#i miss eating eggs 😭

[lesbianwyllravengard]

I wish I could still eat eggs. I miss being able to eat eggs. Eggs are so good I wish I could eat them

[flowerygn]

[EN/JP/CN] 고독하지 않은 박박요리사의 먹어볼 텐데

[choking-on-roses]

I miss western breakfast food...I crave enrichment 🍳 🥓 🥞

[silkentine]

Me when they are the sisters ever: 😭😭😭 They came out soooo freaking well. I won’t lie, they took me a thousand years to finish but through the constant support from all of my buds (and my latent bisexuality), we made it 😤

Hopefully you guys know the deal by now: design choices, easter eggs, and (NEW!) closeup shots below the read more. ⬇️

I wanted Ace to have a very down-to-earth vibe and looked at Aussie beach-girls, coastal cowgirls, and vaqueras for reference. (IDK, I’ve just always envisioned Ace as part-Australian🌺 and Mexican 🏴‍☠️) Her clothing choices are mostly natural or utilitarian materials like the painted wooden beads on her top, her woven fabric and leather belts, and her denim jumpsuit. I gave her bikini top a zen-garden kind of feel because I read the first Ace’s Story Novel and I loved how idyllic and peaceful they made Sixis Island sound so I wanted to invoke that in some way.

Speaking of her painted wooden beads, they hang off the back of her top and represent her connection to Sabo and Luffy. They watch her back once she sets sail. She only wears one red glass bead earring because the other one got ripped out of her ear when a child, leaving her earlobe torn (don’t think about it too much 😢). Also, YES! she does wear a hibiscus flower just like Rouge (because I hate you and I want to make you cry, muhwahahahaha).

Also, I really wanted her to have super textured curly hair that licks behind her like flames. I am always considering whether or not a character should have long hair or not because I don’t want it to be a hindrance if they’re in a fight (or if they ARE a fighter with long hair, how to they avoid an enemy making use of that?). Ace is, of course, a Logia-type Devil Fruit User so I think she wouldn’t have trouble with people grabbing it LOL I get the feeling that she doesn’t take very good care of it even though it looks amazing. Like you’d think it would be soft and bouncy just by looking at it but if you ever get the chance to run your fingers through it, it’s a total rat’s nest and there’s sand and food all up in it. She still falls asleep while eating 😂 but she tries her best to only do it around people she can trust (woman moment 😔).

Honestly, her design is not that different from Ace’s canon look. It feels really vital to Ace’s character to have a lot of skin showing. And he’s always hanging all over himself with his hips all cocked like the weight of the world is too much to stand up straight. It is certainly not my OWN preference to make her an absolute smoke show. That’s just the character, okay? (I’m partially lying and the proof is that I turned the emblem on Ace’s hat strap into a sternum tattoo for no other reason than that it is sexy af.)

Here are some closeups of Ace:

Now for Sabo, I’ve made her very girly. I tried putting her in pants or something more militant but she told me that she’d wear the big poofy sleeves and hiked-up ruffled skirt. I think Sabo has always had a strong grasp on his fashion sense and individual flair and I truly believe that his personal style is one of the major influences for the rest of the Revolutionary Army resulting in the very flashy, queer, steampunk aesthetic (aside from Dragon’s plain-ass cloak). So of course I had to implement her nonconformist look when reimagining her as a woman and dress her up to the nines.

I’ve given her very ornate jewelry that is there to tell a story, even if she herself doesn’t know it. I like to think she picks up stuff from her travels that resonate with her, such as a damaged set of earrings with one stone missing or red cup-shaped shells featuring three nestled pearls. Another accessory that cannot go unmentioned is her dragon claw hat pin that keeps her top hat resting on top of her hair (and is definitely used as a weapon when the situation simply doesn’t call for trusty metal pipe). She also has a veil that obscures her prominent facial scar. I imagine she’s not very keen on the reminder of the incident from her childhood that took away her memories. I also kept her chipped toothed because 1) it’s fucking adorable and 2) is a visual reminder that she no longer aligns herself with the nobility who would have gotten such a thing fixed. She is so poised in almost every outward facet of her life from her dignified role as the Chief of Staff to the elegant materials in her clothing that it can be easy to forget she was also a rough and tumble forest dweller. Every time Koala remembers this, he lets out the biggest sigh.

Her hair is inspired by Gibson Girls and Elizabeth Swann from the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie. I wanted it to be fussy and tidy but fall apart when she’s in moments of distress. For example, when she remembers her sisters, her hair starts to look like Ace’s flaming mane. I’m so in love with her, I think she looks like an adorable little porcelain doll that would fuck you up. I made an effort to keep her eyes a little bit manic. I get lost in her steely black orbs (and also Ace’s warm brown ones, but we’re talking about Sabo rn).

Here are her close-ups:

Plot notes for this AU:

For this series of character designs, I wanted the expressions and outfits to be aligned with the canon plot but I don’t know if I have the heart to kill fem!Ace in my AU. I’m too attached and ASL has suffered enough!!!!! But Ace’s death is also a major defining moment for Luffy so it feels disingenuous to completely avoid it. Also a huge aspect of Sabo’s character is carrying on Ace’s will and I have so many thoughts about how the Dressrosa Colosseum scene would play out if they were all women. Oh well, I’ll cross that tragic bridge when I get to it. I’m definitely going to draw some Modern AU Girl Piece ASL though. They deserve to hang out with no stakes 😭 They are sisters!!!

Check out the tag “girl piece” on my blog for my other One Piece genderbends! 🥰

[fear-is-truth]

omg could u pls do a how bruce wayne does casual dominance in everyday life (for example: picking what you wear, telling you what nail color to get, what perfume, etc) pls!!! i love how u write bruce 😭😭 WE LITERALLY SHARE THE SAME VISION!!! i love ur blog sm 💞💞💞

ACTS OF CASUAL DOMINANCE

─── BRUCE WAYNE x f! reader. . . headcanons .ᐟ

a/n: tysm anon !! love how we imagined bruce the same way :)

bruce, who is every inch the gentleman when he’s out with you—always placing his hand on the small of your back when guiding you through a crowd or escorting you to his car, a subtle but firm gesture that says, you’re mine, and i’m looking after you. he opens doors for you without fail, pulls out your chair at restaurants, and always walks on the street side of the sidewalk, even if it means switching places mid-walk. if you’re wearing heels, he keeps a steadying hand at your waist when you go down stairs.

bruce, who loves leaving subtle marks of his presence on you, whether it’s adjusting your scarf or brushing a thumb over your lip to fix your lipstick. when you’re out together, his hand is always on you—the small of your back, your hip, or wrapped around your fingers. not quite overbearing, but just enough to let everyone know who you belong to.

bruce, who doesn’t outright dictate what you wear, but his influence on your fashion choices is undeniable. he’ll casually leave a dress hanging in your closet or comment on how much he likes seeing you in a particular shade or fabric. “you should wear that blue one tonight,” he’ll suggest. his approval becomes something you crave, and the smouldering way his gaze lingers on you when you follow his preferences is its own reward.

bruce, who will always shrug off his coat and drape it over your shoulders if you’re cold or if the evening turns brisk unexpectedly.

bruce, who has an unspoken authority that makes you want to listen. if you reach for just coffee in the morning, he’ll gently push a plate of fresh fruit or eggs your way. “you’ll need more than that today,” he says, and it doesn’t just leave there—he’ll sit with you, sipping his own coffee as if to make sure you actually eat.

bruce, who has a knack for choosing the perfect jewelry to complement your beauty. when you’re torn between options, standing indecisively by your vanity, he’ll step in without hesitation. his fingers will hover briefly over the collection before selecting a bracelet. “this one,” he says, gently fastening it around your wrist.

bruce, who has a weakness for lingerie, and he spares no expense when it comes to choosing pieces for you. he has a habit of surprising you with carefully chosen lingerie from brands like la perla or agent provocateur—luxurious silk and lace in colours he knows will complement your skin. sometimes, you’ll find it laid out on the bed with a note in his distinct handwriting: wear this for me. other times, he hands you the box himself, sitting on the edge of the bed as you untie the ribbon. his demeanour is completely calm, but judging from the hunger in his eyes, it’s clear he’s already calculating how quickly he could rip it from your body.

bruce, who has a refined sense of smell, and takes pride in choosing a perfume that is uniquely you. when he catches the scent lingering on your neck or wrist, his lips will brush against your skin as he breathes it in, murmuring, “that suits you.” he loves how the fragrance becomes a signature of sorts, clinging to his clothes or the bedsheets.

bruce, who never misses a chance to come to your rescue when you’re struggling with a zipper or clasp. standing behind you, his hands are deft as they glide up the zipper with ease. but he doesn’t step away immediately—instead, his fingers linger at the nape of your neck, grazing your skin as though he’s savouring the excuse to touch you. he leans in slowly, inhaling your scent before he presses a kiss to the delicate curve of your shoulder blade.

bruce, who shares intimate evening rituals with you. he’ll sit on the edge of the bed, his suit jacket already discarded, watching you with an almost meditative calm as you remove your makeup or adjust your hair. sometimes he’ll step in, undoing your necklace or offering to brush your hair for you.

bruce, who has a way of subtly steering you toward better habits without making you feel lectured. bruce doesn’t argue or insist—he just closes your phone or pulls the book from your hands, setting them aside before cupping your face. “that’s enough. you’ll thank me in the morning,”

bruce, who ensures your needs are met before you even realise them. when you’re tired, he’ll guide you to sit, bringing you a glass of water or pressing a kiss to your temple. his dominance is very subtle, woven into these small, everyday acts, making you feel both cherished and completely under his care.

──⟢  fear-is-truth — all rights reserved. do not modify, repost, translate, or plagiarise my content.

[blockedbykei]

manager!reader x tsukki please

karasuno team making predictions about who will be the first one to become a dad in the future, not knowing it will be tsukki 🫢

say that theyre having a reunion and all of them goes 0_o after seeing readers bby bump, you could do the rest tbh😭❤️

currently living off my mobile data 🙏 tysm for this request

— little easter egg here if u see it

the boys were always eager to place bets on things unnecessary. who can spike the most balls, who can drink the most milk, who can shove the most meat in their mouth without chewing it. they always bargained a few yens or free food.

it had rubbed on you a few bets later.

in the night before sugawara, daichi, shimizu, and asahi's graduation day, the whole team had decided to have a sleepover inside the gym. the boys set up their futons on the court, while the girls stayed at the stage, futons side by side.

but you were all gathered in the middle, clad in mismatched pyjamas, snacks tossed around, dinner melted in your stomachs. you were guaranteed that this night would hold a special place in your heart– something to look back to when change begins the next day.

"who's most likely to...?" kageyama falls back, head on a pillow beside hinata's thigh, a finger on his chin. "go to jail?"

you and tsukishima point at hinata. yamaguchi points at yachi, and she, including kageyama, sugawara, daichi, and shimizu, point at tanaka. asahi points at noya, as well as narita, kinoshita, and ennoshita.

"this one gets breaking and entering," kei says. "tanaka-san gets harrassment. noya for disorderly conduct."

you laugh and lean your shoulder on his, reaching over his lap for a mochi. you feel his nose tickle the top of your head, but it was one of the few subtle public affections he only gives you that night. kei bites on your dessert, glancing at you as a small way of expressing his gratitude.

"okay," hinata throws another pack of chips on the futon, bouncing lightly. "who's most likely to become a parent in the next 10 years?"

majority seemed to point at daichi and sugawara. they both gasp.

"why us?"

"you parent all of us!"

"we wouldn't have to if you all acted like you were properly disciplined," daichi says, eating a chip from koshi's hand. you missed the way the tips of his ears blushed.

"i think tsukishima here would be a dad first," tanaka teases. he cranes his leg and kicks his shin jovially. "eh? since you're the first one here to get a girlfriend out of all of us."

your cheeks flush, burning when kei gives you a quick glance before shrugging. nonetheless you shrug, placing your hands behind you to lean back. "i think kageyama would be a dad first."

ennoshita snorts. "i caught him talking to a girl the other day."

"he peed himself," hinata quips. "he was asking for his pen back, i'm pretty sure he'd be asking for his dignity back, too."

"fuck off, dumbass."

"i bet a thousand yen on kageyama being the first one to be a dad!" noya slams his fist, rattling the snacks on the futon. tsukishima scoffs, however ignored by the others as they buzz in excitement. "anyone on tsukishima?"

"me and yachi," yamaguchi raises his hand, lifting hitoka's. hinata joins them.

"what about me?" daichi points to himself. "i could be the first one to be a dad. i'm your senior!"

"a thousand yen on daddy daichi!"

"noya, you can't switch your bet!" tanaka yells. "stick to kageyama. i'm going with sawamura-san."

they look at you. "oh, i'm not joining."

"i am," tsukishima says. "i'm on daddy kageyama." he winks.

"please don't lose this bet," hinata pleads to his setter, hands clasped. "i don't want to lose a thousand yen. keep it in your pants."

"shut up, hinata!"

later that night, when everyone had laughed their way to sleep, you and tsukishima silently snuck out the dark gymnasium and into the open night sky, walking towards the football field and laying down in the middle of it, damp grass tickling your backs.

"seriously though, who do you think would be a dad first?" you ask him, craning your neck to the side to look at him. tsukishima was already looking at you, glasses askew, his eyebrows raised just the slighest.

"kageyama wouldn't get a girl pregnant until he's forty." he jests. "me though..."

his tone is playful, the way his shoulders come up to a shrug. you wheeze out and laugh, clutching your chest, even though it made you blush deeply. he only wrinkles his nose at you, but his smile reaches to his eyes. "i doubt, kei. i think daichi would be first."

"why didn't you say it?"

"you being their answer caught me off guard!" you argue, hands in the air. "whaddya think, though? should we let them win this?"

"i'm kinda surprised they think kageyama would be the first to be a dad considering he literally eye fucks a volleyball," he pokes your cheek. "i don't want to let them win though."

you pat his head. "don't knock me up until we're 41, 'kay?"

tsukishima got you pregnant at 27.

and while you were both elated at the sight of two lines at a cheap stick, it was soon dropped at the realization that you (technically he did) had let them won one of the bets.

("keep it inside you until you're forty!"

"i can't fucking do that, smartass.")

you both hoped that they'd long forgotten the 11 year bet, that the minute they stepped through the door, everyone would gasp at the sight of your growing belly and coo at the thought of little blondes running around your home and into their arms.

much to your dismay, it was the first thing they brought up.

"a thousand yen!" hinata exclaims, his hand already out to accept their cash.

they immediately hand out their cash in his palm before scurrying up to awe at your belly, all bent to face it. you place your hands on top, tsukishima splaying his fingers protectively on your hip.

"it's so big!"

"honey, don't say that," shimizu swats tanaka on his head.

yachi takes your hand in both hers, shaking in excitement. "how far long?!"

you smile. "four months."

kageyama, with hinata under his arm, approaches you with a grin so condescending. "i'm going to bully your child to death," he tells kei.

"i'm going to bully you to death, virgin boy."

"i- i am not a virgin!"

the rest of the evening was spent gawping at your belly. you'd only allowed asahi, daichi, hinata, yachi, shimizu, and the godfather yamaguchi to touch your stomach.

(yamaguchi had fainted when kei announced he'd be the godfather).

and while everyone else were occupied at the sport playing on the tv, you rest your back on kei's chest, body between his legs, laced fingers on top of your stomach. it felt like the sleepover back then; and you're too emotionally over the edge that it sends an overwhelming tear on your eyes.

tsukishima cranes his neck to look down at you and wipes your tear, pushing your hair behind you. "why you crying, love?"

"nothing," you sniffle, snuggling deeper into him. though he seemed to have read your mind, and placed a warm kiss on your temple.

"hey," nishinoya stands up, tanned arms stretching. "i bet a thousand yen little tsukishima here is a boy."

you and tsukishima yell at him to stop.

but 8 out of 15 voted for a girl (ennoshita, sugawara, yachi, shimizu, yamaguchi, you, tsukishima)

7 of those voted for a boy and strictly told tsukishima to train him to play volleyball.

those 7 players paid outside the delivery room when tsukishima came out with a babygirl in his hands, telling everyone that she was hoshi, who had his eyes and hair, but had your smile that he loved and adored.

[saintjosie]

Do you have any foods you love but can't eat? I miss eggs and bananas so much but the gut pain is unfortunately not worth it 😭

ice cream.

jess has a fatal dairy allergy, like the anaphylaxis and hospital kind of allergy and not lactose intolerance, and i am lactose intolerant. as a result we don’t really have any dairy products or anything that includes dairy in it, which is a fuckload more than you would imagine. and my lactose intolerance has gotten a lot worse ever since i cut almost all dairy out of my diet.

i love some of the dairy free options for ice cream but one of my comfort foods is a pint of jeni’s and jeni’s having an enormously high milk fat content wreaks absolutely havoc on my stomach even with lactaid and stuff like that.

the things we do for love.

[jeun-bug]

Had a hilarious idea so here’s brainrotting anon back again:

Tweet: “Overheard a student go up to MC and say ‘I need you to be a girl for a second’. MC looked down, grabbed her own tits, and said ‘do these not count for that? Does this mean I can go topless when I’m sweating my ass off in Jabberwock?!’ And *insert ghoul here* just slaps them upside the head”

(I personally think it’d be funny if it was Jin, who in one of the rare times he leaves his room overheard the honor student say that and is just like “wtf why do I want this dumbass again??”. Though Tohma, Sho, Ren, or Jiro are good candidates too. I just think a lot of the others who try to lecture them out of it, would try to egg it on as teasing flirting, would try to genuinely-ish encourage it for the chaos, or just wouldn’t care.)

HAHAHAH you’re totally right. I think alan would put his hand on top of the inspector’s head and just like…. roughly ruffle their hair, yk?

my MC is gender neutral, but i can absolutely see this going down with a female-bodied MC

this got surprisingly long lolol more hc’s under the cut <3

kaito would flip out 😭😭 he’s rapidly moving between “HOW DARE YOU IMPLY THAT THE HONOR STUDENT ISNT A GIRL ALL THE TIME” and “INSPECTOR YOU CANT JUST SHOW THOSE OFF TO ANYONE IM THE KNLY ONE ALLOWED TI SEE THEM ITS NAUGHTY TO SHOW THEM OFF IN PUBLIC”

romeo would also backhand them, sho would scoff and shove them away. leo would encourage it until he realizes it’s probably Not Great if his fake partner gets caught topless in public.

jiro wouldn’t care, he’s like “i see them topless all the time? it’s just boobs?”. yuri would blush so hard thinking about seeing the inspector’s chest in a non-medical scenario that he nearly passes out.

i feel like rui and haku would get lowkey defensive but try to play it off as flirting like “um hey hello??? you can’t just show those off those are my eyes only???” LMAO

ren and zenji would shout at them for considering it 😭 imagine zenji “MY DEAR!!! YOUR BODY IS A TEMPLE, YOU CANNOT ALLOW THOSE WHO ARE UNWORTHY (everyone besides me) TO LAY THEIR EYES UPON YOUR BEAUTIFUL FORM!!!!!”

lyca and ed wouldn’t care i think. ed would get flirty about it lolol

poor subaru would be bright red and desperately trying to navigate discouraging it AND being polite and not overstepping lmao “well…. um, i mean- i don’t mean to overstep or anything…. it’s just…. that sort of thing is…. of course, it’s ultimately your choice…. but….” 😭😭

taiga would lose it and actively encourage them to take their top off NOW like “ cmon inspector you said it. it would be so funny cmon “

haru gasps, affronted, and covers peekaboo’s ears, “inSPECtor!!! if it’s that hot, i’ll buy you a portable fan!!!! there is no need for that!!!!!!!”

ritsu would lecture the GA student about harassment laws and then turn around and lecture the inspector about public nudity laws.

if it’s said around towa, jabberwock park doesn’t know a single day of peaceful weather for a week, after which the GA student mysteriously goes missing lolol

you’re totally right about jin 😭 he’s like “if this is what you’re getting up to when i leave you alone, i’ll just have to start following you around everywhere to keep you out of trouble.” and everyone besides the MC immediately realizes he’s just trying to find excuses to spend time with them.

tohma and luca would both lecture the inspector about it, but tohma would be lowkey laughing to whole time LMAO he’s like “that’s incredibly improper, inspector. if you’re going to work so closely with frostheim, i must ask that you do your best to maintain a respectable image” but he’s just a shit eating grin on his face bc he’s truly a vagastrom boy at heart LMAOO

[si1verghosts]

Hi!

3. A kiss on the forehead😌

helloooo dear anon!! i am sorry this took so long i could not for the life of me figure out to write but then ! i wrote this on the 4th and i realized it could work... maybe... sorta. this may not be what you were expecting/wanting but there's forehead kisses in there.... somewhere 🫡 also, if u are not american i apologize for giving you a july 4th fic 😭 but the holiday is relatively inconsequential here like theres no patriotism it's just a backdrop if u know what i mean.... anyway, i hope u enjoy <33

you taste like the 4th of july

di leon s. kennedy x fem reader (no use of y/n)

wc: 3.5k

18+ | cw: mentions of drinking | tw: thoughts about death and dying

tags: established relationship; fluff (i guess??); slight changes to canon to suit author's headcanons

read on ao3

a/n: for the past few months i've been working on this very insane multi-chap post di leon fic 😵‍💫 this was written with that in mind But does not have a place in that story... probably.... idk!!! either way, i think it can be read as a standalone just fine

additionally, there is a scene in here where leon picks the reader up. i would just like to say like... he gets thrown into concrete walls on a biweekly basis and gets up and walks it off without issue so i think he can lift anyone no matter their size or shape!!

not beta read or proofread - sorry if any of it is gibberish i've had a wicked migraine the past few days... will maybe attempt to proofread once i can see correctly again 🚬🧍‍♀️regardless, all mistakes are my own

i do not own leon or any other resi character mentioned, etc etc, please don't sue me <3

please do not use my work to train any sort of AI chatbot and/or writing generator.

-----

"It was a good day, wasn't it?" Leon asks, wrapping his arms around your waist, resting his chin on your shoulder as you stand over the patio table, cleaning up the abandoned plates and platters.

You hum. It was; a beautiful, cloudless July 4th, spent with Leon's friends in the backyard of your home. The only ones missing were Ashley and Ingrid; the former having a standing family commitment and the latter planning to spend her holiday on the beach, away from the country and your fiancé.

Typically, Chris hosted the Independence Day cookout, but Leon offered up your new home as this year's venue, citing your in-ground pool and the plenty of extra space you have for guests to stay. In reality, he just wanted the chance to out-grill Chris - he'd been preparing since Memorial Day; testing different spice and sauce combinations as well as stocking your freezer full of large cuts of meat.

He'd started before you were even awake, chopping and seasoning in the kitchen, slowly loading up the smoker. You'd joined him on the patio a few hours later, watching from your pool floaty as he poked and prodded at various things.

You don't even eat meat, didn't know the whole thing was so involved, but you did enjoy the view; worn blue jeans hugging his frame as he crouched to check a thermometer.

You had taken a short break from the water, tying up lights and setting a few little decorations around before your guests arrived. Rebecca was the first, tucking her jugs of pre-made cocktail and platter of deviled eggs into your fridge before joining you on the patio.

Chris wasn't far behind, unloading two coolers filled with beer and containers of homemade potato and pasta salads. He'd handed one off to you, grinning, "Claire made one just for you this year."

You'd thanked him, making another attempt to get him to share his family's recipes with you. It was futile, you probably couldn't even waterboard it out of either of them.

Claire had arrived on her motorcycle shortly after, pulling a bundle of fireworks out of her saddlebags. "Sorry I'm late," she said - even though she wasn't - dumping the pile on the ground, thankfully far away from the grill. "Had to stop for these."

Leon had crouched down to inspect them, listening intently as Claire told him about all the different varieties she'd purchased while you relaxed back into the pool.

Sherry arrived next, Jake trailing behind her. She'd left both him and her bags of chips at the table, giving Leon and Claire quick hugs before immediately joining you in the water.

She'd slipped in right beside your floaty, grabbing your hand to get a look at your engagement ring - she'd yet to see it, having been so busy with work. Her eyes widened at the ring as she pushed her sunglasses up to rest on top of her head, "Leon picked this out? Our Leon? Leon Kennedy? Are you sure?"

You'd giggled at her astonishment, "Ashley helped him out; took him to one of her favorite jewelers."

"I should've guessed," She nods. "For my 20th Birthday, he bought me this crazy cute pink tennis bracelet and I was like, 'no way you picked this out alone.' He fessed up that he got a little help from a friend named Ashley.

"At the time, I thought it was just some girlfriend - or hoped, I guess. Back then, I spent a lot of time hoping that Claire and Leon weren't just… working; I liked to think they were taking time for themselves, that they were happy," she had trailed off then, looking off to the tree line behind your house for a minute. Blinking the mist from her eyes, she shrugged, continuing on, "Anyways, I'm thankful to Ash for that bracelet, it was there with me though… a lot. And I'm thankful to you for making him happy, like I always wanted him to be."

With that, you slid off the float to give her a hug, holding her tight as you whispered your thanks. You had worked to bite back your tears - if she didn't cry, neither would you.

Luckily, Jill had walked in a few seconds later, providing a distraction in the form of the most ridiculously large watermelon. "Hey, Kennedy," she shouted, pulling Leon out of his conversation with Claire as she gestured to the melon tucked under her arm. "Can't burn this, can I?"

Leon had thrown his head back with a laugh - in previous years, Jill had always brought boxed brownies with extra crispy edges and Leon invariably had to make a comment about them. "I don't know," he had shrugged, "When it comes to you, Valentine, I'll never say never."

Jill had reared the watermelon back, acting as if she was going to throw it at him. Leon had thrown his arms up, shielding his face, causing everyone to crumble into laughter at the scene.

"It was nice," you agree, reaching to pick up the barong machete he had given Jill when she asked for a knife to cut the melon. "We do have kitchen knives, you know," you scold mockingly, gently waving the blade around.

"I know," he says, releasing you to reach around and pluck the machete out of your hand. "It's good to exercise these every once in a while, though."

You roll your eyes at him, "It's a machete, Leon, not a horse."

He waves you off, slipping through the patio door to wash the blade in the kitchen sink. You take the opportunity to speed clean, knowing it'll be a much harder task once he returns and wraps his arms back around you.

Thankfully everyone had taken care of their own plates and cups - they'd tried to stay and do more but you had ushered them out of the backyard, wanting Chris, Sherry and Jake to depart before the traffic picked up with the crowds leaving the city following the fireworks shows. Jill, Claire and Rebecca had taken up on your offer to stay, at least, piling into your guest rooms. You were glad to have them, secretly plotting to drag them to brunch once you all woke.

You finish piling the platters as Leon makes his way back outside. Before he can get his hands on you and derail your progress, you point to the stack, "Take those inside."

He frowns, "Can't it just wait until tomorrow?"

"We'll get ants; come on, five minutes and it'll be done."

He sighs, but doesn't protest further, carrying the heavy plates inside as you follow him with the utensils. You stack everything by the sink before turning to him, "Is there any of Becca's cocktail left?"

He cocks his brow, tilting his head, "You really want to try that again?"

It's a valid question - you had given it a go earlier and despite everyone's warnings to take it easy, you had thrown back a large mouthful right off the bat. You ended up wincing in pain, "Fuck, that burns. What'd you put in there, Becca?"

She'd shrugged, "Oh, you know, a splash of this, a splash of that. And," she teased, drawing out the vowel, "A bit of my own creation."

"Your own creation…" You had muttered, trailing off before it hit you, "Test tube alcohol?"

She had giggled, grinning, "Takes some getting used to."

You had tried another, much tinier sip. You were able to enjoy the sweetness of the juice for a moment before the burn kicked in again, causing you to curse once more, louder.

Leon had shifted his attention from Chris to you at your exclamation. Seeing the jug of Rebecca's cocktail in front of you on the table, he quickly pieced together what was happening, calling over to Rebecca from his place by the grill, "You trying to kill my fiancé, Becks?"

"Absolutely not; that'd be a stupid thing for me to do," she'd shot back. "She's the only one who can keep you in line, and we kind of like you like that."

"Well," you start, rolling the word around your mouth, "No. But yes - there's gotta be some sort of trick to it, right? Everyone else drank it just fine."

"The trick is," he starts, voice low, reaching out to grab ahold of your hips, "To not drink it. Let me make you some tea instead."

"Fine," you pout, relaxing into his grip, not bothering to argue - tea won't make you hate yourself in the morning.

He moves his hands from your hips, sliding his fingertips along your spine. "Go wait outside," he says, releasing you with a featherlight kiss to your forehead, "I'll bring it out."

With a brush of your lips against his cheek in thanks, you slip away from him, heading back out to the backyard and pulling off your shorts, settling onto the ledge of the shallow end of the pool. The air has cooled with the setting of the sun, becoming a comforting warmth instead of an overbearing heat. You dip your legs into the water, thankful you insisted on having a pool when you and Leon were house hunting.

Someone is still setting off fireworks; they're a few miles away, though - you can hear them more than you can see them. Resting back on your palms, you close your eyes, imagining what bursts of color may be accompanying each sound.

Leon joins you a few minutes later - just after the fireworks had died down - sporting his swim shorts and carrying your tea. He bends, setting the mug next to you with a kiss to your temple, nosing at your hair. "Earl Grey," he reports before drawling, "How terribly unpatriotic of you."

"You going to arrest me for treason, Agent Kennedy?" You laugh, reaching up to squeeze his thigh below the hem of his shorts. "You're the one who made it; they'd nail you as an accomplice."

He falls into a crouch, leg muscles bunching under the pads of your fingertips as he shifts closer to touch his lips on your cheek. "They can hang us together, then," he remarks, voice a bit too serious for it to be just a joke. "Side by side, off the same branch."

You sit back just enough to get your eyes focused on him, reaching your other hand out to thumb at his bottom lip. "Dulce et decorum est pro cor mori," you whisper, tacking on a hum in question.

He cocks his head at the unfamiliar words, nipping at your nail playfully, "English please, baby."

You consider him for a moment, the translation of the true phrase running through your mind; how sweet and honorable it is to die for one's country. The old lie, it's come to be known as - fittingly.

It's a similar sentiment to one that's grown to become your fear; that he'll die for the sake of the country, under orders from the government, believing it was his duty.

But you think your spin on it may be true; would be willing to find out.

You don't want to weigh him down with the thought, though, choosing to reel him in for a kiss instead. "I love you," is the answer you settle on, laying the words down right on his tongue.

He seems content with your translation - the method of delivery likely having something to do with it - humming into your mouth. He kisses you back lazily for a long, languid moment before he pulls away, "As much as I'm enjoying this, I've been wanting to get in there all day," he says, nodding his head towards the water.

"Go," you chuckle, giving him a gentle push away from you with the hand still resting along his face.

He lays another quick peck against your lips before standing, padding around the edge to the steps. He pauses for a moment to pull his shirt over his head, skin honeyed under the soft glow of the lights you'd hung around the patio.

A second later, he slips under the surface without hesitation; kicking off the steps, moving quickly to the deep end. He almost shimmers as he glides along the floor of the pool, the rippling of the gentle waves he'd created making him seem like some sort of mirage as he passes by you.

He comes up for air once he hits the far wall, tossing his hair back, smoothing the water from his eyes. He doesn't rest long, though, beginning to swim short laps across the width of the deep end.

You observe him, sipping your tea slowly, appreciating the way his back and arms work with each stroke. He continues long enough for you to nearly drain your cup, stopping short when another trio of fireworks set off in the distance.

Setting your mug down, you eye him, preparing to slip into the pool to soothe him if you have to, but he relaxes once he connects the sound to the flashes in the sky. The tension that had flooded the line of his shoulders drains into the water as he shifts to wade backward, moving closer to where you sit.

You finish off your drink as he starfishes out across the surface of the water, floating just a few feet in front of you. You wonder if you could use him as a floaty, pinning up a note in your brain to try it out sometime.

"I'm glad you insisted on a pool, sweetheart," he sighs, breaking your companionable silence.

You hum, pleased, kicking your legs out gently and causing the water to lap against his skin. More fireworks sound out; he doesn't tense this time, but he does get his feet back under himself, moving to where you sit along the ledge.

Sliding his hands up your legs, he pillows his head in your lap, wet hair fanning out across your thighs. You shift your weight back onto your right hand, laying the other along his jaw. His eyes flutter closed as you brush your thumb along his cheekbone and the scar that runs beneath it.

He picks at the tie of your bathing suit absentmindedly, tugging at the strings when you slide your hand into his hair, scratching at his scalp. "Sherry said something to me earlier."

He makes a noise urging you to elaborate, not bothering to open his eyes.

"She told me that when she was younger, she hoped that you and Claire were living your lives; that you were doing more than just working, you know? She said she wanted you guys to be happy," you explain, working to keep your voice even.

He cracks his eyes open, picking his head up to watch you as you continue. "She thanked me," you swallow thickly, "for making you happy, like she always wanted you to be."

He smiles at your words, and it's a beautiful thing. You still get all twisted up inside with how gorgeous he is; neurons overclocking themselves with the thrill of being the subject of his attention.

"I owe you a thank you, too, baby," he starts, pausing to nose at your wrist.

"You don't owe me anything, Leon," you tug at his damp strands still between your fingers, highlights catching the yellow glow from the lights around the patio.

"I do," he says, the words sending a jolt through you. You never intended on getting married, yet here you are now, eager to hear the phrase on the altar.

He kisses the thin skin of your wrist, lips lingering as if he can feel the thrum of your heartbeat; knows that the pace has picked up under his affection. "All this," he pulls back, taking a hand off you to gesture to the pool; the backyard; the house; to you. "It's something I never thought I'd get.

"Sherry's right - you're behind basically every bit of happiness I have now, sweetheart; I owe it all to you." He reaches up, untangling your grip from his hair, thumbing gently at the ring he put there, "Thank you."

You can't respond verbally, will burst into tears if you do. In lieu of speech, you lean forward, pressing your lips against his insistently.

He seems to get the message; understands that the pleasure is all yours, that you'd give him anything and everything you can - knowing he'd do the same for you.

He gets his arms back around you, continuing your kiss as he lifts you from the edge of the pool and into the water with him. You wrap your legs around his waist, safe and secure in his hold.

His teeth catch along your bottom lip and the neighbors down the street set off fireworks, the bright bursts of color painting your backyard in reds and blues and greens and oranges. The sparks reflect off the surface of the water as he slides his nose against yours and not for the first time, you think this may all be a dream. Maybe you died four years ago and this whole thing has been some sort of afterlife; you aren't sure you'd done anything worth this treatment, though.

Maybe it's more supernatural in origin; an intricate hallucination weaved by a Djinn that's got you chained up in some dark, damp basement as it feeds off your blood. Or maybe you just went crazy and the pool is actually a padded room, Leon's mouth against yours a product of your mind working to distract itself from your reality.

Whatever the case may be, it certainly feels real when he shifts his hold on you, hoists you up higher to get at your neck, laying kisses up and down the column of your throat, nipping at your jaw.

But before he can venture much further, the neighbor's fireworks show grows into an extravaganza, the relentless popping and bursting becoming a nuisance, shattering the illusion of your teeny-boppy movie moment.

"Jeez," Leon mutters, breath hot against the saliva cooling on your skin, causing you to shudder. "Did they buy out a whole tent?"

"Did you check that Claire actually went to bed?" You ask, shaking yourself free of his hold. "She could've joined them; brought everything I wouldn't let her set off here."

He hums, letting you down into the water, considering your words - even though you said it as a joke, it certainly is a possibility. You seem to come to this realization at the same time, eyes narrowing at each other as the spray of fireworks continues overhead. "We should…" He starts, nodding towards the stairs.

"Yeah," you agree, already beginning to move.

You pause to grab your towels, wrapping your own around yourself, throwing the other over Leon's shoulders when you catch up to him at the patio door. Stepping inside, you hear someone knocking around your kitchen.

Luckily, it's Claire. She steps back from the cabinet she'd been rifling through to face you and Leon with a frown. "Isn't this shit ridiculous?" She remarks, pointing to the ceiling in reference to the fireworks.

"You're one to talk, Claire," Leon shoots back. "Didn't you just set off about five hundred dollars worth of them in my backyard a few hours ago?"

"Yes, a few hours ago," she reiterates. "Nothing should be set off after the show at the Capitol is finished - after that, you're done; you missed your shot; better luck next year."

"Exactly," you nod in agreement at her reasoning, "They should put you in charge."

She grins at your words, moving to continue on, but Leon cuts in before she can start; "What is it that you were clawing through my cabinets for?"

She sighs, displeased with his interruption, setting her hands on her hips. "Where do you keep the ibuprofen?"

Leon shoos her out of the way, padding across the kitchen to get the medicine himself. Claire relents without argument, attention immediately shifting back to you as she leans over the counter. "So," she wiggles her eyebrows, "It seems like that pool was a good investment, huh?"

You bite at your lip, ears burning with embarrassment that she'd seen you and Leon necking in the water like teenagers - even though you shouldn't be flustered; it is your house, after all.

Leon sets the bottle of ibuprofen and a glass of water down in front of Claire, annoyance evident with the way he uses a bit more force than really necessary, causing the items to clack against the marble.

"What?" Claire questions, glaring at him. "It was cute."

Leon huffs in response, unable to hide the flush that crawls up his neck at her words. You can't help the giggle that bubbles out of you, enjoying the way they bicker like siblings.

Claire leaves Leon to stew, tossing you a grin as she collects the bottle and glass, bidding you goodnight once more before she leaves the kitchen.

You move around the counter to Leon, steps careful in an effort not to slip on the water that has dripped off him and onto the tile. The neighbors must've ran out of fireworks while you were distracted by Claire as it's silent when you wrap your arms around him, tucking your face into his neck. "Still a good day?" You ask, voice muffled against his skin.

He slings an arm around you, fingers fanning out along the small of your back, "Still a good day."

[ynbabe]

Fake texts au- pt.10 bffs with the rookies+ The Hangover III

I can't believe we're on part 10 already 😭😭😭

| Masterlist |

"How could I? I didn't have my phone?" the girl asked slightly panicked,.

"That's because you had mine," Lando spoke up, tapping on his phone, "You logged into your account from mine," he said showing it to the girl.

"WHY DIDN'T YOU STOP ME?" She yelled.

"BECAUSE YOU GUYS KEPT RUNNING ONTO THE FUCKING ROAD AND LOGAN AND ARTHUR COSPLAYED SPIDER-MAN" He yelled back.

"Okay, okay," Max put his hands up to calm the two down, sometimes they were so similar he'd want to ask if Lando had a twin separated at birth, "Lando, what did she post?"

"oh oooh, this going to be fun," the boy said, switching to the girl's profile.

its_y/n_love

liked by 21,023 users

Tagged: @/arthur_leclerc @/logansargeant @/oscarpiastri

its_y/n_love me with my Pookie bears everyone say thank you Oscar for paying the Hospital bills 😍

view all 10,874 comments

usernamei SHES GIVINGGG

username she ATE

username they're her pookie bears 😭 she's so unserious I unironically stan her

username a grown woman calling grown men pookie bears 😒 username fr like oscar had to pay for HER hospital bills username he literally payed for Arthurs too but yall ain't gon say none abt that

its_y/n_love

liked by 501,023 users

Tagged: @/arthur_leclerc @/logansargeant @/oscarpiastri @/landonorris

its_y/n_love LANDOOOOOOOOO why he always with his boy tho 🤨

view all 20,874 comments

username omg she's literally living my dream 😫

username fr god i've seen what you've done for others

username omg she's freeloading off him now too?

username give it up she literally just their friend username and even if she wasn’t why would yall treat her differently than any other wag? username look at her man she's literally using them for fame and money

"Well, that wasn't as bad," y/n shrugged.

"That's cause you didn't have your camera roll," Logan snapped back, finally feeling a little more human, the hangover easing down.

"Look who's talking," the Aussie came to y/n's defence, "You're lucky you didn't have YOUR phone," Oscar called out, making the American's face turn red.

"Damnnn Oscar!" The girl praised, colour returning to his face, all were slowly returning to normal, even Arthur had found his way back to the table. Seeing this, the two older men Max and Charles ordered for the table, while Lando, went through more of Y/n's Instagram with the group.

"Honestly, the response isn't that bad, and our PR officers won't murder us, sooo we're good," he said, smiling and logging out of her Instagram account.

"Oh my god," The Monganeseque boy spoke up after being missing for almost half an hour, " I don't think we ate last night," he said shoving the food in his mouth.

The older men expected one of the other three to corroborate the boy's words but they just witnessed four twenty-somethings guzzling down food and large glasses of OJ, lifting plates to slide food into their mouths, letting runny egg yolks and bacon grease getting over their face and hands.

"Fucking hell," Max snarled, "it's like watching animal planet or something,"

"It's disgusting is what it is," Charles agreed, "MERDE ARTHUR, MAMAN RAISED YOU BETTER THAN THIS!" He yelled at his brother who was currently dipping a rolled up pancake in orange juice.

"Oh mate that's fucking disgusting," Y/n scoffed but then followed suit.

"Both of you are insane," Logan cried out, his accent thick, but failed to notice his own disgusting plate, dipping his bacon in maple syrup.

"ugh, there is something mentally deficient with all of you," Oscar frowned.

"Big words for someone mixing coffee into their oj," Lando cringed, taking a photo of the four and their disgusting eating habits.

"I- I can't look at this, I'm leaving," Charles gave up, holding up his hands in surrender, "I have a meeting at Ferrari anyways,"

"Bye, Charles!" the table chorused.

"Oh shit, it's 11am already?" Max called, looking at his watch, "I've got debrief at noon, see you next race, yeah Y/n?" He patted the girl's shoulder as he left.

"Never, again, ever." She yelled out, behind the man, making him laugh.

"Wait really?" The American looked over, bacon in hand.

"Nah, but like I've got uni and stuff and I've been going Arthurs races as well so, I'll probably be back by Britain or Netherlands," she explained.

"Oh yeah I forgot you still go to uni," Lando said.

"Not all of are millionaires cause of our fast vroom vroom cars," she spit back.

"yeah, yeah, " he waved off, "Oscar, Zak's told me to babysit you till our flight tomorrow so you don't do something or someone," he wriggled his brows, smirking at his teammate, making him roll his eyes, "you regret, so let's go and leave that disgusting abomination here," he said pointing to the coffee-orange juice.

"Guy's I don't know about y'all but I'm going go and pass out in the room till next year," The girl said, pushing away from the table.

"Same," The two boys followed.

oooooh this was ✨✨✨ but next we have the summer break chapter 🤭

Taglist: @dark-night-sky-99 @cashtons-wife @i-wish-this-was-me @thehufflepuffavenger1 @eugene-emt-roe @fangirl-dot-com

[goldenseresinretriever]

False Confidence: Chapter 14

Pairing: Javy “Coyote” Machado x Reader

Part of the San Diego Dogfighters universe

Summary: The Athletic named Javy Machado the fifth sluttiest player in the NHL last year. He’s a known playboy who leaves every game with a different girl. As far as he’s concerned he’s living the dream, playing his dream job with the dream lifestyle. Unfortunately his friends and bosses don’t agree. At 33, they think it’s time for him to settle down. You’re a kindergarten teacher at an esteemed private school. You don't expect much when you finally accept your colleague’s invitation to attend her husband’s hockey game but when you accidentally get separated in the post-game rush, you find yourself in a compromising situation with the last person you’d ever expected to meet. When his PR rep suggests a mutually beneficial agreement, your hands are tied. How long will you have to keep up the act? And how long will you be able to?

Series CW: 18+ ONLY, swearing, angst, fluff, fake relationship, suggestive language, anxiety, school system inaccuracies, hockey inaccuracies etc. There will be individual chapter warnings. No use of Y/N.

Word Count: 3.9k

A/N: I’m BACK, baby! And I missed these two so much!! 😭

Previous Chapter // Series Masterlist // Next Chapter

“Javy, where’s your fridge?” You frown at the space that should be the object of your search. It looks like a fridge. It’s where a fridge should be. And yet… there’s no way this is actually his fridge. You look back inside as the alarm system starts to beep, urging you to close the door. Reluctantly, you take out the egg carton sitting inside. You’re setting it on the counter when Javy appears in the kitchen. He’s carrying Roxie in his arms and she’s enthusiastically licking at his cheeks.

“What do you mean, sweetheart, it’s right there?” Javy nods toward the refrigerator behind you. Your brows furrow in confused irritation.

“I mean, I know it’s right there…” you bite your lip, trying to find a way to ask your question without coming off painfully blunt. “Javy, where’s the food in it?” Your voice dies off as the question escapes.

He blinks at you and you blink back, an awkward silence falling over the two of you. The pause is long and punctuated by the jingle of Roxie’s collar as she continues showering her dad with affection. “Technically, there is food in it-“

“Javy, sauces aren’t food.” You cross your arms, your teacher-voice starting to slip through the cracks.

“I have the eggs!” He argues and you flip open the carton.

“This is full which means you bought them just for this,” your brow furrows. He’s floundering and you sigh softly. “Javy, I’m not trying to criticize you, but I just, I worry. You’re a professional athlete, that means you have to eat a lot and you don’t have any food, and I’m your girlfriend and also your friend, and I worry.” Your frown softens as Javy’s eyes do.

“You don’t have to worry about me, Roadie girl, I’m eating plenty. I just tend to order out instead of cook. I’m not starving by any means.” Your brow tightens again even as he tries to reassure you.

“But that’s not necessarily healthy! You need to eat real food!” You exclaim and he gently crosses the kitchen to you as you slowly start to get wound up.

“Hey, hey calm down. I’m okay, Meep, I’ve been doing this for years and I’m still here.” Your frown deepens even more.

“But that just means you haven’t been taking care of yourself for years and your body has just adjusted to it! And knowing you, if you aren’t taking care of yourself, that means you probably aren’t letting people take care of you either!”

***

Javy can’t help the way the corners of his mouth are twitching upwards as you start to unravel in front of him. He knows you’re saying all this because you care. The more you say, the more he can’t help the way his heart swells. As the only boy in a family of women, Javy’s used to being fussed over but this feels different, warmer somehow. Family fusses out of responsibility, but this, this fussing is your choice and he lets the smile slip free as he comes around behind you, wrapping you in a hug, burying his face in your hair gently, letting himself soak in the warmth of your presence and sweet words.

He feels the subtle shift of your body in surprise before settling in his embrace as he does so. You’re visibly more comfortable with him than you used to be but old habits die hard, it would seem.

“Are you even listening to me, Javy?” He hears the pout in your voice, the sharpness in your question melting like your inhibitions and he rubs your arms even as they heat under his ministrations.

“You worry too much, Meep.” He teases right next to your ear, pride licking at his chest as your body responds. He doesn’t have to see your face to know you’re rolling your eyes at him. He loves it when you do that.

“And you don’t worry enough!” You may as well have stamped your foot, the petulance in your tone making Javy chuckle.

“Well it seemed like you had it covered for the both of us,” he points out, accenting his point with a kiss to the apple of your cheek before reluctantly letting you go. “So, where’s the box?” He crosses over to the tote bag you had brought with you, looking inside and frowning when he doesn’t see what he’s looking for.

“Box?” You come over to where he’s looking into the bag, peering around his broad shoulders. “What box?”

“The mix? For the brownies?” Javy looks back at you to see a look of affront on your face. He’s confused so he looks back into the bag hoping it’ll hold an answer.

***

You should have known when you saw his fridge but you can’t help feeling a bit offended as you take the tote bag from Javy’s hands, trying to ignore the flutter in your stomach when his fingers brush yours. You wonder absently if that will ever fade before reaching into the bag, taking out each ingredient carefully, and placing them on the counter, hoping the silence will speak for itself but you just see his confusion growing and you sigh, placing your hands on the counter, gathering your patience. “There’s no mix, Javy. We’re going to make them from scratch.” His eyes widen in realization.

“Oh,” the single syllable is deafening in the otherwise silent kitchen.

“Please tell me you at least have mixing bowls somewhere here?” He gives you a chagrined half-smile and you heave a sigh. “Here,” you walk over to where you left your keys, handing them to him, “There’s a bag of supplies in my trunk, I’m going to get set up here and take stock, if you don’t mind grabbing them?” Javy nods and heads out of the apartment without question.

The moment you hear the door click shut, you pull out your phone, fingers flying. Nat picks up on the first ring. “Fine,” you grind out, “you were right.” She cackles on the other side of the line. “His fridge is EMPTY, Nat, EMPTY! It just looks like a condiment bar!”

“What did I tell you? A New Orleans upbringing was wasted on that man, I tell you.” You shake your head in disbelief, propping the phone on your shoulder as you start poking around in Javy’s cupboards. “He doesn’t even have mixing bowls, Nat!”

“I can’t believe you thought he’d have a stand mixer!” Nat wheezes through the phone. You scowl at the mostly empty cabinets, rolling your eyes as you find one that’s actually full, packed with various protein powders and pre-workout containers.

“If I had professional athlete money, it would be the first thing I bought!” You bemoan, You hear the click of the door, and your head whips towards the hallway. “I’ve gotta go, I’ll see you at Family Day.” Nat bids you goodbye and you manage to hang up before Javy returns to the kitchen, arms laden in reusable bags full of your baking supplies.

You unload bowls and utensils while Javy gets your mixer set up on the counter. “Okay, so what do you know about baking?” You ask tentatively, forcing yourself to keep from going straight into baking mode and into your more patient teaching mode instead.

“That it tastes delicious and you’re really good at it?” Javy gives you an embarrassed smile and you return with an unenthused look.

“When was the last time you baked something?” You pivot and he pauses as if sorting through his memories.

“I mean my mom and sisters bake all the time but the last time I baked something? I think Jake and I made a boxed cake in our first apartment back in college? Yeah, I think we did it for a buddy’s birthday? It turned out okay, Jake didn’t want to use a boxed mix but we didn’t have enough supplies to make it the long way.”

You bite your tongue from arguing against his calling scratch baking “the long way,” focusing instead on the task at hand. “Okay, then we’ll start slow. Pull up the recipe I sent you.” You wait while he pulls out his phone, coming over so you can read it. “First, we need to prep a few things.” You place a cutting board in front of Javy, unwrapping a bar of chocolate and handing it to him with a knife, moving to preheat the oven. “We’re going to cut the chocolate up before we melt it down. By cutting it, we’re just speeding up the melting process, so you don’t have to worry about making it pretty. Wash your hands and I’ll show you.” You demonstrate the kind of cuts you want and then hand Javy the knife. “This goes without saying but please be careful. I’m going to start boiling water.” He turns as you walk over to the sink to fill a pot.

“Wait, why are you boiling water?” His brows are furrowed in confusion.

“To melt the chocolate, we’re going to put that glass bowl over a pot of boiling water and melt the chocolate in that along with the coconut oil.” You start the stove and come back to where Javy still looks confused.

“Why not just put it in the microwave?”

“It’s too imprecise, you could burn the chocolate.” You explain and he nods, turning over the new information in his brain.

He starts chopping before he pipes up again, “There’s coconut oil in brownies?”

“Not always, but I wanted to make these dairy-free so it’s a good substitute. You could use butter instead.” He nods again, turning back to his work. When he’s done chopping, you lead him over to where you’ve set up the bowl above the now-simmering water. “See, the steam and heat from the boiling water is heating up the bowl. “Now add the chocolate to the bowl,” you measure in the coconut oil and hand Javy a spatula to stir the mixture. Slowly the softened oil and hard chocolate melt into a uniform liquid.

“Okay, now we need to move on to the eggs and sugar. I’m using coconut sugar because it’s a healthy alternative to the regular kind. You can sub out the eggs for a vegan alternative but I wanted to keep the protein content high so I’m keeping them in.” You watch Javy crack the eggs into the bowl, before adding the sugar. “Now we’re going to whip them with the mixer. You’ll know they're done when the mixture is pale and fluffy. It should look bigger too.” You bring your hand mixer over and plug it in, turning it on and demonstrating the proper holding technique.

“You don’t have one of those fancy ones that does it for you?” Javy asks, brows furrowing yet again as you pass him the mixer. “That’s what my mom always used.” You shake your head even as your cheeks heat in embarrassment.

“It’s a big investment and it always seemed like more of a luxury than a necessity. Hundreds of dollars versus this one that works just fine and barely cost me thirty. I’ve had it since I moved out for college.” You pause for a moment before you add, “Just be glad I have an electric one. When I was little, my grandma had one of the ones you have to crank by hand.” Javy looks horrified at the idea.

“But even with the electric one, the recipe said it should take five to seven minutes! Imagine if you had to crank it!”

“You should have seen her arms, she could put you hockey boys to shame,” you remark, and Javy smiles at that.

“I’m sure she could.” After a moment of quiet populated only by the steady buzz of the mixer, Javy speaks up. “Is she…”

“Oh! No! She’s just since upgraded to an electric one! My dad got it for her for her birthday when I was in high school. He claims it was from the goodness of his heart, but we all know it was because he was starting to feel guilty when he asked her to bake something as she was getting older.” You give him a rueful smile as you take over the mixing. He watches, impressed.

“You’ve got some pretty strong arms yourself, Meep, I was starting to get tired and you don’t miss a beat.”

You laugh nervously, “Practice makes perfect. We’ll make a baker of you, yet, Javy Machado.”

“My mom’s going to flip,” Javy says with a laugh and you smile back.

“Maybe we can bake her something the next time she comes to town,” you suggest and your heart does a flip as his face breaks into a boyish grin.

“I’d love that, Meep and I’m sure she would too. I can’t wait for you to meet her, she’s going to love you.” You feel heat flush your cheeks as the nerves in your stomach flutter back to life. Truth be told, you’re incredibly nervous about the Dallas trip. Sure, you’ve met Javy’s family over video call but it’ll be completely different seeing them in person. Even online, you can feel their infectious but intense energy and you’re worried that it’ll overwhelm you and ruin your first impression. Javy pulls you back as he asks whether the mixture in the bowl looks ready. As you’ve been lost in your thoughts, it’s finished mixing.

“Okay, now I’m going to keep mixing very slowly while you add the chocolate,” you explain as you shift so Javy can read around your hands to add the chocolate into the bowl. Once it’s fully incorporated, you turn off the mixer and point to the sifter on the counter while you grab the almond flour, cocoa powder, and salt. “Grab the sifter.” Javy looks confused as he picks it up and brings it over.

“Okay this I’ve never seen before,” he admits and you smile gently as you take it from him.

“It’s a sifter. We put our dry ingredients through it to get out the clumps. Here, let me show you.” You demonstrate with the flour before handing the sifter off to Javy to do the other two ingredients. “Now you’re going to fold these into the batter until they're mixed with no clumps. Remember, be gentle yet firm. You want to make sure the batter has air in it, that’s why we’re not using the mixer.” You watch proudly as Javy frowns in concentration as he awkwardly tries to recreate the folding motion you showed him. You take over a few more times to remind him what it needs to look like. Finally, it’s done and you hand Javy a bag of chocolate chips to add liberally. He probably adds more to both of your mouths than to the batter but the bag gets used up all the same. The brownies go into the oven and you move to start cleaning up. After ejecting the beaters from the mixer, you hand one to Javy and he grins at you.

“Now this I’m familiar with,” he says before licking generously at the batter-coated metal. You giggle, placing the other one into the mixing bowl. His reaction is much more satisfying than you’ll find the batter. You push them in his direction before you start collecting measuring spoons and other utensils, taking them to the sink. “You’re not going to have one?” You look over your shoulder to where Javy’s holding the other beater in your direction, finishing off the last of his. You shake your head as you start the water in the sink.

“I’m good, you can have mine.” You almost miss the way his face contorts in confusion as you turn and you feel a little guilty for denying him but he seemed so happy with his that you wanted him to enjoy himself a little longer. You don’t think about the silence that stretches as you focus on washing the dishes until the wet sensation hits your nose and you squawk in surprise. The chocolate aroma hits your nostrils before your eyes can focus on the brown glob now perched precariously on the tip of your nose. Your brows furrow in confusion but before you can voice it there’s a wetter sensation followed by a rough feeling and you screech, nose scrunching in surprise as Javy pulls away, rogue tongue licking his lips as he savors the chocolate he’d deposited and subsequently licked off your nose. “You licked me.” You sound more surprised than you’d hoped and Javy just grins, not an ounce of guilt in his eyes. “You. LICKED. Me.”

He shrugs. “I licked chocolate. I’ve been doing that for the last five minutes.”

Before you can stop yourself, your arms flick and Javy blinks in surprise, your previous shock transferred to his face. You can’t help the satisfied smirk that climbs up your lips as he reaches a hand up to wipe the water off his face. “You splashed me.” The grin is back, widening with each word. “Oh Meep, you just declared war.” He sticks his hands into the mixing bowl and your eyes widen in realization. His fingers come out coated in chocolatey goodness and your stomach drops. Your hand moves of its own accord, curling around the spray head. Javy lunges towards you, hands outstretched and before you realize what you’re doing, you’re whipping the spray head towards him in defense. The water takes a moment to spurt to life and you feel chocolate streak your cheeks as Javy swipes at you before the spray head explodes with water and Javy jerks back with a surprised laugh. You stumble backward yourself, surprised by the realization of your actions and trying to put some distance between yourself and the chocolate. Your foot slips on the now-wet floor, and you screech as you feel yourself start to fall. You let go of the spray head and the water cuts. No longer being held off, Javy manages to catch you with two strong arms around your middle, swinging you off your feet awkwardly with a laugh as he pulls you close. You don’t have time to worry about his chocolatey fingers on your shirt as the breath is knocked out of your lungs by the sudden movement and unexpected closeness to Javy. He catches himself on the kitchen island, leaning on it with your weight on his front. You turn awkwardly to face him and you’re caught off guard yet again by the tender fondness in his eyes despite the fact that he’s soaked and covered in chocolate.

Javy leans in to kiss a streak of drying chocolate on your cheek. “Hi,” you squeak, inwardly cringing at the breathlessness and awkwardness in your voice.

“Hi,” he rasps, bumping his nose against yours. “That was fun.” He pumps his eyebrows at your eyes dart to the side as your cheeks heat.

“Sorry, I don’t know what came over me.” He shakes his head, intent on dismissing your guilt.

“Nothing wrong with a good scrim. I knew you had some fire in you; keep this up and you’ll be on the ice with me in no time.” Your eyes widen in horror at the thought. “Don’t you worry, Meep, I won’t let anyone get any hits on you.” You can’t help rolling your eyes at him and he laughs in response, that deep rich sound that you’ve come to love. He tightens his arms around you and you feel yourself lean further into him.

“We should clean this up,” you remark, even as your heart aches in response to you ruining the moment.

“I guess we should,” Javy agrees, and you pull away carefully, minding the wet patches of floor. He keeps broad hands on your elbows until he’s sure you’re steady before straightening himself. You replace the spray head next to the sink as Javy comes over and starts to wash the dried chocolate off his hands. Meanwhile, you go to grab a towel, stooping to mop up the floor.

When Javy’s done with the sink, he gestures you over and you’d almost forgotten the chocolate decorating your cheeks until Javy’s damp hand reaches up to your cheek. A wet thumb goes to work, loosening the hardened substance and cleaning off your skin. Your fingers itch to push him away and tell him that you can do it yourself, old self-sufficient habits starting to rise up, but you force them down. You let yourself be taken care of for once. “Thank you,” his eyes flick to yours from where they were locked onto their task. Blood thunders in your ears as you force yourself to meet his gaze. He’s not searching for anything, just looking.

“You don’t have to thank me, beautiful. I’m doing it because I want to.”

“Thank you for wanting to,” the words come out small but you’re still surprised you managed to get them out. Your toes curl as you struggle to keep eye contact.

“Thank you for letting me,” Javy’s hand on your cheek startles you, but the contact distracts you from your fear and you lean into it instinctively. He leans his forehead against yours and his lashes flutter shut and your lungs relax, letting out a breath as your eyes flutter shut in turn.

***

You’re not sure how long the two of you stay that way, but eventually, the oven beeps and you’re forced to part. Javy offers to let you borrow a shirt so you can change out of your chocolate-stained one. When you come back from the bathroom where you change and somehow manage to stop the pounding of your heart, Javy has finished up the dishes and the brownies are cooling on the counter. He’s changed into dry clothes as well. “Oh, don’t put everything away yet,” you remark as you get back to the kitchen and Javy looks up from where he’s looking at something on his phone.

“Why? The brownies look okay to me,” he glances at the tray next to him.

“Oh they look great, but I know how much you guys eat, so you’re going to make another tray.” You come up next to him and bring over the mixing bowl, placing it next to him.

“That’s a good idea, actually, wait did you say ME?” You nod without missing a beat.

“You helped me with the first batch and you have the recipe. You’ve got everything you need to do this one by yourself,” The fear and horror on Javy’s face makes a smile creep across your lips. “Come on, Javy, you’ve got this. I’ll be here the whole time. If you have any questions, you can ask, but I’m not going to touch anything. That’s all you.” You place a hand on his arm, encouragingly. He looks at you then, and you're surprised to see nerves dancing in his eyes. Javy’s always been nothing but unshakable confidence and swagger. You’ve yet to see him doubt himself, even for a second. You slide your hand down to lace your fingers together, squeezing his hand in yours. “You’ve got this.” He nods, swallowing hard. “Remember, I’m not going anywhere, I’ll be with you the whole way through.” You lean over and kiss his cheek. “I believe in you,” he nods slowly like he’s trying to convince himself. “I promise I’ll stop you before you do anything too dangerous.” He chuckles then and you watch some of the nerves leave his body.

“If you insist, Meep. Game on.”

A/N: Aaaaaa I’m so glad I finally got this out! Special thanks to @fanficfandomlove for lighting the fire under my butt to get this done 🥰 How do we think Javy’s brownies turned out?

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

book 7 part 2 thoughts~

***THIS POST CONTAINS MASSIVE SPOILERS FOR EPISODE 7, PART 2 OF THE MAIN STORY AND DORM UNIFORM LILIA’S VIGNETTES.***

Please note: this is NOT meant to be a summary or a translation; these are only my initial thoughts on the events that unfold. There may be details overlooked or misunderstood in this post, so PLEASE do not use this as a translation.

As expected, Malleus did get invited to the party (he was the first person Lilia thought of).

GAO-GAO DRAGON-KUN OMG Malleus’s silly virtual pet actually ties into the themes and concerns of this episode!! Every 30 days, Gao-Gao “leaves” (I think it dies, Tamagotchis have short life spans. Either that, or it actually moves away) and you have to start over with a new egg. (Malleus cried the first time it happened and ran to sob to Lilia about it.) It reminds him of the brevity of human lives compared to his own…

Lilia drops a bunch of depressing lines about how it’s because something comes to an end that you have to cherish the time you spent with it… that it’s hard to say goodbye the more time you spend with something, etc.

More Silver lore too?? Malleus got Gao-Gao Dragon-kun around this time; Silver was found in a forest, etc.

DORM UNIFORM LILIA SPOILERS BTW (and more Silver lore): BRO HOW IS LILIA’S SPECIAL TALENT “BABYSITTING”, IT SOUNDS LIKE HE RAISED SILVER KIND OF. UH. ROUGHLY???? And once Lilia left baby Silver in his cradle… outside, unattended… WHEN SILVER WENT MISSING LILIA’S JUST LIKE, “Oh, I’m sure he’ll come back eventually!!” The Zigvolts had to intervene and teach (well, scold) Lilia that babies don’t come back on their own???????????? Since then, the Zigvolts insisted on having Silver over whenever Lilia is away for extended periods of time.

Lilia’s farewell party… I’m surprised that everyone showed up as intended, even people that aren’t close with Lilia or Diasomnia (lookin’ at you, Leona-san), but it’s nice that everyone is coming together for this moment 😭

AHHHHHH TREY TALKS ABOUT LILIA BEING HIS CLASSMATE AND FELLOW VICE and indirectly dunks on his ability to follow a recipe.

Cater takes one last selfie with Lilia and even talks about how lonely it will be… OH GOD, COME TO THINK OF IT this would hurt Cater a lot, seeing as he has had to move away from a lot of his own friends in childhood, and now a friend and club mate of his is doing the same…

RIDDLE SHUT UP DON’T BRING UP EPISODE 2, WE DON’T TALK ABOUT THAT. (… Real talk though, it’s sweet that Riddle’s showing Lilia so much respect, he’s observant of Silver and Sebek as their Equestrian Club senpai too (commenting on how he notices that Silver and Sebek speak highly of Lilia). It feels like Lilia is leaving his children in Riddle’s care adhabsodbasasdfewpqf)

Mmm, it sounds like Leona came for social grace reasons (comes with a heavy side of sarcasm).

DNLFDSOIYFWF BAHAHAHAHA OF COURSE RUGGIE CAME FOR THE FREE EATS

WHJ AT THE FUCKING ADSKJ ADFLH ISDBILADFBIUOLADFLI FUFKCCVKKFKKKKKKL???????? LEONA SUDDENLY STARTS SPEAKING REALLY. ELOQUENTLY?????????????????????

Leona wants to peace out now (before Malleus shows up), but Ruggie fights him because he wants to eat more of the fuggin’ food asdlihbasbiydasbibfasdbiaqwh MOOD RUGGIE 

Haha, Leona’s kind of coerced (?) into staying.

SEBEK IS HOLDING HIMSELF BACK FROM PICKING A FIGHT WITH LEONA FOR TALKING RUDELY TO/ABOUT LILIA

Malleus is nowhere to be seen. Silver goes to look around the party for him. Sebek wants to go too, but his stomach growls and he is excused to go eat.

AYYYY The Mostro Lounge is catering the party. Making their coin honestly for once! They even gave some free seafood fishes and desserts, how kind of Azul…

GOD THEY’RE BRINGING UP EPISODE 2 SO MUCH, I realize now that that’s when a lot of the characters got caught up with Diasomnia??

AHHH THE STAFF ARE AT THE PARTY TOO, I SEE SAM AND TREIN 

OH MY GOD, IS JADE REALLY FISHING LILIA FOR INFO ON MALLEUS AT HIS GOING AWAY PARTY. THIS MAN NEVER STOPS

Kind of ominous, but Lilia mentions (in response to Floyd) that he doesn’t want people (Diasomnia) to see “this side” of him. His weakness??? I’m guessing???? He doesn’t want Silver, Sebek, and Malleus to see him on his death bed???????

Not gonna lie, I fully expected Kalim to be BAWLING about Lilia going. I’m glad that he was able to be emotionally mature and hold back his sadness to see Lilia away with a smile.

Silver comes back to Lilia to report that Malleus is nowhere at the party. He then runs off to search for him. (Lilia was about to say his farewells without Malleus, but Silver raises his voice at Lilia and says that’s NOT okay to do.)

adhbVOSYDvdiabid SEBEK COMES OVER WITH HIS MOUTH CRAMMED FULL OF FOOD HE SOUNDS SO CUTE

Lilia’s age is confirmed to be roughly 700 years old. biuabo8ysdyasbiiafb SEBEK TELLS VIL AND ROOK TO STFU WHEN THEY REACT WITH SHOCK TO LILIA’S TRUE AGE.

OH????? ZIGVOLT GRANDPA NAME DROP, IT’S “BAAL”???????? Not sure if that’s how you spell it, but it is pronounced like “Baul”.

Malleus is confirmed to have ancestors that were actual dragons. It seems that dragon fae are indeed a cross between dragons and fairies.

For dragon fae, 200 years is considered still a baby/child, 500 is still young, and 1000 is an adult.

Lilia says that his own species can live up to 1000 years, but that due to his own recklessness his age is starting to catch up to him sooner than anticipated. Sooo… 1000 years is the maximum lifespan for Lilia’s species (~80ish years old average for humans), but Malleus’s species appears to live longer (since 1000 seems to be like a dragon fae’s 18-year old equivalent).

At this point, I realize all the first years are not included in the dorm meetings with Lilia. Pretty sure they will get their own segment later (from future Raven: yes, they do).

DFNADLIBYABILFIAAFB CUT TO IDIA’S ROOM, ORTHO’S TRYING TO WAKE HIM UP FOR LILIA’S PARTY

Idia’s crying about his long-time friend Crimson Muscle quitting gaming and totally going offline (wiped his Magicam account). This is killing Idia emotionally and he cannot bring himself to go to attend the party. IDIA’S FINALLY REALIZING THE magic VALUE OF FRIENDSHIP… 

Ortho offers to find Crimson Muscle’s real identity out using his Robot Hacks??? But Idia cancels the idea because he thinks it would kill the magic to know about his friend’s irl self it’s creepy.

Idia tells Ortho to go to the celebration without him. OH MAN, THIS IS THE LOOPHOLE TO KEEP IDIA FROM GETTING CAUGHT UP IN THE (anticipated) SLEEPING SPELL MALLEUS WILL CAST.

Cut to a snow-covered Main Street, Silver has finally located Malleus.

NAUUUUR Silver is outright sobbing in front of Malleus 😭 He’s so sad about Lilia leaving, he had always intended to be by his side until the end. Lilia has still done so much for him… Lilia raised him as a single parent and Silver feels like he disappointed his dad for not fulfilling his wish (to send him off with a smile) before he left, and Silver will never have the strength nor the time to truly be worthy of Lilia in his “final moments in a foreign country” (IS THAT IMPLYING LILIA IS HEADED OFF SOMEWHERE SO NO ONE HAS TO WATCH HIM SLOWLY WITHER AWAY AND DIE… .… ….. .. …. … …. . )

B r u h Malleus just listens to Silver and says some uh… cryptic sad stuff. “Grandmother always told me that the Draconia line was blessed with great power to protect the smiles of everyone under our rule” but now Malleus is sad because even with all that power, he cannot protect what he loves most.

I think. Silver crying about his mortality and not being able to be with Lilia until the very end triggered something in Malleus.

OH NO YABAI YABAIIIIII MALLEUS THINKS ABOUT HOW HE SHOULD DO ANYTHING IN HIS POWER TO PREVENT HIS LOVED ONES FROM GOING AWAY… He then crazy laughs and poofs himself and Silver off, which is followed by a ton more blot pooling. NOT A GOOD SIGN AT ALL.

Cut back to the party on that ominous note 🙂

ORTHO IS FINALLY AT THE PARTY, EVERYONE POP THE BOTTLES

I’m so glad Grim is fucking eating well, he deserves it!!!

OH MAN ORTHO CAME SO CLOSE TO FIGURING OUT LILIA IS CRIMSON MUSCLE……… ….… .… . .. .

IHDBAYOBFOY8QEFQB LILIA IS SUPER INTO HIS BERRY JUICE????? It’s like his alcohol, I swear…

Yup, I was right adhabildsbasda Lilia’s hanging out with the first years, thanking Jack for episode 2, talking about VDC with Epel, etc. His dad energy is really coming out strong, he imparts wise words to Jack and Epel.

Okay, so it looks like the Land of Crimson Long doesn’t…???? Have???? Internet?????? HUH???? So no gaming for Lilia… RIP IDIA HIS GAMING BUDDY REALLY IS GOING BYEBYE FOREVER

Aw, Lilia thanks Yuu for being Malleus’s friend and says that he hopes they will continue being that for him, as Malleus still has a lot to learn.

Oh no 🤡 Yuu’s dreams are now prominently seeping into their consciousness too; they got a vision of Maleficent right after Lilia talked to them. Yuu gets briefly disoriented, which concerns Adeuce and make the group think about leaving the party early since they already greeted the host.

Lilia offers a comment that makes me rethink the “Silver and Yuu are somehow tied” theories 🤔 Basically, Lilia thought Yuu was falling asleep standing up like Silver??? Which. Could just be a one-off comment, but what if it means something more…? Does Silver actually also have those prophetic Disney movie dreams????? 👁️

NAUR THEY MENTIONED EPISODE 2 AGAIN MY BELOATHED A DHOBYISDBdpgeophfasp Adeuce remember Lilia helping them during the stampede incident!! They’re sad because they never had a chance to repay him, and now Lilia is up and leaving… but Lilia says it’s okay, they can repay him by helping out Sebek (who is still struggling to get along with others due to his attitude).

LMAO Ace is all like, “no one at this school is the type to kindly offer their hand to help”, and barely anyone will accept that help either. Methinks this smells like setting up some foreshadowing for when the tables get turned when the conflict gets resolved.

ADFHBFADIYLFAIQFEILADFAD THERE’S AN AWKWARD ASS SCENE WHERE SEBEK IS FORCED TO FACE THE OTHER FIRST YEARS (Ortho included, yay!!) AND TRYING TO… JUST BE CIVIL…………… … . .… . ….… . . (spoiler: Sebek fails, he calls them all shallow–)

The first years are interrupted by Crowley announcing that it’s time for Lilia to go now. Wait, so soon?????? It felt like the party only just got started… SILVER AND MALLEUS AREN’T EVEN BACK YET????????

Of course, Sebek tries to stop Lilia from departing before Malleus and Silver come back.

Lilia gives a big speech to everyone about his time at NRC, asking Sebek to communicate this same message to the other two later. Lilia first got invited to NRC 500 years ago but had no interest in enrolling until Malleus was later invited as well. Aw… Lilia says he’s grateful he was able to spend three years with everyone 🥺

Right as Lilia finishes?????? Who should arrive but Malleus and Silver in a burst of green flames!! (From the sound effects, it sounds like there was also a strong wind blowing.) Their eyes are red, and they’re covered in snow. Lilia wonders if Silver has been crying (yes, he has).

OH MY GOD MALLEUS SAID THE THING, HE SAID IT. It’s basically his equivalent to Maleficent’s “Well, quite a glittering assemblage. Royalty, nobility, the gentry, and … how quaint. Even the rabble,” line.

Malleus apologizes for his tardiness; he says he was mulling over what gift to bring (even though the invitations Lilia sent out said “no gift required”). HIS WORDING IS SO FUCKING SUS, HE’S LIKE, “I wasn’t sure what gift to give to you (Lilia)”, then changes it and says “to you all/everyone”. Finally, he settled on bestowing a blessing on them for this special occasion.

IT’S HAPPENING IT’S HAPPENING OH NO 🤡 Malleus tells everyone in attendance that there’s no need for them to feel sad or worry about anyone leaving anymore… It’s no longer a celebration of farewell, but the celebration of a new beginning, for he will send them into a world where no one will lose anything–not friends, nor family.

ORTHO BABY MY BELOVED 😭 He senses a really fast blot accumulation and warns the guests to evacuate!!

There’s a battle here (Crowley allows it) and if you thought the episode 6 battles were bad, YOU AIN’T SEEN NOTHING YET. Malleus has like 300,000 health and regens a ridiculous amount of health. I think it’s a scripted loss???

Ooooh, I think Lilia’s deteriorating magic is legit?? He tries to stop Malleus but can’t because his magic isn’t manifesting. (I can’t think of a reason why he would restrain himself from spellcasting when the family he loves is in very real danger and lashing out at his school companions.) NO MALLEUS DOnmT CALL LilLIA PITIFUL ShUT UP

SHIT’S HITTING THE FAN, MALLEUS IS LOSING IT, HE’S SHOUTING AT EVERYONE, DIASOMNIA IS SHOUTING BACK (Silver and Sebek are just. GOD. Silver tells Lilia to get away, he realizes that Malleus is not being himself… Sebek’s trying to calm Malleus down but of course it isn’t doing ANYTHING.)

“IM DOING THIS SO I WON’T LOSE YOU!!!” – Malleus to Lilia

NOOOOO

NOOOOOOOO OO O O O O OOOOOO OO O O O O O OO OOO

Malleus unique magic reveal!!! “Fae of Maleficence” (in Kanji, it is written as “The Blessing”). We get the chant too!! “Spin the thread of disaster on the spinning wheel of Fate. For I, the King (/Ruler) of the Abyss, shall bestow it upon you.” EPISODE TITLE DROP??????

Thorns engulf the whole island and send everyone into slumber… Students, staff, Grim, Ortho (the robot), and it seems even Yuu. RSA is most likely fucked too 😔

I think Idia is probably spared since he’s still in Ignihyde, which is considered a pocket dimension of its own outside of the island??? (Malleus’s magic probably loses range after the pocket dimension of Diasomnia and Sage’s Island?) So it really IS up to him to be the hero…

IMAGINE IDIA STEPPING OUT OF HIS ROOM AND HE SEES ALL OF THIS. THIS IS EXACTLY WHY HE BARELY LEAVES, THERE’S ALMOST ALWAYS SOME CATASTROPHIC WORLD-ENDING SHIT GOING ON WHEN HE DOES.

OH SHIT MALLEUS OVERBLOT ALREADY?!?!?!?!?!??!??!?!?!!! IT’S ONLY LIKE PART 37, MY DUDE

afhalidbasbda WHY DOES HE LOOK LIKE A SEASICK VAMPIRE WITH THE SLICKED BACK HAIR AND CAPE AND WEIRD TINTED SKIN (Yes, I know it’s meant to look like Maleficent’s skin color but it still looks weird to me 💦)

“All of you will become heroes in a fairy tale” HUH, KINDA SUS THERE, MALLEUS. (It’s probably just referring to Malleus seeing them dreaming as putting them in a better place than in reality???) This makes me think of the line he says in early marketing/promo of the game… “Come, let me show you to the true happy end” or something.

QEFIYQGUP9F9AFPBAOF;OA IGEBAD MALLEUS STOP HUMMING “ONCE UPON A DREAM”, TRHIS ISN’T A HAPPY OR NOSTALGIC MOMENT THIS IS ACTUAL HELL

HFIYBFFIF;OAF;  THAT’S WAS AN ABRUPT ENDING, IT JUST CUT BACK TO THE OPENING SCREEN WITH THE TWISTED WONDERLAND LOGO

Um. Well. That was… wild 🥲 I feel like not a lot actually happened, and yet EVERYTHING happened at the same time…?? I definitely was NOT expecting Malleus’s Overblot to come this soon, but I did expect the sleeping spell (curse?) to be cast since the party setup was very similar to the one in Sleeping Beauty. I super enjoyed Lilia interacting with all the different dorms; the fact that everyone is coming together in spite of their differences already shows tremendous growth in the entire cast. Then they had to rip out our hearts with the dramatic escalation…… ……… …… ….. .… .… . ..

THIS IS GOING TO BE REAL AWKWARD BECAUSE THE YEAR III TWST ANNI WILL SHOW MALLEUS AND LILIA POSING HAPPILY WITH THE OTHER THIRD YEARS MEANWHILE EVERYONE IS SUFFERING IN THE MAIN STORY UPDATES.

SDBSIHP9DBBHDyodVS The “it’s a dream” theory is seeming more and more real by the second… Early on in the update, Malleus related Gao-Gao Dragon-kun, a virtual character, to his current plight, saying that it would be better if a character that exists in a fictional world could exist forever??? And we know that Gao-Gao and the TWST boys live in a world where time advances and changes things (episode 7 opened with acknowledgement of Lilia losing his magic and the fourth year internships; ie everyone is “moving on” like how Gao-Gao does at the end of every month). Then Malleus has a lot of dialogue about how everyone will be protagonists of a fairy tale, how he will show them to a happy ending… PLUS THE OMINOUS ENDING WHERE HE BOOTS YOU TO THE MAIN SCREEN OF THE GAME?????? The part of the story when he casts his unique magic is also called “Forced Game Over” which seems oddly specific; why the forth-wall breaking title???? (It’s in the same vein as the title having “Wonderland” being an allusion to Alice’s Wonderland being just her dream.) AND THEN ON TOP OF THAT, THE VAGUE CONNECTION BETWEEN SILVER AND YUU’S DREAMING… What does this all mean????????

Malleus and Lilia are both trending–F

[bts-trans]

240918 Weverse Translations

Jin's Post ❇️

안녕하세요 진이에요 오랜만에 인사 드립니다 다들 추석 잘 즐기고 계신가요!? 저는 음식들도 해먹고 가족들과도 보고 잘 지냈습니다! 지금은 밀라노행 비행기를 타러 공항에 나와 있습니다 이런 자리 참석하는게 처음인거 같아 무척이나 떨립니다(사실 안떨림) 그럼 다녀오겠습니다! (https://weverse.io/bts/artist/2-149342706)

Hi, this is Jin. It's been a while since I've greeted you. Is everyone having a great Chuseok so far!? I spent it well by cooking and spending time with my family! I'm currently at the airport waiting to get on the flight to Milan. I'm really nervous as this is the first time I'm attending something like this (truthfully I'm not nervous) Ok I'll be back!

Trans cr; Annie @ bts-trans © TAKE OUT WITH FULL CREDITS

RM's Comments 💬 on ARMY's Posts ❇️

💜: jk 잘 봤어요~~ bts 군복무중에도 살아있네 ㅋㅋㅋ 내년 6월까지 어떻게 기다리죠? 김남준 김석진 민윤기 정호석 박지민 김태형 전정국 보고싶다~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RM: 국방부 시계는 거꾸로 매달아도 간다 (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/4-179361567)

💜: I enjoyed watching jk~~ bts are really active even when they're in the military hahaha How do I wait until June next year? Kim Namjoon Kim Seokjin Min Yoongi Jung Hoseok Park Jimin Kim Taehyung Jeon Jungkook, I miss you~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

RM: The military clock runs even if you hang it upside down

💜: 군데에서 살 쳤어요? RM: 네.. 78kg임 훈련소 때 69였는데.. (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/3-179363817)

💜: Did you gain weight in the military?

RM: Yes.. I'm 78kg I was 69 when I was in the training camp..

💜: How are you doing Mr. Kim namjoon!? You must be working hard!? ....stay healthy ... Love youuu 💜😭 RM: 이제 운동하러 갈려��요 RM: 이게 피곤한 게 잠을 못자서 피곤한건지 운동을 주 6일해서 피곤한건지 (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/3-179364211)

💜: How are you doing Mr. Kim namjoon!? You must be working hard!? ….stay healthy … Love youuu 💜😭

RM: I'm going to work out right now

RM: I'm tired and I don't know if it's because I didn't sleep well or because I've been working out 6 days a week

💜: 오빠💜 제대하면 콘서트에서 색소폰을 보여주세요🎷 RM: 다른 악기도 배워야하는데 맨날 귀찮아서 미루는중 RM: 드럼이나 기타도 배워볼까 싶네요 (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/4-179363625)

💜: Oppa 💜 When you get out of the military, please pleay the saxophone🎷

RM: I should learn other instruments too but I just get lazy and keep putting it off

RM: I'm considering learning the drums or guitar too

💜: 남준이형 군대는 잘 지내요? 당신이 아주 잘 지내길 바라요 건강하시고 무사히 복귀하세요 많이 보고싶다💜 RM: 그럭저럭.. 그냥 남들처럼 RM: 일기도 다시 쓰기 시작 (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/1-149353320)

💜: Namjoonie hyung, are you doing well in the military? I really hope you're doing well. Stay healthy and come back safe. I miss you a lot💜

RM: I'm getting by.. just like everyone else

RM: I started writing a diary again

💜: hi namjoon, what did you eat today? RM: 김치보끔밥 (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/4-179364832)

💜: hi namjoon, what did you eat today?

RM: Kimchi fried rice

💜: Don’t lose that beautiful smile of yours Joonie RM: 웃어라 온 세상이 너와 함께 웃을 것이다 울어라 너 혼자 울게 될 것이다 (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/1-149353770)

💜: Don't lose that beautiful smile of yours Joonie

RM: Smile, and the whole world will smile with you Cry, and you cry alone

💜: 남준이가 추천하는 음식은? RM: 사회 음식 뭐든.. (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/4-179366237)

💜: Food you recommend?

RM: Any kind of non-military food..

💜: 김치보끔밥 만들어먹음? RM: 취사병들의 노고로.. (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/4-179366603)

💜: Did you make the kimchi fried rice?

RM: Thanks to the labour of the mess personnel…

💜: 제가 공부하도록 동기를 부여해 주시겠어요?😭 RM: 저도 공부합니다 공부는 평생 하는겁니다 (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/4-179367295)

💜: Will you motivate me to study? 😭

RM: I am also studying, studying is something you do your entire life

💜: 회원이 게시하면 모두가 스팸을 시작하는 방식이 마음에 듭니다. 😂😂 RM: 스팸 계란이랑 구워먹으면 꿀맛 (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/4-179368543)

💜: I like how everyone starts to spam whenever a member's here. 😂😂

RM: Spam grilled with eggs is delicious

💜: 군대 나오면 24시간 군대 얘기 해줭 RM: 할말 줠라 많지.. RM: 어디까지 할 수 있을까 (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/2-149350263)

💜: When you're out of the military, you should do a thing where you talk about it for 24 hours

RM: There's so damn much to say..

RM: How much will I be able to talk

💜:내 사랑하는 매튜, 나는 항상 너의 곁에 있고 싶어요. 너와 함께 시간을 보내면 나의 세상은 훨씬 더 밝고 행복해집니다. 네가 내게 주는 사랑과 행복은 정말 소중해요. 네 미소, 네 눈빛, 네 목소리는 나에게 특별한 의미를 가지고 있어요. 네가 어디에 있던, 나는 항상 너를 생각하고, 네가 행복하길 바랍니다. 우리의 사랑은 특별해요. 나는 너와 함께 있는 모든 순간을 소중히 여기고, 우리가 함께 만들어가는 추억들을 영원히 기억하려고 해요. 항상 네 곁에 있을 거에요. 사랑해, 줄리 💕💕💕 RM: 매튜가 누구야 (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/4-179371873)

💜: My dear Matthew, I will always be by your side.

(T/N: *OP goes on to talk about how happy Matthew makes them and how much they love him.)

RM: Who's Matthew

💜: 오빠!!저 머리잘랐눈데 어때염!!?? RM: 오 중단발 RM: 잘 어울려요 (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/3-179373916)

💜: Oppa! I cut my hair how does it look!!??

RM: Ooh medium-length hair

RM: It suits you

💜: 남준🐨🩵 추석은 쉴 수 있나요? 책은 읽었습니까? RM: 파스칼 키냐르 은밀한 생 헤르만 헤세 싯다르타 추천 (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/3-179375310)

💜: Namjoon🐨🩵 Did you get to rest during Chuseok? Did you read any books?

RM: Pascal Quignard's 'Vie secrète' Herman Hesse's 'Siddhartha' I recommend them

💜: 캡틴, 좋은 드라마 추천 있어요?^o^ RM: 드라마 볼 엄두가 안 나네.. 몰입이 너무 씨게 돼 (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/4-179374801)

💜: Captain, do you have any good drama recommendations?^o^

RM: I can't risk watching dramas.. I get too invested

💜: RPWP, 아미가 아닌 친구에게 추천했더니 굉장히 마음에 들어했고, 남씨가 라이브 할 때는 함께 가고 싶다고 말해 주었습니다💜그날이 기다려집니다. RM: 그러게요 하긴 해야할텐데 (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/3-179377045)

💜: I recommended RPWP to a friend of mine who isn't ARMY and they really liked it, and said that they'd want to come with me if I went to see you live💜 I'm waiting for that day.

RM: Yeah, I probably should do it live at some point

💜: Namjoon how was your birthday? I also went to you birthday event! RM: 홀리쉿 (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/4-179376266)

💜: Namjoon how was your birthday? I also went to you birthday event!

RM: Holy shit

(T/N: *The translation of the words on the photo strip can be found when you click here.)

💜: 남준아보고싶다 RM: 말해뭐해 (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/1-149359712)

💜: I miss you Namjoon-ah

RM: What can I even say

💜: 최근에 기뻤던 일은 무엇입니까? RM: 50퍼 넘긴거요... (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/3-179378409)

💜: What's something that made you happy recently?

RM: Being more than 50% done*…

(T/N: *50% of his military service.)

💜: 남준! 지금 너의 머리는 얼마나 길어요? RM: 저 빡빡이때보다 조금더 (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/4-179377843)

💜: Namjoon! How long is your hair now?

RM: A bit longer than the buzz cut

💜: 남준오빠 군대에서는 잘 지내나요? 당신이 다 치지 않았기를 바랍니다. 지금 가장 좋아하는 노래를 말해주세요😁 RM: mozart piano concerto no.21 (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/2-149354094)

💜: Namjoon oppa, are you going well in the military? I hope you don't get injured. Tell me your favourite song right now😁

RM: mozart piano concerto no.21

💜: 남준씨, 언젠가 메건과 함께 라이브 공연할 계획이 있나요?" RM: 메건 너무 바쁜거같애요 (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/4-179380333)

💜: Namjoon-ssi, do you have any plans to perform live with Megan?

RM: I think Megan is too busy

💜: 거긴 벌써 겨울이야? RM: 제발 그랬으면 좋겠네 RM: 제설하고 싶다 (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/3-179382974)

💜: Is it already autumn there?

RM: I really wish it was

RM: I want to clear snow from the road

💜: 추석은 어떻게 지냈어요? RM: 운동하고 유투브보고 책읽고 밥먹고 운동하고 유투브보고 책읽고 웹툰보고 밥먹고 (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/4-179382275)

💜: How did you spend Chuseok?

RM: I worked out and watched YouTube and read a book and ate and worked out and watched YouTube and read a book and read a Webtoon and ate

💜: 고생 많으셨습니다 RM: 오츠카레사마 (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/2-149356766)

💜: You've worked so hard, good job.

RM: You've worked so hard, good job.*

(T/N: *In Japanese.)

💜: 남준이 답장할 때까지 숨을 못 쉬겠어요. RM: 숨쉰 채 발견됩시다 (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/4-179384621)

💜: I won't breathe until Namjoon replies

RM: Let's show up breathing

💜: 남준오빠나 오늘 몸이 불편하지만 가야금 연습하고 노래 연습했어!힘들지만 좋아하는 일을 하면 즐거움이 대부분이다 RM: 멋지네 RM: 나도 악기 배울거야 꼭 (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/3-179386640)

💜: Namjoon oppa, I'm not feeling well today but I still did gayageum practice and practiced singing too! It's hard but when I do something I like, I enjoy it for the most part

RM: You're so cool

RM: I'm gonna learn an instrument too

💜: 겨울의 김남준: 눈 이 xxxx야 RM: 바보똥개 어서와 (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/2-149357957)

💜: Kim Namjoon in the winter: this **** snow

RM: Welcome, fool

💜: 남주나 전역해서 이거 한번 더 가능해? RM: 전역하면 베이비펌 하는게 꿈이야 RM: 근데 뭔들 못하겠어

💜: Namjoon-ah, can you do this again after the military?

RM: My dream is to get a baby perm after the military

RM: But what can't I do

💜: namjoon oppa what are you doing now🥸 RM: 이제 슬 운덩하러 가야지 RM: 근데 식단을 모다게써요 (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/4-179391154)

💜: namjoon oppa what are you doing now🥸

RM: I need to start heading off to work out

RM: But I can't do the diet*

(T/N: Said cutely.)

💜: 우리 남준, 군대 끝나면 가장 먼저 무엇을 할 거예요? 가장 하고 싶었던 일은... RM: 베이비펌 하고싶어요.. (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/4-179392520)

💜: Our Kim Namjoon, what is the first thing you're going to do after your military service ends? What you wanted to do the most is…

RM: I want a baby perm…

💜: 김남준처럼 반응 빠른 애인 갖고싶다 RM: 나 정도면 훌륭하지 (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/3-179394699)

💜: I want to date someone who reacts as fast as Kim Namjoon

RM: Being as fast as me would be impressive

💜: 남주나 왜 이렇게 보고싶냐 RM: 나도 그래 RM: 운동 간다 이제 ! (https://weverse.io/bts/fanpost/3-179395174)

💜: Namjoon-ah why do I miss you so much

RM: It's the same for me

RM: Going to work out now!

Trans cr; Aditi @ bts-trans © TAKE OUT WITH FULL CREDITS

[dearsnow]

WAKING UP TO FANTASY (4)

you wake up unexpectedly in bradley’s bed and take a day to avoid real life and relax before the storm starts once again. (bradley “rooster” bradshaw x fem!reader, part of the series “out of touch”, some angst, some fluff, mostly comfort)

OUT OF TOUCH: It’s been twenty years since you last saw Bradley Bradshaw, and, suddenly, you realize he’s finally grown up.

word count: 2,283

a/n - i honestly love this chapter because it’s exactly how i handle my problems 😭 overthinking and distraction in a cycle until you physically can’t anymore. the next one will be so fluffy though y’all, i promise.

When you wake up, hungover to the point where the light coming through the window to your right burns your eyes, you bury your face in your pillow. Wait, the window in your room is to the left of you. And this pillow smells different, like a woodsy laundry detergent. And the blanket that‘s draped over the top of you is a different weight.

Where the fuck are you?

You sit up as quickly as your headache will allow before the memories come flooding back. Explicit photos on a phone screen. A bar. A warm hand, a cold hand, Derick walking away. Bradley carrying you. Being put in this bed, with the lights off, and his hands brushing the hair away from your face. You’re in Bradley Bradshaw’s house, and you just broke up with your boyfriend.

There’s heavy light cascading over your sullen face, so much so that it must be well into the day. You pick up your phone and realize that it’s been put on silent, something you don’t remember doing. When you scroll up, though, you have seven missed calls and over a dozen texts.

They’re all from Derick, of course. The voicemails and texts range from begging you to come back to cursing you out, proclamations of love to admissions of hate. With a bit of hesitation, you delete the voicemails and text one last thing; “I hope you’ve taken your stuff, because I’m changing the locks as soon as I get home.” Then, with a trembling finger, you block his number. You wish you could pretend that never happened and run back into his awaiting arms like a fool in love, but the fact of the matter is, you can never go back. You can never ignore his infidelity, and you couldn’t stop him from doing what he did. It just hurts.

Bradley takes that opportunity to open the door, seemingly having heard you scrambling around in bed. “Hey. How are you?”

You clear your throat, straightening your posture and attempting to make yourself even the slightest bit presentable. “Good. Fine. As fine as I can be.” His eyes soften, and you can tell he doesn’t believe that you’re even a step up from horrible. You surely look it, but you hope he can just ignore that and let you go home with whatever dignity you have left.

“I made some breakfast if you’re ‘fine’ enough to eat. Then, y’know, we can talk.” He says, nodding to something that’s just slightly out of view to you. “C’mon, sleeping beauty.”

You stand with a soft groan. You’re still in your clothes from yesterday, your hair is messed beyond hell, and your entire body is sore. You feel like you just came from another dimension.

Looking around, Bradley’s house is nice. It’s neat. That’s pretty much all you can say, because it practically looks like it hasn’t been lived in. There’s a picture frame of his mom and a man you assume to be his father on the dresser and a sad little plant in the corner, but other than that, it’s undecorated. As you walk out, the rest of the house looks almost the same.

You turn the corner to the kitchen, breathing deeply. Pancakes, bacon, eggs, sweet maple syrup. It smells like heaven. “I got you a hangover cure too,” he says, gesturing to the heaping plate he set out for you and a smoothie that’s a suspicious shade of green.

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were trying to poison me.” You huff, taking a whiff of the smoothie. You get hints of so many things that you can’t even determine what the individual notes are. “Thank you, though.”

Bradley pulls out your chair for you, his fingers lingering on the seat until you’re settled in. “You’re welcome. Drink the poison, princess. It’s good for you.”

He stays until you’ve eaten (and drunk) your fill, seemingly having eaten earlier in the day. It’s about 10:38 AM, so you had slept for a good nine or ten hours. The conversation is light, teasing, and utterly ignoring everything that happened the night before. He listens as your scratchy voice explains what you did after he left, and your time in college, and starting your own business. You find out about his antics at the academy and a small part of the mission that ended with him permanently stationed in San Diego. He really had achieved his dreams after all, and you can’t say you’re mad about it.

All you ever wanted was for everyone to be happy, you think. Everyone good. Everyone except for Derick. Your mind drifts back to the words fired from your mouths, creasing your eyebrows and tugging your face down into a frown. Bradley pauses his story, taking in your expression. “You good?”

You nod, not trusting your voice or the lump in your throat.

He stands from his seat. “We should go out. Fresh air is good for you.” His words fall skeptically into your ears as you make fork waves in a puddle of syrup.

“I think I probably need to head home and see if Derick actually moved out.” You murmur. You don’t want to go home; you want to go anywhere but home, but it’s your day off at the cafe, and you can’t avoid it forever.

You wish you could just live in this dream for the rest of your life. Waking up to breakfast, a nice guy who puts chocolate chip smiles on your plate, and a large space that you can make your own. Life, however, rarely ever works out that well. And life always moves on without you if you dwell on what should be.

“Give it some time, hot shot. Spend the day out and we can tackle everything else later.” He smiles, voice cheery. He grabs a pair of aviator sunglasses off his counter and slips them on top of his head, then picks up your plate and balances it on top of his in the sink.

We. Did he mean to say ‘we’? Or, like it or not, is he going to be a full part of this? You would hate to drag him in more than he’s already been drug, but having someone on your side is so nice. It’s exactly what you need right now. In any case, you’re stuck with him for the day (and hopefully longer).

You’re shaken out of your thoughts by his next words. “I have some shirts in my dresser if you want to partially change. They might be a bit big, but they’ll do for now.”

“Thank you, Bradley. You have no idea how much this all means to me.” Your voice falters, quiet and gentle. He has singlehandedly turned your awful situation into something that may be salvaged.

Bradley just smiles crookedly. “No problem. Now chop chop, we have an ice cream shop on the pier to get to.”

You’re clad in a simple white tee. The shoulders hang further down your arms than they should, but the thing is luckily not something Bradley could fit in currently. He just doesn’t get rid of clothes, apparently. His closet is laden with Hawaiian shirts, each more gaudy than the next, leaving you wondering if he’s 35 or 55. In any case, you’re sitting on the edge of the pier, a melting ice cream cone in your hands. You do your best to keep it from dripping onto your hands as the man next to you is biting his cold treat like his teeth can’t hurt.

The ocean laps at your feet, cool and calm. There are a few clouds in the sky, their fluffy shadows blocking just enough sun to regulate the midday temperature. It’s pretty much perfect. You shift your eyes to Bradley, who has finished his cone by now. There’s a single bead of ice cream on his mustache, and you lean back on your arms to avoid wiping it off with the pad of your thumb. He clears his throat. “Nice day, huh?”

“Yeah. It’s a really nice day.” You take a lick of your ice cream, almost sighing at the flavor. Bradley stares out into the ocean, a slight frown pinching his features.

You’re about to finally reach the cone of your dessert when he speaks. “I’m really sorry.”

You pause. “It wasn’t your fault. Derick’s a jerk.”

“No, not about that. Well, yeah that sucked, but I’m sorry that I was such a dick in high school. I wasn’t ready for someone as good as you. It was insecurity or something even stupider, and it hurt you when you were already vulnerable. You deserved better.” He’s still looking out into the shimmering sea, like he can’t bear to meet your eyes. You bite into your cone and chew slowly, the crunchy waffle suddenly seeming very thick in your mouth.

It’s silent for a brief moment, the soft waves filling the background.

“It’s okay.” You say. “High school sucked for a lot of reasons, and I’m sure it wasn’t great for you either— it rarely is. You’ve changed a lot since then, and being completely honest, I like who you are now.” You turn to him with a small smile. “I mean, you bought me ice cream, so how bad can you really be?”

His laughter sends you into a fit of giggles, so hardy that you can’t help but feel the joy bubbling up from the depths of your gut. “If you think like that, you’ll be trusting every guy in Southern California.”

“I’ll only trust the guys who wear loud Hawaiian shirts and put baseball cards in their bikes to make them louder,” Comes your snarky reply. Bradley gasps like you’ve dug up a traumatic memory.

“I was fifteen! If I wanted a loud bike now, I’d buy a goddamn motorcycle.”

You take one more bite of your cone, almost reaching the bottom. “I know you fly heavy machinery for a living, but I’m not sure I’d trust you with a motorcycle.” He’s got a sparkle in his eye, likely coming from the sun just overhead, but it warms your heart just the same. You could drown in this fantasy.

“And I’m not sure if I’d trust you making the muffins for your cafe. I seem to remember that the one time I watched you bake, you almost burned your house down,” He jokingly scoffs. You roll your eyes, briefly making contact with the blue water. It’s beautiful out here, almost as beautiful as the man sitting next to you, but not nearly as beautiful as the feeling of utter belonging that courses through your veins. This is, again, the nicest you’ve felt in a while; despite everything, the happiness persists.

You put the last piece of your ice cream cone in your mouth and quirk your eyebrows up at him. “Well, it’s not like the pastries bake themselves. I have zero employees, so those croissants your friends have been scarfing down came from these here hands.” You spread your fingers and wiggle them slightly, listening to his laugh. When you put them down again, they’re just slightly closer to him.

“You can’t seriously be running that place by yourself now.” He snorts. “That’s gotta be eight jobs in one.”

You let out a little breathy sigh. Everything always comes back to this, to him. You don’t want to ruin the mood, but from a few unassuming words, it’s already been ruined. “I used to have Derick to help me out, but now that’s not an option. I’ve got a guy and a girl starting the day after tomorrow, though, so hopefully it’s not a problem soon.”

Bradley shifts, setting his hands down so they brush yours gently. You feel a little zap at the connection. “Don’t worry about that, your majesty. It’ll work out.” There’s a look to him that you can’t entirely figure out. You choose to ignore it for now, instead focusing on his increasingly odder nicknames for you.

“Your majesty?” You ask. His expression pulls into an instant grin.

“You’re royalty, honey. Independent, beautiful, too good for the world. Own it.”

You roll your eyes for real this time, shaking your head. “Only if I get to call you the court jester, Brad. You’re very entertaining when you want to be.”

“Anything for you, princess.”

You talk a bit after that, but everything tapers off into a kind of peaceful silence. You’ve never really had a peaceful silence before; not with Derick, not with anybody. It felt nice, like you weren’t trying to impress anyone. Before long, the waves were just a bit too high to sit at the pier, and you were forced to sit in Bradley’s bronco.

You fiddle with the car keys in your pocket, looking down at your lap. “I really do need to get back to my place and figure out the entire rest of my life.” You whisper. Bradley turns his keys in the ignition.

“If that’s what you want. I’ll get you back to your car, but baby steps from there, alright? You don’t have to do everything all at once.”

“I don’t think I’ll have the energy to do it all at once,” You admit. “Thanks, though. I’ve said it a million times already, but I doubt it’ll ever be enough.”

As he puts his car into drive, Bradley’s eyes flicker to you through the rear view mirror. “I’m just doing my job as your friend.”

He peels off of the curb he was parked next to, and you can’t help but think that there’s more to his tone than he’s letting on.

PREVIOUS || NEXT

Taglist: @m1dnightsnackz @itsarabellebabes @shanimallina87 @sadgirlgiselle @callsignstingray @djs8891 @hopip99

[sunflowersinthedirt]

BREAKFAST IN BED | JOHN LENNON 🤍

Where John Lennon makes breakfast in bed for his newlywed wife OR where the reader didn’t know John could cook so well.

female!reader, fluff.

| mentions of cigarettes, suggestive language, teasing? mentions of sex (not explicit) |

english is not my first language and gifs are not mine.

(i miss johnny like crazy today and cried my eyes out for him. do i need help? 😭)

—

1965

Raindrops trickled down the bedroom window as John dragged himself out of bed for a refreshing shower. It was his first morning in the new home after saying “I do” before the judge. Of all the choices he could have made, getting married at the peak of his success had been one of them — no matter how crazy that might have seemed in the eyes of the public and his fellow musicians.

Everyone else wanted to go wild, revel in success, take drugs and lose themselves in London’s most exclusive clubs. And there was John: shirtless, smelling of aftershave and frying scrambled eggs for his beloved.

John was a late sleeper, but he had made an effort to get up before you, just to prepare you breakfast in bed. He sipped his tea, humming a tune he had been working on for the past few weeks, while the eggs cooked. He was in a good mood that cloudy morning, reminiscing about the last few days of your honeymoon trip.

Those had been glorious days of doing nothing but enjoying each other’s company under the Italian summer sun — fine dining, museums, games, afternoon tea, reading together, and, as night fell, candlelit dinners and evening strolls through the streets of Venice on the way back to the hotel. When it grew late, the two of you indulged in intimacy and passion under the moonlight that shone through the grand window of the luxurious hotel room John had reserved just for the two of you. When John held you in his arms, nothing else mattered but you. No tours, no hysterical screams, no interviews, no lonely hotel rooms after a show. No feeling trapped by fame. Just the two of you, together and breathless, yearning for more of each other.

He already missed the sun warming his skin, contrasting with the grey London sky upon your return. But the new house was everything… and knowing he would share it with you for the rest of his life was all he had ever dreamed of.

Ever the perfectionist, John arranged the tray with the utmost care. He stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray and climbed the stairs to the master bedroom. You were there: fast asleep, curled around his pillow, wearing one of his shirts. He paused for a moment and smiled, watching you breathe softly, your lips slightly parted. Placing the tray on the bedside table, he walked over and sat beside you, his hand gently brushing through your tousled hair against the pillowcase.

— Darling? — he called softly, leaning in to place a kiss on your forehead, hoping to wake you. — Wake up, sleepyhead.

— Hm? — you murmured, lazily opening your eyes.

— Good morning, love. — he whispered, still stroking your hair gently.

— Good morning, Johnny. — you smiled faintly, still forcing yourself to wake up. As you gazed at John, you let out an inevitable sigh at how intimately beautiful he looked that morning.

His messy auburn hair, flushed cheeks, and lips still slightly swollen from the events of the previous night. The scent of his aftershave filled your senses, and you suddenly felt shy upon realising he was shirtless. It was hard to believe you had married John Lennon and were now his wife. Mrs Lennon. Entirely his, just as he was entirely yours.

— I made breakfast. — the musician’s voice pulled you from your almost sinful reverie about him. — Eat before it gets cold.

You smiled at him and sat up in bed, pushing the covers aside and stretching.

— I must be the luckiest person in the world. — you said, pulling John in for a brief kiss on the lips. John let out a soft chuckle and returned the small kiss, wrapping his arms around your waist and pulling you straight into his lap. You didn’t protest.

— Actually, I’m the luckiest man in the world. — he said. — You look beautiful today.

— I just woke up. — you teased. — No one looks beautiful when they’ve just woken up.

John clicked his tongue against his teeth and tightened his hold on your waist.

— You are the most beautiful woman in any situation. Especially when you’re waking up. — he claimed, stealing another quick kiss from your lips. — And only my opinion matters.

You laughed and kissed him back. His body was warm and so comforting you could spend eternity wrapped in his embrace.

— Oh, Johnny, you’re so silly. — you murmured, stroking his face and looking into his eyes. You found it both amusing and endearing that his freckles were more prominent from all the sun he had caught in Italy. John hated being called a redhead and always denied it, but it was adorable to see so many countless freckles scattered across his face. It made you want to kiss each and every one of them whenever he grumbled about people reminding him of his auburn hair.

— And you should eat before it gets cold, missy. — he said in a playful, mock-reproachful tone.

- x -

You ate and chatted about your honeymoon trip, still in love with the whole experience and Italy. One thing you didn’t know until you got married to John it was the fact that John was a surprisingly good cook, far exceeding your expectations.

— I didn’t know you could cook this well. — you remarked, placing your half-finished glass of orange juice back on the tray.

— There’s a lot about me you don’t know yet, Mrs Lennon. — John teased, and you playfully tapped his shoulder making him laugh. One of the things he enjoy the most is teasing you by his silly double meaning comments.

— Oh, really? And what must I do to learn more about my husband and all the amazing things he can do? — you turn teasing the musician, watching him take the last sip of his juice before setting the glass down on the tray.

— I can show you everything I know how to do. — he said in a low voice, his accent thickening. A shiver ran down your spine as you noticed the slow cadence his voice had taken on. — I can teach you as well. — he arched an eyebrow, and you swallowed hard. John was a natural-born tease.

— Oh, is that so? Then what are you waiting for? I’m dying to find out. — you smiled, feigning innocence, though deep down, you wanted to sound just as shameless and provocative as you did now.

— I’ll show you everything, darling. With great pleasure. — he murmured, gathering you into his arms and positioning himself above you. John kissed your neck, and you laughed hopelessly in love and filled with sinful desires for him.

And that morning, you both knew there would be no rush to leave that room.

[sixeyescurseuser]

Thinking about caterpillar Gojo and dragonfly Geto who happen to cross paths because Geto flew a little too far from home and ended up in Gojo's garden. 

Geto decided this caterpillar was so chunky and cute, but had such a big mouth on him! Gojo is constantly nibbling on his leaves; doesn't fully listen to what Geto is saying because he’s just nom nom nomming. 

Alas, Geto is but a young and infatuated dragonfly, enamored by the caterpillar who can easily eat five times his body weight. 

So Geto visits Gojo’s garden every day, witnessing how the caterpillar keeps eating and growing and…

There are other dragonflies who try to swoop in and take Gojo as a meal, but Geto is quick to protect his friend, who deserves to munch on his little pea plants in peace. Geto eats other disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes, and other pests like mayflies, so what more is tearing apart another "fellow" dragonfly in the name of friendship?

One spring afternoon, when Geto perches on a leaf across from the one Gojo nibbles on, the caterpillar reveals he broke a record today.

“10 eggs!” Gojo proudly exclaims. Geto's wings flicker anxiously. 

"10 eggs...what?" Geto questions. 

"Like, I ate 10. That's a new record for me," Gojo says.

"Oh..." Geto blinks, focusing on the way Gojo has un-scrunched a little more than last time he saw the caterpillar. If this continues, Gojo will molt very soon, possibly even sometime this week. "Well done." 

Watch out, little eggs, Geto thinks. The Hungriest is out to get you.

Gojo has grown at least three times in size since Geto has met him. Little antennas that weren’t there before poke out from his head, which he can’t move but Geto thinks they’re cute anyways. 

Days pass. Then one week, and then two...Geto still keeps the caterpillar company and Gojo’s mouth still works overtime. 

Geto wouldn’t have it any other way. 

One day, Geto flies into Gojo’s garden but doesn’t spot the chubby caterpillar. Instead, what looks to be a green pepper dangling from Gojo’s favorite plant hangs in his place.

Ahh, Gojo had mentioned something like this.

“Satoruuu, can you hear me in there?” Geto calls, landing on top of the leaf. He receives no reply. 

Geto waits for some time, talking to Gojo as if he were there devouring the leaf like he used to. With a sad sigh, Geto eventually takes off to fly around his other favorite areas around the garden.

The following days, Geto continues to visit Gojo’s chrysalis, talking to Gojo inside and offering all the small updates. Yet, Geto misses his caterpillar terribly, and wonders when Gojo will return to him. 

When Gojo finally emerges from his chrysalis, he feels like a completely new bug! He holds his upside-down position on the leaf for a few hours until his wings solidify, then off he flies to find his friend who oh so graciously yapped to him for the past two weeks! 

Hours later, Geto comes back to see an empty chrysalis and no Gojo in sight. 

Where is he? 🥺 Geto wonders, searching the garden for his caterpillar. 

A few moments later, Geto notices (with dread) another presence hot on his trail. 

Cue Geto frantically trying to find Gojo while flying away from this huge butterfly that is CHASING him! Why is he being chased !?  😭

A gigantic butterfly with shimmering blue wings follows the spiketail dragonfly from plant to plant, zooming through the garden like a game of tag. 

"Suguru! Wait up! It's me!" Gojo shouts, quickly overtaking the dragonfly and tackling them into a tulip plant. They land between  the tulip’s leaves, Gojo frantically flapping his wings and begging Suguru to recognize him.

Meanwhile, Geto is frozen in place.

It's the first time he's seeing Gojo in all his butterfly glory...

“I- Satoru?” Geto cautiously asks. 

“That’s me!” Gojo confirms. His antennas playfully poke Geto’s head. “I changed a lot, didn’t I?”

“Yeah…you’re beautiful,” Geto says, wings twitching shyly.

“So I was an ugly caterpillar?” 

“THAT’S NOT WHAT I SAID!” Geto shouts. Without thinking twice, Geto exits the tulip and flies off towards the vegetable section. 

Sure enough, the comforting sound of Gojo’s cackle sounds as the butterfly takes off and follows him.

Finally, the two bugs are reunited.

***

w/ @no-one-says-hi