the door open. Inside, it appeared no different from any ordinary office. It had a desk, a potted plant, and a dull gray rug. The entire room was military-neat, not a speck of dust out of place. The only odd thing about the room was the floor-to-ceiling wall of filing cabinets. They were labeled A-Z, and Sherlock wasted no time reaching for one. Out of the ‘F’ box, he dug out a manila folder labeled ‘Flora Hawkins.’ It was thin, almost empty, and only contained the photographs emailed to her, alongside some personal information, such as her address.

“This should be sufficient evidence. Scotland Yard can handle the arrest and investigation.” Sherlock said. “Let’s go- Watson, what are you doing?”

John was digging through the ‘S’ cabinet, rifling through folders. “Looking for something,” he grunted.

“Looking for- John. What are you looking for.” it wasn’t a question. Sherlock knew what John was looking for, or at the very least had a good guess.

“He’s looking for this, of course,” a thin, cold voice spoke from behind them. In the doorway, a man stood. He was in his 60’s, with a significant gut and thinning gray hair. In his hand was a manila folder, stuffed fuller than the one marked Flora Hawkins. On it was the name Sherlock Holmes.

“You look surprised to see this, Mr. Holmes. Curious, that you’re surprised while Dr. Watson isn’t. After all, didn’t I send you all this myself?” Crawford drawled. At Sherlock’s confusion, he laughed, high and cruel. “You don’t know! Watson here has seen your deepest secret, and you didn’t even know!”

Sherlock stiffened. “Watson, what’s this about?”

John bit his lip guiltily. “Yesterday, when you were asleep, you received a text.”

“And you read it?!” Sherlock asked, hurt.

John winced, “I’m sorry, Sherlock. I really am.”

Sherlock looked down, unable to meet John’s stare. “What did you see?”

“I can answer that,” Crawford said, disproportionately cheerful. “Watson here is totally aware of your little crush on him. Isn’t that right?”

John fixed Crawford with a murderous glare. “Fuck off.”

“Heh, I’ll take that as a yes.” Crawford smirked.

Sherlock grit his teeth, not daring to look at John. He knew. Had known for a while now, in fact. Their friendship, which Sherlock had grown to cherish, while not necessarily over, was certainly damaged. Would John be able to look him in the eye, or compliment his brilliance, or any of the other little things Sherlock loved to see him do again without feeling awkward?

“Worry not, Holmes. You needn’t mourn the loss of your friendship for long. You two aren’t going anywhere,” Crawford shut and locked the door, then meandered over to the desk and unlocked a small drawer. From it, he produced a revolver. He flicked off the safety and pointed it at Sherlock. “A single move from you, from either of you,” Crawford said, flicking the gun at John, who’d made a move toward him, “And I’ll blow your brains out.”

“What do you want from us?” John asked tensely.

“Your deaths, mostly,” Crawford said easily. “I can’t have you ruining my empire. But I suppose I could settle for your quiet retirement. If you leave the country and never return, I might not have to kill you.”

“Fuck off,” John hissed. “That’s not happening.”

Crawford shrugged. “Okay. I’m not picky. I suppose I’ll just have to kill you then.” He brandished the weapon between John and Sherlock. “Let’s see, who first? How about… You.” Crawford aimed the gun at John. “I’ll enjoy the look on our consulting detective’s face when his boyfriend gets a bullet to the head.” His finger twitched on the trigger.

John closed his eyes, bracing for impact. Sherlock made an aborted leap for John, sweat beading on his brow.

Suddenly, Crawford was bowled over as Mariana sent his desk chair flying into him. He hit the ground with a curse, gun flying out of his hand. Sherlock leapt forward, snatching the gun from him and pointing it at him. Mariana leveled a kick at Crawford’s vital organs.

“John, call the police!” Sherlock barked.

As John dialed the police, Mariana and Sherlock worked to restrain Crawford and tie him up. When the police arrived, they took the three of them in for questioning. It was well into the afternoon by the time they returned to Baker Street. The air was charged with an awkward tension. Mariana left them on the steps to 221B, unable to be rid of the tense atmosphere soon enough. John and Sherlock stood in their disordered flat, resolutely looking anywhere but each other.

“John,” Sherlock began, at the same time John said, “Sherlock.”

They both stared at each other, then chuckled awkwardly. John motioned for Sherlock to continue.

“I understand if, in light of some new developments, you find yourself, ah, unable to maintain friendly relations with. Me.” Sherlock’s voice broke, and he glanced away, twisting his hands.

“Sherlock, I-”

“I get it. My feelings are unreciprocated, and I wouldn’t expect you to return them. I have made peace with them. I would not want to make you uncomfortable.”

“Uncomfortable my ass!” John snapped. “If anyone’s uncomfortable here, it’s you.” His voice softened. “I’m sorry for invading your privacy like I did. I shouldn’t have read your texts.”

“Quite alright,” Sherlock said, waving off the apology. “I forgive you.” His posture was still stiff, and he still refused to look at John.

“Hey, look at me, Sherlock.” John reached his hand up to brush Sherlock’s cheek. Sherlock flinched softly at the touch. “Even if I wish it was with better circumstances, I’m glad things turned out the way they did. Because, well…” John leaned in and kissed Sherlock.

Sherlock froze like a deer in headlights, making no move to reciprocate or even indicate he was still alive. When John pulled away, he gasped for air like a drowning man, searching John’s face for answers uncomprehendingly.

“I love you too, Sherlock.” John said simply, a sappy grin breaking his rosy cheeks.

Sherlock was sure he was grinning just as hard when he pulled John in for another kiss.

[corrodedcoffins-blog]

Inside Lisa and Eddie Munson's Bel Air Home | Open Door | Architectural Digest

masterlist

note: this is the first thing I've ever posted please be nice. Lisa is an OC I'm planning to write an introduction to her character tomorrow or later today. As well as all their children, and their SO

-The video starts with Eddie and Lisa opening their front door-

“Hey, what are you doing out here? Come on in.” Eddie says, opening the door wider for the cameraman. 

-Video cuts to b-role of their mansion-

“This is our entryway, and walking this way we have our living room. We don’t have a ‘formal’ living space. Just because we knew we would never use it, and we’re not really ‘formal’ people.” Lisa says leading the tour. 

“We actually built this house, Lisa planned and designed it all with a team. I just sat back and answered when she asked my opinions on flooring, only for her to just choose the one she likes.”

“Hey, you made me sound controlling, you liked all my choices.”

“Yes, I did.”

-Video cuts to them in the kitchen-

“This is our kitchen and dining space is just right over here. We wanted the dining to be very close to the kitchen, we didn’t want it to be its own space. Because Eddie and the girls would sit there while I was slaving over the stove.”

“Don’t listen to her, I offer every night, and she’ll accept, but just make me cut garlic, or something. Then she’d say I’m not doing it right and take over.”

“That is actually very true, but I do like cooking, and I can only cook alone. And this was the part of the house I didn’t ask Eddie any questions, to answer wrong. Because I had a clear vision of what I wanted in here. But when I showed him the blue tile I picked, I had to ask him to really trust me.”

“And it paid off, this room we get the most compliments on. Then we have my favourite thing Lisa added to this house. The breakfast nook, this is something I never would have thought of, but I love it.”

“I’ve always wanted a breakfast nook growing up, one of my childhood friends had one, and I was so jealous, so I knew when designing this house I had to add one.”

-Cuts to Ed and Lisa walking outside onto their deck-

“This is our backyard.” Eddie says, throwing his arms out.

“These arched windows are one of my favorite parts of the house, I think they just add so much interest, in such a simple way. Then we have our pool that toddler Alice asked for, when designing. Then around here we have a hot tub that Eddie asked for. And my contributions to this backyard are the green and blue tiles in the pool and hot tub, I really love tiles and these came from Greece, I just love them.”

-Video cuts to Eddie and Lisa at the staircases-

“We’re going to leave downstairs for last, because I think it’s the most exciting part of the house..”

-Cuts to them in the upstairs hallway-

“If you look up, we have a huge skylight that goes through to the main floor too.” 

“Actually I think this is my favourite part of the house, during thunder storms and such, us and the girls would lay here and watch.”

-Cuts-

“We have two guest rooms up here, that used to be nurseries, all the girls lived in one of these rooms at one point or another.”

They walk into the hall bath.

“All our bathrooms, except for the ones on the main level, have two sinks, witch is very important when you have five daughters.” Eddie says

“This is my second favourite bathroom in the house. I just love the round walls. And the pink in here.”

“Because this was going to be the girls’ bathroom we let them pick the colours, and they of course picked pink.”

-Cuts to Eddie and Lisa in their bedroom-

“So this is our room. We have a lot of jewel tones in here, and with the sunlight we get in the morning it’s just gorgeous in here.” Lisa says, Eddie not knowing what Lisa is talking about with the colours, nods nonetheless. Because it is gorgeous in here.

“And we have our deck, we would sit out here, and we could watch the kids playing, running around, in their tree house.”

-Cuts to their bathroom-

“Now this is Lisa’s favourite bathroom.”

“Yes, this room we redid recently, and I love it. It’s very yellow in here, and when I told Eddie I wanted yellow he said no, but then I showed him this rich golden yellow, he fell in love.”

-Cuts to them at the bottom of the stairs-

“Now for what we have been waiting to show you, downstairs.” Eddie says quickly walking down the stairs.

“We walk right into the girl’s floor, once the girls were about 10 we moved them from upstairs down here. There are five bedrooms down here, a living room, ‘dining’ room, and kitchenette.”

“And going in here is the bathroom. We really had to think about how we wanted to design this bathroom, because building this house we knew all the girls would be mainly using this bathroom. So we designed it to have two sinks, a tinted shower, and a toilet in a second room.”

“You can ask any of our girls they’ll tell you they never even used the locks on these doors. No matter who was in here, they all would come and go while they got ready.”

-Cuts to the couple in the kitchenette-

“We used the same tile, and countertop as in the main kitchen. And they had a fridge, sink, and microwave down here. And the girls were responsible for cleaning this floor, we would take care of upstairs, but this was theirs.”

“Thank goodness we had girls and not boys, or this floor would be unusable.” 

-Cuts to the couple in their front door-

“Thank you AD, but we have to go now, we’re busy people.” Lisa says, while Eddie closes the door.

-Video cuts-

[farity]

Found, part 5

Six months later

Anna got home - the home she now shared with Aemond - to the smells of something delicious and meaty. Boudi ran up to her as she always did, sniffing her for treats, and when she realized Anna had none to give, she turned around and ran back to the kitchen.

"There she is," Aemond said, carrying a glass of wine and giving it to her after she kissed him. "Mom's cook made her world famous lasagna and gave me half, should be ready in about five minutes."

"Smells amazing," Anna replied, sipping at her wine. "Oh, this is a new one. I'll go change and be right back." Aemond seemed a little tense, she'd ask him about his work and hopefully be able to get him to let go of any worries.

She put the glass of wine down on the dining room table and headed to their bedroom, ready to start the weekend. There was Jon and Tormund's housewarming tomorrow during the day, and Margot's birthday dinner that-

When she opened the door, Anna stopped, frozen.

The little sitting area at the entrance to the master suite had been transformed with a hundred candles and an entire row of vases with red roses lined the single shelf behind the sofa.

The coffee table was covered in tray after tray of her favorite chocolates and in the center sat a silver bucket with a bottle of Champagne on ice.

She turned and found Aemond, down on one knee, with a small box on one hand and the other one out towards her, waiting for her to take it.

"Aemond."

"Anna." He smiled gently at her. "There is something I have been meaning to ask you."

She let out a breath, her heart pounding. It wasn't that she didn't expect him to propose, she loved him and he loved her and his plans for the future always included her. But once again, he had surprised her.

She took a step toward him and placed her hand on his.

"I know our story is a short one so far," he began, "but if life has taught me something, it is that one never knows what will happen next. All I know is that, whatever that is, I want it to be with you."

Her fingers tightened on his hand and he rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand.

She saw the tears gathering in his eye, saw how he was steadying himself. "Anna Caroline Stark, will you marry me? Spend your life with me? Face the world with me?"

Her own eyes were now blurry and she nodded, throwing herself at Aemond as he stood. She started crying and Aemond wiped off her tears and his own. "Wait, here."

He opened the box and Anna's jaw dropped. Inside was a magnificent cushion cut diamond on a platinum band lined with smaller diamonds. "Good god, Aemond," she said, and Boudi, hearing her human's exclamation, bounded into the room, working herself between them.

"Boudi, look, we're going to be an official family," Anna ruffled her dog's fur and then cradled Aemond's face in her hands. "I love you, so fucking much, Aemond Targaryen."

"And I adore you," he said, his voice soft. At the nudging on his knee, he leaned you, "I love you, too, Boudi, you saved my woman's life."

He'd kept his promise to the huge malamute. Her favorite treats arrived every month by the case, and her bed had been upgraded to a massive monogrammed cushion by the living room window, her favorite spot in their new home.

* * * * *

"Wait, Robb, I want to see," Margot elbowed her beloved as she got in camera range.

"Mom?" Aemond scanned the tiny squares, each with the face of a family member. Helaena was there, waiting patiently. Aegon was tapping his fingers on his cheek, and there, finally, was his mother. Anna's family, her mother, siblings and their partners, were waiting patiently.

"Dearest Cat," his mother said smoothly.

"Alicent, you look gorgeous as always," her mother replied.

The initial meeting between the two mothers had gone well, the slow assessment of two matriarchs giving way to an understanding that their love for their children was their main priority.

"Okay, everyone," Aemond said, "pulling Anna's hand up into the camera, "we have some news."

Margot's scream made Robb cover his ears, but he was laughing as she began hitting his arm, "I knew it! I knew it!!!"

"Fucking finally, man! Welcome to the dragons' den, Anna," Aegon said, clapping slowly.

Alicent said nothing, fingertips covering her mouth delicately as her eyes filled with tears, while Cat's face softened into a warm smile. "That is wonderful news, welcome to our family, Aemond, and the rest of the Targaryens," she said.

"Aww, I finally get a sister," Helaena said quietly, and Alicent hugged her daughter to her side.

"I love you both so much, I am very happy," Alicent said, wiping off a tear.

"We love you guys, we'll have you all over for dinner chez nous." Anna added, kissing Aemond's cheek before everyone said goodbye and the call ended.

* * * * *

The wedding, covered on social media with the #starkgaryen hashtag, was disappointingly private, the only fleeting glimpses of bride and groom a few blurry photographs on various family members' feeds. Margot, the glamorous maid of honor, kept watch on Boudi, who had been eyeing the wedding cake since it was wheeled in. "You get enough treats as it is, missy," she scratched the dog's chin and Boudi plopped down, giving in for now.

Anna was resting her head on Aemond's shoulder, her bespoke Louboutins killing her feet after all that dancing. "Happy, my beautiful wife?"

"Always happy with you," she smiled, turning her face up to him for a kiss, "my handsome husband."

"Here," he said, slipping off his jacket and placing it over her shoulders, "come with me."

Anna stood, her hand in Aemond's, "it's not that cold."

"It might be on the plane," he said, and watched her eyes widen.

When she looked around at the people still dancing, she caught Margot's wink and little wave before Aemond pulled her around the corner.

"You're packed, don't worry," he added, smiling at her, "Margot was a big help. That woman can shop."

Anna laughed, "is that why the shops down in Union Square were closed last week? She cleared them out?"

"I don't want to think about it," Aemond replied, taking her to where the helicopter waited for them.

"Will you tell me where we're going?"

Aemond turned, looked at the woman who had turned his life upside down. "It's somewhere warm, but not too warm, don't want my Bay Area girl to get too uncomfortable."

"Or my porcelain dragon to burn his skin," she smiled, caressing his face."

Shrugging, Aemond kissed her. "There's always SPF 100." He trailed his fingertips over the delicate planes of her face. "I adore you, Anna. I would do anything for you," he said, raising an eyebrow, "and I would do it again."

"I love you so much," she replied, feeling cherished and loved.

"Let's go," he said, tugging on her hand.

* * * * *

THE END

[nihilight]

i haven't been remembering my dreams for about 2 years. even more rare is when i have the epic -- be it good dream or nightmare -- Whole Sleep Dream. the kind where, even hours after you wake up, you remember EVERYTHING.

last night i had both, & it went a little something like this:

CW: animal death, SA.

your usual apocalytic setting. the weather was frightening & gorgeous. the sky was a juxtaposition of sunlight & storm. snow came. falling ice shards. so much snow & sunlight; it can't possibly be so hot & cold at once, but it is.

my house is some hybrid of my house, my mom's house, and the basement of shy's grandfather's house, where we lived briefly in 1996 in a moldy, spider & ant infested room, with an even worse bathroom on the other side of the basement.

keith is keith, but keith doesn't look like keith? it's a male, same approx build, but i never see his face, either because of a face shield/ski mask/scarves, etc. the voice isn't right either.

people are frantic. the snow is piling up & the hot hot sun won't melt it. planes in the air are crashing, falling. news can't keep up, but towers that carry signals are exploding by the second, all over the word, so we're all on our own.

i'm trying to figure out how to get shy, J, & my mom back to our house. keith tells me to start reinforcing windows & get the girls food, needs, 1st aid stuff, basic food, water, & everything gathered. we decide given the pace & direction of the weather that our bedroom will be our hole up spot.

we are a solidified unit, a team. we got this.

i do this, he takes the blazer to fetch the family, chilly, ruby.

<i wake up here. i turn over, push mina a little, readjust, go back to sleep.>

4 hours later, keith returns. they only live like maybe 2 or 3 miles away, and it took 4 hours. by now, there are a few more people in our house bc i can't say no. people who i let in, had something to contribute: food, radios, flashlights, water, blankets, etc.

i go into hyperfixation mode & get everyone organized with a little spot, that still leaves room to quickly move around, etc.

it takes forever to get the door back open against the snow & ice over it, that the sun is somehow still not melting. (yet how did i get people in? idk, dream logic) vehicles are smashed & on fire here & there but it isn't melting anything either.

as we're getting everyone in, some monster truck comes flying through out of control, having hit an iceblock in the road. it smashes into our blazer. 'fucking hell,' keith says, & then magically sparrow is there, runs out frantically bc she's confused, & gets hit by another car flying through.

i lose my shit. keith says to stop being emotional because there isn't time for that. i feel my heart both shatter & flare with anger at those words. i say nothing, & help get everyone inside as 2 more planes crash in the air, & pieces fall down.

<i wake up here, cold sweat. i spend a few minutes petting mina with my face in her flank. mina rumbles, does big comfy breathing sighs. i fall back asleep>

chaos at hume home across the street. half the building is smashed from airplane parts. 'can you come cook a few meals to get us through a couple days? we'll send you home with a few huge cans of veggies, milk, cooler boxes...' (we don't have cooler boxes IRL, but sure.)

it takes me about 25 minutes to get over there (2 mins IRL), over all the ice chunks, busted cars, bodies, airplane parts. i do the cooking, they tell me cleanup doesn't matter but i do it anyway (???), and then i work on making the trek back home.

i see keith talking to the dude with the monster truck who hit our blazer. i call out for help dragging these cooler boxes full of shit, but they both just look at me. 'you've been doing kettlebells,' says monster truck driver, looking me up and down, creepy. 'you can handle it. it'll keep you warmed up.'

'for what?' i ask. i need to know what's coming. i need order. i need... something, here, bc so far i've been doing a damn good job at not losing my shit, especially with sparrows body getting covered up by ice that the sun won't melt, 15 feet away in the street.

they don't answer. when i get to our driveway, keith grabs the boxes, says thanks, kisses my forehead and adjusts my hat and scarf, then gets inside. confused, i go to follow him, but monster truck guy grabs my arm.

'just be quick,' keith says to monster truck guy, then goes inside and shuts the door.

s*x traded for the truck.

'it was you or your kid, i mean... it's a monster fucking TRUCK!'

so, that happens. on a jagged pile of snow & ice that the sun won't seem to melt.

when i get all my layers put back on, wipe my nose, ignore all the cold/hot cuts on my back, & get inside, i start to cry.

"you have to stop being so emotional about this," my mom says, tiredly, from a couch in my living room that's purple now, instead of brown. part of me is frantically trying to point this out to another part of me (forcing lucid dreaming--it's a long explanation), or look for my hands, or something. 'everything's different now, we have to make sacrifices.'

shy & i's eyes meet from across the room. 'wake up,' they said.

there's a pounding at the front door, & someone yelling that i need to get back to work. the sound of collision, an inward sucking of air that pulls everything into silence, & then a crash as more airplane parts drop on the front porch section of the house.

shy's at my elbow now, their little hands curled around my bicep. 'wake up,' they said again.

i woke up, and it was 8.45a, mina was curled against me. i exhaled. i started to just sob, hard, for maybe ... idk, 20 seconds?

but i stopped, bc i was ✨ being emotional ✨ & now i'm just angry & feeling sad.

i guess the gist here is that something in me is damn sick and tired of being pegged as emotional, crazy, or bitchy, when things keep changing with no pre-amble or slight explanation, i get pushed, or etc, & even more sick & tired of having to explain why to save face. i feel like i'm being gaslit & brain-r*ped when people do it.

yeah, i see you out there, i heard what you said, with your MA in psychology. it sure does seem like i'm using my NDs as an "excuse," doesn't it? it's because i fucking have to keep explaining why.

but i'm done! :) i've cared too much about people liking me, or being the one that people DON'T have to whisper about. well, whisper away... cause i can't be myself happily when juxtaposed with having to embarrassingly explain myself too. i'm turning 40-fucking-5 tomorrow. i'm halfway to 90.

i literally don't have it in me to care about people outside my circle anymore, if they aren't even going to take 10 seconds to try to understand someone outside their norm.

& also when the world ends? i hope it's that fucking gorgeous.

[italianbeatrice]

Going Hiking/Trekking!! - an ode to going out close to nature

I will be going trekking tomorrow. I will finally bring my nephew on top of this (small, ca 1100 m) mountain not far from where I am. And it's one of the most gorgeous places I ever was.

To paraphrase it's a very tiny step for humankind but it's a huge step for me.

If like me you live too much in your head, too much in your room, go outside if you can, force yourself. Even if you are not blessed (I know it's a blessing!) to have someone you love go with you, just go on your own. It doesn't have to be somewhere special or far, it can be a city park, it can be near the sea, or under a tree.

I know there is work, duties, chores, family, your inner voice(s), ...

Heck! you can even scroll your tumblr on your cellphone once you are there, but I swear it's healing. At least it was for me in the past.

Bonus points for me bringing my (now grownup) nephew with me - I hope in 20 years he will say: "I remember that time my aunt took me on top of that mountain"... and not only: I remember when my aunt:

took me to preschool in my pj's because she thought they were outdoor clothes

took me to school with my shoes on the wrong foot

had to explain she did not take me to a river before bringing me to school but we just followed dead leaves in the roadside gutter

told me to jump off the swing with the puddle in front because she would catch me and proceeded to let me (unintentionally) fall into said puddle

broke a (rotten and soft) wood stick on my back when I tried to throw a stone into the window of a ruin (it was an UNESCO Heritage site but that doesn't matter 'cause you don't throw stones at windows anyway)

got us (relatively) lost 3 times in a trek walk and also sent a couple of German tourists completely the wrong way (unintentionally!)

and so on....

I am digressing... can't wait to be on the trails!!!

[estatedekho26]

3 BHK, 4 BHK Villas for Sale in Kondapur Hyderabad

Discover Your Dream Home: 3 BHK, 4 BHK Villas for Sale in Kondapur, Hyderabad

Welcome, dear reader, to the wonderful world of home hunting! If you're tired of cramped apartments and are dreaming of a villa with a bit more elbow room, you've come to the right place. Today, we’re diving into the delightful domain of 3 BHK, 4 BHK villas for sale in Kondapur, Hyderabad. Buckle up for a ride filled with humor, heartfelt anecdotes, and heaps of useful info. And, of course, expect a few dad jokes sprinkled throughout—because who doesn't need a good laugh while house hunting?

Why Kondapur?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of villa details, let's talk about why Kondapur is the place to be. Nestled in the western part of Hyderabad, Kondapur has seen a meteoric rise in popularity over the past few years. Once a quiet suburb, it's now a bustling neighborhood teeming with life, amenities, and, most importantly, gorgeous villas.

Location, Location, Location!

Kondapur's strategic location is one of its biggest selling points. Situated near the IT hub of Hyderabad, it offers the perfect balance between work and play. Whether you’re commuting to Hitech City, Gachibowli, or the Financial District, you’ll find that everything is just a stone's throw away. And let’s not forget the proximity to excellent schools, hospitals, and shopping centers. You can run all your errands without breaking a sweat!

3 BHK Villas in Kondapur: The Perfect Starter Mansion

If you're looking for something cozy yet spacious, a 3 BHK villa in Kondapur might just be your dream come true. Let's break down what makes these villas so special.

Space and Comfort

Imagine waking up in a spacious bedroom, sunlight streaming through the windows, and knowing you have two more bedrooms to spread out in. Whether it's for kids, guests, or that home office you’ve always wanted, a 3 BHK villa offers flexibility and comfort.

Features and Amenities

Here’s a quick list of common features you might find in a 3 BHK villa in Kondapur:

Three Spacious Bedrooms: Enough to accommodate a small family or guests.

Modern Kitchens: Equipped with the latest appliances and plenty of storage.

Living and Dining Areas: Perfect for entertaining or family gatherings.

Balconies and Terraces: For those peaceful morning coffees or evening relaxations.

Private Gardens: If you're green-thumbed or just love a bit of nature at your doorstep.

Personal Anecdote Time!

Let me tell you about my friend Raj. He recently moved into a 3 BHK villa in Kondapur, and his life has changed dramatically. From struggling with space in his old apartment to hosting weekend barbecues in his new garden, the upgrade has been nothing short of spectacular. And the best part? He’s just a five-minute drive from his office. Now that’s what I call a win-win!

4 BHK Villas in Kondapur: Luxury Redefined

For those of you who need even more space (or just love living large), the 4 BHK villas in Kondapur are the epitome of luxury and elegance.

Why Choose a 4 BHK Villa?

These villas are not just homes; they’re statements. If you’ve got a larger family or simply crave more room to breathe, a 4 BHK villa offers unmatched luxury and convenience.

Lavish Features

Here’s what you can expect from a 4 BHK villa in Kondapur:

Four Expansive Bedrooms: Perfect for big families or lots of guests.

Multiple Bathrooms: No more morning queues!

Huge Living Spaces: Ideal for entertaining guests or hosting parties.

State-of-the-Art Kitchens: Cooking here is a joy, not a chore.

Private Pools and Gyms: Yes, some villas come with these perks!

Large Gardens and Terraces: More space for outdoor activities and relaxation.

The Buying Process: Smooth Sailing Ahead

Buying a villa can feel like navigating a maze, but don’t worry we’ve got your back. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make the process as smooth as possible.

1. Budgeting and Financing

First things first, set a budget. Consider your savings, income, and how much you’re willing to spend. Don’t forget to look into home loan options if needed. Many banks offer attractive loan schemes for villa purchases.

2. Research and Shortlisting

Start your search online or with a reputable real estate agent. Make a list of potential villas that catch your eye. Visit them in person to get a real feel of the place.

3. Legal Checks and Documentation

Ensure all legal documents are in order. Verify the title deed, property tax receipts, and approvals from local authorities. It's always a good idea to consult with a legal expert to avoid any pitfalls.

4. Negotiation and Finalizing the Deal

Once you’ve found the perfect villa, it’s time to negotiate. Don’t be afraid to haggle a bit to get the best price. After agreeing on the price, proceed with the final documentation and payment process.

5. Moving In

Finally, the exciting part moving in! Plan your move, hire reliable movers, and set up your new home just the way you like it.

Why Villas Over Apartments?

You might be wondering why you should opt for a villa instead of an apartment. Well, here are a few compelling reasons:

1. Privacy

Villas offer unparalleled privacy compared to apartments. No more shared walls or noisy neighbors right next door.

2. Space

With a villa, you get more space—both indoors and outdoors. It’s perfect for families with kids or pets who need room to roam.

3. Personalization

Villas provide the freedom to personalize your space. Want to build a treehouse or a swimming pool? Go ahead! The sky’s the limit.

4. Investment Value

Villas tend to appreciate more in value over time compared to apartments. It’s a smart investment that pays off in the long run.

Conclusion: Your Dream Villa Awaits in Kondapur

So, there you have a comprehensive guide to 3 BHK, 4 BHK villas for sale in Kondapur, Hyderabad. Whether you’re a small family looking for a cozy home or someone who craves luxury and space, Kondapur has something for everyone. With its prime location, excellent amenities, and a range of beautiful villas, it's no wonder this area is a hot favorite among homebuyers.

Remember, buying a home is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about finding a place where you can create memories, build a life, and truly feel at home. So go ahead, explore Kondapur, and find the villa that’s perfect for you. Happy house hunting!

Visit estatedekho.com for more information about 3 BHK, 4 BHK Villas for Sale in Kondapur Hyderabad Telangana. Estatedekho is an online platform that offers sellers, potential clients, buyers verified plots, and professional agents at service.

[casspurrjoybell-33]

Wreckless - It's a Brick House

*Warning Adult Content*

Finnegan

The sidewalk isn't cracked, it's nicely done stone blocks and I was right, there's a nice two-car garage just on the other side of the driveway.

Do I wish it was attached? Maybe.

Is it a deal breaker? No.

Ann opens the double entryway doors with a flourish.

"Gleaming hardwoods throughout, a gorgeous chefs kitchen and a finished basement. Three large bedrooms and two and a half baths."

Yes, I can read.

"There's an attic just waiting to be finished. Laundry is currently upstairs but there are also hookups in the basement. It would be easy to put an extra bath down there if you'd like. A beautifully landscaped yard, almost half an acre, which in this area is unheard of."

I can't listen to her and think at the same time.

"Ann?"

"Yes?"

"I'd like to walk through it, just me and Emmett, please. It'll be much quicker and I know you have other things to do. The kitchen is through here?"

"Yes, of course, go ahead," she stutters as I walk through the dining room.

I want to see the kitchen first, I have no time for a kitchen remodel.

Oh, it's actually nice. Really nice.

Quartz countertops I'm guessing and the appliances look fairly new and high end.

It has a nice island and then there's a back door and I pass into a hallway that must be right behind the steps.

There's a room to my left that's lined with bookshelves on two walls.

"Library?"

Emmett peeks over my shoulder.

"Would be a great office, yeah."

He's right.

I hope they're not counting this as a bedroom but I don't want to assume.

I'll check. 

It has windows overlooking the garden and it looks beautiful and like a lot of work.

I ignore it because I won't be dealing with it, that's what gardeners are for.

I continue down the hall and there's a lovely half bath, a closet and then we're on the right side of the house in the living room.

"Oh, a fireplace."

"This place is huge."

It's not huge.

"Looks bigger without furniture." 

It's bigger than his place, for sure. 

Big enough to grow into.  

"Think we can fit a reclining couch, Finnegan?" 

He's teasing, there's plenty of space but I humor him. 

"Of course. Probably two."

We go upstairs and there are in fact three bedrooms including a really nice master with his and his closets and a big en suite bathroom.

"This closet is big enough to be Marten's room," he says and he's not wrong.

"He can have a bedroom, either one. The other can be for guests."

'Or a playroom. I could have a playroom like Rhys'.

"Who's gonna clean this huge house?"

That's Emmett, always practical.

"We'll hire someone. And a gardener too, unless you want to put in a pool. It looks pretty flat and there's already a privacy fence."

"No pool, can I go see the garden?"

"Right behind you."

We head downstairs and outside and he walks around almost in a daze.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, it's beautiful."

He sounds a bit sad or maybe it's more melancholy.

I walk up and put my arm around his waist.

"What are you thinking about?"

"My mom. I've thought about her more this year than the last couple put together but she had such a green thumb and we had a lovely yard. It was only like a quarter this size? Maybe not even that? She had rose bushes just like these and it's beautiful. She would have loved this."

"Maybe it's a sign."

"Maybe. Let's check out this finished basement. Mine's officially finished but it's not living space, you know? Might work for a gym though."

I know exactly what he means.

The door down here is locked so we have to go back through the kitchen and downstairs that way.

We were wrong, it's really finished.

Well, half of it.

The space under the kitchen and dining room is all mechanical stuff and storage but the right side is nice.

High ceilings.

Emmett is going around peeking and opening all the doors.

"Laundry. A lot more convenient to keep it upstairs."

"Yeah, definitely."

I just wonder if...

"Emmett? You don't have a dark room, do you?"

"A dark room? Only in my dreams. I don't use film. I would love to but I don't."

"Would this work? There aren't any windows and it even has a sink, and power. Is it big enough?"

"It would be perfect, actually. And what else down here? Gym could definitely work. Or a play room for you and your toys? We could split the room and do both or put one up in the extra bedroom or attic."

I shrug.

"Not sure but it's nice having options."

"It is. It's a lot of space."

"Do you like it, Emmett?"

"I do. I love brick and the garden is..."

Now it's his turn to shrug.

"Does the kitchen work for you?"

"Yep. You?"

He does most of the cooking.

I get a look.

"I'll manage. Let me look at the furnace, electrical and plumbing."

I have no idea exactly what he's looking for so I just follow him around. 

The house definitely has all those things. 

"You do realize that I don't care if something needs to be replaced, Emmett."

"I know. It seems like a nice house Finnegan but you need an inspection. It's empty, that probably means you'll be in quicker."

What's with all the 'you'? 

I want to hear more 'we'. 

"I hope so."

"It's a fairly busy street."

My smile falters a bit.

I'm not madly in love with the traffic.

"Yeah. True. But how much time do we spend in the front yard? It's quiet in here. Is the neighborhood okay?"  

"Yeah, we'll be fine.  I don't mind the street, easier to get to 695.  I just wanted to make sure you didn't."

He sits down in the middle of the floor and I join him.

"It's just a lot, Finnegan. You leaving, coming back, the beach, the break-in, the wreck and car and now this. I feel like I'm dizzy."

"I get that. I'm a little dizzy too which is why I'm trying to get settled. Should we do it, Emmett? What do you think? Will you live here with me? It's gonna be our house, Emmett, not mine. Ours."

He sighs but he's smiling.

"How can I turn down an offer like that?"

I smile, jump up and do a little dance.

When Emmett stands up I grab him, give him a kiss and then run upstairs to find Ann.

"Okay. Offer time."