#i know the text is a bit messy but i have this in my drafts for about a month

[queen--of--maggots]

What’s your most unpopular DN opinion? (It can be about canon, fanon the fandom)

I don’t even know if you are still around anon, but I promised you an answer, and here it is. Unpopular opinion time! And here’s a really unpopular one: I wish Wammy’s wouldn’t exist and Ohba went in a different direction after L’s death.

I’m probably almost the only one with this opinion. I know many people love the Wammy kids, and I want to make this clear, this is not necessarily about the characters from Wammy’s. I appreciate them, some more, others less. However, you can like a character and still think the story would have been better without them.

First, a few points on why I don’t like the introduction of Wammy’s.

One thing I enjoyed a lot about DN up to L’s death is the lack of overused tropes. For example, DN isn’t L’s story despite him fitting more into the good guy role, L isn’t portrayed as a hero, Light isn’t portrayed as a villain, Misa isn’t the innocent victim who was dragged into this, and neither L nor Light is the chosen one(s), main characters don’t have an extremely outstanding design, and so on. Wammy’s changes this partially. There must be people, qualified ones included, in the entire world that have reasons why they want to stop Kira, but all of Kira’s antagonists originate from the same place – Wammy’s. That’s pretty much the secret-intuition-that-protects-the-world-from-evil trope. It also falls into the chosen one trope because only L’s successors are apparently good enough to put an end to Kira. Also, Near has a rather outstanding design. Having white hair isn’t impossible, but highly unlikely. In addition, he looks like 12 despite being 18 and always wears fucking pajamas instead of normal clothes. Mello has a somewhat outstanding design too, but it’s more the way the dresses. I won’t complain too much about it. Still, compare this to Team Kira’s new additions. Mikami’s and Takada’s designs are way more grounded.

Another trope I find annoying is linking everything to the same two or three people. Every important character that is introduced later in the series has a connection to one of the original main characters (being related, childhood friends, same former mentor, …). In my opinion, that’s just a cheap way to give a new character credit without them doing anything and make them more popular among fans. If the character is well-written enough, things like that are not necessary. Ohba goes hard for this trope with Wammy’s: Near, Mello, and even fucking Matt are all L’s successors, so they have a direct link to him. And, while it’s just a spinoff, and how canon it is is debatable, even the BB murder case goes back to L and Wammy’s. (I know AN wasn’t written by Ohba, but it fits the pattern.) Compare this to Light’s allies. Most Kiras had no previous connection to Light before meeting him. The only exception is Kiyomi after the time skip. In Misa’s case, Kira gave her the revenge she wanted. However, she’s likely still one of many with similar stories. She didn’t know Light before, and Light didn’t know her. Even how Misa got her DN is unrelated to Light and Ryuk. Mikami had to stand entirely on his own feet. He had no direct connection to Light or L whatsoever.

I’m also disappointed that Ohba toned down the realism with Wammy’s. DN wasn’t 100% realistic before either, but there is a drop in it with the introduction of the Wammy’s characters. We go from one rich dude who fights crime mainly for entertainment to an entire training ground for super-intelligent orphans to become the world’s greatest detectives. Then there’s Mello with the missile and ultra-fast healing powers, and Near winning because of magical guessing powers and plot armor. Both are also younger than Light and inexperienced. And while humans aren’t born with special powers in the DN universe and supernatural aspects are limited to the Shinigami and the Shinigami realm, BB has Shinigami eyes for no apparent reason. Technically, these are still connected to the Shinigami within the story, but the explanation given for this is extremely vague and unsatisfying.

The points I’ve listed so far would bother me less if they always would have been a thing or if both sides were treated equally regarding tropes and bullshit. But they are particularly noticeable for Wammy’s characters, while Team Kira is not so much affected.

Also, I liked that before Wammy’s became a thing, L was an extraordinary element. L appeared to be self-made. He even became an important part of law enforcement even though his main motivation wasn’t justice. Before Wammy’s introduction, his death would have had a massive impact on the DN universe because once he is dead, L doesn’t exist anymore and is no longer a secret weapon in difficult cases. Even if Kira is defeated, losing L in the process would be a massive loss. Wammy’s existence reduces L to a replaceable role. If he dies, someone else from the L-factory will take the position. The death of L as a person has almost no impact on the DN universe because L as an entity still exists, and that’s the only thing that counts. No consequences whatsoever. Barely anyone knew how he looked anyway.

I understand why Ohba went with L’s successors as a continuation instead of something else. He was playing the safe card by feeding the consumers something they are already familiar with. Going for different scenarios would be risky and require more effort. However, it could have been more rewarding if executed well. I would have liked a greater variety of enemies for Light and him having to adapt to new dangers. So, here are some scenarios that I would have found more intriguing than the one we got.

The premise of Mello’s arc was interesting; unfortunately, the execution was horrendous. But Light vs a criminal organization that, for example, wants the DN or Kira’s power for themselves isn’t a bad idea. A criminal organization would be a lot more ruthless than L. L needed evidence, while a crime syndicate would immediately shoot Light if he showed up on the list of suspects. And his family would be in danger too.

Or a revenge plot? Something like Kira killed a family member or other loved one (preferably justified, but could also be someone wrongly accused), and a bereaved person wants revenge. Now, this person is on a suicide mission, and Light has to fight against someone who has nothing left to lose. Their own survival is optional, only getting revenge before dying counts.

How about Kira vs a fanatic Kira fan? Someone who thinks Kira isn’t Kira enough anymore and feels they can do better? Maybe this person could make Light’s allies question their loyalty to him. Who are they loyal to, Light or Kira?

A female antagonist would also have potential (but not with Ohba as an author). Light tends to underestimate women. Now, Light faces one as a competent opponent, and he has to take one or more critical hits to realize the danger.

Anyway, the successor arc definitely has its moments, but overall, it is a lot weaker. And in my opinion, these weaknesses are primarily connected to Wammy’s. So, removing it could have been beneficial for the story. At least, that’s my opinion. If you have a different opinion, that’s great. But please, I’m not particularly interested in lengthy discussions about this subject.

[burntoutdaydreamer]

Weird Brain Hacks That Help Me Write

I'm a consistently inconsistent writer/aspiring novelist, member of the burnt-out-gifted-kid-to-adult-ADHD-diagnosis-pipeline, recently unemployed overachiever, and person who's sick of hearing the conventional neurotypical advice to dealing with writer's block (i.e. "write every single day," or "there's no such thing as writer's block- if you're struggling to write, just write" Like F*CK THAT. Thank you, Brenda, why don't you go and tell someone with diabetes to just start producing more insulin?)

I've yet to get to a point in my life where I'm able to consistently write at the pace I want to, but I've come a long way from where I was a few years ago. In the past five years I've written two drafts of a 130,000 word fantasy novel (currently working on the third) and I'm about 50,000 words in on the sequel. I've hit a bit of a snag recently, but now that I've suddenly got a lot of time on my hands, I'm hoping to revamp things and return to the basics that have gotten me to this point and I thought I might share.

1) My first draft stays between me and God

I find that I and a lot of other writers unfortunately have gotten it into our heads that first drafts are supposed to resemble the finished product and that revisions are only for fixing minor mistakes. Therefore, if our first draft sucks that must mean we suck as writers and having to rewrite things from scratch means that means our first draft is a failure.

I'm here to say that is one of the most detrimental mentalities you can have as a writer.

Ever try drawing a circle? You know how when you try to free-hand draw a perfect circle in one go, it never turns out right? Whereas if you scribble, say, ten circles on top of one another really quickly and then erase the messy lines until it looks like you drew a circle with a singular line, it ends up looking pretty decent?

Yeah. That's what the drafting process is.

Your first draft is supposed to suck. I don't care who you are, but you're never going to write a perfect first draft, especially if you're inexperienced. The purpose of the first draft is to lay down a semi-workable foundation. A really loose, messy sketch if you will. Get it all down on paper, even if it turns out to be the most cliche, cringe-inducing writing you've ever done. You can work out those kinks in the later drafts. The hardest part of the first draft is the most crucial part: getting started. Don't stress yourself out and make it even harder than it already is.

If that means making a promise to yourself that no one other than you will ever read your first draft unless it's over your cold, dead body, so be it.

2) Tell perfectionism to screw off by writing with a pen

I used to exclusively write with pencil until I realized I was spending more time erasing instead of writing.

Writing with a pen keeps me from editing while I right. Like, sometimes I'll have to cross something out or make notes in the margins, but unlike erasing and rewriting, this leaves the page looking like a disaster zone and that's a good thing.

If my writing looks like a complete mess on paper, that helps me move past the perfectionist paralysis and just focus on getting words down on the page. Somehow seeing a page full of chicken scratch makes me less worried about making my writing all perfect and pretty- and that helps me get on with my main goal of fleshing out ideas and getting words on a page.

3) It's okay to leave things blank when you can't think of the right word

My writing, especially my first draft, is often filled with ___ and .... and (insert name here) and red text that reads like stage directions because I can't think of what is supposed to go there or the correct way to write it.

I found it helps to treat my writing like I do multiple choice tests. Can't think of the right answer? Just skip it. Circle it, come back to it later, but don't let one tricky question stall you to the point where you run out of brain power or run out of time to answer the other questions.

If I'm on a role, I'm not gonna waste it by trying to remember that exact word that I need or figure out the right transition into the next scene or paragraph. I'm just going to leave it blank, mark to myself that I'll need to fix the problem later, and move on.

Trust me. This helps me sooooo much with staying on a roll.

4) Write Out of Order

This may not be for everyone, but it works wonders for me.

Sure, the story your writing may need to progress chronologically, but does that mean you need to write it chronologically? No. It just needs to be written.

I generally don't do this as much for editing, but for writing, so long as you're making progress, it doesn't matter if it's in the right order. Can't think of how to structure Chapter 2, but you have a pretty good idea of how your story's going to end? Write the ending then. You'll have to go back and write Chapter 2 eventually, but if you're feeling more motivated to write a completely different part of the book, who's to say you can't do that?

When I'm working on a project, I start off with a single document that I title "Scrap for (Project Title)" and then just write whatever comes to mind, in whatever order. Once I've gotten enough to work with, then I start outlining my plot and predicting how many chapters I'm going to need. Then, I create separate google docs for each individual chapter and work on them in whatever order I feel like, often leaving several partially complete as I jump from one to the other. Then, as each one gets finished, I copy and paste the chapter into the full manuscript document. This means that the official "draft" could have Chapters 1 and 9, but completely be missing Chapters 2-8, and that's fine. It's not like anyone will ever know once I finish it.

Sorry for the absurdly long post. Hopes this helps someone. Maybe I'll share more tricks in the future.

[avonnimimi]

❀·°∗✧🌸✧∗°·❀

Tease

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an: i think this might have been a bit rushed, it was incomplete in my drafts and I just decided to finish it for ya ;) i feel like the pics don’t match the aesthetic of this but it’s wtv. MEN AND MINORS DNI

content: Vi has a penis (wanted to try smth different), phone sex, dom!vi, mean!vi, name calling, nudes, breeding, cursing. lmk if i missed anything!

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You weren’t usually a tease. Sure, Vi always teased you, but this time, you wanted to turn the tables. Your friends were always talking about the stuff they’d send their husbands at work, risqué pictures, flirty texts, whatever it took to leave them a mess. And, of course, you wanted to see that side of Vi. You wanted to know what she’d be like if you pushed her just a little too far.

You knew she had a big meeting today. She’d told you this morning, her tone calm but firm as she kissed your forehead before leaving. “Don’t distract me today, baby,” she’d said with a small smile. “I really need to focus.” Not mean, not harsh, just focused. And yet, that only made it more tempting.

You slipped into your white lingerie, the one she loved. It was delicate, soft against your skin, hugging your body just right. You stood in front of the mirror, hesitating for only a moment before snapping a few pictures, angling yourself to show just enough to drive her crazy.

Your heart pounded as you hit send. And then… you waited.

Minutes turned into hours. You changed back into your normal clothes, went out for errands, tried to distract yourself, but the anticipation gnawed at you. Maybe she was too busy. Maybe she wasn’t going to say anything at all. You started to feel a little embarrassed. But then your phone rang.

It was her.

You answered immediately, trying to hide the nervous flutter in your chest. “Hi, baby!” you said, your voice light and cheerful.

There was silence on the other end for a moment. Then you heard it, a soft, wet squelching noise. Your heart skipped a beat as the familiar sound registered in your head.

“Baby,” Vi’s voice came through, breathy and ragged. “Fuck, those pictures. They were amazing. Got my cock so swollen for you, mama.”

Your cheeks burned, heat spreading through your body as you heard her, really heard her. Her voice was shaky, desperate, like she was barely holding herself together. And the sounds… the wet, rhythmic strokes of her hand working her cock filled the line, obscene and raw.

“Th-thank you,” you stammered, your voice catching in your throat. You didn’t expect her to sound like this, so needy and wrecked. She wasn’t teasing you or playing it cool. She was falling apart, and you could hear it in every whimper, every sharp hitch of her breath.

“Fuck,” she groaned, her voice breaking. “Put me in such a tough spot, baby. Sitting through that meeting with my cock this hard, trying not to think about you. About how you’d look bent over my desk, wearing that fucking lingerie.” She let out a low, desperate whine that sent a shiver down your spine. “God, I can’t stop thinking about you. You’ve got me so fucked up.”

You didn’t say anything, your lips parted as you listened to her unravel. You’d never heard her like this, so shameless, so absolutely desperate for relief. “Wanna stuff up that slutty pussy so good,” She groans. Every wet stroke of her hand was loud in your ear, her breath coming faster and faster as she chased her release.

“Baby,” she whimpered, her voice cracking. “I wish I was there. Wish I could bury my cock in you, feel you squeezing me so fucking tight. I’d let you ride me—fuck, I’d let you do anything you wanted to me. Just want to feel you, mama. Need you so bad.”

Your thighs clenched instinctively, but you didn’t dare move. You listened intently, your heart pounding as she whimpered your name, her voice trembling with need.

“I’m close,” she panted, her strokes getting faster. You could hear how messy it was, the slick, obscene sounds of her cock leaking as she fucked into her hand like a man possessed. “Fuck, I’m gonna cum. Baby, I—fuck, I can’t—”

She let out a choked groan, the sound raw and guttural as she came. You could hear everything, the way her strokes slowed, the wet noises of her cock spilling over her hand, her breathing uneven and shaky as she came down.

For a moment, there was nothing but the sound of her catching her breath. Then she let out a soft laugh, her voice still hoarse. “Goddamn, baby,” she murmured, her tone warm and affectionate now. “You’re gonna kill me one day, you know that?”

You smiled to yourself, your heart still racing. “I didn’t mean to distract you that much,” you teased, even though you absolutely did.

Vi chuckled, the sound soft and low. “You’re lucky I love you,” she said, her voice still tinged with exhaustion. “But don’t touch yourself, okay? I want you to wait for me. Gonna take care of you properly when I get home.”

“Okay,” you said sweetly, even though you already knew you weren’t going to listen.

After you hung up, the silence in the room felt deafening. Your body was buzzing, your skin hot, your panties soaked from just listening to her. You bit your lip, glancing at the clock. She wouldn’t be home for hours.

You sat back on the couch, your hand already sliding down between your legs. “Sorry, Vi,” you whispered to yourself, your fingers slipping beneath the waistband of your panties. “I can’t wait.”

You closed your eyes, her voice still fresh in your mind, the way she whimpered, the wet sound of her stroking herself, the way she’d called your name like it was the only thing keeping her sane. It didn’t take long before you were trembling, your fingers working you over as you replayed the call in your head.

When you came, it was with her name on your lips, your body arching as the pleasure crashed over you. You lay there for a moment afterward, your chest rising and falling as you caught your breath. Guilt prickled at the edges of your mind, but you couldn’t bring yourself to care.

She didn’t have to know.

The key turning in the lock announced Vi’s arrival, earlier than anticipated. A wave of panic mixed with lingering arousal washed over you. You smoothed your clothes, attempting a casual facade, but Vi’s knowing gaze saw through the charade. A predatory smile curved her lips.

“Hey, baby,” she purred, her voice thick with unspoken promises. The closing door clicked shut, amplifying the sudden silence. The air thrummed with a thick tension.

“Hi,” you managed, your voice betraying a nervous tremor. Your heart hammered against your ribs.

Vi advanced, her movements deliberate and predatory. Her fingers traced your jawline, sending shivers down your spine. “Did you miss me?” she whispered, her thumb brushing your lower lip.

You nodded, the lie catching in your throat. “Of course.”

“Good,” she breathed, her eyes darkening. “Because I missed you too.” Her hand tightened possessively on your thigh. “Did you touch yourself while I was gone?”

Your hesitation, the averted gaze, was all the confirmation she needed. Vi’s grip intensified, her fingers digging into your flesh. “Don’t lie to me,” she growled, her voice low and menacing. “I can smell it on you. Hear it in your voice. Feel the dampness already clinging to my fingers.”

Your breath hitched, your body betraying your deceit. Vi’s eyes gleamed with a predatory triumph. “You’re so wet for me,” she murmured, her hand sliding higher, pushing your skirt up with impatient fingers. “You were thinking about me, weren’t you? Imagining what I’d do to you when I got home.”

You nodded softly. “You couldn’t wait for me to stuff you up real good,”

Before you could respond, she shoved you back against the couch, her body a heavy weight pinning you down. “Gonna give this little cunt what she wants.” she growled, her teeth nipping at your neck, leaving a trail of fiery kisses down to your collarbone.

Her hand delved between your legs, her fingers finding your slick folds. You gasped, arching into her touch despite the fear coiling in your stomach. “Vi,” you whimpered, a plea lost in the rising tide of sensation.

“Quiet,” she commanded, her long fingers pumping into you, curling so nicely in your sopping hole. “You don’t get to talk now. You just get to feel.”

Her fingers plunged deep, exploring your wet heat. “Soaked,” she murmured against your ear, her breath hot and ragged. “Just for me.” You cried out, your body bucking beneath her.

She leaned back, her eyes burning into yours. “You like that, don’t you?” she whispered, a cruel smile twisting her lips. “You like being used.”

Tears pricked your eyes, but the undeniable thrill spiraling through you couldn’t be ignored. Vi saw it, the flicker of desire in your gaze, and her smile widened.

She withdrew her fingers with a slick, obscene pop. You whimpered at the loss, your body thrumming with a desperate need. Vi reached down, unbuckling her belt with a sharp, metallic click. Her cock sprung out, tip angry and leaking precum. “Gonna nut in this cunt.” she growled, her voice thick with possessiveness.

She yanked your legs apart, roughly aligning herself with your entrance. You braced yourself, your heart a frantic drum against your ribs. Then, with a brutal thrust, she buried herself deep inside you.

You cried out, the feeling of her filling you, stretching you, overwhelming your senses. She lets out a loud groan, “God I love this pussy, so fucking creamy,” She began to move, her thrusts hard and fast, each one a punishing blow. The couch creaked beneath the frantic rhythm of their bodies. “You’re so tight,” she groaned, her voice strained with pleasure. “So fucking perfect.”

Her thick cock kissing your cervix so good you swore you saw stars, your cunt squelching, basically talking to Vi. Clit swollen, glistening with your juices.

She slammed into you again and again, her hips a blur of motion. The room spun around you, a dizzying vortex of sensation. You could feel her building, the tension coiling tight in her core.

Vi begins to whine, you clench harshly around her, “fuckkkkk yes princess just like that.” Her eyes roll back. “I’m gonna cum,” she growled. “I’m gonna cum inside this pretty fucking pussy.”

And with one final, savage thrust, she did. You felt her release flood you, hot and thick, pulsing deep within you. She collapsed on top of you, her breath coming in ragged gasps, her weight a welcome pressure.

You lay there, entangled, your body still thrumming with the aftershocks of her possession.

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this is my original post, please don’t repost, translate, or plagiarize my work ;)

©️avonnimimi 2024

[uluvjay]

Unexpected- W. Smith

Will Smith x Hughes! Sister

In which your brothers were not expecting to find a boy in your bed when they came to visit

Warnings?; cursing, anxiety, judgmental brothers, fluff, sorry for any errors!

“Dude just use your key.” Quinn grumbled to Jack as he continued to knock on your apartment door.

“I don’t want to invade her privacy.” Jack huffed.

“She came into our apartment to surprise us that one time.” Luke shrugged reminding his brother of the time they came home to find you on their couch.

“What if she’s like-i don’t know..not decent?” Jack cringed.

“Oh my god-move, I’ll just use mine.” Quinn huffed as he pushed his younger brother out of the way.

The boys had been texting you nonstop attempting to get an answer from you especially after their consistent knocking hadn’t worked and Quinn was tired of waiting.

Jack and Luke played the bruins in two days and having a short gap in his schedule Quinn decided to join his brothers on a surprise visit to their baby sister before he had to return to a hectic season.

Pushing open the sleek door of your apartment they were met with your natural vanilla scent, by the door was your messy shoe rack, umbrellas, coats, your keys on a hook, and hockey sticks-wait, why the hell would you have that many hockey sticks?

“Why does she hav-ow what the?” Luke began but was cut off as his foot came into contact with a hefty hockey bag and he went stumbling forward.

“Umm..why the hell is there usa hockey bag in her entryway?” Jack questioned, looking between his brothers with a raised eyebrow.

“The fuck are you asking us for?” Quinn spoke quietly.

“Why are you whispering?”

“Because you dumbass her keys are here, which means she’s probably sleeping still.” Quinn replied.

The boys looked around your apartment a bit more, keeping quiet as they walked through the living room area and kitchen.

Jack and Quinn knew the layout well as this was their graduation gift towards you, they felt unsafe with you living on campus and despite your protests when you opened the box revealing keys, you had been living here since the fall.

“Uh guys..there’s a gold medal on her living room table.” Luke choked.

“What?” Jack asked as he rushed in from the kitchen.

Meeting his brothers in the living room his eyes met the good medal that was in fact sitting pretty in the middle of your coffee table.

“Usa bag, sticks, and a gold medal? Shes dating one of the Bc guys that just won at world juniors. She has to be.” Luke laughed looking up at his older brothers.

Jack was the first to take off down the hall and towards your cracked bedroom door, both defensemen following closely behind him.

Quietly pushing your door open they found you asleep on your back, a Boston college hockey shirt on, thank god Jack thought.

And on your chest was a head of blonde curls, one of your hands resting on the boys shoulder peacefully while one of his arms was thrown around your waist.

Retreating to your living room the three men huddled together.

“He looks familiar.” Jack spoke up.

“His name is will something, he just got drafted.” Luke confirmed remembering his face from the draft.

“It’s Will smith. He went fourth overall to the sharks.” Quinn spoke showing his brothers the boy’s Instagram page.

“What do we do now?” Luke questioned, not sure where they should go from here.

“We wait.” Jack smirked and moved to make himself comfortable on your large sectional.

-

A little over an hour later they heard soft voices coming from your room, quite good mornings and the sound of lips connecting.

“Breakfast?” They heard you question and will confirm with a soft yeah.

Making your way out of your bedroom and down the hall you felt your heart drop into your stomach and a scream escape at the sight of three large figures sat on your couch.

“What the hell are you doing here!?” You shrieked once you realized it was your brothers.

“Came to see you, why? Is there something your hiding from us?” Jack smirked as his eyes dropped from you to gold medal on your table and back to you.

You followed his eyesight and worry filled you as you remembered that your boyfriend, who was fresh out of Sweden had all of his things here, the boyfriend your brothers also have no idea about.

“Shit. J-just give me a second.” You groaned as you turned around and pushed a curious Will back into your room before shutting the door.

“Everything okay?” He questioned as the noticeable worry etched on your face.

“My brothers are here.” You spoke quietly.

“Your brothers? As in all three?” Will asked.

“Yep.” You spoke popping the ‘p’ before continuing.

“Came to surprise me, turns out they were a bit more surprised when they found all of your usa stuff.” You laughed.

“Wh-what uh, what are we going to do?” He coughed.

It’s not that Will was necessarily scared of your brothers, he’d already met your parents and talked to your dad regularly about hockey. But brothers are different, especially your brothers. You four have a bond he’s never seen before and the protectiveness they have over you is strong.

“You’re going to have to come out and meet them.” You shrugged.

“Right now?”

“No tomorrow at four. Yes right now will! They’re literally sitting in my living room waiting.” You spoke.

“Okay.” He breathed.

“Okay?”

“Yeah, let’s do this” he nodded confidently.

“I love you and you know I wont let them kill your right?” You laughed as you took his cheeks into your hands.

“I know, I love you too.” He smiled and you placed a light kiss on his lips before turning around and leading him into your living room.

To say the sight In front of him wasn’t intimidating wouldn’t be a lie, despite being around the same height as all three men their broody stance snd interrogating stares had will feeling a bit nervous.

The three nhl stars were dressed in all black, hoodies, joggers, and beanies as they stood around the living room table looking Will up and down.

“Boys this is my boyfriend Will, Will these are my brothers, Jack, Quinn, and Lukey.” You smiled.

Despite the circumstances you were happy to have your brothers here and it felt good to be back in their presence.

“It’s nice to meet you.” Will smiled as he reached a hand out.

All three looked at his hand but Quinn was the first to move in and shake it, locking wills hand in a tight grip.

The other two followed after Quinn, their grips just as if not tighter around Wills hand. You could see the gears turning in Luke’s head and that soon questions would be flying out left and right, and before you started to answer them you needed food.

“Why don’t we talk over breakfast? There’s an amazing place down the street.” You suggested and thankfully everyone agreed to a nice meal.

-

Forty-five minutes later you were all gathered at a table at the small restaurant down the road, coffees in your brothers hands while you and Will both chose a nice glass of Oj.

“So” Quinn coughed, “how’d you two meet?”

“Izzy is dating his friend Ryan, they introduced us and we hit it off pretty well so we exchanged numbers and went on a few dates. The rest was history after that.” You smiled.

Izzy was your best friend from back home, the boys knew her so well she was practically another sister to them and she was a big contributor to your decision to come to Boston college instead of Umich.

“Hmm, where’d you take her for the first date?” Luke spoke up.

“Mini golf, got my ass kicked though. Didn’t realize someone could be so good at it.” Will laughed at the memory.

“Y/n is an amazing golfer, she does it quite a bit over the summers.” Jack nodded.

“Best in the family i’d say.” You smirked.

“Okay don’t get ahead of yourself now.” Luke scoffed.

“So you’re a sharks prospect right?” Jack asked.

“Uh yeah, they drafted me this past spring.” Will smiled.

The questions kept up until the food came, but they began to get more relaxed and generic after a while. The boys began to asked will more about school and how it was a world juniors and soon they were all sharing laughs.

“You know, that wasn’t really the way I wanted to find out my baby sister had a boyfriend but you’re a cool kid Will.” Quinn smiled.

“Thank you, she’s amazing. Out my league really.” Will blushed as you elbowed him in his side.

“That’s true, but as long as you treat her right and make her happy then we like you.” Jack spoke softly.

“But don’t think we won’t flatten your ass out on the ice if you ever hurt her.” Luke smirked.

Will nodded with a winded expression and and awkward silence crowded the table before the ringing of Quinn’s phone broke through.

“Oh, it’s mom.” He smirked right at Will and it took everything in you to hold down your laugh.

“Hey mom!” He greeted her warmly.

“Hi sweetie, just checking if you got into your sisters.” She spoke.

“Oh yeah we got in, found quite the surprise to.” Jack laughed.

“Oh really? What happened.”

Quinn turned the screen around to show your mother Will and while they were all expecting her to freak out their expressions dropped the second they heard her voice.

“Will! How are you doing honey?” She asked excitedly.

“I’m good Mrs. Hughes, how about you.” Your boyfriend smiled.

“Oh I told you to knock that Mrs. Hughes off! I’m good though honey thank you for asking.” She smiled.

“Let me find Jim really fast, he’ll want to say hi.” Your mother spoke up.

You released a giggle at the shock and confusion that was written on your brother’s faces. Their eyebrows were all pulled together as they shared a look of confusion.

“Will! How are you buddy.” Your father greeted.

“I’m good Jim, how about you?”

“I’m good son, my boys haven’t given you and my girl any trouble have they?”Your father questioned.

“No, it’s been okay.” Will laughed.

The conversation kept up for a moment but your mother ultimately decided to hang up when Jack kept whining about her not telling them you had a boyfriend.

“I can’t believe they knew!” He groaned.

“I told them first, wanted to make sure they liked him.” You shrugged.

“This is unbelievable.” He pouted and that’s how the rest of your day continued until your mom apologized and offered to bake him his favorite homemade goods the next time she visited.

-



[missqhughes]

GET COMFORTABLE | L. HUGHES43

-> luke hughes x fem!reader

-> contains: underage drinking, making out, sexual themes, use of y/n, lowercase intended, hints to smut

-> IN WHICH: drunk words are sober thoughts; when y/n gets just a bit too drunk at a date party, she finds herself getting more comfortable with her best friend than she thought she ever would.

-> thank you for all the love for my previous post GUYSSSS UGH 🤗 so this idea popped into my head like right after posting that so i was toooo ready to get into it. as always, hope you love it as much as i do!

*fic is not proofread

18+ CONTENT BELOW THE CUT

shot number, what, 9 maybe?

whatever it was, y/n definitely lost count. all the alcohol she was consuming was beginning to taste like water, and the buzz was pulsating through her veins.

talking amongst her friends girls, y/n spots luke chatting in his own group. she slips past her friends, and taps him on the back of the shoulder.

“luke! where have you been? i’ve been looking for you!” she giggles, unable to get the sentence out fully coherent,

luke turns around, and immediately his lips curl into a smile at the sight of his giddy, drunk best friend.

“i’ve been here the whole time silly, you’re the one who keeps running off for another shot,”

his words are husky, his voice being raspy from having to shout through the night at the crowded voice filled house.

“another shot? me too! c’mon,” y/n practically ignored his whole sentence, only really hearing the words “another” and “shot”. she took his hand in hers, guiding him through the sea of other drunk college kids, eventually landing at a nearly empty bottle of smirnoff occupying a table.

y/n’s concentration is purely filling up the cups for the two of them, but luke’s is elsewhere. he can’t help but notice how suddenly short her dress looks, hugging her curves, and her messy hair and make up is giving him gateway to thoughts he definitely shouldn’t be thinking about her.

he snaps out of his trance when y/n’s voice sounds through his ears,

“ready?” she looks over, handing the bright red solo cup to him with a smile on her face.

“yeah, let’s do it,” he says, taking the cup from her hands and tapping it with her own before downing the burning liquid into his throat.

y/n makes a face for a split second, before shaking it out and turning to luke, “can i be so honest,” she starts, leaning her head on his body, his suit jacket nowhere to be found and the buttons on his shirt slightly undone.

“what’s up?”

“i’m really, really drunk,” she laughs into his chest, “i definitely need some fresh air, can we go outside?” y/n turns her head to gaze up at luke, eyes slightly low and sultry with intoxication.

he tucks a few strands of hair behind her ear, “of course we can, lead the way”

y/n spins to grab is hand yet again pushing past the sea around them, until they meet the door of the house, pushing it open and being met with the cool night air.

“oh my god,” she practically moans out, closing her eyes with luke’s hand still intertwined with hers,

“this feels so good,” she leans back into him again, comfortable in the fresh air but also lukes warmth and scent radiating off his body.

“i know right, and it’s not loud as shit out here too,” he says, wrapping his arms around the girl in front of him.

this wasn’t out of the ordinary, the pair of them had always been affectionate with one another, they are best friends after all.

y/n’s phone buzzed in her hand, looking over to see who it was. her roommate was asking when she was going to be ready to be picked up, expressing her eagerness to go to bed.

“shit, it’s one of my roommates,” she said, opening her phone to type a definitely indecipherable text to her roommate.

“tell her you’ll be home soon, and that she doesn’t have to wait up,” luke said, watching y/n’s words jumble in her drafted text.

“i can’t, she’s picking me up,”

“i can take you home,” he suggests, she looks up at him with a new brightness in her eyes.

“ugh can you? i feel bad asking her to come to get me… wait aren’t you drunk?” her mind flips, she didn’t recall luke having any other drinks besides the one shot they took together, so she really had no clue.

“a little, but we can sit in my car while i sober up. you got a key to the apartment?”

y/n nodded her head, “there’s a key under the mat,”

“perfect, cmon, my car is just up the street” luke reached her hand out for her once more, knowing that y/n would most definitely be stumbling on the pavement trying to walk on her own.

getting to his sleek black bmw, luke opens the door for y/n before making his way to the drivers side.

she had been staring at him the whole time, admiring his appearance in his slightly drunk state. he did a double take only to find that both times she was in fact staring at him, with a small grin creeped on her face.

“luke, have i ever told you how much i appreciate you?” y/n said, leaning her arm on the center console, the other reached up to swirl one of his messy curls in her finger.

he shook his head, matching her happy expression, “you only tell me all the time y/n,” he joked, feeling his heart beat picking up.

“i know, i know. you know what’s crazy though?” she began,

“what?”

“i like, weirdly really want to kiss you right now.”

luke froze at her words, in disbelief of the sentence that just came out,

“y/n… you’re drunk,” he said wearily, almost signaling her to be careful about the things she’s letting slip her tongue.

“sober enough to know that i do really want to,” y/n said, eyes flickering over luke’s face before stopping at his lips.

he let out a shaky exhale, bringing his hand up to cup her face. he was weak to her advances, knowing he always had an attraction to his best friend, y/n feeling the same way it, neither speaking a word about it. but in her drunken state, the filter she had for her feelings was long gone.

“kiss me luke.”

there was no way he couldn’t. he had to give in to how pretty needy she was in this moment.

he put his hand on the back of her head, guiding y/n’s lips to meet his, and securing them in a sweet kiss. she sighed into it with bliss, letting her own hand fall from his curls to his chest.

y/n was cautious, considering luke’s initial reservations about kissing her. he however, was cautious to not let himself get too far, not wanting to push her, but god did he just want her to grind on his lap and kiss him like no tomorrow.

it took not even a minute for them to get into a rhythm, the gentle kissing escalating to a hungry makeout session, a silent share of their feelings towards each other.

y/n practically read his mind, reaching over to the side of the seat to push it back, crawling over to luke’s lap without once letting her lips leave his.

his hands instinctively latched on to her hips, y/n with an almost innocent softness, grinded on him.

luke’s grip on her sides became stronger, slightly bucking his hips up for friction, anything to cure the aching attention the inside of his pants needed.

at the same time, y/n’s mouth was fully exploring his, letting out barely audible moans when his crotch hit just the right spot on her clothed, aching pussy.

close to losing himself in the bliss of the moment, luke just barely pulled his lips from hers, panting as his eyes flutter shut.

“i need to take you home, if i don’t now… god… i’m gonna want to fuck you in my back seat,” luke lets his lips part open as his words linger in the now fogged up car.

y/n, who had absolutely no interest in going back to her own place, frowned at him, her hands dancing up to toy with his hair.

“but i don’t want to stop lu,”

the nickname made his stomach flutter,

“i don’t want to either, y/n. but you gotta go home eventually,”

she thought for a moment, he was right. she did need to go back home; sleep, shower, and mentally prepare for the raging hangover she was doomed to have the next morning.

she sighed in defeat, finding her way back to the passenger side, lingering to be as close to him as she was moments before,

“you’re right lu, but just so you like, know, i would have let you fuck me in your back seat.”

luke’s mind immediately went to the gutter, y/n’s previous grinding turned to a naked image of her bouncing on his dick, moaning his name in delight.

“why don’t you stay over?”

y/n’s head whipped to look at his, a slight surpised look on her face,

“really?”

“i mean yeah, not the first time you’ve stayed the night over there right,” he shrugged, sure she’s slept over and vice versa, but both of them knew the very different circumstance they were in now.

“i’d like that, i’ll text my roommate and tell her i’m at yours for the night.” fastening her seatbelt while she grabbed her phone from the dash, typing out the fastest text luke had seen anyone do.

he let out a dry laugh, turning the car on to make their way to his apartment.

luckily the drive was quick, luke’s hand resting dangerously high on y/n’s thigh, squeezing and rubbing his thumb on her exposed skin.

when he parked his car outside the apartment complex, the two hurriedly gathered their things, not wanting a drop of the night to get wasted. walking up to the door, he clicked the lock open and held it open for y/n to go in first.

luckily, luke’s other roommates were asleep, so there was no need for any kind of small talk. she slipped her shoes off, taking in the comfortable scent of luke’s apartment.

luke slipped off his shoes, not even bothering to put them away properly. he made his way towards y/n backing her into the wall behind.

“you want water pretty?” he whispered, careful to not be loud, “or something to eat? i can heat something up for-”

“cut the bullshit luke, let’s go to your room yeah?” she said, taking her bottom lip between her teeth, and grabbing the belt he was wearing, fiddling with the buckle.

his mouth moved into a devilish smile, “mhm, but remember you gotta be quiet,”

“no promises.”

luke reached to grab the back of her thighs, pulling her up to hang her legs around his waist, littering neck kisses all over in their hot pursuit for his bedroom.

pt. 2

——————————————————————————

© missqhughes

xoxo, kaia

[uceyliyahh]

Summary; After her difficult breakup, Tiana wanted to start anew with her life. That's when she realized her life would be better when she met him.

This fanfic is 18+! NO MINORS ALLOWED

word count: 3783

Smut warning; it’ll come in the story randomly so PLEASE PLEASE look out for it I’m not really good at writing ✍🏽 smuts but I’m improving at the moment.

Jey Uso X Tiana

AWFUL GRAMMAR IM GETTING BETTER I SWEAR LOL.

comments, likes, repost are appreciated I would love the constructive feedback in what area I need to approve in. 🤍

ALSO! I don’t not want nobody stealing my fanfics or take it as theirs that will be an issue fasho so keep it cute respectfully.

I only own my OC along with the make up scenarios

But I’ll be writing along the way since this story is in my drafts on Wattpad right now so yuh 💁🏽‍♀️

TAGS⬇️ lmk if you wanna be tagged 🏷️

@paigereeder @pinkwithhearts @jstarr86

1.

Have you ever thought about running away? And starting somewhere new? Having a fresh start with things, especially having a promising career?

Tiana was doing that, starting somewhere fresh, living with her best friend Bianca in Cali after her messy breakup with Malakai when she saw him cheat on her with someone she knew.

But she wasn't worried about that man. She stood her ground while focusing on her career as a Nail Tech, getting her money's worth so she could have a place of her own.

She did the dumbest thing ever: She got this man tatted on the side of her right ear. Bianca convinced her to cover it with something pretty.

But she didn't know any tattoos around here; only Bianca did. She contacted a tattoo shop near them and scheduled an appointment.

OMNISCIENT

Tiana was finishing up with her last client of the day before shutting down the shop. She had a tattoo appointment afterward, so she wanted to get this done before she was late.

She focused on her clients' nails as she applied the last few bits of gems to their nails while turning on the curing light and placing their hands under the light.

Her phone beeped as she saw Bianca texting her, probably about her appointment at the tattoo shop.

Breezy💁🏽‍♀️: Tianaaaaa wyd girrrl?

Tiana: I'm finishing up my last client before heading to my appointment today.

Tiana: are you sure they're like legit? Bc if I get a fucked up cover-up, I'm going to kill you. 😀

Breezy: yesssss lele they're legit like this man owns the business chile. 😐

Tiana: oh fr?

Breezy: yes T

Tiana: do they have an Instagram page showing their artwork?

Breezy: yeah, I'll send it to you on Instagram.

Tiana: okay, girly, I'll text you later.

Breezy: bye, girl.

She turned off the curing light as her client looked at her nails with a smile on her face; she was satisfied with her results. Her client knew that Tiana was the shit when It came to doing nails.

Tiana instructed her to take a pose with her hands to show off her nails so she could post it on her IG story. She started doing nails when she was sixteen years old. Her mom and stepdad helped her with everything, and she was very grateful for that because look at her now.

biancabelairwwe replied to your story: ouuuuu girl them are honestly cute asf.

sheloveemma replied to your story: BOOK ME NEXT NOW!

ughitsstacy replied to your story: girl, I LOVE THEM! PERIOD!

shelovekai replied to your story: damn, mama, you snapped.

She looked at Malakai's reply to her story as she just rolled her eyes; she could've sworn she had blocked that man she didn't want nun' to do with his toxic ass; her client paid her with an extra tip due to how much she loved the nails as she told her goodbye.

Tiana smiled at the woman as she went to lock the door, getting ready to sanitize everything before her appointment. She was wiping down her equipment and the table with a warm rag, making sure that everything was cleaned and that she wasn't missing any spots.

She checked the time on her Apple Watch, seeing that she had to leave for her appointment to get this nigga name covered up due to the simple fact that she got tired of seeing it every single time she took pictures.

Tiana did one last check around the place, making sure that everything was back to where it was, before grabbing her purse and turning off the lights as she headed back towards her 2017 BMW.

She entered her car by shutting the door behind her, grabbing her keys as she put them in the ignition, and pressing the button to start it up.

She applied lip gloss on her lips and began pulling out the driveway towards the tattoo shop.

✧.*

Tiana pulled up towards the tattoo shop, turning off her car while grabbing her purse. As she entered the place, she looked around the area. She saw the shop's very cultured aesthetic, and the smell of the place seemed so refreshing to her.

She noticed that two other people were sitting at the reception table on their phones. Since it wasn't that busy today, she walked up to them, and they both looked at her.

"Hello, ma'am. I'm Kiara. What can I help you with?" Kiara asked.

"Hi, I'm here for an appointment at 3:50," Tiana said as she pulled out her phone to show them her appointment.

"Ah, you're Miss Tiana?"

She nodded her head yes as she patiently waited while clinging onto her purse.

"And you're here for a cover-up?" She asked.

"Yes, I am." She saw the woman nod her head as she looked up at her.

"Okay, you're set, ma'am. Please have a seat. He will be right with you."

"Thank you," Tiana said as she sat down in the chair.

She was scrolling through her IG, seeing people had liked her story that she had posted an hour ago. Replying to people who responded to her story, she saw a text pop up, so she scrolled down to see who it was. It was Malakai from an unknown number since Tiana blocked him.

Weirdo: mamas, can you unblock me, please? I promise I've changed.

Tiana: Kai you finna get blocked again leave me aloneeee

Weirdo: you know that you're mines forever.

Tiana: tuh in your dreams nigga bye.

Tiana rolled her eyes while proceeding to block his new number. She was thinking, 'nigga probably using WhatsApp or TextNow to get new numbers.' While she was doing that, her eye caught something as she saw a man getting his equipment out.

She tried to make out his features but couldn't due to the door being closed. She would have to wait until she got in that chair, but she went back to scrolling through her Instagram.

Breezy: bestieee are you at your appointment?

Tiana: yeah, I'm here.

Breezy: good cuz Ik your ass would've forgot I'm so glad you're getting that shit covered.

Tiana: yeah, me too tired of seeing that shit.

Breezy: do you like the shop?

Tiana: yeah, I love the aesthetic of it, and it smells good.

Breezy: seee I told you I got'chu girl.

As she was texting away, she pulled her head up and saw the same man standing at the door, waiting patiently for her until Kiara said something to her.

"Excuse me, miss, but you can come in now," Kiara said.

Tiana nodded her head yes, grabbed her purse, and walked past the specimen while sitting on the chair. She placed her bag on the table next to her.

She looked up at the fine specimen, finally making out his features, and boy, was he fine as hell. He was wearing some sweats with a black graphic shirt, and his shoe game was on point. Of course, he had a mullet and ear piercings on both sides of his ears.

His toned muscular body, along with his Tanned skin and salt/pepper beard, it wouldn't be rude to her if she kept eye fucking him while he was getting ready.

"You getting a cover-up?" Josh spoke, breaking the silence.

'Damn, his voice was deep as hell.'

"U-um, yeah, I am around my ear, " she said, noticing that she was stumbling on her words.

It caused him to chuckled a little bit while looking at her face, "You ain't gotta be nervous around me, Princess Ion' bite." She was taken aback for a second. 'Princess?' Well, she hadn't heard that nickname before. Is he always like this with his clients?

Tiana shook off the feeling as he pulled out some designs to show her, to see which one she liked better. She looked at his designs and was amazed at his artwork; it was perfect.

But one design caught her eye. It just looked so beautiful: two butterflies with a cross between them.

"I like this one; it caught my eye," Tiana said as she smiled.

He nodded his head as he took the design that she wanted behind her cover-up.

He pulled the chair towards her and reclined it back a bit so that she could be comfortable. He put on some black gloves while grabbing the tattoo pen.

"Can you turn your head for me, mama? " he asked. She nodded yes and turned her head to the side.

He started working on the cover-up behind her ear. He noticed that a male's name was tatted behind her ear. He had a smug expression on his face.

"So you got a name tattooed on you?"

Not trying to be in her business, but was trying to be in her business.

"Yeah, I got this lame ass nigga tatted on me that I was with for a while until he did some messed up shit, so my bestie decided to hook me up." She said while being still.

"Hm, how long was yall together?" He asked while focusing on the tattoo.

"We were together for like two, almost three years, maybe?"

He smacked his teeth and shook his head in disappointment. " That's a horrible mistake to get someone's name tatted on you. I heard it was bad luck." She wanted to smack him upside the head but couldn't.

"Don't put that on me, sir. I want no back luck," Tiana said as Josh snickered at her.

"It's not funny, you bozo." He rolled his eyes at her while continuing to do his work behind her ear.

They were back into complete silence again, and she kept hearing the needle buzzing in her ear like some type of fly buzzing around her.

She kept thinking about her relationship with Malakai. It became so toxic for her that she couldn't even deal with his ass anymore after she found out he cheated on her.

Tiana felt like she wasn't going to find love again because she was afraid of the outcome, so she kept her guard up around men, especially the ones who tried to holla at her.

"Who's your best friend?" Josh asked her.

"Her name is Bianca. She told me she comes here often, " she replied while continuing to talk on her phone.

"Ohhhh yeah I know her, I did some designs on her not too long ago."

Tiana nodded her head, listening to him talk. His voice seemed to soothe her because it was so deep and raspy, almost making her sleepy, as she yawned a bit while rubbing her eyes.

He took notice of that, "Long day, I'm assuming?"

"Yeah, I'm just hella tired. I'm not going to lie to you." She said.

He just hummed in agreement as he was finishing up her tattoo while turning off his tattoo pen; Jey had sprayed some alcohol on wet paper towel as he wiped behind her ear, causing her to hiss in pain.

Jey snickered at her reaction as she glared at him, throwing his hands up in defense.

"Aye, you wanted this, not me." He said.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. How much do I owe you?" Tiana responded as she pulled her wallet out of her purse.

"It's on me, ma; don't worry about it." She looked up at him with a confused expression, which had her thinking to herself, 'What does he mean about that?' Tiana put her wallet back inside her purse as Jey gave her a mirror to check out her new tattoo.

She turned her head a bit to see it, moving her ear to the side to see its design.

"Omg, this is really bomb as fuck." Tiana said.

"Thank you. I mean, they say I'm the best, better than my cousin, no shade or nun." She snickered at his comment as he reclined her chair upwards while she stood up to fix herself.

"Lemme get a quick pic so I can post it on my story." He said.

Tiana knew she was good with poses, so she turned her head to the side, showing off her cover-up tattoo. Jey took a quick picture of it before putting his phone down.

"Thank you; I appreciate it. I never got your name; my fault," Tiana said while monitoring his face.

"My name is Joshua, but people close to me call me Jey or Josh for short—whatever floats your boat, mama." Jey replied.

"I'm Tiana, by the way."

Jey thought to himself for a second while looking at her features deeply. she was a pretty girl that's fahso, and her personality seemed bubbly almost?'Whoever fumbled her cute ass is so unlucky now I'm finna be all up in that.'

"Tiana, huh? That's a cute name for a pretty girl like you; lemme me get your number, lil' mama," He said bluntly as she rolled her eyes at him while he gave her his phone.

He watched her type her phone number in while she gave him back his phone. They stood there in silence as they looked at each other until her gaze shifted towards her buzzing phone.

He watched her walk out his suite as he kept stealing glances at her ass; he knew that thang was thang in that one piece that she had on.

It was almost like he was fascinated with her in some way when they literally just met each other today; maybe it was her features that got him feeling like this with her.

But he had shaken them thoughts outta his head cleaning his equipment up.

✧.*

TIANA

I finally made it home. I parked my car in the driveway right next to Bianca's, turned off the ignition, grabbed my purse, and closed the car door behind me.

As I was walking in the house, I heard moaning and groaning upstairs, which made me realize that Montez was taking Bianca to Pound Town, which I personally did not want to hear.

I went upstairs towards my bedroom while shutting the door behind me as I took off my shoes throwing them on my shoe rack sighing in relief I really did hate being on my feet especially sitting on my ass too.

I fumbled onto my nice, comfortable bed and hugged the pillows until I felt my phone buzz. I thought it was Kai texting me again from a different number, so I went to see who was texting me.

'An unknown number ofc.'

Unknown number: did you make it home safe, princess?

Tiana: who dis?

Unknown number: Did you forget already? You were just here a couple of hours ago, girl.

I had to think about it for a minute since I tend to forget sometimes. The caller ID wanted to FaceTime me, of course. I hung up quickly because I didn't know who this person was until that person called again.

I rolled my eyes. While answering the FaceTime call, she saw a familiar face. That's when it clicked to her: It was Joshua from the tattoo shop.

FACETIME

Jey: now, do you remember?

Tiana: yeah, yeah boy now what'chu want?

Jey: I just wanted to make sure you drove home safe. That's all, princess.

Him and these damn puppy names was going to be the death of me; never had I experienced being called princess like I'm some princess from England or sum.

I placed my phone down on top of my dresser while unzipping my one-piece. This shit was killing me today felt like I couldn't breathe. As I was doing that, I proceeded to wobble my ass outta the one piece hearing Josh snickering.

Tiana: The fuck is funny nigga?

Jey: you, you is funny as hell wobbling like that shawty.

Tiana: Man fuck you, it was really tight.

Jey: mhm

I just rolled my eyes at him and gave him the middle finger. Finally, I got out of one piece and threw it in the dirt bin next to my bookshelf. 'Yes, I read, yes, I'm a nerd.' I was in my underwear while digging through my drawer for some comfortable clothing.

I felt his gaze through the phone, but I didn't speak on it, not understanding why I was getting comfortable with being half-naked on FaceTime with this man I barely knew.

Jey: damn, mama, you got a dump trunk back there.

Tiana: are you flirting with me right now sir?

Jey: maybe, maybe not. I'm just calling it what it is, princess.

Tiana: call me that again imma

Jey: or what?

I ignored him while getting fully naked in front of him and grabbing my towel that was nearby so that I could cover my body until I headed to the bathroom.

Tiana: I'm going to go shower, so I'm going to hang up now.

Jey: nooo, take me with'chu

Tiana: why so? Can you look at my ass or what?

Jey: nah I just wanted to stay on the phone with'chu.

Tiana: sigh ight then whatever you want dawg.

I took my phone with me to the bathroom. As I sat down on the counter table, making it look up at the ceiling, I heard him smack his teeth.

Jey: aye, yo ass betta get me up from looking at this ceiling.

Tiana: my fault, dawg. Lemme fix that for ya.

He seemed pretty annoyed when I did that, but I found it amusingly funny seeing him annoyed at my actions. Meanwhile, I unraveled my towel from my body as I headed inside the shower.

Jey: what do you do?

Tiana: I own my nail tech shop, so I do people's nails and get good tips.

Jey: Fr shawty? shi imma have to pull up to get a manicure from you.

Tiana: I can definitely send you the address to the place.

Jey: Bet that up fasho

✧.*

After taking a nice long shower, I was downstairs cooking me something to eat for dinner while still being on Facetime with Joshua. He was playing the game with his brothers, hollering and screaming at each other like some dogs. I noticed that Bianca came downstairs and came towards me to see what I was cooking.

"Ouuu girl what'chu cooking?" She asked.

"I'm cooking me some chicken in the air fryer along with some rice. I made extra for you and Montez, so y'all can eat after that session y'all had." I said while letting the rice sit.

"Omg, I love you so much, bestie, but who's that on the phone?"

"Oh, that's Joshua."

Her face looked perplexed for a minute, then it clicked, so she put a smirk on her face as I gave her a stern expression, thinking, 'I know this girl isn't going to try to hook me up with this man.'

"B, no, I'm not doing this with'chu tonight, chile." I said.

"C'monn, lele Joshua is a really cool ass person, bro, and then he'll be the first Samoan man you dated." She commented.

Jey: I know that's right, what's up Bianca!

Tiana: Shut the hell up sir

Jey: No need to be rude lil' mama

Bianca covered her mouth after he called me that. This girl is so dramatic. I swear. After finishing cooking the food, I sat down at the table while setting up my phone, and I began eating while watching Joshua play the game.

It looked like he was playing Call Of Duty. He seemed pretty good at the game, but his attention was now on me as his eyebrows furrowed a bit.

Jey: What'chu eating, pretty girl?

Tiana: I made some chicken and rice.

Jey: you ain't gon' share it?

'tf he mean was I going to share it?'

Tiana: Um, no, I wasn't planning on it. Also, how the hell am I supposed to share this with' chu, sir?

Jey: never heard of pretending?

'ight he don't gotta be smart about it.'

Tiana: I guess I can share with'chu then you look like you've been starving sir so here boy.

He smiled like a cute puppy as I pretended to give him some of my food while he pretended to eat it. It was kind of cute and funny, and we both chuckled at each other while gazing into each other's eyes. For a second, I could read his facial expression well until Bianca said something.

"Aww, y'all two look cute, girl. Honestly, y'all would be the cutest couple." Bianca said as I rolled my eyes at her.

"Girl, please don't start" I said while continuing to eat.

"Don't be denying it now, lele; you two will end up fucking each other sooner or later and then be a happy couple." I almost choked on my food when she said that, especially while I was on the phone with this man.

I could sense him smirking through the phone as he continued to play the game, and I knew he had just heard what she had said. I'm not going to lie. He was fine as hell, but I don't know where his energy is at right now.

After eating dinner, I made sure I washed my plate and put it in the dishwasher before going upstairs to my bedroom, closing the door behind me and yawning.

Jey: you finna go to sleep?

Tiana: yeah, I'm tired

Jey: What'chu doing tomorrow?

Tiana: I have like four clients tomorrow, then after that, I should be free. Why?

Jey: You wanna go out for lunch or sum

'I don't know where he's getting at with this but I like it.'

Tiana: yeah, sure, that sounds good.

Jey: Ight bet I'll see you tomorrow then.

Tiana: Goodnight Josh.

Jey: Night, mamas.

Under Your Touch.

biancabelairwwe, shelovesemma, shelovekai and 58,999 people liked your post.

tianasworld: he fixed me up quick i love it so much. 😍

biancabelairwwe: that's so cuteee I didn't even notice it I'm so happy you got it covered.

shelovesemma: 🫢 you got his name covered?

tianasworld: @ shelovesemma yeah girl I did got tired of seeing it.

shelovekai: wtf tiana 😠

tianasworld: @ shelovekai don't wtf to me nigga you might as well do the same thing. 🙎🏽‍♀️

A/N: welcome to a new storyyyy I honestly wanted to try something different and I got some inspiration from a story I read on tumblr so I hope yall enjoy this one.

Lmk in the comments below ⬇️ love yall.

Stay Ucey.

[trippiexlove]

Snooze

Author Note: I am just offloading all my one shots I have in the drafts lol. This is a part two to my CARE one shots, with Josh and Solana. Read the first part linked here. Based off the song Snooze by SZA <3

Warning: None, just Fluff

Pairing: Jey Uso x Black OC

Word Count: 3,162

Face claim - SZA

I can't lose when I'm with you... I can't just snooze and miss the moment... You just too important... Nobody do body like you do..you do...

The vocal booth felt suffocating. Solana ripped off her headphones, the unfinished track echoing in the sudden silence. A frustrated groan escaped her lips as she rubbed her temples, the elusive melody still stubbornly out of reach. Ken paused the recording, his brow furrowed with concern. "Lana, what's up? You've been...off all morning."

Solana looked up, her eyes heavy. She couldn't hide it anymore. "It's...Josh." The name hung in the air, weighted with unspoken tension. They'd clashed two nights ago, a messy tangle of missed calls, misinterpreted texts, and the aching loneliness of forced distance. A stupid fight, really, born from the very thing they both hated: being apart.

Now, a wall of silence stood between them. He'd resorted to calling their kids' iPads just to hear their voices, a hollow substitute for a real conversation. She knew the demands of their careers, the constant travel, the unavoidable separations. But knowing it didn't make the emptiness any less real, or the stubborn refusal to pick up the phone any easier to bear. The frustration with the song was just a symptom, a manifestation of the deeper ache in her heart.

Solana was just missing her man. 

Wanting to just be up under him. It didn't make it better that she was going on tour soon. With it being Wrestlemania season, that means Josh would be spending more time on the road than at home. 

"Yeah I'm good Ken" she gave him a slight smile. Hoping that it was enough for him.

He slowly nodded, leaning forward on the sound board. "Alright then, sing that note like need to girl" making Solana laugh a bit. 

She nodded putting the headphones back on. She closed her eyes, letting the soft beat consume her. She started belting out the lyrics to the song. Before she knew it she sung through the whole song. No breaks. 

"Now that's what I'm talkin' bout" Solana eyes popped open at the deep raspy voice. A tiny gasp coming from her. Shocked to see her husband-- who wasn't supposed to be home til next week-- standing before her. Ken no longer in the studio. Josh tilted his head as he stared right back at her. "You just gon' stare or come out that booth?."

Solana reacted instantly. The music cut off abruptly as she ripped the headphones from her ears, the cushioned cups clattering against the far wall. She bolted from the sound booth, a whirlwind of pent-up energy, and launched herself into Josh's waiting arms. He caught her easily, his strong arms wrapping around her as she clung to him, her legs instinctively locking around his waist.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice a mixture of surprise and relief. She leaned back slightly, her gaze searching his, though her legs remained securely wrapped around him. "You're not supposed to be home for another week."

"I know," he nodded, his eyes warm and reassuring. "But I didn't like how our conversation went the other day, and I needed to talk to you face-to-face."

Solana slid down, her feet touching the ground, but she remained nestled within the circle of his arms. "Yeah, I didn't like it either." She guided him towards the plush, worn couch in the corner of the studio, and they sank into its soft cushions. Solana instinctively draped her legs across his lap, a familiar gesture of comfort. "I'm sorry," she murmured, her voice laced with sincerity. "I shouldn't have let my emotions get the best of me. I should have just talked to you calmly about how I was feeling."

Josh nodded, his hand gently stroking her leg. "You have to tell me how you're feeling baby" His voice sincere. 

Solana rested her head on her hand, propped up on the back of the couch, her gaze drifting towards the ceiling. "I guess," she paused, searching for the right words, "it might seem silly, but honestly, we've been apart for weeks, and I just...missed you so much."

"I've been missin' you too, ma," he said, his voice soft and husky. "We've both been crazy busy lately, but I promise, there's never a second I don't think bout you, bout y'all."

"I know that, babe," she replied, her eyes dropping to her hands, where she nervously twirled the delicate wedding band on her finger. "It's just...the distance gets hard sometimes."

Josh used his index finger to lift her gaze to his. "It's hard for me too. If I could lay up under you all day you know I would" Solana let out a soft laugh as he gazed into her eyes. "That's why I'm here, to steal you away"

Solana lifted her eyebrow in confusion "What you mean?"

"I mean we got a private to catch in a few hours so you need to go pack" Josh could see that she was about to protest and quickly cut her off "I ain't takin' no for an answer, so you might as well cut that out"

She playfully rolled her eyes as they both stood up. "How you gon' tell me to just pack up and leave on short notice?"

"Cause I run shit round here" he laid a playful smack to her backside, earning him a glare from Solana. She grabbed all her things before they made the trip back home. Josh had already dropped the kids off with her mom. 

Solana was on the floor of her closet, confused on what to pack. Josh walked in with his bag in his hand. "You didn't even tell me where we're going so I know what to bring"

"Just bring your bathing suits," he leaned against the doorframe of the closet. "actually just bring nothing at all"

Solana playfully smacked her teeth as Josh laughed, dodging the shirt she threw his way. She quickly finished packing, bringing her bag-- along with her purse-- downstairs. They loaded up in the car making the hour drive to the airport, going through the private entrance to get to the plane. 

Once settled on the plane, Solana looked out the window, sipping the champagne the flight attended served her moments ago. When they were up in the air she quickly cuddled up next to Josh.

"Are you going to tell me where we're going now?" 

"Nope you just gon' have to wait til we land in a couple hours" Solana rolled her eyes jokingly, but hissed when Josh landed a smack to her ass. "Don't be rollin' yo' eyes girl"

She hit his chest lightly before placing her head back on his shoulder. They stayed that way for the rest of the flight before hearing the pilot announce that they will be landing soon. 

Solana bat her eyes as she began waking up. The morning sun blinding her momentarily as her vision tried to adjust. 

She felt the weight of Josh's arms wrapped around her bare waist, turning around to face him. Cuddling more into him, she sighed in contentment. Josh's gripped around her tightened as he began to wake up too. 

"Good Morning" Solana leaned her head up, pecking his lips. 

"Good Morning Ma," Josh rasped out, "how long you been up?"

"Only for a moment," she closed her eyes laying her head on his chest. 

Josh could feel her breathing begin to even out. "Don't go back to sleep, we got plans today"

Solana groaned lowly "I don't want to do anything today but lay here with you" making Josh laughed lowly. 

"Trust me I want to lay here with yo' ass too," he placed a soft kiss to the top of her head. "But we got plans so we got to get up" 

Josh unwrapped his arms from her waist getting out of bed. The sudden coldness made Solana pull the covers up over her shoulders. When Josh walked around to her side, he pulled on the cover landing a smack to her exposed cheeks. "Get that ass up"

Solana groan as she turned over, laying there for a few moments before getting up. Slowly walking due to the dull ache between her legs. As she passed Josh she heard him laugh lowly. That abruptly stopped when she sent a glare his way. 

Solana scrutinized her reflection, ensuring her makeup was flawless, her wavy hair a soft, tousled frame. Josh was whisking her away, a continuation of their indulgent Fiji escape. He'd been relentlessly spoiling her, and she wasn't about to complain.

As she applied the final touch of gloss, Josh filled the doorway, his broad frame silhouetted against the soft light. "Ready, baby?" his voice, a low, resonant rumble, vibrated through her.

"Ready," she murmured, her gaze tracing the lines of his handsome silhouette. He crossed the room, his presence filling the space, and trapped her against the counter, his hands bracketing her.

His eyes, dark and intense, met hers in the mirror, igniting a blush. "You look beautiful," he breathed, his warm breath ghosting over her ear.

She turned, her smile radiant. "Thank you, handsome." A quick, playful kiss turned into a deeper embrace as his hands slid down her back, tightening at her waist, pulling her flush against him. She broke the kiss, breathless.

"We have plans," she teased, a playful lilt in her voice.

He groaned softly, releasing her. "Lucky we do." He took her hand, leading her from the suite into the balmy Fijian air.

Their day unfolded like a dream: snorkeling in turquoise waters, island hopping under the vibrant sun, culminating in a secluded beach dinner.

Solana gasped, the sight of the candlelit setup taking her breath away. The gentle lapping of waves created an intimate symphony. "You planned all this?" she asked, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Josh's proud smirk answered her. "Anything for you, aulelei" he murmured, his words warm against her skin. He guided her to the plush blanket, where dinner awaited.

"You've truly outdone yourself," she said, her voice filled with admiration.

He playfully scrunched his eyebrows. "Don't act surprised. I can be romantic." making her laugh. They dined, their conversation light and easy, the sound of the ocean a constant backdrop.

After dinner, a comfortable silence settled between them. Josh's gaze lingered on her, admiring the way the wind danced through her hair.

"What are you staring at?" she asked, a playful smirk curving her lips.

"I can't look you?" he countered, his eyes twinkling. He held out his hand. "Come here."

She slipped onto his lap, straddling him, his hands finding their familiar place on her lower back. "Let's make a promise," he said, his voice serious. "No matter the distance, we'll have each other. We'll talk, we'll check in."

"promise," she echoed, her smile soft. She extended her pinky, and he laughed, interlocking his with hers. He pulled her into a deep, lingering kiss, sealing their promise under the starlit Fijian sky.

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Lana Outside focuses on the Inside ❤️

Solana found herself back in the studio a few days after returning from the trip. Josh going back on the road, both keeping the promise they made on the beach that night. 

Ken walked into the room, going over to the soundboard before turning towards her, "you ready to finish that song" 

"Nah," Solana shook her head "I got a new song I want to do" she smiled as she tapped her pencil on her notepad. 

Solana leaned over in the mirror, checking to make sure her hair and makeup was good, til she heard a knock at the door. "Come in"

"Mommy!" The sound of her children's voices sent a wave of warmth through her. Turning, she was met with two small figures rushing towards her, their arms wrapping around her legs in a tight, eager embrace. 

"Hey, babies," she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine joy. She knelt, pulling them into a hug that squeezed a little too tightly, but she didn't care. It had been weeks since the tour began, weeks since she'd held them like this. She pressed soft kisses to the tops of their heads, savoring the familiar scent of their hair. When she finally looked up, her heart skipped a beat. Josh stood in the doorway, his eyes meeting hers, and a familiar flutter of butterflies erupted in her stomach.

After coaxing the kids onto the plush couch with their iPads, promising them a post-show treat, Solana slowly rose to her feet. She watched as Josh's gaze traveled over her, taking in the sequined one-piece that hugged her curves. The outfit was a statement, a bold declaration of her confidence, and she could see the appreciation in his eyes.

For a moment, they stood in a silent tableau, the air thick with unspoken words. Then, with a slow, deliberate saunter, Josh closed the distance between them. His towering figure loomed over her, and she felt that familiar sense of being both protected and desired. "Hey, stranger," she said, her voice a soft murmur, breaking the silence with a smile. 

He wrapped his arms around her, the familiar weight of his embrace a comforting anchor. "Hey, superstar," he murmured back, his voice a low rumble. "Think you could spare a few minutes for a couple of your number one fans?"

"I'll always make time for you all," she replied, her eyes searching his. She leaned up, connecting their lips in a kiss that was both tender and charged, a silent acknowledgment of the weeks they'd spent apart. FaceTime calls, while appreciated, couldn't replicate the warmth of his touch, the feeling of his lips on hers.

The moment was interrupted by a sharp knock on the door. "Hey, Lana, you're up in a few minutes," Maria, her tour manager, announced. 

Solana nodded, a flicker of professional focus returning. She turned to her children, giving them each a quick kiss. "Mommy has to go now, but I'll be right back." Then, turning back to Josh, she added, "I've got a new song I'm singing tonight. You'll know it when you hear it."

He nodded, a knowing smile playing on his lips. He gave her a quick kiss on her forehead. "We'll be waiting right here for you."

With a final, lingering glance at her family, Solana slipped out of the dressing room, just as the intro to her first song filled the backstage area. She took a deep breath, ready to step into the spotlight, the memory of their embrace fueling her performance.

Solana stood in the middle of the stage, slightly out of breath as she took in the energy from the crowd. 

A wide, genuine smile spread across her face. "How we feeling tonight?" she called out, her voice amplified, yet still warm and intimate. The response was immediate, a thunderous cheer that vibrated through the floorboards. She scanned the sea of faces, a kaleidoscope of lights and expressions, each one a testament to the shared experience of the night. Her gaze drifted towards the stage exit, and she spotted Josh, his silhouette outlined against the backstage shadows. A soft, knowing smile curved her lips, and she sent him a quick, private smile, a silent acknowledgment of the connection between them.

Turning back to the audience, she felt a surge of anticipation. "Tonight," she announced, her voice filled with a quiet excitement, "I have a new song I want y'all to hear. It's…it's a little different from what we've done so far." She paused, letting the words hang in the air, building the anticipation. "It's called 'Snooze.'"

A hush fell over the crowd, a collective intake of breath, as the band began to play the opening melody. The first few notes were soft, ethereal, a gentle shift in the atmosphere. The driving rhythms of the previous songs faded, replaced by a smooth, sensual groove. The stage lights dimmed, casting a warm, amber glow, and the vibe of the night shifted, slowed, became more intimate, more personal. It was a song of quiet comfort, of finding solace in another's embrace, and Solana was ready to share that feeling with every soul in the room.

I'll touch that fire for you I do that three, four times again, I testify for you I told that lie, I'd kill that bitch I do what all of them around you scared to do, I'm not Long as you juggin' out here for me, I got it

Solana really got into the song. Josh, standing backstage, was mesmerized. Not only by her performance, but by her ability to captivate the audience. A wave of pride washed over him as he watched his wife command the stage. Beside him, their two kids, Maya and Liam, bounced excitedly, their eyes wide with adoration.

The final notes of the song faded, the crowd’s roar washing over Solana like a tidal wave. She held the pose, the spotlight a warm embrace, before finally lowering the mic and flashing a dazzling smile. The band launched into the instrumental outro, a signal for her to exit stage left.

Backstage, the energy shifted from electric to a quiet hum of organized chaos. Stagehands moved with practiced efficiency, and her backup dancers were already gathering for the next number. But all Solana saw was Josh and their kids.

He leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a soft smile playing on his lips. Mia and Liam were practically vibrating with excitement. He pushed off the wall, Liam grabbing his leg, and Mia held his hand, as they walked towards her, the noise of the backstage area fading into a dull background buzz.

"You were incredible," he said, his voice low, a rumble only she could hear. 

Mia and Liam echoed him, "Mommy you were so good!"

Solana felt a wave of relief and pure joy wash over her. "Thank you," she breathed, the adrenaline still thrumming in her veins. "Did you like it?"

He closed the remaining distance, his hand reaching out to gently brush a stray strand of hair from her face. "Like it? Solana, you poured your soul into that song. I loved it. And so did these two." He gestured toward their kids, who were both beaming.

She felt a blush creep up her neck, despite the heat of the stage lights. "It's about you, about us," she confessed, her voice barely a whisper.

Josh's eyes softened even further. "I know," he said, his gaze locked on hers. "And it's perfect."

"Mommy you were so pretty!" Mia exclaimed, breaking the intimate moment, but in a sweet way.

A stagehand called out, "Solana, two minutes!"

The urgency of the moment snapped them back to reality, but the intimacy lingered. She needed to change, and fast.

"Ok" she turned back towards Josh, gesturing towards the costume rack. "Once mommy is done we'll get that treat ok?" Mia and Liam nodded, giving their mother a final hug.

"Go," he said, stepping back slightly, but his hand lingered on her arm for a moment longer. "We'll be right here."

As she rushed to change, the lyrics of her song echoed in her mind, each word a testament to the feeling that pulsed between them. She knew, with a certainty that settled deep in her bones, that no matter the roar of the crowd, no matter the distance the tour put between them, their connection was the quiet, unwavering heartbeat beneath it all. And in that backstage moment, with Josh and their kids' warm gazes on her, she knew she was home.

If you would like to leave a request go comment on this link post. Check out my master list for other one shots and my other stories.

Tag list: if you want to be added to the tag list comment below!

@xbriexx , @mindairy , @tribalchief2112 , @theusotwinzcom , @yana3sworld

#jey uso#jey uso smut#jey uso x black fem oc#jey uso x black oc#jey uso x black reader#jeyuso#main event jey uso#wwe

[daddydoddsjr]

Sis!! I’m so excited to see more of Mafia!Sonny!! 😩🫶🏼❤️

Mafia!Sonny AU

Pairing || Mafia!Sonny Carisi x Female!Reader

Contents/Warnings || Stalking, obsessiveness, age gap, fluff mostly

Part 2/?

Part 1

Authors Note || THIS HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY DRAFTS FOR OVER A YEAR AAHHHH. didn’t put a tag list cause idk who’s interested anymore :’) i’m still working on VERY old asks i feel so bad

Sonny didn’t usually drive himself places. That’s what Nick was for. But, he made an exception when it came to dates. This wasn’t any different for you, so he drove to your apartment alone. He got out, leaning against the car while holding a small bouquet of red and white roses in one hand, his phone in the other. He sent you a quick text that he was here; he had arrived 10 minutes earlier than the agreed upon time, but he didn’t mind waiting.

His heart briefly stopped when you stepped out of the entrance of your building, adjusting your dress and coat a little, the cold weather just beginning. It was cliche, the way he felt in that moment; like you were the only woman in the entire universe.

“You look stunning,” He managed to get out, holding the bouquet out to you as you approached him.

“Thank you…” You reply softly, taking the bouquet. “You look great, too.”

“Ah, not as good at you, though,” he puts a hand on your lower back, guiding you to the passengers side of his car and helping you in. You looked around the car briefly, noting how clean it was, much to your delight after having dated a few terribly messy men in your life. Sonny hops into the drivers seat before driving down the street.

“So… where are we going?”

“You know how I asked if you like seafood? I know this real good Italian seafood place in the West Village.”

“Yeah?” Your face lit up a bit, “Sounds great.”

Sonny smiles, knowing you would be happy about his choice. When he had texted you to ask if you liked seafood the other night, he did it purely to act considerate, already knowing the answer from keeping an eye on you for the past few weeks. You were oblivious to his stalking still, still thinking that bumping into you so often before he asked you out was mere coincidence. The restaurant he picked out was cute, a bit on the expensive side, with plenty of options for meals and drinks.

He was a gentleman when you arrived at the restaurant, holding the door open for you and being polite to the hostess, pulling your chair out for you. You were pleased, thankful that he seemed like a great guy so far. It dawned on you how little you knew about him, as most of your text conversations were about you.

“You haven’t really told me much about yourself, you know,” you say after a short but comfortable silence while you looked over the drink menu, thinking.

“What do you wanna know? Ask away, doll.”

“I don’t know… what you do for work, what your family is like?”

“I work in finance.. I own my own company,” he smiles, keeping the answer vague. He couldn’t let you in on what he and his family really did until he was 100% certain about you. “And, big family. Got three sisters and they’ve got their own husbands and families too.”

You smile at the mention of a big family, “You’re all close I hope?” You ask, earning a nod from Sonny.

“My mother keeps pestering me to get married and have kids like them, too.”

“Is that what you want to do?”

Sonny nods again, “I’d love that. Do you want kids?”

Your face heats up as you fiddle with your napkin, “You always ask that on first dates?”

Sonny smiles, “Just want to be on the same page… for the future. I’m a little too old to be wasting my time.” He noticed you hesitate, and he answers your question before you could even ask it, “I’m 40.”

“Oh… I’m 27,” You say sheepishly.

“I don’t care about that,” he gives you a quick wink, making you nervously smile.

“Right… well, I’m not opposed to kids, I guess. Just need to make sure my life is completely stable for it, you know? So I’m ready.”

“Of course,” Sonny smiles, hiding just how completely excited he was. A young woman his mom would hopefully love, and she was open to a family. So far, everything was just perfect.

The rest of the date was… a bit of a blur for you. He was effortlessly charming, attentive, funny, like he knew exactly how to make you laugh or blush at any given moment. It was probably the best date you had ever had, you thought as he paid for both of you despite your protests, not even letting you leave a tip of your own money.

“You’re really something, you know that?” You ask as you both step back out into the cold night. His hand was on your lower back as he guided you back to his car, “What do you mean?”

“I mean.. it was just a great date. Next time you better let me pay for my half, at least.”

Sonny shakes his head, sliding into the car with you, “Not a chance.”

“I’ll fight you harder on it next time,” you warn, fixing your hair as he began to drive you back to your apartment, fiddling with the flowers he had given you on his lap. “I don’t want you paying for everything every time. Doesn’t seem fair.”

He shrugs, tapping the steering wheel as he drove, his eyes on the road, “I don’t want you paying for anything, just the kind of guy I am.”

You paused, unsure how to argue with that. Sonny glanced over, giving you a small smile, happy with your silence. He didn’t want you asking any questions yet, more about what he did or how much money he spent. He could admit that he was already infatuated with you, but he was still testing the waters, making sure you were right for him until he fully swept in and brought you into his life.

[julianalvarez9]

one nail drives out another / joão félix

summary: it had all started as a mutual favour: you weren't over your ex, and neither was he. but the old saying one nail drives out another proves to be true. author's note: had this in the drafts for too long and just needed to get it out, even if i just couldn't finish it in a way that i liked :( hope it's still good tho.

warnings: smut with a plot. wc: 2.2k words

the deal was simple: he calls you when he feels alone, and you do too.

in reality, it's simpler to say that you call him to avoid calling your ex. this is what you said to yourself every time: it was for a good cause, really. anything to help you avoid the man who broke your heart several times. 

joão was one hundred percent better than that man could ever be, and you knew it was safer: at least, he wouldn’t break your heart. above every single adjective he could be described with, he was kind. and after knowing him for such a long time, you also were aware of how hard it was for him to let his past relationship go, no matter if he knew it wasn’t good for him, no matter how much she actually hurt him. he was in the same situation as you: heartbroken and on the verge of falling, again.

the kiss was heated, tongues meeting and battling each other for dominance, while letting you taste him. you still could feel the vodka on his lips, intoxicating, although you doubted if what was making your brain go into overdrive was the alcohol, or joao’s ragged breath. “i need to stop thinking about her for a second,” he pleaded, warm brown eyes normally turning a shade darker. he continued the trail of kisses, messy and wet over your neck. “please, help me”.

tonight, it was your turn to call joão.

you were about to call your ex, again, for the second time after six months, until you thought otherwise. it wasn't rocket science to understand that you were feeling alone. the flat in which you lived in now was the same one you once shared with your ex boyfriend, and sometimes, no matter how many hours you try to spend out of the four walls, you can't forget what happened. how it all went wrong, so suddenly. the doubts start to creep in when the sun sets, and you start doubting whether it maybe was your fault, after all. surely, nothing you could have ever done could excuse his cheating, but why weren't you enough?

[12:11] you said: are you awake?

[12:11] joão said: yeah

[12:11] joão said: i was just about to text you

[12:12] you said: mind if i come to your house?

[12:12] joão said: it would be my pleasure

it's been a few weeks since you've seen him, with the international break getting him away from you and his schedule just being crazy in general. and even though you were thankful for it, as a way of getting your feelings on check, you also found yourself missing him. which made everything worse. after almost four months, he knew you like the back of his hand. knew how to rile you, how to touch you, what you liked. you craved him in a way no other guy would fulfill. 

you had tried it.

you barely make it through the door before joao's planting his lips on yours fiercely. it's been too long, he thinks, while sinking his fingers hard onto your hips and backing you onto the main door, hard.

"you don't know how much i missed this," he says, and the warmth starts to seep into your bones, not only where you would expect it to when a pretty boy like him has his hands on you. the effect he has on you it's incredible, and you can only moan in response, legs almost giving up when he sinks a bit to grab the back of your thighs, signaling you to jump. you've got your legs clamped around his waist while he gets both of you into his bedroom.

he lays you onto the bed carefully, with him on top of you while the heavy makeout session continues. his hands roam your entire figure like he has forgotten the trace and wants to remember it. as if he could ever forget, he thinks to himself, before focusing right back into your taste. "do something, joão," you beg, your hands going to the top of his head and slightly tugging on his hair when he starts to trail down his kisses, wet lips tasting all the exposed skin he has available, before growing impatient and pulling the end of your shirt softly. although he's desperate to taste you, he remains calm, helping you take the clothes off before he proceeds to do the same.

he cups your heat through your underwear, and your hips bucked instinctively against his hand. he smirks, the little devil, when he feels how wet you are for him, even though your core remains clothed. you know it's been too long, and you're chasing this fix like he was the most addictive drug. "you're so wet, princesa, so needy. is this all for me?".

he wants to edge you, he wants to make you beg for him, but who's he kidding? joao's almost as desperate as you, not even being able to take off your undergarments fully, and instead, moving it to the side. he slides two fingers inside of you at once, your slick coating his fingers instantly as he feels you clenching around his digits. soon enough you're almost there and he notices, instead taking your fingers off your entrance and savoring your taste in his mouth, humming contently. he wants to feel you tightening around his length instead of his hand, and he hurries to extend the condom over his hard on.

your lips part when you feel his tip at your entrance, right where you need him most, and your fingers grab onto whatever skin he has close to you to remain grounded. his biceps are the ones suffering the attack of your nails on them, pleading him silently to, finally, make his way into you. he's slow at first, with you so tight after a few weeks apart from each other, and his eyes flutter shut, trying to maintain his composure until he bottoms out. you can't even think straight at this point, small whimpers leaving your mouth pleading him to move. joao finds the rhythm that has you moaning his name nonstop soon enough, like he always does, and you grab him by the nape of his neck to get him to kiss you and swallow your desperate noises.

“i won’t last long,” you warn, voice barely audible while your back arches away from the bed, creating a gap from the mattress. “go ahead,” joao encourages, keeping the pace that is driving you mad, and soon enough, you come undone under him. he helps you ride out your high, and thanks to how you’re clenching around him, he lets go too, not long after you. 

the air is tense once the moment has seemingly broken, both your staggered breaths, the only sounds heard through the four walls. joao knows he has to say something about the elephant in the room, but still, he doesn’t know how. you’re the first one to move, not sparing him a glance as you start to collect your things to leave, wanting to avoid the question repeating in your head. what the fuck are we?

"why do you never stay over?" he asks instead, resting his back over the bed frame. his hands pillowed under his head in a relaxed gesture, but he’s anything but calm while the question floats in the air. 

"what?" you call, not having heard his ask: you were too busy trying to find your underwear to pay attention to what the portuguese was saying. still, he continued. "it's like you run away from me every time,” he says, frowning at the thought. 

once he realizes that he won't be having an answer until you find what you're looking for, he focuses on your surroundings, scanning the poorly lit room until he finds your undergarments. they're dropped by his side of the bed, serving as a reminder of what had occurred between you two not too long ago. 

joão hooks the piece of lace cloth on his fingers, catching your attention, before you go and take them from him, slipping them on almost effortlessly. “is there a problem with me?".

now, with you not completely naked, you can answer him, although still refusing to dive into his warm brown eyes. "absolutely not”.

“and here you are, running away,” he laughs bitterly while getting up from the bed to grab his shirt. god bless, you think. the mere sight of him, laying on his bed, in just his black calvins was almost enough to get you back on the bed. but you can’t, you remind yourself. 

“i thought it was what you wanted, no?” you counteract. it’s like joao doesn't remember the talk you had before it all began. “part of the no feelings attached thing you talked about," you remind him, and he huffs annoyed, before going back to being seated on the edge of the bed, back towards you. 

you can see the marks your fingernails made on his tanned skin, still red from your doings. you’re tempted to bring it to his attention, maybe to avoid his teammates catching them tomorrow morning when he has to go back to training, but the words die on your throat.

he mutters lowly, gripping his hair like he’s about to pull some strands off. "you don't think we fucked it up already?”.

"what are you talking about?".

of course you know what he’s talking about. the deal made it clear that it was just sex: but you were friends first and foremost, and you couldn’t avoid your friend group, which you shared with him. you couldn’t avoid the questions they asked. who has you smiling so big lately, y/n? are you seeing anyone? no, of course not. i can present to you a friend, then. 

the mere thought of you with someone else made joao see red, and that's how he noticed something had changed, and that he had to do something about it before what he feared became a reality. he initially had said he had enough of relationships, and just didn't want the complications it brought. and after what he went through, it was safe to say his trust issues were at their worst. just like yours. that's why it was such a good deal at first: to get the benefits of a relationship without the problems of actually keeping one. 

“i missed you while i was away,” he begins, and your stomach turns when you hear what he has to say next. “you don’t see a problem?”. you want to say that you missed him too, but the question leaves you feeling uneasy. of course it’s a problem for him, you think. he has grown attached, like you have, but doesn’t want any of it.

“good thing that i’m leaving then, no?”.

joao's quick to stand on his feet and go over to where you are, almost turning the knob and exiting his bedroom. “stay. please," he begs, hand softly grazing your wrist to avoid you getting away from him. at this point, you're confused and hurt enough to start regretting even getting here in the first place. “you’re not making sense right now, you know, right? saying that this is a problem and then asking me to stay the night”.

 through your years being friends, you realized that joao wasn’t the best one at explaining his emotions with words. maybe, because the words weren’t truly his -having to find the words, in a language that wasn’t your own, sure made things more difficult than they needed to be-. "you and i not being together is the problem", he gets to say, almost like a last resource to get you looking at him again. "what about what you said before? that you're not ready for another relationship?".

it work in his favour, because the sentence previously muttered by joao as you turn to face him again. you’re looking into his eyes now, trying to find even an ounce of doubt that would make you leave again. you didn’t want to force him into being with you: you knew the risks when you accepted this fucking deal. you didn’t want him to feel trapped into a relationship he had never intended to start.

"i guess i'm ready when it's you,” joao smiles, softly caressing the skin of your cheek with his thumb. you feel yourself melt under him, his sweet touch and his thoughtful words. “i know you're not her. and i'm not him. but i get it if you-".

the kiss is needy, again, like it had been when you first arrived, but this time you are the one to initiate it. your hand found its way into his hair, and you pulled him impossible closer, hoping that this would clear up all his doubts without you having to say anything. of course you knew he wasn’t him. you had never dared to make the comparison, not even for a second. once the kiss is over, you rest your forehead against his, before softly whispering onto his lips. “we can take it slow. i just need you, nothing else”.

“whatever you need, princesa”.

[wnbawag]

Don't Let Your Intrusive Thoughts Win Part 9

Pairing: Breanna Stewart x OC!Griffin

Summary: Griffin, the 9th 2024 WNBA draft pick, was an unusual case, coming out of the University of Kentucky. You see, Griffin was short. Not just WNBA short, like short short. Like Griffin was barely 5’2. The Liberty, the team she was drafted to, loved to call her the shortest player of all time, but Griffin loved to 1. Remind them that Shannon Bobbitt was also 5’2 and 2. That she was definitely taller than Shannon. So she was the second shortest WNBA player of all time. The Liberty would roll their eyes at her, basically as one. 

Warnings: Swearing

Word Count: 1k

Note: I'm realizing now I never gave this poor child a last name. If you read these notes, send me a suggestion. Shorter part this time, also ignore the fuckass texts i made, they're bad and i understand that.

My Masterlist

Series Masterlist

Griffin swore her hands were shaking more now than they did at her draft night. Stewie hadn’t said much over text, just told her to come over at 4 and sent her apartment number and building code.

Which also made Griffin realize she had never been to Stewie’s apartment.

This was all getting to be a bit too much for Griffin’s already overwhelmed head. She had just realized she liked a girl and of course somehow sent that same girl basically a nude. 

Sure Stewie had been touchy with her before, but they’d barely talked for three weeks, what if Stewie hated her? What if Stewie was going to get her kicked off the team? What if Coach was there and they had an HR level talk with her? WHat if?

What if?

What if?

Stewie’s door opened without Griffin having to knock and Griffin swore that edged her further into her panic attack.

Standing in the doorway, in all her 6 ‘4 glory, was Breanna, and Griffin felt like her heart was going to leap out of her chest.

One look at Griffin’s heaving chest, pale face and wide eyes had Stewie pulling her into the apartment, closing the door and pulling the rookie into a tight hug.

Griffin was a bit ashamed to admit it, but she held onto Stewie’s sides and cried.

Again.

She couldn’t believe she was crying like a baby on the woman she just sent a nude to.

But Stewie had those long arms around her, holding her close, and she felt safe again for the first time in three weeks.

—

Griffin wasn’t sure how long she held onto Stewie, at some point Stewie shifted so she was leaning against the entry wall, Griffin leaning onto her.

Finally, her breath evened out enough, her tears subsided, and Griffin pulled away from Stewie.

The vet had a concerned expression and reached a hand up to brush Griffin’s hair out of her face.

“I know we need to talk, rookie, but if you’re not up for it, we don’t have to,” Stewie’s gentle voice enveloped Griffin, lord she needed this woman in a way that was concerning.

“I don’t need to wait, can we just go slow?” Stewie nodded, running a hand through her own messy curls.

Griffin took a moment to take in the vet, Stewie looked at ease in gray sweatpants and a basic New York Liberty t-shirt, a simple chain around her neck and sock-clad feet.

Stewie was doing the same to Griffin, noting her jeans and sweatshirt instead of comfy pants.

“Go sit on the couch, I’ll get you something to drink,” Stewie said, patting Griffin’s shoulder.

This was going to be a long evening

—

Griffin and Stewie sat on opposite ends of Stewie’s couch, sipping on water and talking.

Griffin explained everything to Stewie, from how she felt about Stewie being distant with her, the growing friendship with Leo, the night out, the hookup, the realization that she liked Stewie, and finally how she sent the picture to Stewie by mistake.

“Do you regret sending it to me?”

“Did you like it?” 

Stewie cracked a smile for the first time that night, chuckling at Griffin’s hopeful expression.

“Yeah rook, I liked it. Obviously I liked it,” 

That lifted Griffin’s spirits immensely.

The conversation turned to Stewie, how possessive she had felt after the accident, the conversation with Sloot who warned her that she needed to be on the same page as Griffin if she was going to act like an overprotective girlfriend, how she was trying to be distant for Griffin’s sake, since she thought the girl was straight, and finally her reaction to the picture.

“You DROPPED your phone?” “Did you see yourself? Of course I did, that was pornography!”

And finally, Stewie asked the elephant-in-the-room question.

“Rook, I’m not asking if you like me, I’m asking if you are gay.”

Griffin looked at her palms, not sure how to answer.

“I’ve never felt this way about anyone, man or woman. I don’t know if I’m necessarily gay, but I don’t like men. I really haven’t had feelings for anyone before.” 

Stewie stayed quiet during this part, giving Griffin the floor to speak freely.

“I grew up in the middle-of-nowhere Kentucky, I didn’t know gay people until college. I don’t know if I like every woman I see, sure women are attractive, but I don’t think I want to sleep with every woman I see. I’ve never done it before and I don’t know if I even want to have sex again after the last time!” 

Stewie was chuckling at the rookie’s distress, who was currently gesturing wildly around the room as if to prove her point.

“Okay I think that was a little bit loaded of a question. Let me ask you this, we like each other, do you know what you want from this?”

“I don’t know if I have what it takes to be out, Stewie,” Griffin muttered, slightly ashamed of her answer.

“I see how they talk about gay women in sports, it’s like you’re not even a person. I just don’t know if I can handle that,”

“I’m not asking if you want to be out, I’m asking what you want from me,”

Griffin raised her gaze to meet Stewie’s piercing one.

“Am I allowed to not know? I want you but I don’t know what that entails,”

“Yes rookie, you’re allowed to not know. We don’t have to decide anything tonight. Here’s an easier question, do you want to stay for a while? I’ll order us dinner and we can watch a movie?”

Griffin let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.

“I’d like that, Stewie,”

—

They ordered chinese, eating it side by side as they fell into a natural routine, offering the other bites of their chosen dishes.

When they finished, Stewie put on Harry Potter.

Griffin wasn’t quite sure what to do with herself, so she sat slightly stiffly beside Breanna, who was watching with an amused expression.

Breanna put the girl out of her misery and wrapped a long arm around her shoulders, pulling her to lean against her chest.

Griffin sighed at the contact, cuddling against Stewie.

“I missed you, B,”

“I missed you more, rook,”

[cupidbedsy]

❃ draft day ; flowers

➪ summary: on her way to watch adam get drafted, she's late and inevitably ends up lost. but it's a good thing she's clumsy and runs into (literally) connor bedard

➪ warnings: tiny mention of scissors

➪ word count: 1k

➪ cupid's notes: welcome back to flowers everyone! i hope you all are excited about this au, i promise it is not as messy as it was last time. well until... anyway, feel free to start sending asks about this au or walking on sunshine as well!

© cupidbedsy ; do not copy, repost, or translate my work and designs on any other website or here

“Hurry up!”

“I’m sorry I know I’m late, just leave without me, I can drive there, I promise.”

“What are you even doing?” Luca came into his sister’s room to see craft supplies all over her room, flung from her suitcase. Her cutting board was on the ground, she had pens all over her desk, flower stems surrounding her on the floor, and her scissors were so close to stabbing her as they laid on the wooden surface. 

When Luca noticed the scissors, he quickly ran over and grabbed them to keep from stabbing the girl, not like it would’ve done that much damage in Violet’s mind. “I’m making Adam’s present.”

“V, I’m sure he’s not going to care if he gets his bouquet now or later.” Luca sits on her bed fiddling with the sheets. 

“He might not care, but I do. And somehow I’m missing a flower, I have to go and get another amaryllis. Just go without me, I’ll be there.”

Luca didn’t look all too happy that his sister would be driving by herself despite having her license and he knew she was more than capable of driving. He went to offer to stay with her but she shut him down with a look, “No. Go.”

The boy sighed and walked out of her room, getting in the car with his brother and parents. Violet sighed to herself as she fumbled around her room for her flower cutters, packing up everything she needed. She threw her dress on, ensuring her hair and makeup looked decent enough to go out before driving to the nearest flower shop.

She had driven to Nashville because she needed the road trip and both Luca and Adam had come along. If there was one thing she loved, it was road trips but road trips with someone else were always better than by herself. 

After buying the last small bouquet of blood-red amaryllis from the store, she rushed to her car and began finishing the bouquet. When she finished she grinned to herself feeling accomplished, until she looked at the time. She lightly placed the bouquet down alongside the present that she got from Adam in the passenger seat before driving to the venue, humming along to whatever was on the radio. 

She flew into a parking stall and all but ran into the venue, smiling and waving at the people she passed. When she entered she felt safer, and when she showed her ID she was allowed in and went to find Adam and the rest of her family. 

She was texting her mom when she ran into someone, apologies coming out of her mouth, one after another, “I am so sorry! Totally my fault! I’m sorry, so sorry.”

The boy she ran into had stumbled a bit but didn’t look too bothered, “It’s okay.”

“Are you sure because I was not looking where I was going.” Violet looked around, “I actually have no clue where I am right now.”

When Violet looked at the boy, her brows furrowed, “You look familiar.” 

He reached out his hand for her to shake, “I’m Connor.”

“Oh, you’re the one who’s in line to get drafted to the Hawks. I’m Violet, Adam Fantilli’s little sister.”

“Oh, Adam! Yeah, I met him a little bit ago.” Connor smiled at Violet, “Do you need some help? You look lost, and you also just said you were.”

Connor reached his hand up to rub the back of his neck, looking awkward. Violet held a big grin, “I would love it. I’m just trying to find my family.”

Connor gestured to the way he was walking, “I’ll take you to where we’re sitting.”

They didn’t get far when they saw two figures running toward the two, “Violet!”

Violet waved, “Hey guys.”

Connor looked at the two brothers and frowned slightly knowing that their conversation would be ending, “Connor was helping me find you two.”

Adam looked at him, “Thanks, man.”

The boy nodded, “Yeah, of course. I’ll see you later then?” Violet nodded and so did Adam before Connor walked off. 

“Oh, here Adam.” Violet gave Adam both the bouquet and the present she had gotten him, “Thanks, V.”

Adam hugged his younger sister, kissing her on the head. He then brought Luca into the hug and sighed, “Thank you guys for being here.”

“Of course.”

ﾟ+*:୨୧:*﹤

When they announced Connor’s name, Violet did more than politely clap. Her clap was louder than her brothers which caused some looks but they didn’t pay much mind to the girl. They just thought she was anxiously waiting for Adam to get drafted.

She had to sit on her hands as they called out Leo’s name who got drafted to the Ducks. She let her face slip briefly before her usual grin was back on her face. When the Blue Jackets had their pick in, she reached over to hold each of her brothers’ hands, nervous, “...we are proud to select, Adam Fantilli.”

Adam was the first to stand, followed by everyone else. Violet let Adam hug their parents and Luca first before she hugged him, “I’m really proud of you, Adam.”

“Thanks, V.”

He handed her his jacket before walking down the steps and to the stage. The four others stood with smiles on their faces, all of them had tears in their eyes for various reasons but most of them because of how proud they were of the boy. 

Violet wandered off not long after that in hopes she would run into Connor again, and to her luck, she did. Much like the first time, she ran directly into it, “We have got to stop meeting like this.”

“I don’t know, I kind of like when you catch me from falling,” Violet smirked, causing Connor to blush. 

“Trying to find Adam again?” 

She shook her head, “No. You actually.”

“Oh?”

“I was hoping to get your number.”

That was all it took for Connor to reach into his pocket and grab his phone, handing it to the girl. She handed him her phone, and the two exchanged their numbers and socials as well. And ever since then, they talked every day, finding out random facts about each other and their plans for the summer.

ﾟ+*:୨୧:*﹤

𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪 『 instagram 』

violetsflowers

liked by adamfantilli, luca.fantilli, lhughes_06 and 77,840 others

violetsflowers happy draft day everyone! congratulations to everyone who got drafted today and will get drafted tomorrow! but the biggest congratulations to big bro adam. i'm so so so so so proud of you and can't wait to watch you play in the big leagues. treat him well columbus!

tagged: adamfantilli, bluejacketsnhl, nhl

view 221 comments

adamfantilli vi, don't make me cry bro what

↳ violetsflowers i love you weirdo

luca.fantilli little bro plays in big leagues coming 🔜

*liked be violetsflowers and adamfantilli*

username welcome to columbus adam!

username: cutest siblings!

bluejacketsnhl we'll take good care of him, don't worry! welcome to the team adam!

*liked by violetsflowers, adamfantilli, luca.fantilli*

lhughes_06 adam!!!! congrats man

username waiting for the embarrassing photo dumb 💀

↳ luca.fantilli me too

ﾟ+*:୨୧:*﹤

messyviolet

liked by adamfantilli, luca.fantilli, _connorbedard and 16,754 others

messyviolets someone hold my tissues. from peewee games (teehee), to random medals won, to your first year of college hockey, to your draft, i am so proud of you adam. there is so much i can and would say but i'm a tad too tired to write anymore. i love you and i'm so excited for whats to come next

(last slide was me clingy to luca while adam walked up to the stage fyi)

p.s. anyone know where i can buy an adam fantilli columbus blue jackets jersey?

tagged adamfantilli, luca.fantilli

view 98 comments

adamfantilli @/luca.fantilli was she really clinging onto you that hard?

↳ luca.fantilli yes! bro's got a strong grip, i have the bruises to prove it

↳ messyviolets i wasn't clinging that hard

username i lowkey thought this would've been more embarrassing for some reason, but luca eating a cupcake when adam and violet are trying to look like they like each other is good enough

username why are there three guys in the first pic 👀

↳ messyviolets @/lhughes_06 ....

↳ lhughes_06 we were watching a movie one night and we all fell asleep on her

_connorbedard do you normally post teddy bears?

↳ messyviolets you got a problem with it, number one overall?

↳ _connorbedard nope

↳ username connor?? what're you doing here

FLOWERS MASTERLIST ; AU'S

TAGLIST ; NHL MASTERLIST ; NAVIGATION

[brodorokihousuke]

Making this it's own post instead of reblogging because otherwise it'd be really really long but @baratrongirl thank u for... inquiring/asking/whatever word works here

(Source post is my little comic for my WIP fanfic)

Since a large majority of said fanfic doesn't really take place in or around court (yet), I was pretty intent on describing characters wearing more... normal clothing. That, plus the fact this takes place somewhere during February, gave me the idea of stuffing Klav in a jacket & scarf (though he still retains his black shirt + pants + boots). And with a normal outfit, comes normal hair, I suppose, so it's just tied back in a ponytail.

While Apollo is influenced by the same desire for normal clothing, there's a bit more context that went into his design that's admittedly missing here. The fic takes place ~2 months after the end of Dual Destinies, and starts out revolving around the struggles Apollo still faces regarding Clay's death, which he still hasn't fully overcome. You have that, plus the fact that his arms are all scarred up & he really doesn't want people staring at that (because I'm actually committing to him being injured unlike capcom), and you get him dressing like a bit of a recluse... As for his hair... I have yet to nail a no-hair-gel design for him that's recognizable yet messy.

He is sort of supposed to be unrecognizable, though, with multiple comments given by other characters on how they didn't even know he was Apollo for a moment

As a bonus, here's my first draft of both of their designs, based off of text descriptions I had written prior. I might end up tweaking Apollo's design more & change it through the story, but oh well...

[jostystyles]

i can still see it all | qh

a/n: this is my entry for @wyattjohnston summer fic exchange! @wildrangers this is for you love! i hope you love it <3 im so sorry it took me forever, i had covid and other life happenings that set me back. i picked daylight from the list of songs you gave me, and this was born. enjoy love 🩵

They say when you love someone, you’ll know. There will be a moment of realization, a sort of ‘ah’ moment. Quinn has never really had that. Sure, he’s dated girls and thrown out the L word a few times, but he wasn’t really sure he meant it. Obviously, he loves his mom, dad, and brothers. Love, to him, was all black and white. It was all good or all bad. But sometimes, when you’ve been asleep so long in a 20 year dark night, the scream of color can come along and change your life for the better. (Y/N) came into his life in the most obscure way possible. He met her at the bar 5 minutes after he was dumped by his ex. After she laughed in his face and told him she was, she bought him a drink. After that, he doesn’t know when or even how it happened. Suddenly she was in his life everyday, and his friends became hers. Jack and Luke took to her instantly, and his mom liked having another girl to talk to. The one thing he did know was that he fell in love with her. He was starting to understand that love wasn’t quite black and white, but it could be golden. She was his muse, the one thing that kept him going when he felt like stopping. Even if she didn’t know it.

Quinn was always working. It was no surprise, being an NHL star. Between games, practice, charity events, and just existing. It was exhausting sometimes. He loved it, and wouldn’t change it for the world, but sometimes he just needed a break. When summer first hit and he was still in Vancouver, sometimes he wouldn’t leave his apartment for days. He had to take a break, just to recharge his social battery. (Y/N) knew this. Which is why she came over to make sure he made an effort to eat and have some sort of human interaction.

Unlocking the door with bags in hand, (Y/N) stumbled into his apartment. Brock was away on vacation, so Quinn graciously offered to watch Milo and Coolie for a few days. She heard little footsteps running towards her and looked down to see a dog wagging its tail and smiling up at her. “Oh Milo,” She sighed. “What are we going to do with him?” She finished, glancing around the apartment. It was messy, she wouldn't lie. Quinn was a messy person even if he didn't seem like it. Figuring he was napping as he didn’t answer her texts, she began to clean up his kitchen a bit. As she scrubbed the counters of the residue from last night’s dinner, she glanced at the wall of photos diagonal to her point of view. The first one that caught her eye was a family photo from Quinn’s draft day, his crooked smile reflected on the faces of his family members as they surrounded him in his newly adorned Canucks jersey. To the right of that one, was one she took of him, Brock, and Petey at a family skate event a few years back. The last one to catch her eye was her favorite. It was of her and Quinn, taken last summer at the lake in Michigan. She was on his back, both their faces flushed with sun and noses scrunched up in laughter. To an outsider, they could easily be mistaken for a couple.

As she finished cleaning up, (Y/N) began to walk down the hallway, dog in tow and a bag of takeout in her hands. “Knock knock, I’m coming in whether you like it or not.” She exclaimed in a sing-song tone once she reached his room. She couldn’t see it, but Quinn smiled. He loved the sound of her voice.

“I knew you’d show up sooner or later.” He answered, standing up from his bed and grabbing a shirt from the floor.

“Well, I have to make sure you keep yourself alive, don’t I?” (Y/N) giggled. She looked as beautiful as she always did, her sweater falling off her shoulders and her ripped jean shorts hugging her curves in just the right way. Two long french braids fell just past her shoulders. Her tan sandals scraped gently across the floor. She didn't like to wear heels. “They make me feel like a skyscraper Quinn, I’m too damn tall for them.” She always says. Quinn didn't realize he was staring until she finally said something.

“Earth to Quinton. Hello?” She called to him, waving her hands in front of his face. “I’m sorry what, I keep getting lost in you.” Did I just say that out loud? Shit. He thought to himself.

“What?” (Y/N) replied, blushing.

“Nothing. Just forget I said anything.” Quinn said, rushing out of the room into the kitchen.

“Wait! Don’t lie to me Quinn, what did you mean when you said that?” she said, following him.

She wasn’t sure of what she heard when he said it. It gave her a sense of false hope when he said it. Sometimes she wanted to scream out how much she loved him, but was afraid he didn’t feel the way she did. This was one of those times where she thought it to be true that maybe, just maybe, he loved her back. If she was honest, she loved him from the moment she met him. He was an idiot, but a lovable one. She never understood how anyone could stand to break his heart, even on the night they first met. Love, to her, was something that she once believed to be burning red. It ignites a fire in your heart, body, and soul, and burns for that one person. When she met Quinn, she wanted him to be that person more than anything. As they grew closer, she realized he was. But the love she held for him wasn’t the one she always dreamed of. It was different. It shone a bright golden hue, and encapsulated everything about him. (Y/N) was pulled from her thoughts by the sound of Quinn’s voice.

“Can we please just forget that I said anything, (Y/N), please?” Quinn said, turning around to look at her. He began to walk away when she grabbed his hand and pulled him towards her. Looking up at him, she said softly, “I see the way you look at me when you think I’m not looking. You look at me like I’m the only other person on this earth. Don’t you realize that I look at you the same way too?” Quinn was processing what she just said to him, his heart beating a mile a minute. He glanced at their hands intertwined at the side. Neither of them let go. Finally he gained the courage to say something back.

Looking into her eyes, he confessed to her. “I think I’m in love with you and that scares me half to death. No, scratch that, I know I’m in love with you. I’ve been in love with you ever since the day I met you. I don’t want to look at anything else now that I saw you.” She didn’t say anything back. She wrapped her free hand around his neck and pulled his face down to her height and kissed him. It was exactly the way they both pictured it would be like. They kissed lasted for what seemed like an eternity, until they finally broke apart.

Their heads were pressed against each other, just looking into each other's eyes. (Y/N) was the first one to speak. “I’m yours.” That was all she needed to say for Quinn to know that she loved him too. And while he was sure of it, there was a part of him that hesitated.

“Are you sure about this? Like, are you sure about me?” He wondered aloud.

(Y/N) stared at him, confused. “I just confessed my love for you in the cheesiest and most embarrassing way possible and you’re asking me if I’m sure? Quinn, I know you’re not that dumb.”

Quinn laughed. “No, it’s just like, I know you love me. And I love you too, but like, I don’t want to fuck this up. I’m not really good at this kind of stuff” he confessed, not making eye contact with her out of embarrassment.

(Y/N) put her finger under his chin and pushed it up. “Hey, look at me. It’s me you’re talking to. You don’t have to try with me. Just being the way you are is enough. Love is weird. But the best part is when you get to love your best friend. And that’s us. You’ve just got to step into the daylight, you know? Let it all go. We can figure the rest out on our own. Just let it go.”

Quinn kissed her again. As he was getting older, he wanted to be defined by the things he loved. And he loved (Y/N). She’s his daylight, afterall.

tagging: @2manytabsopen @lam-ila @laurenairay @comphy-and-cozy @comphyjost @smileysvech @tinyhockey @prettytoxicrevolver @hotanddistraught

[tumblermakesapodcast]

draft one, part one

roughly the first 30 minutes, ~4k words PINK text indicates an undecided name, as well as sentences i wrote and am definitely going to change Sections are separated by a new line break // indicates a note to myself, usually put in as a way to remember where a plot element goes, or to indicate that a section is missing a large/important part of its content

behold it, in all of its messy, imperfect glory:

Letter, Odette to Friend

Dearest Vergie,

I wouldn't be surprised if you saw this envelope and immediately figured out the reason for my sending it. Nevertheless, I find that I cannot say anything other than 'thank you.' From the bottom of my heart, thank you for putting in a good word for me with Mr. NAME. I am happy to report that I am officially the newest hire at COMPANY, though I am swiftly impressing my skills on my superiors.

Because of this, since the time you last visited, the pattern of my daily life has changed drastically, and there is much to update you on.

The first and perhaps most drastic of these changes is the widening of my world from just my bedroom to the whole house, and sometimes even the street! I nearly made it all the way past the Fischer's home unassisted the other day-- a new record! I’ve regained most of the strength in my arms, but my legs still remain weak, which has made walking difficult. Luckily, John recently bought a Ford, and has been driving me around town-- the wonders of modern technology!

The most recent of these was a trip to (PLACE—ARE WE IN PERU?)

I do have a word of reprimand for you, my friend, and that is that you failed to mention to me how downright fun this job would be! While we're on shift, it's all business--no talking, eyes forward, you know the drill, but after, after is a real treat. I hadn't realized how much I had missed being in the company of girls my own age! Though we are not exactly alike, I find a lot of kinship and joy by being among them, and am so grateful to be getting to know them. When we got off shift the other day, we all went down to the drug store for sodas, and Katie convinced me to get a scoop of ice cream to go in mine. I was skeptical at first, because I figured the fizz would sour the milk, but she was so earnest and sweet that I simply could not deny her. The drink was surprisingly good—a touch too sweet for my taste, but I think you’d like it just fine! Next time you find yourself with a soda, you should try it.

I hope you aren’t working yourself too hard, dear.

All my love,

Odette

Letter, Friend to Odette

My dear Odette,

I'm so happy to hear that the job has been treating you well. See, I told you all you needed was to get out of the house! I remember when Beni was sick and I had to stay at home to keep the sickness from spreading-- those four days nearabout drove me up a wall, I can't imagine what a month of bedrest might do to me! It's heartening to know that you're improving, if however slow. One day at a time, dear, it'll be over before you know.

I'm very sorry for missing your call the other day. I would've called back, but I fear the operator must have written the callback number down wrong, because I tried to reach you and got some farmer over in CITY instead!  I'm sure you do a much better job than the kids over here-- Mrs. Fletcher's youngest was just hired, so that tells you all you need to know about the state of affairs here at our office.

You know, it's funny, they showed me the call card and it didn't even have a message on it! Good grief. Hopefully your coworkers are demonstrating more proficiency than that!

Oh, speaking of Mrs. Fletcher, you'll never guess who I ran into at the grocer the other day! Thomas. Fletcher. That's right, Tom Fletcher, perusing tomatoes as casually as you please, looking every bit a civilized young man, can you believe it? I almost didn’t recognize him at first—he’s grown up so much since we were kids. I tell you, it’s remarkable the transformation he’s undergone, he looks like a full functioning member of high society, now! You’d hardly know he was responsible for dropping toads down people’s dresses, or that dreadful stink bomb on Easter Sunday! I suppose time really does

And now, Dettie, I have some terribly exciting news to share with you: Hobie and I are expecting! I went in to the doctor just the other day, and he confirmed it! A baby, can you believe it? I tell you, I have not stopped smiling since the news, my cheeks ache!

Diary Entry, Odette

Sleepless again. Frustrating. Had thought that having something to do during the day would tire me out more, but alas, I find myself at these pages once again at the ripe hour of three in the morning. Old habits die hard, I suppose.

Diary, Odette

Got a letter from Vergie today. The strangest thing, she mentioned missing a call from me, though I can't remember calling her any time recently

Note, Manager to Odette

Miss Odette LASTNAME,

Congratulations on a successful first quarter! You have been a tremendous asset to the company, and we are more than pleased with your work with us so far.

In light of this, your hours will be extended to a full twelve-hour shift, securing your status as a full-time employee of COMPANY.

Please contact your shift manager for more information.

Best,

Company Manager

Call, Odette & Other Odette

Buzz, incoming call

ODETTE.  Hello, how can I connect you?

MALE VOICE.  //number

ODETTE.  What’s the name for the call?

MALE VOICE.  John Smith

ODETTE.  One moment, please

Clicks of pins/switches being moved

Chime, as call connects

Buzz, incoming call

ODETTE.  Hello, how can I connect you?

FEMALE VOICE.  //number

ODETTE.  What’s the name for the call?

FEMALE VOICE.  Jane Doe

ODETTE.  One moment, please

Clicks of pins/switches being moved

Chime, as call connects

Buzz, incoming call

ODETTE.  Hello, how can I connect you?

The buzz continues

ODETTE.  Hello, how can I connect you?

Static, screechy whispering snippets of a voice, but no words

ODETTE.  Hello?

Static. From amidst it, OTHER ODETTE’s voice crackles.

OTHER ODETTE.  Hello

ODETTE.  Hello, how can I connect you?

OTHER ODETTE.  1234567. 1234567. Odette. 1234567.

This pattern continues, even as ODETTE tries to talk to the caller.

ODETTE.  I—I’m sorry, I don’t understand—

OTHER ODETTE.  1234567. Odette. 1234567. 1234567.

ODETTE.  Um. That’s too many—Are you sure you have the right number, sir?

OTHER ODETTE.  Odette. 1234567. 1234567.

ODETTE.  I’m sorry, hold please

OTHER ODETTE.  Odette. Odette. Odette. Odette.

The voice suddenly cuts off. Dial tone.

ODETTE.  Thank you for holding, may I have the name of the city you’re calling?

Static.

ODETTE.  Hello? Hello? Are you still there? He—

The call cuts off.

Diary, Odette

Had an odd incident at work today. Customer called and requested a number that was much too long, and I couldn’t make heads or tails of it, and what’s more, they hung up before I could get any sort of clarification! Katie says it was most likely some rascal playing a prank, which I would like to believe, except… the voice sounded familiar. And it could’ve been my mind playing tricks, but I could’ve sworn I heard my name somewhere in between the numbers

Diary, Odette

The numbers man called again.

Diary, Odette

1234567. 1234567. 1234567.

Another sleepless night finds me at these pages. All I can think is 1234567. What on earth?

Book Excerpt, Number Stations

Book Excerpt, Encyclopedia

Coordinates Revealed

Letter, Odette to Snr. Ibarra

Dear Sir,

I am writing to express my thanks for your discretion and compassion regarding the incidents of (DATE). I know you have received communication from Mr. (ROWAN) and Drs. (NAME), but I felt it prudent I sent something to you personally. Additionally, I would like to apologize for

Diary, Odette

//the journey to CITY

Diary, Odette

My first night in CITY. Or, rather, just outside of it-- the train let me off in the town at the base of the mountain, I’ll have to go the rest of the way by some other means. It was too late in the day to continue my journey, so I’m spending the night in a boarding house owned by a very sweet older gentleman, who insisted I take his room on the ground floor when he saw my cane. I tried to refuse, it’s his room, after all, and his house to boot, but he would hear none of it.

Everything around here is so beautiful—greenery and rolling hills all around, nothing like the beige drudgery of the city. I sat on the front steps of the boarding house to watch the sun set, and nearly wept at the vibrancy of the colors. I don’t think that even given a century I would be able to find the right words to describe it. I am by no means a poet, and find myself jealous of those with a gift for words. What must it be like, to be able to paint a picture with a few simple strokes of a pen? Alas, I fear I may never know.

I had thought, given all the travelling I’d undertaken today, that exhaustion would take over and send me swiftly into sleep, but that is not the case. Once again, three am has found me wide awake, staring at the shadows cast by the moon. This room is positioned perfectly to catch the most moonlight— for the moment, at least, it’s nearly bright as day in here. I can see clearly without need for another light, that’s how bright it is!

Diary, Odette

Finding transportation up to CITY is proving more difficult than I thought. I’ve received a strange assortment of reactions from people when I ask after it, some have laughed, others shoo me away, still others outright ignored me. One lady even started shouting at me, telling me to get out of her shop before she calls the cops again! I think she mistook me for someone else, but still. I cannot, for the life of me, figure out why it should be so hard to get information on how to get to a nearby city. You’d think that it would be easy, to even just point me in the direction of the road that will take me there, but for some reason, even that much information is eluding me.

I asked NAME, the man who owns the boarding house, for a map of the area, and have been scouring it for CITY, with little success. I’ve traced out the coordinates, just like John taught me, but it keeps landing me in the middle of nowhere… UGH! I am beginning to grow frustrated by this whole ordeal. Not to mention, the amount of walking I’ve had to do today has been obscene—it’s just past noon and I’m exhausted. Am going to try and sleep for a bit, hopefully things will shape up while I’m in dreamland.

Diary, Odette, Same Day, Later

A bit of news—talked to NAME, who revealed something to explain the weird reactions I’ve been getting when asking after CITY. Apparently, CITY is another name for CITY2, technically. From what NAME tells me, CITY was founded a mile and a half away from CITY2 well over two centuries ago, until a devastating flood rendered the land unlivable. Nearly half the town’s residents lost their lives, and the survivors were left homeless. They moved a smidge west, to where CITY2 stands now, but locally, the two names are interchangeable, so when I was asking for directions to CITY, the odd looks I was getting were because I was already in CITY, aka CITY2!

I showed NAME the place on the map that the numbers pointed to, and he confirmed that CITY stood there before the flood, so that’s one mystery solved, and about a million more questions left in my mind.

I no longer know why I’m here. I was blinded by the chase, and now that it’s over, and with such an abrupt, accidental end, I feel… adrift. I don’t know what to do, now. There’s still a day left before I have to go back to ORIGINALCITY, but I’m not ready I don’t think. I feel unsatisfied. There was supposed to be meaning at the end of this, answers, but instead I’ve received a stock-standard story for my troubles. Why would someone take the time to call me, over and over and over again, with these coordinates and my name, only for there to be nothing? What purpose does that serve? If it’s a child playing a prank, it’s an elaborate one, and I fail to see the humor in it. If not, I fail to see the logic. At this point, I begin to wonder if perhaps I was wrong, if maybe I’m finally succumbing to the exhaustion brought on by too many sleepless nights and have begun to dream things in my waking life.

I don’t know what to do next. That’s the truth, plain and simple. I don’t know that I want to do anything next. Stagnation seems agreeable, at this moment

Frustrated sigh, the sound of a notebook snapping closed

Medical Report

//Odette sees her double, passes out, gets bonked up, care gets passed to the Sisters bc the hospital is overtaxed

Patient Report, Dr. House attending.

Patient was brought in at 1:00pm by emergency response crew. According to eyewitnesses, patient had collapsed while walking down Park Row, and, in a remarkable stroke of bad luck, fell into the road. An oncoming motorist was unable to fully brake in time, and ran into the patient, inflicting fractured ribs and a mild concussion. Patient has preexisting condition in hips and left leg

Patient has been moved to the care of the Sisters, as hospital is at capacity and danger has passed.

Diary, Odette

Can’t sleep. Sick of staying in bed, but am not able to go much further than the door before someone comes swooping in to usher me back to the mattress. Infuriating. Not sure how this is supposed to help, but am not in a position to argue. I suppose I should be grateful that I have been sent here and not an institution, but I find the sentiment hard to scrape together. I can only stare at the same patch of ceiling for so long, and that time has long since passed. If it comes to it, I believe I could finagle my way out the window and into the tree that brushes its panes, though where to go from there is more of a mystery. Alas.

My one saving grace has been the texts that Sister Ana has snuck in for me to peruse. None of it is anywhere near the caliber of what I would expect from the library, given its reputation, and I cannot tell if the (word on the street) is exaggerated, or if she is simply handling me with kid gloves. I would be more mad about it, but as I said, these texts are the only things keeping me from clawing at the walls, so. I’m trying not to look a gift horse in the mouth. Am going to attempt to copy some of the illustrations here, to take back as souvenirs when (if) I leave the Abbey.

Image description: a pencil and paper sketch of a creature, done by an unskilled hand. The image is smudged, as if a hand had dragged its way across the surface of the paper, blurring the lines, distorting the shape of the animal. The eyes have been erased and redrawn with a heavy hand, to the point that it seems to have a good many more than it should.

Hm. Perhaps I should use this time to improve my drawing skills. That came out more than a bit scary looking, if I’m completely honest. It… it almost seems like the eyes follow me. They don’t, obviously, but. Hm. Ramblings of an overtired mind, I’m sure.

Ha. Can’t hurt to try again, I suppose. Goodnight

Newspaper Clipping //something to do with the doubles

Diary, Odette

Surprise surprise, still unable to sleep. I had thought that perhaps, given my increased mobility and the start of my duties in the Library, I thought that I might be more physically exhausted at the end of the day and therefore more inclined to fall asleep, but alas. Physically exhausted? Yes. However, my mind and my body do not seem to be in communication with one another on this matter, and I remain sleepless.

Have taken to wandering the halls at night. The garden would be the obvious choice, but on the two times that I’ve attempted to sneak out there after-hours, there’s been someone else out there, and I simply cannot deal with the human interaction that would require. Similarly, I’ve been avoiding the chapel, since there’s almost always someone praying holy hours or sitting Adoration, and it feels a bit sacrilegious to loiter there without the intention of praying or anything.

Which leaves the work rooms, or the library, and. Well. I know for a fact that the Sisters adhere to a strict schedule, that Mother Superior is very adamant on maintaining curfews, mostly because I myself have been told off for wandering into off-limits areas. This wouldn’t be a problem, except I have heard shuffling in the work rooms, the same step step swish that always accompanies her arrival into the doorway of my room. Which… leaves the Library.

The Library which I have specifically been told not to enter unless I’m chaperoned by one of the Sisters.

The Library, which I know is locked at the end of each shift (because the Mother Superior showed me the key she wears around her neck when she told me I wasn’t allowed to enter the Library without a chaperone).

Locked library means no one will be in there at night, means no one will come looking, means I won’t be found out if I camp out there.

Will have to find a way to pick the lock, though… Hm.

Research Recording, Ana

Fizzle fizzle pop of the phonograph

ANA.  Transcription, translated and recorded by Ana. Original song heard sung between children skipping stones on the lake.

¿Qué le gustaría, señor, señor?

¿Qué le gustaría, señor?

¿Media libra de patas, señor, señor?

¿Media libra de patas, señor?

¿Una fanega de tarwhi, señor, señor?

¿Una fanega de tarwhi, señor?

He vaciado mis bolsillos, Señor, Señor

He vaciado mis bolsillos, señor.

¿Qué más se puede pedir, Señor, Señor?

No tengo nada más, señor

¿Qué es lo que quiere, Señor, Señor?

¿Qué es lo que quiere, señor?

¿Quieres mia lliclla, Señor, Señor?

Me voy a quitar mia lliclla, señor

¿Quieres mi chumpi, Señor, Señor?

He desatado mi chumpi, Señor

Por favor no, Señor, Señor

¡Por favor no, Señor!

What would you like, Señor, Señor?

What would you like, Señor?

A half-pound of patas, Señor, Señor?

A half-pound of patas, Señor?

A bushel of tarwhi, Señor, Señor?

A bushel of tarwhi, Señor?

I’ve emptied my pockets, Señor, Señor

I’ve emptied my pockets, Señor

What more can you ask, Señor, Señor?

I’ve nothing more, Señor

What do you want, Señor, Señor

What do you want, Señor?

You want mia lliclla, Señor, Señor?

I’ll take off mia lliclla, Señor

You want mi chumpi, Señor, Señor

I’ve untied my chumpi, Señor

Por favor no, Señor, Señor

Por favor no, Señor!

At the end of the song, the kids all turned and sprinted into the lake, until they were knee-deep in the water. The last child who made it into the water was ganged up on by the others, subjected to a deluge of splashes and tickles for losing the footrace.

While, on the surface, an innocent childhood game, one cannot help but wonder where these kids learned the rhyme, as it clearly describes, or at the very least implies an unwelcome encounter between a man and a woman, presumably sexual in nature. Where did they learn it? It’s not entirely unlike the songs I remember singing when I was their age, but it is an odd coincidence, that it would align so neatly with my current research. Is this related to the Señor Sombro these same children have reportedly been talking about, or is it simply another instance of kids being kids? I’d like to ask around town—

Door shuts, footsteps

ANA. I--  Hello?

Footsteps stop

ANA.  Is… is someone there?

shuffling

ODETTE.  Hi. Sorry, sorry, I didn’t mean to—

ANA.  Who are you? How’d you get in here?

ODETTE.  I—I’m Odette? We… we’ve met, you’re Sister Ana, right? You brought me some books to read…

ANA.  Oh! Yes, Odette. You’re… supposed to be bedbound

ODETTE.  You can stare at the same four walls for only so long before the need to see something else takes completely over

ANA.  I don’t… I’m no doctor, but I don’t think that’s how bedrest is supposed to work

ODETTE.  Hm. Shows how much you know

ANA.  How did you get in here? The door was locked

ODETTE.  (smug) I didn’t interrupt anything, did I?

ANA.  Yes, actually. How did you get in?

ODETTE.  Hairpin. Your locks are old

ANA.  That’s… concerning

ODETTE.  Only if there’s something you’re trying to protect in here

ANA.  Or if we’re trying to keep someone out

ODETTE.  I was told no one was allowed in here after-hours

ANA.  I have special permission

ODETTE.  Huh. Why

ANA.  I’m an archivist.

ODETTE.  It’s three in the morning.

ANA.  I’m a… midnight archivist

ODETTE.  If you don’t want to tell me, you don’t have to

ANA.  If you don’t want to believe me, you don’t have to

//segue somehow

ODETTE.  What’s this?

ANA.  No, don’t touch—

Recorder fumbles

ODETTE.  Sorry, sorry I didn’t mean to—is it okay?

ANA.  It’s fine

ODETTE.  What… what is it? A phonograph? Were you listening to something? I didn’t hear any music

ANA.  Yes and no. I was recording myself

ODETTE.  Why?

ANA.  It’s a… project of mine. Already, we are recording operas and musicians—why not more? Think! What if we recorded books, and stories, too? This could be our future—Someday, we could have a library full of records instead of books!

ODETTE.  I see

ANA.  You’re not convinced

ODETTE.  Not really, no. What’s the point of recording a book? Operas and music I understand, but books are already portable

ANA. What if you were able to record people’s first hand experience of things? In their own words, with their own voices? What a wonderful gift for our children, to leave them with our stories, told in our voices, for them to remember us by when we’re gone! Of what if you can’t read? Or can’t see? Just think of how many more people we could bring a world of stories to, simply by recording them

//segue somehow

ANA.  Hm. Well, you don’t have to use it

ODETTE.  Now, I didn’t say that—

ANA.  I thought as much

ODETTE.  Cheeky, you are

ANA.  Guilty

ODETTE.  So how does it work?

ANA.  Look, come closer. Here, you speak into the bell, and it moves the needle to make impressions onto the wax, here.

ODETTE.  And that…catches the sound?

ANA.  It does

ODETTE.  Wha—how?

ANA.  Sound is just vibrations, yes? So if we can make something that vibrates in the same way that your voice, or music does, then we can recreate the original sound. That’s what the wax impressions do—when you put the needle on the grooves, it recreates the original vibrations from when you recorded. Here, listen

Stops recording, starts again

Recording: Odette does the hello, hello, hello testing a mic thing

ODETTE.  That’s… does my voice really sound like that?

ANA.  I know. Odd, isn’t it?

Research Recording, Odette

//exposition but masquerading as something cooler

Research Recording, Odette

//something that won't come back to bite us until the third act

Diary, Odette

//feelings about the other odette, hanging out with deut

Research Recording #3, Odette

//the stuff other odette was working on, witchcraft, supernatural things?

Research Recording #4, Odette

//a topical poem? story of some kind?

[kurenai-works]

Hello everyone, today is my 29th birthday.

With that in mind, I figured it would be the best time to talk about this, so I'm proud to present to all of you 東方雷秘儀 ～ Strike in the Holy Apex, my very first Touhou Project fangame!

The game's story will be centered around a mysterious thunderstorm that's raiding the entirety of Gensokyo, so it's up to a group of heroines to investigate the situation and save the day.

As some of you may know, around November of last year, GameMaker has become free to use for everyone, which prompted me to take the opportunity to create an engine that looks roughly similar to ZUN's original Touhou Project games. I showcased it in greater detail on YouTube sometime around late February and I was very pleased by the generally positive feedback it got.

Taking that into account, I continued to expand the work I've done and it has grown a lot during the past four months; menus function properly, game settings can be modified, controller support has been added, several gameplay tweaks have been implemented, and so on. There's still a number of things that need to be ironed out by the time I'm writing this post, but considering the progress I have done on it so far, I have faith that a trial version for the game will be ready for release soon. This has to be the biggest project I've worked on... by a country mile. Speaking of the trial version's release date, that will be disclosed at the very end of this post.

GameMaker being free to use has given me a joy I genuinely can't describe, and I bet my inner child would’ve been happy too by hearing those news. After all, I've had experiences with GameMaker for well over 15 years, basically almost half of my entire life!

So, what should you expect by the time the trial version is released? First things first, it'll obviously consist of only three stages.

Secondly, you'll be able to play this adventure as the usual duo; Reimu and Marisa. More playable characters will be available in the full version.

Thirdly, the game's main mechanic. It's called the Brave Gauge, and it has functionality almost similar to the Season Gauge found in Touhou 16: Hidden Star in Four Seasons. It's not the most original idea I've had, but for the record, and coming back to my familiarity with GameMaker ever since my teenage years, this system was taken from a very old draft which dates all the way back to 2014, while making some adjustments to it. Here's a little bit of proof:

I'm going a bit off tangent here, but seeing these filenames kinda makes me feel embarrassed. The game has "Ascii" on the name because all of the graphics in there were made using ASCII characters, which was done during a time when my artistic talents were non-existent, so they looked quite messy and overall made the game have a goofy aura to it, haha.

And lastly, considering that I'd like this game to be played by a wider demographic, it's gonna be available in three different languages: English, Spanish (my native language, hooray!) and Japanese. These can be selected anytime via the options menu.

I don't know any people who are fluent in Japanese, and the few friends that I have don't seem to know much about the language either, so that translation is gonna be handled 100% by myself using tools like DeepL. I know that translating all the stuff in one go can lead to heavily mistranslated results, so I'll be making sure to convert my game's text as meticulously as I can. If there's anyone out there who understands Japanese fluently and is willing to translate the text for me, please hit me up because that'd be really appreciated. In case that happens, I won't be able to reward the translation financially, but I will be adding your name to my game's end credits.

So yeah, I don't have much else to say. The game's trial version will be available on Itch.io this August 30th.

The game has a long way ahead from being completed, so anticipating a release date for the full version is not feasible, at the moment. Regardless, I'll make sure to update on that once I have made abundant progress on it.

Both versions of the game will be released as pay-what-you-want. In simpler words, they'll be available free of charge with the optional choice of depositing a sum, in case you're feeling generous. After all, not to brag, but it goes without saying that I'm handling every detail in the game; not just the programming, but also the art, music and writing. While I have used some code libraries to facilitate the inclusion of certain aspects in my game, most of the heavy lifting is carried out by me, so it'd be really appreciated to have some compensation for the work I have been doing for almost half a year. It's not by any means mandatory, so it's fine if you can't for whatever reason, hahaha.

Anyway, I hope you look forward to this game of mine as much as I do! See you then!!

[highladyjane]

While we're waiting for the announcement, what's your guess for the title of the next acotar book?

Lol, you sneaky nonnie! I've seen this Ask all over my dash today yestereve (I fell asleep writing my response to this)😆 Thank you for letting me join in on the fun!

I've actually had a theory about this hiding somewhere in my drafts for a couple of months now, but I've been too lazy to dig into it because 1. Structured writing, and therefore theories, is not my forte 2. I'm a perfectionist but my mind's messy - so it's all a bit messy, 3. so I might sound like a loony... 4. and I'm too insecure about my thoughts at times to even post about what goes through it 😅

But since you Ask'd... Here's a "shorter" version of that draft, at least:

My theory is that Elain's book will have something to do with ✨️Vines✨️.

Like... A Court of ✨️🌿Golden Vines🌿✨️(which I'm leaning the most towards), ACO Twining Vines, ACO Tangled Vines, ACO Blooming Vines, ACO Shadows and Vines... etc. I'm still trying to figure out where to lay my theory 😅🤣

It may sound very Elucien or even Tamlain, but ✨️Vines✨️ are described as "a plant whose stem requires support and which climbs by tendrils or twining or creeps along the ground" which, if you read or search through the books, also hints and applies to the movement of Azriel's shadows in many instances... @wingedblooms absolutely brilliant post that I quite recently came upon, especially supports the 'Twining'... So I think it's the perfect title to confuse people about her endgame 😜

Anyways, to back up my guess/theory...

Elain's scent is of Jasmine (and Honey), which seems to be the bloom of the Night Court 👀, grows as climbing shrubs or ✨️vines✨️. But I'm feeling specifically strongly for the ✨Vines✨ because

Aaaaand because:

1. Ivy is a ✨vine✨ and Sarah has mentioned it in relation to Elain's book in an interview presented at the back of ACOFAS.

2. Nesta's drawer had flames🔥. Elain had...

🌿✨Twining Vines of flowers✨🌿

We often see the beautiful petals (Elain's softness & beauty), but we don't think about the strength, resilience, and foundation of the vines underneath and........ 👇

3. ✨️Vines✨️ symbolise:

Strength & hope & resilience = Elain's quiet strength.

Determination = Elain has shown determination to help in ways she can, but is yet to be given the chance to...

She also has shown a determined disregard and opposition to having a mate...

Connection = Goes well along with my guess on "Golden" or "Twining" Vines which are often used as adjectives in relation to bonds, threads, and even spells.

Also, Elain is an Archeron sister, Cauldron-blessed, and a Seer - connected to basically every plot and possible subplots in the books (The Cauldron ➡️ Ramiel in Illyria ➡️ Made Objects & People ➡️ The Middle & The Prison/Dusk Court ➡️ The Dread Trove ➡️ Koschei ➡️Vassa ➡️The Human Queens etc.🔁); not just for who she is and her Cauldron-given gifts and abilities, but also possibly through her LIs and family. She's the one sister left unexplored and it all leads back to her. She's basically at the beginning (She's the first sister mentioned by Feyre at the beginning of ACOTAR) and in the end (She's the last sister mentioned by Nesta at the end of ACOSF) of everything. So I don't know if that supports her book being next or last...

Life = the meaning of which also applies to her scent of Honey and "Golden" -the colour of (sun)light, honey, her eyes, her hair.

3. ✨️Vines✨️ are also mentioned/connected to the earthen powers described in CC3 that Sathia & Tristan Flynn + Bryce have, which I believe many has already theorised Elain to also have... I quite like those theories (can't remember exactly where I read them as of rn) and would like to believe that it's something the Cauldron has blessed her with since she's associated with gardening and life...

I also read somewhere in a biblical text (which I wasn't too keen to delve into tbh, so don't trust my word for it, but it's Googlable) where ✨️Golden Vine✨️was associated with Life, Rebirth, and Free Will... But if Elain turns out to be the next Messiah/Saviour/Prophet of Prythian, then it's quite perfect 🤷🏻‍♀️

So... that's sort of my take so far 🫣 Hope it makes sense to you, nonnie 😅

What's yours?