#i read that for the first time and lost my mind

[ellecdc]

Hey! I've recently joined tumblr and I'm obsessed with your poly!Marauders×fem!reader fics. They're so so sweet and it just heals something in me. I'm not entirely sure if you're taking any requests at the moment so if you aren't, please feel free to ignore this completely.

Um, i was wondering if you could write about the reader being pregnant and having a scare in the middle of her pregnancy that has them all worried about her and the baby(s? As you wish again) so they rush her to the hospital and their anxiety and relief and how they handle the situation would be sweet to see i feel.

I love me some angst before a happy ending, so feel free to make this as angsty as you wish, I would be more than happy to just have the opportunity to read your work on my prompt.

Thanks for reading, again no pressure to write this if you're uncomfy.

<3

so glad you've enjoyed my works! thanks for your request <3

poly!marauders x afab!reader who has a scare during her pregnancy [2k words]

CW: fem!reader, pregnancy fic, I'm not a doctor nor have I ever been pregnant myself so this is likely not entirely realistic - my apologies for any inaccuracies, reader notices bleeding about halfway through her pregnancy, first pregnancy so they're all very nervous and tense, hurt/comfort, everyone's fine

Your silence was perhaps the most concerning part in Sirius’ mind. 

You were slightly hysterical when you first called to the boys from the bathroom; your voice a few octaves higher and breathing somewhat erratically as you explained that you were spotting. 

Remus, ever the fixer, immediately went into diagnostic mode. Sirius wondered if that hadn’t ultimately contributed to some of your anxiety. How much blood? From where? Was it in your urine or external? Could he see? 

You seemed torn between being mortified that he wanted to see your pink tinged urine and horrified that you’d flushed before he had a chance to inspect it for you.

“That’s alright; hey, it’s okay dove. You didn’t do anything wrong.” He had assured you. You didn’t seem convinced. 

James insisted he carry you to the bedroom, and it was a testament to how freaked out you were that you actually let him, even though the edge of your shared bed was a mere 15 steps from the bathroom. 

James had you tucked into his side as he rubbed soothing stripes up and down your arms, a concerned divot making itself home between his brows as he volleyed questions back and forth with Remus who was quickly making some quick searches on his phone and you stared unseeingly at the carpeted floor. 

Sirius, ever the useless sod, stood with his arms crossed, gnawing on the skin surrounding the nail on his thumb as he kept his worried gaze locked on the side of your face. 

When he got off the phone with your obstetrician, Remus eventually suggested  - in his most calm, authoritative voice - that they take you to A&E. 

You haven’t said anything since. 

Sirius packed you a bag - just in case you needed to be admitted for an extended period of time - whilst James and Remus helped you put on your jacket and shoes before helping you into the car. Again, Sirius knew just how freaked out you were that you even let them fuss over you as such; the fact didn’t seem to be lost on Remus or James either, who shared a concerned glance over your head as James fastened your buckle and Remus shut your door. 

Sirius’ gaze kept darting to the rearview mirror where he could see James’ eyes on you as you kept your own gaze pointed out the window, watching the passing cars as you chewed on the quickly nearing raw skin of your lips. 

“Still feeling okay, dove?” Remus asked, feigning repose. You offered him a hum of quasi-confirmation. 

“We’ll get you all sorted out, angel. You’ve nothing to worry about, okay?” James assured you, clearly going for light and breezy, though his facade fell quickly when a breathy sob escaped you.

“Are you okay, dove?” Remus urged, turning nearly dangerously in his seat to face you. “Does anything hurt? Do you need us to pull over?”

“Remus…” Sirius warned, darting a nervous look to you and James in the rearview mirror.

“Can we just…stop talking? Please?” You begged, sounding so small as you hid behind your hands and rubbed harshly at the tears in your eyes. 

Remus and James both looked as though they wanted to argue the matter, but Sirius quickly agreed. “Of course, gorgeous. We’re almost there.”

Sirius could feel Remus’ helpless gaze settle onto the side of his face, and he casually reached over the console to place his hand on Remus’ thigh as he often did when Sirius drove, though this time he offered his knee a comforting squeeze. 

Remus let out a shuddering breath, and Sirius simply hoped you couldn’t hear it over the thundering of your pulse in your ears. 

He stole one more look at James and exchanged a sad smile with him before returning his attention to the road. 

The admission process passed by in a blur. Sirius sat in a chair with you as Remus spoke to the intake nurse and James paced nervously a few steps behind him. 

Sirius had no words to offer, but you had also been clear about the fact that you didn’t want any, so he simply held you tight and tried to infuse as much strength and love as he could through every point of contact his body made with yours, and prayed that it’d be enough. 

“So, Miss. L/N, this is your first pregnancy?” The doctor asked you as she looked down at the notes in your chart.

You cleared your throat before answering her. “That’s right.” 

“How far along are you?” 

“Twenty weeks.” You offered meekly, shooting a nervous look to Sirius who hoped his encouraging smile translated properly. “And two days.”

The doctor smiled at that. “Half way through. That’s great.” 

Though James tried to smile back, no one else in the room could bring themselves to share in the excitement. 

“So it says here you noticed some spotting. When did that start?”

“Just today,” you responded quickly, “it wasn’t…a lot. Sort of like…like the first day of a period, I suppose? Except…lighter in colour. I don’t know, I’m sorry, I’m not explaining this very well.” 

Sirius itched to reach out for your hand as you started to sound slightly panicked, but fought the urge. Remus hadn’t fought the urge; his hand was promptly shaken off of your form.

“No, that’s perfect. That was going to be my next question; how you would relate it to your cycle.” The doctor assured you. Sirius’ shoulders relaxed when he noticed you take a breath of relief, too. 

“Have there been any other concerns as of late? Any falls, any pain, any cramping?” 

You shook your head no at all of them.

“Okay, let’s take a look then, shall we?” She asked, and Remus supported you as you shuffled towards the head of the bed, this time without pushing him away. 

Sirius didn’t think it was possible to feel more anxious than he did that very first ultrasound after the two pink lines told the four of you that you were pregnant, but he wondered if maybe he couldn’t also ask for one of those plastic bucket things as he felt bile rising in his throat whilst waiting for the doctor to spread some of the gel onto your stomach and press the wand-like camera to the space just above your pelvis. 

It seemed as though the four of you were holding your breath as the doctor moved the camera around and you all tried to follow along with the images even though you really had no idea what you were looking at. 

And then Sirius saw it; a flutter.

“Well, you’re doing a wonderful job, mama.” The doctor said as she turned the monitor further to ensure you could see properly. “Your little one has a strong heartbeat, and they’re very active right now, can you feel them?” 

“Uhm,” You let out with a breathless chuckle, quickly bringing one of your hands up to rub at the tears quickly cascading down your face, “I’m not really sure. Maybe? But I thought maybe it was just nerves or butterflies.”

The doctor laughed in response with a nod of her head. “Yes, that’s often what people think of it as at first; butterflies or even like you’ve just had a fizzy drink.” 

You laughed in agreement, nerves still colouring your breathing as you kept your eyes glued to the monitor. 

Sirius was astounded by the fact that the baby looked so…human. The first few ultrasounds looked like an arbitrary blob that someone who had never seen a human before had a human described to them and then drew it based off of that description. But this…

He could see a neck, and a nose, and hands with little fingers, and the fluttering of a heartbeat he was so worried the bunch of you wouldn’t see. 

He felt a small cold spot on his chest, and when he looked down he realised he’d been crying. 

“Bleeding can sometimes happen during pregnancy; sometimes it’s as simple as hormonal changes or changes to your cervix, but it is always a good idea to get it checked with your healthcare provider.”

“We had spoken with her obstetrician prior to bringing her in.” Remus explained. “He suggested we bring her in just to be on the safe side.”

The doctor nodded in agreement before turning her attention back to her patient. “I’m glad you came in today, Miss. L/N. Your obstetrician probably wanted you to get looked at swiftly seeing as this was your first pregnancy and he didn’t want you to wait the weekend to get looked at. But this is a healthy baby and you’re clearly doing a wonderful job.”

You quickly covered your face as you began to cry in earnest, and Sirius couldn’t help it anymore. 

He perched himself on the edge of your bed and pulled you into his side as he pressed a kiss to the crown of your head. “You’re okay, doll. You’ve done great; you’re doing great.” 

“I thought I was losing them.” You keened, small bump twitching in surprise when James made to wipe the gel off of your stomach. 

“I know, my love.” He assured you, watching Remus approach the bed once the doctor closed the door behind her. “I know, that was really scary.”

“I’m sorry.” You sniffled. 

“What are you sorry for, angel?” James asked, having since tossed the used paper towels as he took both of your hands in his. Remus clearly found that wholly unfair and quickly stole one of your hands to hold between both of his. 

“I don’t know…for scaring you all, for worrying you. For maybe hurting the-”

“That’s quite enough.” Sirius chided as he pulled you further into his side, glaring at James who looked like he, too, sort of wanted to squish you into his side. “You’ve done nothing wrong. Nothing at all.” 

“Pregnancy is not easy, dove. Even if something had happened, it would have in no way been your fault. Okay?” Remus insisted, bending in an attempt to make eye contact with you when you refused to answer. “Do you hear me?”

“Yes.” You nearly wheezed, burrowing further into Sirius’ side; he let you. “Yes, I hear you.”

“I’m so glad you’re okay.” Remus relented, lifting your hand that he had in his to press a kiss to your knuckles. “I’m so glad that you’re both okay.”

“How do you feel about a bath, angel?” James asked then, quickly agreeing when Remus warned ‘not too hot’. “Maybe we could order some takeaway too? What are you feeling? We could pick up anything you want on our way home. If it’s not on our way home, I’ll drop you off and go get it myself. Would you like that?”

“James, how would you feel about a bath and ordering takeaway?” Sirius teased, eliciting a chuckle - albeit a wet one - from you under his shoulder. 

“Oh, I would love that.” James agreed readily, taking your hand that Remus relinquished in favour of packing your things back up and retrieving your shoes and jacket. 

“What do you think, doll? Think you feel up to joining Jamie in a warm bath with some take away?”

You pursed your lips as though considering it before rolling your eyes in faux concession. “Fine, I think I can manage.”

“My perfect girl.” James cheered, pressing a smacking kiss to your cheek. “Thank you, angel. I know that was a big ask.”

“Trying to get James to sit still for an extended period of time?” Remus asked as he held your jacket open for you, smoothing it over your shoulders as James and Sirius both put their own on too. “That really is a big ask.”

Sirius offered James a smile and a wink before taking his hand, thankful that James was more than willing to be the butt of the joke if it meant releasing some of the residual anxiety from your form by means of giggles.

Though Sirius knew that if James couldn’t bring himself to sit still for an extended period of time, especially after the scare you all had today, you had two more-than-willing partners who would quickly offer to take his place.

[thedosianexplorer]

In case this saves anyone else from this pain, I'm going to borrow @thebibliosphere's tag:

^^^GUESS WHO WAS PRESCRIBED THAT MEDICATION FROM AGES 7-16 AND AGAIN AT 29 (it me)

I'm going to guess that the above drug referenced is montelukast (Singulair) because that's the only one I know with a black box warning. Montelukast, brand name Singulair, first became available in the US and UK in 1998. This black box warning did not exist before 2020. That's why I'm writing this, because many of us asthmatics were first prescribed montelukast prior to the risks of this drug being public knowledge when nothing else worked, because it was cheaper, or because our insurance wouldn't cover anything else.

If you are an asthmatic prescribed montelukast and any of the below resonates with your experience, speak to your provider about alternatives immediately:

I was prescribed Singulair in 1998 when my extremely debilitating asthma didn't respond to other treatment. I remember the child version of the drug was chewable and tasted a bit like chalky strawberry. My doctor assured my mother that it was "basically a sugar pill" (a common marketing phrase for the drug in 1998 as it turns out; I even got a Singulair pen to take home instead of a sticker). It worked! It curbed life-threatening asthma attacks and cut down the amount of albuterol I needed, which I had to curb because its carcinogenic properties actively made my respiratory system worse.

It also gave child me terrible insomnia, depression, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, paranoia, and ADHD (yes, current academic research shows a correlation between developing ADHD and long-term use of this drug, especially in kids, due to mechanisms that impact impulse control centers of the brain). This happened basically overnight and I had no idea what was happening to me or the vocabulary to explain it. There was nothing at the time that suggested Singulair could play a role in this. My parents thought I was just throwing a prolonged tantrum over moving/changing schools. The symptoms never went away but I "was a pleasure to have in class" so.

I was told to discontinue the drug in my late teens in favor of Symbicort and the immediate "I have a life to live" feeling kicked in. I'm pretty sure that is a huge factor in me surviving to graduate high school. I wouldn't have known the two things were related until I got laid off in 2021, couldn't afford my Symbicort prescription, and all my marketplace insurance would cover was montelukast. 2021 was the first time I ever had the black box warning read to me. I was told it was just a formality because I "should be fine with a previous history of taking the drug".

I had suicidal depression, psychosis, and paranoia fed to me one pill at a time for several months. Had it not been for the ongoing pandemic I DEFINITELY would have done something impulsive and potentially permanent because of how this drug made me feel. It took several months for me to realize what was happening and for my provider to fight with insurance to cover the Symbicort. Once I discontinued the drug, the fog lifted almost immediately.

I do not in any way regularly experience suicidal ideation or depression so that happening clued me in pretty quickly that something was wrong (I've also had similar side effects with hormonal birth control generic Junel so that is definitely something to keep in mind too). Many patients, advocates, and families who lost loved ones shared similar information in patient forums until it became impossible to ignore and the FDA investigated in 2019. It's subsequently become known that the FDA knew as early as 2009 that montelukast caused intense suicidal ideation and psychological disturbances in children/young adults, that it was known within Merck that this happened prior to the drug receiving FDA approval, and Merck lobbied to have the drug approved anyway, because of course they did (here's a recent link sharing FDA preliminary findings on why this drug behaves this way for some).

I am very grateful to the families who did their very best to understand why their loved ones took their own lives and lobbied the FDA to create a warning for this drug. They very likely saved my life, and certainly saved me from excruciating side effects. I am sorry it took so many deaths to change this. If you or a loved one lives in the US and are struggling with suicidal thoughts, here's a link to warm-lines who don't involve law enforcement.

99% of "mysterious disappearances" esp of people in their 20s who start acting weird for 48 hours and then vanish are not mysterious, thats just when a lot of reality-obliterating mental illness tends to kick in and it's pretty easy to get a short circuit in your brain that makes you go family guy death pose in joshua tree national park. it's not any less tragic, it's just a documented phenomenon and not particularly predictable. its a big reason the medical advice is for people with a family history of schizophrenia to completely avoid weed and psychedelics. "people just go crazy sometimes" is a principle of human health that used to be a lot more accepted prior to the american midcentury and to a certain extent thats a healthier way to conceptualize and prepare for the risk, as opposed to the modern assertion that anyone acting weird is dangerous and broken forever.

[hanniewho]

────୨You're The Warmth In My Cold World ৎ────

⋆˚࿔ Summary: Vi found a letter from her younger self and realized how broken she had become, leaving you to make her feel loved and human again.

𝜗𝜚˚⋆ Notes: I actually wrote this yesterday during family dinner, and it's a bit rushed, so I apologize for that 😭

𐙚˙✧˖° Words: 6.1k

༘ ⋆｡ ˚ Warnings: Soft dom Vi, Fingering, Body worshipping, Comfort sex, Nipple play, Squirting, Multiple orgasm, Crying after sex.

⋆✦ Pairings: Pitfighter! Vi x Afab reader

The snowfall outside was a stark contrast to the warm, candlelit room where Vi sat, her eyes glued to the pages of an old, worn-out book. It was a tale of valor and passion, battles won and lost. She felt a peculiar kinship to the characters, their struggles mirroring her own, but in a world of magic and grandeur rather than the gritty streets of Zaun. The fireplace crackled, casting a gentle glow over the worn leather armchair that had become her sanctuary amidst the city's hustle.

Her mind wandered to the pit fights she had once dominated, the roar of the crowd now replaced by the distant sound of carolers. The Yuletide season had brought a strange sort of peace to the city that she hadn't felt in a long time. The scent of pine and cinnamon filled the air, and she found herself missing the simple joys she had long ago forsaken.

As she turned a page, a letter slipped out from between the book's aged sheets. It was addressed to her, the handwriting unmistakably hers. She hadn't written it. With a furrowed brow, she unfolded the parchment, revealing a note from her younger self. It spoke of dreams and aspirations, of a life beyond the steel cage. She had forgotten about the girl who had once hoped for something more, lost in the haze of blood and sweat that had become her existence.

In a warm, candlelit room, Vi finds a mysterious letter from her past in a book. It stirs feelings of nostalgia and forgotten aspirations, juxtaposed with the peaceful Christmas ambiance outside.

The words stung, a stark reminder of what she had become. Vi's heart felt a pang of regret, a feeling she had buried deep beneath the layers of her hardened exterior. The scent of the book's ink and the crackle of the fire brought back memories of her youth, a time when the world was a canvas of possibilities rather than a battleground of survival. Her eyes grew wet, blurring the ink on the page as she read the innocent dreams she had scribbled down so long ago.

Suddenly, she felt your arms wrapped around her from behind. A warm embrace that was as surprising as it was comforting. Her body tensed at first, instinctively bracing for a blow that never came. Instead, she felt a gentle squeeze, and the soft whisper of your breath against her neck, "You're not alone in this, Vi."

Her heart skipped a beat. She had never allowed anyone to get this close to her, not since she had left the safety of her old life behind. The walls she had built around herself trembled at the touch, unsure how to respond to the tender gesture. She closed her eyes, letting the warmth of your embrace seep into her. The room grew quiet, save for the crackling fire and the soft patter of snowflakes outside the window.

Touched by the letter from her past, Vi is surprised by your comforting embrace, which brings back feelings of vulnerability and a sense of companionship she thought she had lost.

Your hands rested on her shoulders, gently rubbing the tension that had knotted there. Vi leaned back into your chest.She felt your breath on the nape of her neck, a sensation that sent shivers down her spine. It was a feeling she had almost forgotten, one that didn't come with the bite of a knife or the crunch of bones. Your presence was gentle, soothing, and she found herself letting go of the pain that had held her hostage for so long.

The warmth of your body against hers brought a blush to her cheeks, and she swallowed hard, trying to push down the lump in her throat. She hadn't allowed herself to be vulnerable like this in years, not since she had become the feared pitfighter of the underground. Your touch was a promise of something different, something she hadn't dared to hope for. It was as if your arms had cracked open the heavy door to a room she had locked away, filled with the warmth of Christmas past.

Vi took a deep breath, the scent of your perfume mixing with the aroma of the pine and cinnamon, creating an intoxicating blend that seemed to melt the ice around her heart. She could feel the steady rhythm of your heartbeat against her back, a gentle reminder that she wasn't the only one in the room. The words from the letter echoed in her mind, and she wondered if perhaps you had seen the same dreams she had once had.

Vi experiences a rare moment of vulnerability and comfort in your embrace, feeling a connection she had long forgotten. The warmth and tenderness of your touch opens a door to her past, suggesting a shared understanding of her once-innocent dreams.

Her body began to relax, muscles uncoiling from their defensive stance. She allowed herself to be drawn into your embrace, leaning back into the comfort you offered. The warmth of your touch spread through her, reaching places that had been cold and empty for so long. It was as if you had lit a candle in the dark caverns of her soul, casting shadows on forgotten desires. Your hands continued to move in soothing circles, working out the knots of tension and pain that had become a part of her.

With a tentative hand, Vi reached up and placed it on your forearm, the warmth of your skin searing against her own. She felt your pulse quicken, a response to her touch, and she took it as a silent acknowledgment of the connection forming between you. Your arms tightened around her slightly, and she felt the firm press of your lips against the top of her head, a gesture that seemed to hold more meaning than words could convey.

For a moment, she was lost in the feeling of your embrace, the warmth of your breath on her neck, the steady beat of your heart. The words from the letter swam in her mind, and she found herself whispering, "I didn't know I could still want... this."

Vi's body relaxes as she accepts your comforting touch, allowing the warmth of your embrace to fill her. The connection strengthens as she reaches out to you, feeling your pulse and the gentle kiss on her forehead, hinting at deeper feelings and shared longings.

You pulled away slightly, just enough to look into her eyes, and she could see the understanding in your gaze. Without a word, you leaned in, your lips brushing against hers in a tender kiss that seemed to carry all the unspoken promises of the season. The taste of you was like the first sip of hot cocoa on a cold winter's day, sweet and comforting, filling her with a warmth she hadn't felt in what felt like an eternity.

Her eyes widened in surprise, but she didn't pull away. As your kiss deepened, she felt the thawing of something within her, an emotion she had long thought lost to the frost of her life.

The room grew warmer, the crackle of the fireplace now a distant backdrop to the symphony of your breathing mingling with hers. Your hands moved from her shoulders to her waist, pulling her closer, and she didn't resist. The leather armchair creaked under the sudden shift in weight, but neither of you cared. The chill of the winter outside was forgotten as you both found solace in the warmth of each other's embrace.

A silent understanding passes between you and Vi as you share a comforting kiss. She feels the warmth of human connection, her frozen emotions beginning to thaw as she touches your heartbeat. The room's ambiance intensifies as your intimacy deepens, leaving the cold outside world forgotten.

Vi's eyes remained closed, savoring the sensation of your arms around her. It had been so long since she had felt anything other than pain and fear that this sudden affection overwhelmed her. She leaned back into you, her head nestling into the crook of your neck a sensation that was both foreign and comforting.

Your hands began to trace patterns along her arms, sending sparks of electricity through her body. She hadn't been touched with such gentleness in what felt like a lifetime. The weight of your embrace was a stark contrast to the bruising grips she was accustomed to in the fighting pits. Each caress felt like a gentle promise, a whisper that she could let go of the burdens she carried. Her breathing grew shallow, matching the rhythm of your own as your kiss grew more insistent.

The fire cast a warm, flickering light over your entwined forms, painting your skin in shades of gold and amber. The room grew hazy with the heat of your shared passion, the candles casting shadows that danced along the walls as if in celebration. Vi felt her body responding to your touch, the years of solitude and pain momentarily forgotten in the face of this newfound connection. Your kiss grew deeper, your tongue exploring the recesses of her mouth as if seeking the essence of her very soul.

Overwhelmed by your affection, Vi relaxes into your gentle embrace. Your tender caresses contrast with her harsh past, offering her a brief reprieve from pain and fear. The warmth and safety of the moment ignite a passionate response within her, hinting at a potential future of healing and love.

Her own hands grew bold, sliding up to tangle in your hair, the soft strands a stark contrast to the roughened calluses on her palms. The scent of your perfume grew stronger, mingling with the sweetness of her own arousal as she felt her body begin to arch into yours. The armchair groaned in protest, but neither of you paid it any mind. Your hands roamed lower, caressing the curve of her waist, the firmness of her hips, and she gasped against your mouth.

You broke the kiss, your eyes searching hers for any hint of hesitation. Finding none, you leaned in and kissed along her jaw, down her neck, leaving a trail of fire in your wake. Vi shivered, her breath hitching as you reached the sensitive spot just above her collarbone. She had never felt so exposed, so vulnerable, yet she didn't want you to stop.

Your hands moved up to cup her breasts, feeling the soft mounds through the fabric of her shirt. Her nipples pebbled under your touch, and she couldn't hold back a soft moan. You took it as an invitation, your thumbs brushing against the peaks, eliciting a gasp from her parted lips. The sound was like music to your ears, a sweet symphony of desire that you hadn't heard in far too long.

As passion ignites, Vi's hands explore your hair while your gentle touches continue to evoke a sense of safety and yearning. Your kisses travel down her neck, eliciting moans of pleasure. Her body reacts to your intimate caresses, revealing a side of her that has long been hidden beneath the armor of her past.

With a deft move, you pulled the fabric over her head, revealing her nakedness to the flickering firelight. Her breasts were full and round, the dark areolae a stark contrast to her pale skin. "You're so fucking gorgeous." You said before took one of her breasts in your mouth, sucking gently as she arched back with a cry of pleasure. Your hands slid down to her waist, unbuckling her belt with a practiced ease that spoke of countless similar moments.

Her hand traveled up the back of your shirt and pull it off, her fingertips tracing the contours of your spine. You shivered at the sensation, your own body responding to her touch. With a sudden urgency, she reached around and unhooked your bra, freeing your breasts to the cool air. The sight of them, heavy and full, made Vi's breath hitch in her throat.

Her own hands moved to your waist, pulling you closer as she stood, the armchair abandoned behind her. You took a step back, allowing her to guide you towards the soft, inviting bed that stood in the corner of the room. The mattress dipped as you sat down, Vi's eyes never leaving yours as she stepped out of her boots and pants, leaving them in a crumpled heap on the floor.

The candles cast a soft, flickering glow over your bodies as you stood before each other, both naked and exposed. The flames danced in her eyes, a mix of hunger and something softer, something she hadn't seen in a very long time. Your skin was like silk under her touch, and she marveled at the difference from the rough, scarred flesh she was accustomed to feeling in the pits.

With trembling hands, she reached out and traced the outline of your breasts, feeling the weight of them in her palms. Your nipples were like pebbles, hard and eager, begging for attention. Vi leaned down and took one into her mouth, her tongue swirling around the sensitive peak. You moaned, the sound echoing in the room, and she felt a thrill of power at being the cause of such pleasure.

Her teeth grazed the tender flesh, and you gasped, your hand shooting up to grab the back of her head, pressing her closer. The taste of you was like a drug, a sweet elixir that she hadn't known she craved. Her hands slid down to your hips, her nails digging into the soft skin as she felt your legs part, inviting her closer.

The bed whispered a sweet lullaby as you lay back, pulling Vi with you. The weight of her body was a welcome pressure, the heat of her skin a stark contrast to the coldness of the world outside. Your legs entwined around hers, pulling her in tight as if afraid she might disappear if you let go.

Her kisses grew more fervent, moving from your neck to your chest, her tongue tracing the delicate line of your collarbone. She took a nipple in her mouth, and the sensation was like lightning, shooting straight to your core. You arched your back, your hips bucking involuntarily as she bit down gently, eliciting a cry of pleasure from your lips.

Her hand trailed down your stomach, the softness of your skin giving way to the damp heat between your thighs. She found your clit, already swollen and begging for her touch. With a deft flick, she sent a wave of pleasure crashing over you, making your eyes roll back in your head. Your legs tightened around her, your body a symphony of want and need.

Vi's own desire was a living thing, pulsing and demanding. She straddled you, her thighs pressing against yours, feeling the wetness of her own arousal.The sight of your flushed face, the way your body responded to her touch, it was a heady feeling that she never wanted to end. Her hand slid lower, one finger dipping into your slick heat, making you gasp.

Your hips rose to meet her, and she began to move her hand in a slow, rhythmic motion that made your breath catch. Your hands roamed her back, pulling her closer, as if you could absorb her very essence. The sensation was overwhelming, a crescendo of pleasure that grew with each passing moment.

Her eyes locked onto yours, a silent question hanging between you. With a nod, she leaned down and captured your mouth in a kiss that was as fierce as it was tender. Her hand never ceased its movement, and you could feel the tension coiling within you, a tight spring threatening to snap at any moment.

The world outside the window was lost to the swirling snow, but in here, in this warm cocoon of desire, there was nothing but the two of you. Her hand moved with increasing urgency, her fingers dancing over your clit, teasing and stroking until you were on the edge of the precipice. Your nails dug into her shoulders, your body arching off the bed as the first waves of orgasm washed over you.

The room was alive with the sounds of your muffled cries and the slick wetness of skin on skin. Vi felt your body tighten around her, the muscles in your thighs clenching as you came, your hips grinding against her hand. The intensity of your climax was like a punch to her gut, a reminder of what she had been missing in the cold, lonely world of the pits.

Her own need grew more urgent, her clit throbbing in time with your heartbeat. She slid a second finger into you, feeling the walls of your pussy tighten around her. The sensation was intoxicating, a potent mix of power and vulnerability that made her head swim. Your eyes closed, your mouth open in a silent scream, your body lost to the rapture she had brought forth.

Vi watched you, drinking in the sight of your pleasure, feeling it resonate deep within her own core. Her thumb found your clit again, pressing down as she began to fuck you with her hand, her own arousal growing with each of your whimpers. The candlelight danced across your skin, casting shadows that played over the contours of your body, making you seem almost ethereal.

Your eyes flew open, locking onto hers as a second, more powerful orgasm ripped through you. Your nails raked down her back, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. She felt the wetness of your release, the warmth of it coating her hand, and she groaned into your mouth, the sound lost in the symphony of your cries.

Vi felt a primal urge to claim you, to show you the depth of her need. She pulled away from your embrace, her eyes dark with desire as she pushed you onto your back. Your legs fell open, welcoming her in, and she took a moment to appreciate the beauty laid out before her. Your skin was flushed, your chest heaving, and your eyes were glazed with passion.

With a growl that was more animal than human, she bent down and took your other nipple in her mouth, teasing it with her teeth as her hand returned to your wetness. Your body responded immediately, your hips lifting off the bed, silently begging for more. She chuckled against your skin, the sound vibrating through your body and sending another shiver of pleasure through you.

Then she lowered herself so that both of your pussies met, the warm, slick flesh pressing together in a dance of desire. The sensation was unlike anything you had ever felt, a perfect melding of passion and need. Your hands moved to her ass, urging her closer as she began to grind against you, the friction sending sparks of pleasure through your core.

The heat between you was palpable, the air thick with the scent of arousal. Your hips moved in tandem, a silent choreography of want as your bodies sought out the perfect rhythm. The slickness of your skin made it easy for her to slide against you, the sound of your wetness echoing through the room. It was a symphony of need, each movement a crescendo that built upon the last.

Her eyes never left yours, the fire in them burning brighter with every stroke. Your breaths grew ragged, matching the tempo of your hearts as your bodies moved in a slow, sensual grind. The friction grew, a delicious pressure building at the apex of your connection. It was as if you were two flints striking together, sparks flying as you sought the sweet release that only this union could provide.

The feeling of your wetness sliding against hers was a revelation to VI. It was a dance of desire she had never known, a gentle battle of passion that was as intoxicating as any fight she'd ever had. Her movements grew more urgent, hips rolling in a steady rhythm that made your toes curl. The warmth of your skin, the softness of your folds, it was a stark contrast to the cold steel she'd become accustomed to.

Your legs wrapped around her waist, pulling her in closer, as if trying to become one. The sensation of your bodies moving together was a silent symphony, each gasp and whimper a note in a melody of lust. Vi felt the walls of her own desire crumbling, the dam of her control threatening to break under the relentless pressure of your need.

Her own hips began to buck against yours, the friction between your folds growing more intense with each movement. The feeling of your wetness coating her, the softness of your skin, was a revelation. Her thumb found your clit, circling it with a fierce determination that matched the rhythm of her hips. Your eyes grew wide, your mouth opening in silent plea, and she knew you were close.

With a growl, she increased her pace, her body moving against yours in a symphony of passion. Your legs tightened around her waist, pulling her in even closer, and she could feel your heat building, the tension coiling like a spring ready to snap. The room was filled with the sound of your breaths, the slickness of your skin, the gentle slap of flesh against flesh.

Her eyes never left yours, the fire in them burning brighter with every stroke. You could feel the climax building, a crescendo that threatened to overwhelm you both. Your nails dug into her back, leaving red trails on her skin, a silent plea for more. The friction grew, a delicious pressure that built between your legs, a storm brewing in the center of your being.

Vi's movements grew more urgent, her hips grinding against yours, the heat between you like a living, breathing entity. You felt the first tremors of orgasm, a delicate tremble that grew into a quake of pleasure. Your legs tightened around her waist, pulling her closer, your body begging for the release she promised.

The sensation of her wetness sliding against yours was unlike anything you had ever experienced. It was a symphony of sensation, a dance of desire that seemed to resonate in every nerve ending. Her hand remained between your legs, the pad of her thumb pressing insistently against your clit as she watched the passion play out on your face.

Your eyes grew glazed, the candlelight flickering in them like stars in a night sky. "Vi," you murmured, your voice thick with need, "I want this, I want you, forever." The words slurred together in your mouth, a testament to the intoxicating effect she had on you.

Her own eyes searched yours, a mix of surprise and something deeper, something that made your heart stutter in your chest. Her movements grew more deliberate, her body grinding against yours with a fierce tenderness that spoke of a hunger that mirrored your own. The room spun, the candles a kaleidoscope of color and light, as you both lost yourself in the moment.

Your breaths grew ragged, the words you had spoken echoing in the air, a declaration of something that felt so right it was terrifying. Vi felt your legs tighten around her waist, the heat of your pussy against hers a siren's call she couldn't resist. She whispered back, "You're mine, forever," the words a promise that seemed to resonate through the very fabric of the room.

Her movements grew more urgent, the slickness of your arousal making it easy to glide against you. Your hips met hers, the friction setting off sparks that seemed to ignite every nerve in your bodies. The room was a whirlwind of sensation, the only anchor being the fiery gaze that held yours. The candle flames danced in your eyes, a reflection of the passion that burned between you.

As you reached the peak of your pleasure, Vi felt your body tighten around hers. A sudden, unexpected rush of liquid warmth coated her lower abdomen and the tops of her thighs as she came down from her high. You had squirted, the force of your climax painting a picture of ecstasy on her skin. The sensation was shocking, a reminder of how intimately connected you were in this moment.

Instantly, you felt your cheeks flush with heat, and your hands shot up to cover your face in an adorable display of embarrassment. Vi, caught in the aftermath of her own orgasm, froze for a moment, unsure of how to react. Then she chuckled, the sound rich and warm in the quiet room. "Don't be shy," she murmured, her voice thick with satisfaction. "It's a sign of how much you enjoyed it."

Her own laugh was a gentle rumble that seemed to vibrate through the air, wrapping around you like a warm blanket. Slowly, you lowered your hands, your eyes meeting hers again. There was something in her gaze that made your heart flutter, something that went beyond the physical connection you'd just shared. It was as if you had bared your soul to her in that one moment of vulnerability.

Vi reached up, her thumb gently brushing away a tear that had escaped your eye. "Don't be embarrassed," she murmured, her voice softer than you had ever heard it before. "This is what happens when two people connect on a deeper level."

You felt your cheeks heat up even more, but the warmth in her gaze was reassuring. With trembling hands, you reached out to touch her, your fingers tracing the contours of her face. "I've never felt anything like this," you admitted, your voice a whisper that seemed to carry the weight of the world.

Vi's expression softened, the fiery desire in her eyes giving way to something much softer. She leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on your forehead, the gesture filled with a tenderness that was almost painful in its beauty. "You're not alone in this," she murmured against your skin. "We're in this together." She said as she laid down beside you.

The words seemed to resonate through you, unlocking something deep within your heart that you had long kept hidden. Suddenly, you felt the weight of your emotions threatening to spill over. Your face grew hot, and you buried it in your hands, trying to hide the tears that had started to fall. The warmth of your own embarrassment was a stark contrast to the coolness of your skin, the reality of your vulnerability crashing over you like a wave.

Vi, sensing your distress, pulled you closer, her strong arms encircling you in a gentle embrace. "Hey," she whispered, her voice a soothing balm to your soul. "It's okay. You don't have to hide from me." Her words were a gentle coaxing, a promise of safety in a world that had shown you so little of it.

Your body trembled as you let yourself be held, the dam of your emotions giving way to the warmth of her touch. The tears fell freely now, soaking into the pillow beneath your cheek. You felt her kiss the top of your head, a sweet benediction that seemed to soothe the rawest parts of you. Her hand stroked your back, a gentle rhythm that mirrored the beat of her heart.

"Shh," she whispered, her voice a soft lullaby in the candlelit room. "You're safe with me. I'll always protect you." Her words were a balm to the bruised parts of your soul, a promise that seemed too good to be true. But in this moment, with her arms around you, it was easy to believe.

You felt your body relax into her embrace, the tension of the day, of your life, seeping out of you like water through a sieve. The warmth of her skin against yours was like a warm summer's day, a stark contrast to the cold, harsh world outside. Your tears slowed, the sobs subsiding into quiet hiccups.

Vi's hand moved from your back to your cheek, her thumb wiping away the last traces of your tears. "Look at me," she said softly. You lifted your gaze to hers, the candlelight playing in her eyes, making them twinkle like distant stars. "You are not alone. I am here."

Her words seemed to echo in the quiet room, resonating in the very air you breathed. You searched her gaze, looking for any hint of deceit or insincerity, but all you found was warmth and a fierce determination that made your heart swell. "Vi," you whispered, your voice hoarse with emotion. "Thank you."

Vi's expression softened further, and she leaned down to press her lips against yours in a kiss that was as gentle as it was passionate. The taste of your tears mingled with hers, a bittersweet symphony of pain and comfort, of fear and hope. Your arms wrapped around her neck, holding her close as if you could pull her into the very core of your being.

As your kiss deepened, she felt the last vestiges of your fear melt away, leaving only a smoldering ember of desire in its place. Your legs entwined with hers, your bodies fitting together like two halves of a whole. The candlelight painted shadows across the room, flickering over your skin like a lover's caress.

With a mischievous smile, Vi pulled away, her eyes shimmering with a warmth that seemed to belie the harshness of her past. She leaned in and booped the tip of your nose with the pad of her finger, a playful gesture that made you giggle despite the intensity of the moment. The sound was like a bell in the quiet room, a reminder of the joy that could be found even in the darkest of places.

The sudden playfulness was a welcome reprieve from the passionate intensity that had just passed between you. Her finger lingered on your nose for a brief moment before she leaned in to press her lips to yours again, the kiss a sweet blend of laughter and love. The warmth of her smile was a beacon of light in the candlelit darkness, a promise of happiness to come.

Vi pulled you closer, her strong arms wrapping around your shoulders and her legs entwined with yours. She began to pepper your face with feather-light kisses, each one a tender declaration of her affection. Your cheeks, your eyelids, the tip of your nose – no part of your face was spared from her adoration. The feeling was overwhelming, a gentle reminder that there could be sweetness in the world, even for someone as damaged as her.

Your eyes fluttered closed as you leaned into her touch, your breaths mingling with hers. Each kiss was like a gentle summer rain, soothing your soul and nurturing the fragile blossom of hope that had begun to grow within you. Her lips danced across your skin, a silent ballet of love and comfort that seemed to melt away the years of pain and solitude you had endured.

When she finally pulled away, the warmth of her smile was like the first light of dawn breaking over the horizon of a new day. You felt reborn in the softness of her embrace, your heart pounding in your chest like the drums of a triumphant army. "Merry Christmas," she murmured against your ear, the words sending a shiver down your spine.

You leaned back into her, your heart feeling as if it might burst from your chest. Her hand stroked your hair, her touch soothing and gentle. "Merry Christmas, Vi," you whispered back, the words filled with a warmth that seemed to warm the very air around you.

Her fingers traced the line of your jaw, her thumb brushing against your lower lip. "You know," she said, her voice a low purr, "I've never had anyone to share Christmas with before." There was a hint of wonder in her eyes, as if she couldn't quite believe that she had found someone who could see beyond the scars and the armor she wore.

You nodded, snuggling closer into her embrace. "Neither have I, not like this." Your voice was soft, filled with the contentment that only came from being truly seen and accepted by someone else. "It's been... amazing."

Vi's hand continued to stroke your hair, the gentle rhythm lulling you into a state of pure bliss. Her thumb traced the shell of your ear, sending a shiver down your spine. "I didn't know it could be like this," she murmured, her voice a gentle rumble that seemed to resonate in the very marrow of your bones. "So... good."

You nodded, nuzzling closer to her chest. The steady beat of her heart was a comforting lullaby that seemed to sync with your own erratic pulse. Her warmth was a stark contrast to the cold you had known for so long, a reminder that there was more to life than pain and fear. "Neither did I," you admitted, your voice a soft whisper that seemed to carry the weight of the world.

Vi's arms tightened around you, her chest rising and falling with each breath she took. You could feel the warmth of her skin seeping into yours, chasing away the last remnants of the cold that had once been your constant companion. Her hand continued to stroke your hair, the gentle motion a silent promise that she would never let you go.

The candles flickered in the quiet room, casting a soft glow over your intertwined bodies. The shadows they painted on the walls danced in time with the crackling fireplace, creating a serene, intimate atmosphere that seemed to envelop you both. The scent of your mingled arousal lingered in the air, a testament to the passion that had just transpired between you.

Vi's gaze was fixed on you, her eyes shimmering with a warmth that seemed to belie the harshness of her past. She whispered, her voice barely above a breath, "You're the warmth in my cold world." The words hung in the air like a gentle embrace, wrapping around your heart and filling you with a warmth that seemed to spread through your very soul.

Her declaration was a stark contrast to the cold, hard steel that had been her armor for so long. Yet, here she was, laying bare her most vulnerable truth in the candlelit sanctity of your shared space. The flickering flames cast an intimate glow over the two of you, a visual metaphor for the fire that had been ignited between you.

Her eyes searched yours, the depth of her words reflected in their emerald pools. The warmth of her gaze was a stark contrast to the frigidness of the blizzard raging outside, a beacon of hope that pierced through the shadows of your own fears and insecurities. You felt your heart swell in response, the warmth of her words filling you with a sense of belonging that you had never known before.

The room grew quiet, save for the crackling of the fireplace and the soft sounds of your breathing. You reached up to cup her cheek, feeling the roughness of her skin under your palm. "And you're the light in my darkness," you murmured back, the truth of your words resonating in the very core of your being.

Her eyes searched yours, a silent question lingering in their depths. "What are you saying?" she asked, her voice a low, sultry rumble that seemed to vibrate through you. You swallowed hard, your heart racing. "I'm saying that I want to be with you, Vi. Not just tonight, but always."

Vi's expression grew serious, her eyes searching your face for any hint of doubt. "Are you sure?" she asked, her voice tinged with a vulnerability that was rare for her. "I'm not like other people. I'm... broken."

You shook your head, your voice firm. "You're not broken, Vi. You're strong. You're the warmth in my cold world." The words slipped from your lips like a warm embrace, wrapping around her heart and filling her with a sense of belonging that she hadn't felt in years.

Her eyes searched yours, the candlelight casting a warm glow over the room. "I never knew it could be like this," she murmured, her voice a soft rumble that seemed to echo the tumultuous emotions swirling within her. "To have someone who... who sees me."

You nodded, your own eyes filled with a soft understanding that seemed to pierce the very armor that had protected her heart for so long. "I see you, Vi," you whispered, your voice a gentle caress. "All of you."

Her breath caught in her throat, the words striking a chord deep within her. For a moment, she said nothing, the weight of your declaration hanging in the air like a warm embrace. Then, she leaned in, her mouth brushing against yours in a kiss that was as gentle as it was fierce. "And you're the warmth in my cold world," she murmured against your lips.

[cosmicdahlias]

Christmas Across the Rio Grande

Logan Howlett x Reader

MINORS DNI

Christmas has come and you’re spending it getting drunk with an old, hardened Logan.

tags: age gap, alcohol use, drunk sex, couch sex, p in v, unprotected sex, creampie

sooo timeline-wise this takes place at the end of 2028. i tried to do my best research as to when caliban comes into the picture and there wasn’t much, but from what i’ve read it seems logan recruited him some time in 2029, so he will not be in this fic. sorry for posting a christmas fic a day late, i only got the idea for this two days ago 😭

Life had not been the same in months. Charles Xavier, once head and founder of Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, had developed dementia, leading to frequent destructive telepathic seizures. One such seizure became known as the Westchester Incident, leaving the school destroyed, many injured, and some of your fellow mutants dead.

Having grown up in an orphanage until aging out of the system and spending the first eight years of adulthood on the streets, Charles was the closest thing you’d ever had to a father and the school was the only place that ever truly felt like home. In such a short time you had lost both. Even though Charles was still very much alive, the dementia left him a shell of his former self.

After Westchester the United States government declared Charles’ brain as a “weapon of mass destruction”, leaving you and another mutant to take him and go on the run, fleeing to an abandoned smelting plant in Mexico just across the Rio Grande.

The other mutant was the notorious Wolverine, Logan Howlett. For reasons unknown to you, his appearance had changed dramatically in the last five years. Despite not being able to age he looked like he’d gone from forty to sixty in record time.

Since escaping with you and Charles to Mexico, Logan had taken to going by “James”, his actual name, and worked as a limo driver in the border city of El Paso. He would regularly smuggle in the drugs to keep Charles’ seizures at bay.

In the days before Westchester you were never fond of Logan. He was a loner, seeming to keep everyone at arm’s length, save for those he would bed. Perhaps it was his tendencies towards promiscuity when he claimed to be in love with Jean Grey, a married woman, that irked you more than his personality.

He was passed around the mansion so frequently that from what you’d heard there were times he accidentally “double booked” himself. There was a part of you, buried somewhere deep, that harbored a resentment towards him for never seeking out your affections like he did for nearly any other adult with a pulse.

Living in close proximity since being thrust into exile with him had softened your opinions considerably. The shared trauma of losing everything and everyone had brought you two closer, as close as he would allow.

December was coming to an end. The nights were blisteringly cold and the winds only served to make them colder. The poorly insulated, run-down plant did little to protect you from the elements.

You were heading back inside from painstakingly, but successfully, attempting to medicate Charles. The heavy gales howled, making it a struggle to close the door before finally managing slam it shut. You turned around to see Logan sitting on the couch, bottle of whiskey in hand. He was wearing his typical non-work attire, a white tank top and jeans.

“He finally down?” He asked.

“For now, I swear those drugs used to knock him out for longer. He wouldn’t stop going on about Taco Bell for some reason.”

“Yeah, he uh… he does that a lot now.”

You gave a heavy sigh.

“It just sucks because it makes those moments where he acts like himself again hurt more.”

“What’d he say this time?”

“He just- I don’t know- whenever he actually says my name I know it’s him in there. Most of the time he calls me Jean, but I-“ your voice began to break “I don’t know how much more of this I can take Logan, watching his mind wither away into nothing.” You said, tears forming in your eyes.

For a moment you swore you saw a flicker of concern spread across his face.

“I’m thinking of bringing in some extra help.” He said.

“And what? We risk someone else knowing that we’re harboring a fugitive?”

“With me working that leaves you as the only one here most of the time. If god forbid something happens while I’m out and he hurts you, what then?”

You fell silent. He was right, you couldn’t keep caring for Charles alone when his seizures could be so dangerous and unpredictable. You had no rebuttal.

“Fine, but finding another mutant won’t be easy.”

“I’m well aware, but I’m done talking business, you look like you could use a drink.”

Logan extended out his bottle of whiskey, a rare invitation for you to join him. You smirked and took it.

“Look at you actually wanting to interact with someone for once.”

“Don’t make me regret it.”

You sat next to him on the moth-eaten couch, drinking a few shots worth from the bottle.

“Thirsty?” Logan asked with a cocked brow.

“Shut up, it’s been a long day.” You retorted, downing another shot and handing the bottle back to him.

Between the two of you the whiskey was finished within half an hour, leaving you significantly intoxicated, him slightly less so. When drunk Logan was far more open, and for the first time since Westchester you actually saw him smile. As the night progressed the two of you reminisced about life before Mexico and shared life stories you hadn’t told each other.

“A cage fighter?” You giggled.

“Yeah, went by Wolverine back then too.”

“Wow, too lazy to even try to come up with another name?” You teased as you looked down at your phone and read the time, midnight of the 25th.

“Oh shit, it’s already Christmas.” You said.

“Honestly wouldn’t have known if you didn’t say anything, the days just run together at this point.”

“No kidding, everything’s so different now.”

“… Yeah.”

A wistful silence hung in the air for a moment before you spoke.

“You know it’s hard not to miss the holidays back at the school… can’t say I miss Jean’s cooking though. I know how you felt about her, but that woman could not season food to save her life. I’m pretty sure she thought salt was too spicy.”

Logan gave a chuckle.

“Can’t disagree with you on that one.”

“I think what I miss most was seeing the kids all happy on Christmas morning, growing up in an orphanage I never got that for myself. Thanks to Bobby they always had a good snowball fight.”

“I miss that kid. Him and Rogue.”

“Kid? They were both pushing 40.” You laughed.

“They were kids when I met them and that’s always how I’ll remember them. Especially Rogue.”

“I always thought she saw you as like a father figure.”

“She definitely did, no matter how many times I told her not to.”

“I miss her so much, she was the first one other than Charles to make me feel like I belonged there. Fuck, I just miss all of them. It was only five years, but it was the best damn five years of my life, actually having something like a family.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean.”

You gave a wry smile.

“And in the end out of all of the X-Men to be stuck with of course it had to be you.” You teased, elbowing him playfully.

“You say that like it’s a joke, but you really had it in for me.”

“I mean I did, but you didn’t exactly come off as a nice guy.”

“I can be a nice guy, you just never tried to get to know me.”

“Would you have let me though?”

“Maybe.”

He looked at you in a way you’d never seen from him before, it made your heart do a backflip.

“You know, even if I wasn’t crazy about you back then I’m glad you’re here with me.” You said.

Logan raised a brow.

“Why’s that?”

“Because as much as I hate to say it, I’ve grown to like you.”

“A mistake honestly.” He chuckled.

A cold desert wind suddenly blew against dilapidated smelting plant. Frigid air crept in through the gaps in the walls, eliciting a shiver as it hit you.

“Cold?” Logan asked.

“Y- yeah.“

“Alright, c’mere.”

Logan pulled you against him, wrapping his arms around you. His body radiated an incredible amount of heat, a more than welcoming feeling in the bitter temperatures.

“Holy shit, you’re like a fucking furnace.” You said.

“Yeah? You like it?”

“God yes.”

His hands began to wander down to the small of your back. You traced the outline of his pecs with your fingertips. He looked at you, eyes betraying an intense desire as he cupped your cheek, coming in close.

“Merry Christmas, Logan.” You whispered as his lips met yours.

Starting slow and soft, Logan’s kisses quickly turned more passionate, a distinct hunger to them. He moved his hands to your waist, pulling you onto his lap. You felt his hard cock press into you through his jeans. You rolled your hips against him, causing him to let out a growl. He lowered his head, kissing and gingerly biting your neck. You moaned as his teeth scraped against the soft skin.

His hands began to drift to the hem of your shirt, gathering the fabric in his fingers and slowly lifting it over your head. He unclasped your bra, sliding the straps off your arms and tossing its aside. You watched his eyes take in the curvature of your breasts.

“Good fuckin’ god, you’re perfect.” He whispered, cupping one of your breasts and circling the nipple with his thumb.

Logan’s hands fell to your hips, tugging down your jeans until they landed on the floor with your shirt. His fingers circled your clit over your panties, the thin barrier of fabric did little to keep you from turning into a whimpering mess.

“Goddam, I love those little noises.“

Logan dipped his head down to kiss your neck again, you moaned and began to grind yourself against him.

“Hmm, getting excited there, princess? Feels good, doesn’t it?”

“Uh-huh.” You whimpered.

“Yeah? Let me make it feel even better for you, babygirl.”

Logan hooked his thumbs in the waistband of your panties, sliding them off your legs. He slipped a hand between your thighs, dragging his fingers along the slit of your dripping pussy.

“So wet and worked up for me.”

Logan returned his fingers to your clit, you dug your nails into his shoulders, the feeling of direct stimulation was almost too overwhelming. It had been far too long since you were last touched like this, or even touched yourself. You weren’t going to last much longer.

“F- fuck, I’m- I’m so close.”

“There you go, that’s it. Cum for me, princess.”

Logan pulled you into a kiss with his free hand as you came undone on his fingers, the electric pulses of your orgasm surging through you.

“Oh god, Logan.” You moaned against his mouth.

Logan kissed you aggressively as your orgasm faded. He dropped his head to your breasts, peppering kisses to them as he spoke.

“God, you’re so hot when you cum. You need to see what you’re doing to me, babygirl.”

Logan’s hands moved to his belt, unbuckling it, he unzipped his jeans and freed his already throbbing cock from his boxers. Logan took your hand in his, guiding it to wrap around his shaft. You gathered beads of precum from his head, using it to lubricate the length of his cock as you stroked him.

“Fuuuck, your hand feels good, but I need that pussy. You wanna ride me, princess?”

You nodded.

“That’s my good girl.”

You shifted yourself to hover just above is cock, sinking down onto him, barely taking more than his head before wincing as you felt his massive girth stretch you wide.

“You alright?” Logan asked.

“Y- yeah, just been a while. Not used to one this big either.”

“Then take it slow, princess. Don’t rush it.”

You continued to lower yourself onto his cock, following his instructions to go slow. A small shudder escaped his lips.

“Fuckin’ Christ, you’re so tight.”

You reached the hilt of his shaft, feeling him throb inside you as you began to lift and drop your hips.

“Attagirl, just like that. Nice and easy.” Logan said, his hands moving to your waist, pulling you closer.

“Christ, living with you was starting to drive me crazy. I could barely take seeing you in the summer, your ass in those little shorts. You don’t know how many times I had to jerk off because of you.”

You blushed and whimpered at the thought of Logan getting so worked up over you.

“Hmm, you like that, babygirl? You like knowing you made this old man stroke his fat fuckin’ cock to you?” He grunted as he grabbed your hips, thrusting up into you.

You nodded.

“Use your words, princess.”

“Y- yes, sir.”

“Good girl.”

You moved yourself up and down on his cock, sliding him all the way out until only the head remained before taking his full length back deep inside you. Logan’s eyes wandered over every inch of body. His hand moved to one of your breasts.

“Fuck, I can’t get enough of these tits, and this ass.” He growled.

He raised his hand and brought it down sharply on your ass, eliciting a yelp.

“Sorry, princess, couldn’t help myself.”

“N- no it’s okay, I like it.”

“Oh? You like it rough, huh?”

“Y- yeah.”

“Well, guess I gotta fuck you senseless then.”

In one swift motion Logan grabbed you by the waist, picking you up and throwing you down onto the couch on your back with him on top of you. You barely had a second to adjust to the new position before he forced every inch of himself inside you. He pinned your wrists above your head as he fucked you with a punishing speed.

“How’s that feel? Am I rough enough for you, princess?”

“Y- yeah. F- feels so good.”

“Attagirl.”

Logan’s breathing hitched, his hips stuttering.

“Christ, that tight little pussy’s gonna make me fuckin’ cum. Where do you want it, babygirl?” Logan panted.

“In me, I need you to cum in me. Please.” You whined.

“Jesus, I know you’re not on the pill, but keep begging like that and I’ll have to knock you up.”

“Oh god, please. I don’t care if we’re unprotected. I need it, fucking breed me.” You pleaded.

Your words ignited something within him. He thrusted furiously into you at a blinding pace, his breathing becoming ragged and heavy. He leaned down and sank his teeth into your neck and gave a loud growl, slamming the full length of his cock inside you as he came hot, thick ropes deep in you.

Logan gave a last few thrusts, his breathing beginning to settle. He pressed his forehead to yours.

“Jesus Christ, princess, it’s been way too damn long since someone’s made me feel that good. I hope you know this is not a one time thing, you’re fuckin’ mine now.”

You laced your fingers in his salt and pepper hair, kissing him passionately. He pulled out and you moved to dress yourself, but were interrupted by him grabbing your waist.

“No princess, you’re staying with me.”

He picked you up and carried you to his room, setting you down on the bed. He laid next to you, pulling you to him with your head against his chest. Between the exhaustion of the day and the warmth radiating from Logan, you felt your eyelids grow heavy. He kissed the top of your head as you drifted off to sleep.

[katerinaaqu]

Little question. I don't know if you've already been asked that before but what's your opinion on Penelope and her role in the Odyssey ?

I just hate it when people say she's boring or completely passive to the plot, or just a damsel for Odysseus. She's relevant in her own way too ! She ruled Ithaca in his absence, held off and schemed against suitors, all in respecting the ancient sacred laws. She's strong in her own subtle way.

Nope I haven't and I think it was about time too! Hahahaha! But even if I was, I am not asked by you so I would answer anyways! ^_^

To put it simply I find it straight out ridiculous whenever someone calls her that and whoever said that probably hasn't read the Odyssey or has read the most terrible translation to history of translation! Hahaha! Because there is nothing passive about Penelope's role in Ithaca. Even if on first sight looks like it, in reality it isn't if one thinks about it. Even her own role at the beginning of the Odyssey is either active or causing actions. To name a few:

The suitors waited for HER to choose one of them! Regardless of the way someone sees it and regardless of how they called for Telemachus to "send her to her father", they were sitting there waiting for HER to decide whom she should marry. It was obvious who was the one in charge in many ways.

Penelope calls for the challenge herself. Not only does she decide the way she would choose her future husband but also her wish was respected no matter how bizzare it was heard to their ears

She demands her own wedding gifts. She sends the suitors by manipulation to fetch her "wedding gifts" so that they will pay everything they ate back. And the suitors follow that. No matter what someone says it was Penelope the one to decide and call for it.

She confronts Antinous directly. She calls him a madman and a coward. She brings him before his responsibilities and she is not afraid to speak her mind.

She talks back to her husband. She keeps her posture till the recognition SHE decides is done. Odysseus also respects her wishes. He doesn't force his way on her when she says he should "sleep outside". Penelope obviously has authority on him the same way he has on her through her love for him and their mutual respect.

Odysseus expresses his admiration for Penelope many times over hearing her speak up and play everyone like a lyre to her bidding. He also trusts her with his story and he even comments on her mind knowing he can trust his wife with that.

Penelope is being patronized by goddess Athena herself. She is a goddess of action and activity (either war or craftsmanship as well as wit). Penelope qualifies to have her support even if Athena is mostly associated with heroes of mythology. The few exceptions of women she takes over is obvious that their qualities are as powerful as she herself is.

However the most obvious miss that people have is that they forget how Penelope was not just a queen. She was also regent! She was left in charge of the kingdom by Odysseus till her son was of age to rule!

My wife, it is not certain that all the well-armed Achaeans will return unharmed from Troy for it is said that the Trojans are strong fighters both in spear and at the drawing of the bow, they are excellent riders of swift horses and these are things that quickly will determine the outcome of any war. If a god does not return me home and I get lost at Troy, I leave everything to you to attend to and my mother and father in my place while I am away. And when our son grows a beard you can remarry if you want and leave back to your own house

(Translation by me)

Odysseus clearly leaves Penelope in charge of Ithaca in his place!

I am surprised how many people who ellegedly support "strong female characters" feel like Penelope is too passive and that she des nothing at all and is just sitting there. SHE LITERALLY RULED ITHACA by herself while raising her son AND potentially taking care of her in-laws given how Laertes at the end was emotionally unavailable and Anticlea was depressed and died or killed herself. And on top of that she had to take care of the suitors for almost 4 full years while being constantly pressured.

What a woman!

[haobubbles]

Riize when you argue and they have to go on tour

genre: fluff, crack n kinda angst?

tw: no foolproof read!!, cursing

roxy yapps: i publicily apologise for taking so long to post smth😭 with my exam's week and now christmas (having family over ALL THE TIME) i haven't had time but well, here it is!! enjoy and if u can leave some ideas for req!!

── . ★ shotaro

after the attitude of fans at the airport and the fight he had had with you, this boy was quite a mess and was in very low spirit.

known as probably the most energetic boy on this earth, that day he would catch their fans by surprise when, even if his performance was astounding, he sounded more tired than usual and he clearly had his mind somewhere else. when he closed the door of his room in the hotel, after the concert, he made sure to send an apologise to briizes on weverse. without a second thought (after cheking the time of your country ofc) he called you.

"if you just need to, pretend we're fine until i come back home. i can't perform knowing i've fucked up and haven't made things right"

── . ★ eunseok

after having a fight with you, eunseok sent you a message about his departure for the tour, and as he didn't receive any message back, he second guessed that you needed your space, which he decided to give. he was sure you'd reach out when you felt better but the wait was slowly killing him.

on stage, he wouldn't seem as if he just had a fight with his significant other, although he kept on thinking about his electronic device, and if it had buzzed with a message of yours. he definetely acted flirty with the camera, sending flying kisses or winks in hopes you were watching it at home and you knew they were for you.

seeing your messages on his lockscreen made his face lit up instantly, which even if he knew he would be made fun of later, he couldn't care less.

eunseok: did you see me on stage? all those flying kisses and winks were for you

── . ★ sungchan

would definetely be pouty and with big ass moodswings.

on stage, he would be the sungchan everyone knew and loved, however, on backstage he would be (for the couple minutes they have) pouty, with his eyebrows furred and maybe even moody.

his teammates would probably need to take part in it by telling him how much you miss him. then he would call you with all his confidence built up and he would curse them out loud for setting him up.

"well, now that i've called you, let's just fix things okay? i miss you and i dont want to be abroad while having an on-going fight with you"

── . ★ wonbin

number 1 sulky boy. he would be confident about you two fixing your diferences but he hated the thought of getting on stage and being in a fight with his first and most important supporter.

either spam messages or he would go silent because he'd be too scared to say something or do things to worsen the situation. however; he wouldn't wait for you to make the first step.

would deadass indirectly tell you things during his speech "don't forget to tell your loved ones how much you appreciate them, no matter if you're arguing or phisically distant from each other.."

would leave everyone stunned and would low-key be very proud of himself when he would see your message "call me when you have some time x"

── . ★ seunghan

another boy with speeches however, he would take your arguing as a possibility to get you back, so he would put up a romantic act just for you to see (even if he was in front of thousands of people)

woulnd't be too worried because he was confident in deeply knowing you. he knew how you acted when you were mad and how he was supposed to act

"i've started listening to (your fav song) recently but i think it lacks some reasoning, could someone explain it to me?" "can i marry you? oh no, no, my heart can receive all the love from everyone but it can only give it to one person back"

── . ★ sohee

he would be lost. not only about what to do, but not talking to you and being currently not in good terms, it wrecked his routine and his "normality" so he wouldn't be sure on what to do.

i feel like he would need to talk it out with another member to ask for advice on how to make things right. he would be too shy to act bold by hismelf, so that's why he recurred to talk with euseok during the flight. even if the older member told him to just call you and have a proper conversation (which he of course would do) he dedided to add his own touch.

during the concert, he would say some words or constructions you usually used and poses and gestures you usually made. he just wanted to show you that even if he hadn't reached out, he kept you wiht him everywhere, everytime, no matter what.

"please call me or text me when you can. i miss you so fucking bad and i refuse to go on like this"

── . ★ anton

wheni tell you this boy would risk losing his flight because he didn't want to leave while you hadn't fixed things.

if he did really had to leave (or they just obligated him), he would be all the time sending you reassuring messages about how much he loves you, or maybe some memes to make you laugh.

on stage, he would be bubblier and happier than usual, but he would go viral for singing a snippet of 'the reason' of hoobastank. when the fans would ask him later on about why did he choose to sing it, he would dismiss the topic by saying that he just felt like it.

"i hope you liked it..i bet you'll even like it more when you know the boys have been making fun of me for 15 mins now"

[frostara]

Challenges

Cregan Stark x Karstark!Female

Synopsis: It takes some time to get to know each other, and lots of words to understand.

Wordcount: 2k

Tags: characters miscommunicate at first, but overall fluff, Cregan is 17, Astrid is 15

Notes: Hi! This could be read as chapter 2 for this work, but does pretty well on its own. All thanks to one person who asked for a second part - I hope you'll like it </3 I wanted to describe Cregan and Astrid the way they are - youthful people, with their own beliefs that are sometimes wrong (Astrid is so silly I love her) and quick to change temper. I worked on this drabble a little harder and hopefully, it was worth it!

Winterfell was like a living being—always alert and ready, yet calm and composed. It thrived with the quiet bustle of its people, the rustle of dry bushes, and cold of its stone walls. A guarded place, where the only thing Astrid had to worry about was herself. At least for now.

One moon have passed since she was wed to the Lord of the Winterfell, and yet, she felt rather wary of him. Cregan, whom she called so yet in her mind, was always surrounded by either maister-at-arms or castellan, which left her seeking his attention that he could not give.

Though, Astrid would be forever ungrateful if said that she was entirely alone. She had grown quite fond of maester Alvin, an old grey-haired man, but skilled and cunning like no one. He often inquired after her well-being with genuine courtesy and shared his wise thoughts, for which she was forever grateful.

Yet the companionship of one old master could not fill the void of loneliness. Her handmaidens, taught to serve their lady quietly, rarely spoke unless adressed directly. To make them speak freely was a challenge, but one she welcomed.

"My Lady, Lord Cregan sent me to let it be known that he awaits you in Godswood, and I am to accompany You on Your way," said Ethel as she entered chambers after a gentle knock. She was a pretty girl, not much older than Astrid, and probably the one she was fond of.

"Right. Well then, let us not keep the Lord waiting," - Astrid replied, standing perhaps more quickly than intended, letting Ethel drape a warm cloak over her frame to shield her from wind in this chilly weather.

As they made their way, her nervousness spilled in questions she bothered Ethel with: "Was Lord in a good mood? Did he seem upset with anything? Was he alone?" She could swear on all Old Gods that Ethel was laughing at her, but skillfully maintained her composure. Though, Astrid was too nervous to pay attention to that, pressing on. Luckily, the walk was short, and soon they were able to see the red leaves that framed the massive tree. Ethel bowed and turned her back, leaving Astrid to herself.

She took a moment to steady herself before stepping closer to where Cregan stood. She felt cold seep through her body, making her shiver. Heart tree was there, proudly emracing everything with its branches as if hiding from the sky. He looked like a real Stark, in a place he was always supposed to be. And Astrid was just a huble guest, even if being his wife. Light wind was playing with his dark hair, moving leaves casting shadows on his stern face.

"My Lord wished to see me?"

He turned to face her, his black eyes softening slightly as a polite smile tugged at his lips. "I did. I wish to know how my Lady fares."

Cregan walked towards her, and it was only then that she noticed a crimson leaf he was holding in his hand. She returned his smile, though uncertain of what to say. He seemed to be unbothered by silence that layed between them, as he studied her appearance. During their wedding he barely payed attention to her. Perhaps, that was why he was observing her so carefully now.

"I am very happy to be here," - Astrid nodded to her words, as if to make sure he believed her. "Winterfell does not cease to amaze me."

Cregan hummed to himself, not really putting his mind to her words. He seemed lost in thoughts, and these thoughts were far away from here. Far from her. She felt subtle sting in her when she thought of it. Why did he call her, if he still did not care about her being?

He was still holding the leaf in his callused hands, twirling it with his fingers when he brought it to her, putting it in her braided hair.

"Red suits you well. Has anyone told you that before?"

He murmured, seeming to be pleased with his work, running his fingers along her braid, his lingering touch leaving Astrid speechless. Her eyes widened as she tried to hide her confusion. He was gentle, almost reverent, and it warmed her heart in a way she never felt before. Was this the first time he truly saw her as a wife?

"No, my Lord. I believe you are the first to notice."

Cregan took his hand away from her hair, offering his elbow for her to grab. "Very well. Let us walk, I would not wish for you to get cold while standing here," - as he put his hand on his sword.

Astrid hesitated a moment before wrapping her fingers around his clothed arm, feeling the soft fur and fabric of his cloack, contrasting with his cold and rough to touch sword, accepting the offer. It pleased her more than she cared to admit to spend time with him in the godswood, a sacred place. Though it was still a mystery to her, what made him be so attentive to her today?

It was very quiet there, only rare birds chirping and leaves rustle could be heard. Astrid took a deep breath, enjoying frosty and fresh air that smelled of wood and earth. She found this moment very peaceful, this walk was a sweet gesture and it was not nice of her to doubt her husbands kindness.

"I have been thinking about our marriage," Cregan began after a while. "It seems to me that I have not fulfilled my duties to you. For this, I ask your understanding, and, perhaps, your forgiveness."

Cregan turned his gaze to her, awaiting what she has to say. She was now taken aback by his words. A suspicious thought was starting to form in her head - his previous behaviour could not be judged, it fitted his position. But these gentle words now were not sounding like the ones he would actually say. An odd feeling took place in her, yet, she could only listen to him right now.

"It is no secret to me how tiring your position may be," she started carefully. "And I could never hold it against you."

She studied his face, searching for any sign of anger or discomfort. Yet a gnawing curiosity urged her to push further. Astrid evased any other words from him, now being curious to get an answer for her thoughts:

"My Lord, if I may ask, did someone suggest that you speak to me like that?" - she stopped, making her husband follow her action, now facing each other. He was confused, and he could not hide that, making it obvious he was not prepared for such confrontation. Astrid believed there was also a hint of irritation in his expression.

"In what way are you implying this?" he asked, his tone guarded but lacking the harshness she feared.

Cregan even forgot to adress her properly. It made Astrid smile ever so slightly, now making her scared that she could offend him with her words.

"Do not misunderstand me, my Lord, but your actions are...rather opposing your character, which makes me suggest that you might have sought an advice about our relationship from someone."

She tried her best to sound friendly and not too arrogant, but confused look on his face eased her worries - he probably could not be angry with her now, that he looked so amusing. Astrid awaited patiently, when he finally spoke up.

"First of all, do not jest with me in such a way," he replied, his voice firm but lacking true anger. "I may be your husband, but my behavior is none of yours to question."

He glanced away, looking in direction of a bird that landed on a low-hanging branch nearby. The pause gave Astrid a moment to collect herself, and she only smiled at her thoughts, now being more confident to continue.

"Forgive me," her tone sincere. "I only wanted to make sure I understood the situation well." She reached out, lightly tugging on his sleeve to draw his attention back to her. The gesture startled him, and instinctively, he caught her hand in his. For a moment, they stood frozen, her smaller hand caught in his. He did not let go, and his grip, though firm, was not harsh.

Wind sent another gust as couple of bright red leaves fell from tree, falling at their legs. Laying onthe ground, they could be mistaken for small pools of blood. It sent a shiver down Astrid's spine, the movement was visible for Cregan. It made him snap from frozen state as he let her hand hung in the air, bringing his own to his sword, slight embarrasment from an intimate moment made him cough, as if to shift their attention away.

But Astrid still was confused. Was she right then? Perhaps, her behaviour made it impossible for her Lord to seek her company? She felt nervousness fill her heart once again, making her clasp her hands together on stomach, as if trying to calm herself down.

"Maester Alvin is someone you could consider guilty," Cregan's voice cut through silence, breaking the formed pause.

"Though, I believe, his intentions were kind."

"Should I be grateful for it then?" she bit on her inner cheeck, fidgeting with cold fingers. Astrid felt emarrased: she probably looked so stupid right now; her concern made her act very rude, or atleast, that is what she believed.

"You could at least try to not to be mad at me."

He rubbed the back of his neck, as if looking for the right words. The situation they currently trapped themselves in was quite awkward. Astrid hummed softly at his words in an attemp to answer, but words would get stuck in her throat.

"I am not mad, my Lord" - it was all she could mutter, before quickly facing him away. She was definetly not acting like a modest lady right now. But who was to blame for that?

"Cregan."

Astrid blinked, turning her head back at her husband.

"Call me by my name. You are my wife, you have such right." He shrugged, an unsure smile tugging at his lips.

This time, he held out his hand to her.

"I believe we will have many days to continue this argument, if you wish that," she took his hand, now holding it gently, but with a firm grip, returning his favour as she unconsciously smiled herself.

"But we had spent more than we should have time here. Let us head back to castle, before anyone starts looking for us."

Their way back was more pleasant, as the silence that followed them was now a welcomed one, sometimes interrupted with quiet laughter.

[storiesandthoughtsf1]

It’s complicated pt. 2

Pairing: Lewis Hamilton x fIreader

Summary: You and Lewis are best friends and roommates. Okay maybe you're also a bit into each other, but you have a boyfriend, even though he's not exactly the nicest person.Everything was fine, but what will happen after you and Lewis let into your desires one night? And how will you deal with the morning after…?

Warnings: cheating technically, toxic boyfriend, mention of, age gap, both reader and lewis are a bit questionable, the boyfriend is outright toxic, some angst i guess, message me if I messed up anything, read at your own risk!

Word count: 3,9K

Author's note: sorry this took so long to finish! And yes Lewis or reader aren’t entirely innocent still. this is an emotional mess! Also please note english isn't my first language!

In the morning you slowly woke up, dreams fading away, and opened your heavy eyelids. As you took in the scene, you realised that you weren’t in your own room. So you took up a hand to rub your eyes, feeling something wrap tighter around you at your movement. That was when you realised what had happened last night. All the memories flooding back, hitting you like a truck. The hurt from Connor standing you up, Lewis comforting you, the weird feeling you had felt as you stared into his eyes, almost like butterflies. But the thing that mattered the most. The pleasure. You had had sex with your best friend. And you had a boyfriend.

As you slowly realised the situation that you found yourself in, you had moved around a bit, which had seemed to wake the Brit beside you up. A small groan came from his way, which made your stomach do flips, though you mentally punched yourself for having that reaction. You were staring up at the ceiling when he opened his eyes, hands holding the duvet up to cover yourself. Lewis was about to place a kiss to your cheek, but that was when he noticed your facial expression. You looked lost, conflicted, which scared him in a way, as thoughts began circling his mind. Were you regretting last night? Had he just ruined his friendship with you?

He remembered Connor’s words yesterday that had annoyed him to no end. ‘Who in their late thirties would want to be best friends with a 26 year old and not want to bone her?��� He had said. A bit controversial yes, but being in the position that you found yourselves in now, Lewis felt like sinking into a hole. He wanted to be better than what Connor thought of him, actually he knew he was. But he knew how it seemed right now, as much as it wasn’t true.

Because the situation you found yourselves in now wasn’t due to Lewis wanting to blow off stream, no it was because he genuinely had feelings for you.

“You okay?” Lewis ended up asking, regretting his choice of words the second they spilled from his mouth, gently biting onto his lower lip to make sure he didn’t say anything stupid. Your eyes kept to the ceiling as you took a deep breath. “Yeah, I’m okay,” for the first time you turned your head towards the Brit, immediately catching onto his concerned state. To you he was an open book, and his emotions were easy to read. The constant wall he put up, something he had learned to do after many years of being a racing driver, may fool everyone else but it didn’t fool you. You saw right through it. At least you thought you saw it all.

“Do you want breakfast?” Lewis asked as he didn’t know what to say, and sighed in relief when you nodded with a smile. Almost falling off the bed and stumbling through the room, Lewis picked up a pair of sweatpants and threw them on before making his way out of the room. You chuckled a little at his awkward state, returning your eyes to the ceiling when he was out of sight. A gentle smile came to your lips as you reminisced the night before, biting onto your lip.

Sex had never felt as good, as it had with Lewis. Normally all Connor wanted was his own pleasure, which ended up in quickies where you didn’t even orgasm. It had been so long since you had felt this good, Lewis using every possible second to explore your body and focusing on your pleasure. You couldn’t lie, being with Lewis like that had felt so natural, so right. It made you forget about all your worries, the only thing that mattered had been being with him.

Slowly you got up from the bed, and looked across the room to find clothes to put on. Your jeans from yesterday were discarded in a corner along with your panties, while your shirt was nowhere to be seen. You didn’t really want to put some tight jeans on, so you went to Lewis’ closet, opening it up and looked inside. He had so much clothes, so you knew he wouldn’t mind if you borrowed some of it. After having looked through the closet for a while, letting your fingers brush over the endless amount of soft material, your eyes landed on a specific t-shirt. It was a shirt that you knew he loved, so you instantly grabbed it, and took a pair of his loose boxers along with you and pulled it on. Catching yourself in the mirror, you couldn’t help but smile to yourself, feeling weirdly comfortable in your best friend’s clothes. The scent of him filled the pieces of clothing, a scent you found calming.

Slowly you made your way downstairs, where you found the person who was circling your mind standing in the kitchen flipping an omelette. All types of fruits and berries were laid out on two separate places, and two glasses of orange juice as well. You couldn’t help but smile at the gesture, leaning against the doorframe to the kitchen. Roscoe barked at your arrival, which made Lewis look up and noticed you smiling at him from across the room.

“Since when do you make such a fancy breakfast?” You chuckled a little, seeing the Brit shake his head with a giggle.

Seeing him stand shirtless in the kitchen, cooking both of you breakfast made you feel a way you couldn’t quite describe. Your stomach turned in a thrilling feeling, heart pumping faster. Yet the new and strong feeling didn’t scare you, it actually lured you in even more. It was like you were seeing the man before you for the first time. In a completely different light. He was almost shining, the sweet smile on his lips making your heart twist. “Since now I guess,” Lewis’ words brought you back from your thoughts, making your smile grow wider as you walked around the kitchen island to stand beside him.

Lewis felt his heart pick up its speed at the feeling of you suddenly being so close to him, curiously looking at what he was making. But he tried to suppress the feelings that erupted him, focusing on the vegan omelette before him. Cheekily you grabbed a couple of blueberries from one of the plates and ate them before Lewis could say anything.

“Wow, can’t you wait two minutes?” He tried to keep an annoyed tone, but in reality he just felt like kissing you. Yesterday had really screwed with his mind, and at this point he didn’t know where you were standing as a pair. Were you just friends? Were you more? Only god knew how much Lewis would give to be more than friends, but he knew better than to ruin your relationship with your boyfriend. Or at least he thought he did, because finding himself in the situation he was in right now, he realised he had ended up messing with some things he probably shouldn’t have.

It didn’t take long before the two of you were sat at the table eating your breakfast together. It had been silent for a while, both of you just focusing on your food, when Lewis felt the need to break the silence.

“Can I ask you a question?” He asked rather shyly, which caught you off guard, connecting your eyes to his. “Yes of course,” you assured him, putting your fork down to show him, he had your attention. Lewis took a deep breath, mind wandering a hundred miles per second as he tried to figure out what to say and how. He knew how he felt, but he didn’t know how to start the conversation he wanted to have.

“About yesterday-“ Lewis just got to mumble out before there was a firm knock on the front door. Lewis felt his confidence crumble down, words disappearing from his vocabulary as his mind shut down. “I’m sorry, I’ll go check who it is,” you assured him, thinking that if he was left to himself for awhile, then he would figure out what to say, as you found it quite obvious he didn’t know how to explain himself. You of course knew what he wanted to talk about, and to be honest you understood why he found it hard having that conversation. You wanted to have it too, but you didn’t know what to say.

You didn’t know what to feel.

Soon you opened the door, and your heart skipped a beat as you saw your boyfriend stand in front of you, a weak smile on his lips. His hands were in his pockets, a thing he only did when he wanted to apologise to you for something, which happened more often than you would like to admit.

“Hey,” he smiled at you affectionately, his cheeks seeming to have a reddish colour, but you didn’t know if it was the cold weather or something else that had caused it.

“Hi,” you responded as you felt your heart speed up, the need for air suddenly getting bigger. Sweat was beginning to form in your palms, at the same time as tears came to your eyes. It was obvious you were panicking, or at least to you, and Connor could see something was wrong as well.

“Look, I’m sorry about yesterday, I shouldn’t have been such an asshole,” he apologised rather genuinely, which made your heart drop. Here he was apologising to you, and you had cheated on him. Not just a kiss, not a make out, no you had had sex with another man. And it had felt good. You suddenly became very aware of the fact that you were in Lewis’ clothes, and you dragged the t-shirt further down to cover up the obvious fact that you did not own male boxers.

“I know you’re very close with Lewis and you share clothes for whatever reason,” Connor pointed to you, which made you stop dragging down the shirt, realising that he had seen. “But I trust you, and I love you, so when you say he’s just your best friend, well then I believe you. I’m sorry for acting the way I did, it was irresponsible of me.”

A tear escaped your eye before you could do anything about it, and Connor watched as you fought not to break down in front of him. But he must have thought that you cried for a different reason than you did, because he pulled you in for a hug, letting his hand rub up and down your back. You moved your head around, trying to breathe properly, as being in his arms didn’t feel like it should. Though you convinced yourself you were overreacting, and that you loved him back. When Connor pulled away, he placed a tender kiss on your lips, but again you felt like something was missing. Something about the way he kissed you was off, there was something wrong in the way you felt.

“Can I come inside?” You couldn’t do anything but nod at his question in pure fright of him realising something was up.

Lewis couldn’t hear the conversation that was held out at the front of the house, and to be honest he used his time alone to figure out what to say to you. So when he suddenly heard footsteps coming back inside, he was almost ready to ingulf you in a hug as soon as you walked through the door, but when he looked up, he saw none other than Connor following you into the room. To Lewis’ surprise the younger man waved at him with a friendly smile, his arm around your waist. Though your expression was different to your boyfriend’s. You looked lost, at the same time as looking like you were on the edge of having a panic attack. Couldn’t Connor see that?

“Hey Lewis, I just wanted to say something to you quick,” Connor sat down in the seat beside Lewis, for some reason not caring about the fact that Lewis was without shirt, or surely looked like someone who was about to pass out. “I’m sorry for being such a dick towards you, I’ve just had trouble with the fact that you, a Formula 1 star live with my girlfriend,” he explained himself in such a calm way, that made Lewis feel guilty. This was a new side of Connor for sure, but he seemed genuine. He seemed to care about what he was saying. “I guess I’ve been jealous, but that’s over now, I promise.”

At that sentence, your and Lewis’ eyes locked together, silent panic seen in both, as you knew you were screwed.

Connor stayed for longer than you would have wanted, just talking to the two of you as you ate breakfast. Lewis had offered to make an omelette for Connor, as he wanted to get away from the situation, but the younger man had told him that he had already ate breakfast, which left Lewis trapped in the room. You looked even more uncomfortable than himself, which made Lewis feel bad, as he thought it was his own fault that this was going on. If he had just controlled himself, you wouldn’t be in this uncomfortable situation. You would be happy to be with your boyfriend. But now he had ruined it, he had ruined your relationship with your boyfriend in what he thought was a purely selfish manner.

But it was soon time for Connor to leave again, so you walked with him towards the entrance of the house.

“It means a lot to me that you’ve forgiven me,” Connor breaks the silence as the first one, giving you a smile. But that comment made you furrow your brows. Had you actually forgiven him? The pain from last evening was still heavy in your heart. It was one piece of many, from all the times he had lashed out at you, or straight up ignored you to prove a point. You didn’t want to do that anymore. “Connor, look, I haven’t forgiven you yet, but I do really appreciate the apology. Just please give me some time.” You gave him a sympathetic smile, hoping that this new and improved man before you would understand. Actually, you were convinced he would, because after his little speech earlier it sounded exactly like what he was planning to do.

“What, why?” He seemed confused his wall of defence high as he spoke loudly, and it made you take a step back. Your heart beating quicker. You thought of the best way to phrase yourself, taking a deep breath. “It’s not just last night Connor, so I’m gonna need some time. But if you really do change, then we’ll be good.” You still spoke in a soft tone, really trying to do your best to seem bearing and sincere.

Connor scoffed loudly at your response. “Oh come on, are you seriously bringing up the past now? I thought we were moving forward! I apologised, didn’t I?” His voice was filled with anger now, and it made you feel small. This was the Connor you couldn’t love anymore, the guy you wanted to be done with. The guy he swore he had changed away from.

“Yes you apologised for that one thing, but if you can’t see there’s more to this than yesterday then I seriously don’t know how to explain it to you.” You snapped back at him, but your voice was still not that loud. In your mind you wanted to shout, to scream at him actually. But you couldn’t bring yourself to do it, and it wasn’t out of love you realised. It was out of fear. Of what he could do then.

“Oh so this is just a guilt trip huh?” He almost mocked you, taking a step closer to you. You felt yourself take another step away without even thinking of it, trying to gather your thoughts. But he spoke up before you could muster out a reply. “Typical. You’re acting like I’m the worst guy ever just because I messed up once.”

You couldn’t stand there and take it anymore, because what he was saying was truly insane to you. It was as if you had been living separate lives, experienced separate situations. “It’s not just once Connor. And the fact you think it is… that’s the problem.” You finally got out, not even looking at him anymore, but instead just straight ahead. It was like you realised it yourself now.

There was nothing left about this relationship to save.

There hadn’t been anything to save in a long time, but you had kept making excuses. Making excuses for him. Allowed him to walk all over you, mistreat you. But you didn’t want that anymore. No, you weren’t gonna allow him to be that way. You were done.

“Oh I get it now. This is about him.” Connor suddenly spoke, bringing you back to reality. You were speechless, but you knew your confused look told him everything he needed to know. “Lewis. It’s always about Lewis, isn’t it? You fucking live with the guy, you probably run to him every time we fight. Don’t you dare tell me he hasn’t been in your ear about how much of a ‘toxic asshole’ I am.” He spoke with venom, pointing a finger at you as if it would make his point clearer.

That was it for you. The glass had fully shattered, and any feelings whatsoever you had ever had for him were gone. The person who stood before you was a fucking bully, and you needed him out of your house.

“The fact you go back to that shows you aren’t gonna change. This has never been about Lewis, it’s been about you and me, Connor.” You were clearly annoyed now as well, but you didn’t let your emotions get the best of you. You tried your very best to stay calm, to keep the upper hand.

Connor laughed. “Right. Because it’s totally normal for your best friend to be a guy who’s practically your boyfriend without the title. You think I don’t notice how he looks at you? Or how you always talk about how ‘great’ he is?” The sarcasm spilled from his lips as he spoke. He apparently thought he was hilarious for that comment, but you kept standing still, your face unreadable.

“You’ve told me all I need to know. I can’t keep picking this fight, and I won’t be doing it either. Cause we’re done.” You spoke clearly, crossing your arms as you gave him a stern look. Watching how calm you kept under this argument only made him more furious.

“So what, you’re just giving up on us? After everything?” He asked mockingly, but it wasn’t like he was surprised it was over. It more seemed like he was mad you were the one to say it. “No I’m finally choosing myself.” You clarified, taking a few steps towards him, which made him back out of the door. “Goodbye.” You said, and just like that you smacked the door in his face.

Walking back into the house you saw Lewis in the exact same place you had left him, the dining room table. His look on his face told you everything you needed to know. “Hey… you okay?” He spoke up finally as you just stood there in the room, looking a bit lost. You sighed heavily, forcing yourself to nod. No that break up hadn’t been a pretty sight, but it was finally over. And that meant you actually were alright. Or at least you would be.

“I broke up with him.” You said, finally looking over at Lewis properly, catching his gaze on you. He nodded at your words. “Yeah, I heard.” He admitted, but it wasn’t like it was a surprise to you. Of course he had heard. You knew that. You just let out a small chuckle, as did he, and you took a few steps towards him, but didn’t sit down at the table. You felt like you still had to take what just had happened in.

Suddenly Lewis got up from his seat, and walked towards you. Without even thinking of it, he took your hands in his, and looked you deep in your eyes. Just for a second you watched your hands in his, before looking up to meet his eyes. Those big brown eyes. “You did the right thing. You deserve someone who treats you the way you deserve to be treated.” He admitted, his voice full of love.

You took a moment before you answered. “Yeah? And what do I deserve?” Right now you felt a bit lost, so you genuinely couldn’t tell what you exactly deserved.

Lewis took a deep breath before he spoke again. “You deserve someone who really sees you. Someone who listens to you, supports you, and makes you feel like you’re enough every single day. You deserve someone who…” he trailed off, his voice suddenly shakier than before. It made you furrow your brows ever so slightly, because Lewis never got nervous like that. Yet you still couldn’t help but smile, his words so kind and gentle they made you want to hug him as tightly as you could. Lewis took a deep breath before he spoke up again “Someone who loves you. The way I do.”

You felt your heart skip a beat at his confession. All you could do was blink at him, not knowing how to respond.

“Lewis,” you spoke softly. His confession was huge. It made you feel magical. You could barely contain yourself, it felt like, your heart beating so fast it could leap out of your chest.

“I know it’s a lot. And I don’t want to make this harder for you. I just… I couldn’t not say it. Not after last night. Not after how I heard him speak to you just now.” His words rolled off his tongue quickly, almost like in an endless stream of mumbling. You had never seen Lewis this nervous before. You desperately wanted to respond, you really did, but you felt taken aback by his confession. Your mind was screaming at you to tell him you felt the same way, but nothing came out.

It seemed like Lewis had somehow read your mind, because he spoke up again. “You don’t have to respond. I just wanted you to know.”

But that made you find your voice again. “Lewis, I love you too.” You said, the feeling that bubbled in your chest as you said it just felt right. So right you knew this is exactly what you had been searching for your entire life.

“Yeah?” A big smile slowly appeared on Lewis’ face at your confession. You nodded eagerly. “Yeah.”

You couldn’t even tell who leaned in first. Maybe you didn’t even care. What mattered was that your lips met, in a soft and gentle motion. But that quickly turned more passionate, Lewis hands wrapping around your waist and yours around his neck. You needed each other as close as you possibly could, desperate to taste the other. You couldn’t get yourselves to break away from the kiss, but eventually you needed air. With his forehead resting against yours, Lewis whispered: “I’m never letting you go.”

[mxnhoo]

about you. (n. rk)

"do you think i have forgotten about you?" ✎ nishimura riki and reader synopsis in an attempt to live your life normally after being discharged from the hospital, it just so happens that many things suddenly feel off. certain objects, people, and experiences spark deja-vu and nostalgia, and it was a feeling you couldn't just brush away. you felt the need to dive deeper. you felt the need to know more about this feeling. you felt the need to find out who nishimura riki was. genre mystery, reader tries to discover a part of her past that is unresolved, haunting past, flashacks, reader wants to uncover the truth, healing, dreams, will add more along the way warnings hospitals, (mentions of) death, some tags omitted to prevent spoilers — read with caution, will add more along the way/add to the specific chapters cly's note every. single. time. i listen to about you, it makes my heart ache in this sort of way. it makes me feel like i've lost a piece of me, and hence i want to use those feelings to write this. if everything goes well and i don't lose motivation, this would be my first series! i hope you guys will support this and follow it through the end!

now playing about you — the 1975

ch01 — a glimpse ch02 - diving ch03 — peace of mind ch04 — the past. ch05 — nishimura riki ch06 — overhear ch07 — flowing ch08 — see you again. epilogue. KEEP IN NOTE everything (number of chapters, names) may be subject to change!

extra note i'm lowk scared but really excited to start writing but i'm really scared that i'll lose motivation and that when my break ends i won't have time to continue. i apologise in advance </3 PLS BE PATIENT W ME GUYS. IM ALSO SCARED THIS MIGHT FLOP

lmk if you wanna be in the taglist! (ill be so embarrassed if there's no one </3)

[vickytaa]

𝕯𝖔 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖉𝖆𝖗𝖊 𝖙𝖔 𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖉𝖆𝖗𝖐𝖓𝖊𝖘𝖘?

𝔰𝔲𝔪𝔪𝔢𝔯𝔶: A new video in collaboration with Sam and Colby, where the group enters an abandoned church full of mysteries. What starts as an exciting adventure quickly turns into a nightmare. Y/n will have terrifying nightmares and must fight her fears after entering the darkness.

"Welcome back, everyone! It's Sam and Colby. Today we brought some special guests to help us on this great adventure of the abandoned church." Colby explained.

It was the first time I was going to participate in an adventure that was related to the paranormal world. My grandmother used to work in dealing with those from beyond; she used to warn me that it was something very dangerous, but not to be afraid, but to respect them, 'you don't know what can happen if you dishonor them' she used to tell me.

So that's what I did, all my life I tried to keep a certain distance, but with a great curiosity, which I believed more and more inside me. And that's why today I decided to come here, accompanied by my boyfriend and my best friends, ready to face the unknown.

Sam introduced us to the camera and quickly began to explain what we would do today. "Well, for those who don't know, this is the St. Bernadette Church. Built in 1740, in terrible conditions; thousands of workers died on the site, but few know why. There were many moments where paranormal activity exceeded normal levels. The first few years were simple movements of objects, almost imperceptible, but quickly turned into sudden knocks, people levitating and there was even an attempted arson." Sam explained. A shiver ran down my spine.

I gently squeezed Matt's hand, who was next to me, a little nervous but just as curious as me, to let him know that I was a little scared of what was going to happen.

He moved his hand, wrapping his arm around my waist and giving me a small kiss on the head, trying to calm my nerves.

Sam finished explaining what we were going to do and we headed inside the church. We were all amazed by the sheer size of the place, the stained-glass windows on the walls, through which the moonlight shone. The place was huge, full of endless doors.

Near the altar was the man who was going to share his story of the place and help us explore the church. His face was pale, a long black robe wrapped around his body, and despite the distance, you could see that his hands looked...burned.

How strange...

Matt seemed to read my mind, our eyes meeting as his grip on my waist tightened, trying to keep me as close as possible.

My heart raced as a cold breeze swept through the room, making me shiver momentarily. My hands were colder than before, my eyes darting around, trying to memorize as much of the place as I could, in case I got lost, so I would know where the exit was.

Before we started any communication method, we all decided to explore, but since the place was too big to explore all together, we agreed to split up. Everyone went their own way with a different camera.

"Are you sure?" Matt asked me, noticing my panicked expression. I was terrified of the idea of being alone in a church where there were supposedly ghosts, but I decided to be brave and nodded to Matt. "See you in an hour," Chris said. We all separated, each choosing their own path.

With one hand, I held the camera, pointing it at the door, while with the other I opened it. My heart was pounding in my chest, and the air I breathed was so cold it hurt to inhale.

I gripped the doorknob and slowly turned it to open it. Darkness enveloped the room, I could barely see anything, and what I could see was thanks to the camera's flashlight.

"Here we go..." I said softly, trying to sound calm, but my trembling voice betrayed me.

With each step, the old floorboards creaked under my feet, amplifying the deathly silence. Fear coursed through my veins, and the desperation of not being able to see anything began to set in.

After walking a few steps, I could no longer see the door due to the lack of light. As I approached a wall, I began to see portraits of people and some drawings of angels. A shiver ran down my spine, not from the cold, but from an inexplicable feeling of being watched. The camera light traveled across the walls and the faces of people, their eyes seemed to reflect a weariness and a void that I couldn't describe in words.

The dampness and musty smell enveloped me, intensifying the atmosphere of mystery. The crunch of broken glass under my foot made me jump, "Ah!" I screamed at the unexpected noise, which shattered the tense silence.

Slowly, I looked away from the paintings and down at my foot, where the noise had originated. I slowly brought the camera closer to see more clearly. The air caught in my throat as I realized what it was. A portrait, just like the others, only this one wasn't of a person... it was of the devil. For a moment, I thought I heard a faint laugh, like a whisper lost in the shadows.

The church felt alive, or rather, inhabited by something else. Something that wasn't of this world. With every corner I explored, my fear grew more and more.

Shivers ran down my spine, 'I must be imagining things,' I thought. I continued to stare at the portrait on the floor, as if hypnotized by its detail, despite how terrifying the image was. Suddenly, I saw something else besides my reflection in the glass that protected the portrait. It looked like a nun kneeling, as if she were praying or crying...

I slowly turned my head,

nothing.

The room seemed to shrink, even though I couldn't see well. The darkness was growing, my heart pounding a mile a minute, almost as if it were going to burst out of my chest. My breathing also quickened, the urgent thought of wanting to leave grew impatiently. I had to get out of there.

"Fuck this," I said, venturing back into the darkness to find the exit. I couldn't see anything but the old wooden floorboards beneath my feet. My hands began to tremble, it felt like I was walking in circles, finding no way out.

It started to get very cold, strangely, because it was the middle of summer. My breath began to tremble, now more from the cold I was feeling. And suddenly, a chilling, deep voice echoed from afar, "You dared to enter the darkness?" I froze. Small tears of fear rolled down my cheeks. What was going to happen to me? What was I going to do?

My face full of panic, I started running forward, not knowing what I might encounter. My mind was filled with millions of scenarios of what could happen at that moment.

My whole body was trembling, trying to escape this supernatural force. Running, I found the door I had opened, finally, I grabbed the handle and turned it to open it and...

it was closed.

"Help! Matt!" I screamed as I pounded on the door, crying out of desperation to get out. "Help, please!" My accelerated heartbeat sounded louder than my screams. I kept asking for help, pounding the door harder, screaming louder, doing everything I could to stay alive. I turned my head to look back into the room, where I still couldn't see, not a single window, not a bit of light. The darkness was my greatest fear, and now I was fighting against it.

"Help," I cried non-stop, my strength waning. Suddenly I felt the door open quickly, a sense of relief washed over me as I saw Matt and his brothers approaching me. "Y/n! What happened to you?" they asked worriedly. My ears were ringing, my mind was clouded, my breathing was returning to normal.

"Matt..." I managed to choke out, my sobs the only thing coming out. He hugged me tightly, trying to calm me down. "It's okay, love, I'm here, we're all here with you, okay? Calm down," Matt said in such a calm voice that made me forget everything that had happened.

After a few minutes, I felt strong enough to share what had happened to me. We were all in a circle, trying to be close to share a feeling of safety and tranquility.

"There was someone there," I said without warning. Everyone turned to look at me, even though I couldn't see them because my head was resting against Matt's chest. "Who?" Colby asked. Fear was still running through my veins, the image in my head of what had happened made me feel my chest tightens.

"A nun... I- I couldn't see her face but it looked like she was..." "Crying," Sam finished my sentence. With a surprised face, I slowly nodded. Sam and Colby looked at each other, they seemed scared, as if what had happened shouldn't have happened.

"How do you know she was going to say that?" Chris asked with a face full of fear. They both looked at each other again, seeking approval on whether or not to tell us.

"Searching..." Sam sighed lightly before continuing, as if he was frustrated. "Investigating the place, we realized there was a known story of a girl who had gone through the same thing, many years ago," Sam explained. We all remained with the same curiosity, wondering what happened to the girl, what it had to do with what had happened, thousands and thousands of unanswered questions.

"And what happened to her?" Nick asked, worried about something happening to me where he couldn't help. "She..." Sam hesitated to continue, knowing that if I knew what had happened to the girl, I wouldn't be able to sleep. "She....

𝐕 -

[le-fruit-de-la-passion]

Omg I loved your herald viktor epic line idea I’ve been thinking about it nonstop. If u have time and energy id love to read it sooo much ❤️❤️

Since the Ithica Saga dropped last night my brain has not known a single moment of peace. "Would You Fall in Love with Me Again" is just so insanely perfect for a Machine Herald Viktor x Reader AU it makes me physically ill. Like, seriously:

I am not the man you fell in love with

I am not the man you once adored

//

Would you fall in love with me again

If you knew all I've done?

The things I cannot change

Would you love me all the same?

//

Would you fall in love with me again

If you knew all I've done?

The things I can't undo

I'm not the man you knew

Viktor is so Odysseus coded it is PAINFUL. The pain of sacrificing so much of himself to survive. The regret of everyone he's had to leave behind, to betray. The ghosts of his legacy haunting his mind. All for his goal, the one thing he knows he's meant to do with every fiber of his being. Nothing, neither magic nor gods, will stop him from fulfilling that dream. He will not be the same once all has passed, and he will never regain all that he's lost. Can the person who loved him the most as he was before still love this version of him?

And the reader's answer...

I will fall in love with you

Over and over again

I don't care how, where, or when

No matter how long it's been

You're mine

Because what you loved about him is deeper than any of the ways he's changed. It's something at his core, in his soul, in the light of his eyes, no matter how tired they may seem now. It's your first kiss, it's the sound of his voice in your ear, it's the curve of his lips when he smirks, it's the way he looks at you like he falls in love all over again every day you're with him. Time may pass, and the world may change, but not this. Never this.

He is yours just as you are his, and that is the one thing that will never change.

[anotherblinder]

Not Your Fault

Summary || Thomas finds her alone in the rain Word count || 689 Pairing || Thomas Shelby x Reader Warnings || Angst, loss of friendship Notes || It's been a long time since I posted. Over a year,things have just been up and down. This fic is pure self indulgent, i apologize for that. Lately things have been rough with me considering my bff. I'm coming to terms to most likely loosing this friendship because I'm tired of feeling like a second thought and only contacted when they need something or to talk about their daughter. I'm sure I'm not alone in this situation but it doesn't hurt any less. Everything in here is true to what I've been experiencing for years with this friend. I was hesitant to post it but I don't see why not as they have no idea i have this blog. I'll talk to them again at some point but rn I'm just tired. I hope you enjoy this fic if you decide to read it. probably ooc so be fair warned. -Jay

Regret, that’s what she felt. It only grew with every step she took. Droplets of water dripped from her hair and face as she walked on. The rain coming down in buckets. Only picking up as she continued to walk home. How could she be so stupid? This always happened, how naïve could she have been. Her best friend, so maybe so she thought, once again pulling away for a boyfriend. It was unconsciously of course, but regardless, it still hurt. As it always happened when they got in a relationship. After a breakup they’d come crawling back, spending time, talking, like nothing ever happened. It would be good, felt like they were friends again, only for the cycle to happen again when they got a new boyfriend. Only hearing from her friend when she needed something or to talk about her young daughter.  

The woman had talked to her friend about this and how she felt. She swore she’d do better but, like she thought, they grew distant again. Feeling like a second thought and only a friend of convince once again. The friend she’d knew since they were five. Always doing everything for them but feeling as though they get nothing in return. It stung, it hurt and burned. Longing for that friendship they never seemed to have in the first place. All of it sinking in as she walked home from her friend's house that night. Feeling numb and hollow at how long it’s taken her to realize it. 

She gasped as she left a hand grab her bicep. Too lost in her own thoughts to hear the steps and voice of the person calling out to them. Instinct taking over, her other hand swinging around to hit the person who had grabbed her. But they were prepared for it, catching her wrist and pulling it to their chest to prevent her from hitting them. Calling her name as she struggled. 

“Stop! It’s me Tommy!” Thomas yelled over the rain 

“Tommy?” She questioned 

The panic leaving her system to see it was Thomas Shelby. Letting out a big sigh as the tension left her. Thomas let her go as she stopped struggling. Gently he placed his hands on her arms as he looked at her in concern.  

“What are you doing out here? You’re fucking freezing.” 

It was a valid question, one that made her jump back to reality. Feeling the cold that soaked into her skin, the sound of the heavy rain all around her. The way her soaked clothing clung to her skin. How she had forgotten her coat earlier that evening. Even with all that, there was only one thought on her mind. One she voiced as she watched Thomas struggle to get his coat off.  

“Am I a bad friend, Tommy?”  

He froze at her sudden question. It was laughable to him, if he didn’t realize she was serious. Finally taking a good look at her to see her puffy eyes and red nose, not caused by the rain. With a soft sigh he was finally able to get his coat off and wrap it around her shoulders. Taking time to fix it in the front so she stayed warm and cupped her cheeks. 

“No. You are the best friend anyone could ask for.” 

“Then why does my best friend prioritize her boyfriend more than me? I’m nothing but a second thought to them it feels. Even after I've voiced my feelings about this to them. Nothing changed.” 

“Because they don’t know what they’re fucking missing. If this isn’t the first time, then nothing will change. That’s when you say fuck’em and move on.” 

“And if it’s too hard?” She asked with tears in her eyes 

“It will be hard, but you shouldn’t try to fix something that remains broken. It’s not your fault, it’s theirs for not trying. The pain will heal over time with the right people by your side. It's better to let go than struggle on.” 

Thomas grabbed her hand and lead her away to a warmer place. Making sure to mend her broken heart along the way. 

[kenziebluex]

The Broken Heart That Makes Us

Happy Friday! Comment to be added to the taglist ☺️

Story Description: 

Your arranged marriage is on its last legs. After making an agreement with your step son, Megumi, you are puzzled when you are faced with finally making a decision.

Your whole life so far has been planned for you, leading you to struggle with the idea of moving on and finding something stable…someone stable.  

Will you finally be able to let go of the life that was made for you? Will there be others out there willing to pick up the pieces?

(18+) Pairings: Toji, Goji, Geto, Nanami, & Choso.

Read on ao3: TBHTMU

Chapter 3:

You turned around and posed in the mirror to get a better look at how the latex stretch black pants hugged your backside and your matching black strapless lace up corset gave you a nice shape. Even though you were only 26, you noticed the difference in how you dressed compared to the other parents that came to pick up their kids from the dojo. 

“Finding the sweet spot between acting like a mom and acting my age is….a task.” You groaned at your reflection, debating whether to find a nice jacket to use as a cover up.

‘Mmm… I am meeting my son’s teacher after all…’  You started to regret your choice of clothing. To be fair, you weren’t sure what Gojo’s intentions were when he invited you out. But dammit when was the last time you actually went out to have fun?! You felt the fruits of your youth slowly spoil as your whole life became just working, stressing and taking care of a 16 year old. 

You decided that you deserved to be daring today and donned a pair of lace up black sandal heels and a contrasting blood red mini purse to throw over your shoulder. 

Before stepping out of your new 3 bedroom condo, you passed by Megumi’s room and took a small peek through his bedroom doorway. You watched as he diligently did his homework while bopping to the music in his headset. You thought to yourself that this is the type of comfort he deserves. Lost in his own world while he chases his dreams. You just hope you’re doing enough to get him there. 

You tapped your phone on to remind yourself of the time as you stepped out of your front door. You rode the elevator down to the lobby and exited the condominium. It was dark and a shadowy figure lingered outside. You wondered if Gojo had arrived and you picked up your pace to exit the lobby.

“Oh great. You saved me so much time knocking on every door.” Your breath hitched and you clutched your purse as the man emerged from the shadows and into the dim lamp post. You eyed the double doors back into the lobby and debated whether you should make a run for it. Instead, you swallowed thickly and erased any emotion on your face.

“Are you y/n Fushiguro?” The man asked. His hair shielded by a black beanie that looks like it transitions to a shiesty and all black clothes. It only took one glance for you to notice that he might be carrying a weapon in his back pocket as you noticed he kept patting for it.

“I don’t go by that name anymore. That means that nothing associated with that name has any business with me.” You explained begging internally the man will just bow out and let you go. A million thoughts bulldozed through your mind, starting with how he found out where you lived in the first place.

“Tsss…look. I know this must be realllly awkward but your ex husband owes us some money and sold your name as collateral. That slippery bastard looks like he’s on the run but you were much easier to find.” You started to see stars. You held onto the wall to prevent yourself from fainting. It became clear to you that whether you were associated with Toji or not didn’t matter because he just sold you out to some loan sharks.

‘In the end, I still can’t escape his bullshit.’

“How much does he owe you?” You bit out clutching your fist. After everything started falling into place, something comes to fuck it all up. 

“Probably around 10 of those condos your pretty little ass just skipped out of.” He laughed lazily. Fury built up in your belly.

“Can you cover it?” He eyes you mockingly and his gaze trailed disgustingly lower.

“Fuck no!” You hissed and attempted to cover yourself. You looked around for anything that could fight him off and any neighbors that could be stumbling by. But before you could call out to someone he approached you and palmed his back packet.

The man yelped as a sleek blue biker helmet collided with the back of his head. He collapsed on the ground, limp and lifeless. You looked up at his attacker.

Exhaling as if he was holding in his breath, Gojo eyed the loan shark’s motionless body. Worry, anxiety and fear exited your body all at once as you felt your legs lose strength. 

Gojo was quick and caught you against his firm hand while you stumbled into his chest. You allowed his gentle hand to calm your nerves as he stroked your head similarly to how he stroked your back yesterday. You attempted to bury yourself in Gojo’s white shirt and black bomber jacket and trying not to get your makeup on it. But he pushed your head in anyway, not caring whether your makeup will leave a stain. 

“Do you want to live with me?” You heard Gojo whisper almost thoughtlessly. Your head fell backwards and your confused expression met his embarrassed one. Almost like he didn’t mean to say that out loud. 

He gently pushed you back and shoved his helmet into your chest. You took the helmet but you couldn’t tear your gaze away from his face.

He was red. Beating red. And looked to the side trying to avoid eye contact with you. His eyebrows furrowed almost like he was scolding himself for saying that outloud. You looked down at the helmet in your hands and chuckled inwardly at his cute reaction. 

“Put that on.” He took the helmet back and fastened it on your head.

“A smile a day keeps the therapist away.” He laughed to himself while buckling the safety strap under your chin. He took your hand and mounted his sleek blue Ducati motorcycle and guided you to board behind him. He fastened the extra helmet that hung on the handlebars of his bike on his head and turned the bike on. He paused before doing anything more.

“I won’t ask about the problems you’re going through. But seeing him corner you like that made me want to do more than just knock his lights out.” He twisted his wrist and revved up his motorcycle with a loud growl. 

“I can’t promise that I’ll stop there next time.” He continued. With Gojo, you felt a cloud of safety and protection. You wrapped your arms around his torso and squeezed.

“…I’ve never had anyone other than Megumi protect me like that…Thank you.” You weren’t sure if you were loud enough over the rumbling of his bike but he seemed to have heard you and took a deep breath. You felt his back expand and then recede against you as he hauled up his foot on his back. You two disappeared into the darkness. 

✿❀○❀✿

“Shitttt I hope it’s not closed.” Gojo droned as you arrived at a dimly lit skyscraper. He put the stopper on his bike and took your hand to help you dismount. He hung the helmets on the handlebars of the bike.  

While entering the luxurious skyscraper, you advanced towards the entrance while taking in the posh surroundings. The host at the door recognized Gojo immediately and sprinted to take his jacket from him. 

“Welcome back, sir!” The host greeted Gojo formally and you turned towards him marred by confusion.

“Who the hell even are you?!” You spoke with your eyes. He erupted in an amused bellow and he took your waist and pulled you flushed against his side. 

“I didn’t come alone tonight. Show us a good spot.” Gojo ordered casually. You tried to fix your face to copy his nonchalant one but quickly failed when you entered the restaurant- no…specialty cafe as it seems that the restaurant only served expensive desserts.

“Are you sure you should be eating here? You know, since you also have to practice martial arts.” You joked low enough for only Gojo to hear. He clicked his tongue.

“A sweet treat every now and then doesn’t hurt.” Gojo paused and looked down at you. Lustful sky blue eyes bore into yours. “Everyone gives into their urges eventually.” He stated with a deeper meaning attached. 

You felt your cheeks warm but then the host spoke you out of your trance. 

“We always leave the balcony open to the Gojo clan.” The host beamed. You felt Gojo himself tense but when you looked up at him,  his face remained expressionless. 

“Enjoy.” The host bowed and broke away to signal a waiter.

You broke away from Gojo to bathe in the sea of lights in the city as you relaxed against the railing to the balcony. You thought back to the dinner parties your dad had you attend while wooing investors. You internally shivered. 

“If I knew you were a trust fund baby, I would’ve seduced you months ago, Gojo-sensei.” You jested while resting on your elbows. Large pale palms rested on either side of you as Gojo hovered from behind you. You stretched your head back and he peered down at you. 

“Call me Satoru.” He said softly. You shook your head and broke eye contact, directing your gaze forward again. 

“Unlike you, I know boundaries.” You sighed. Without wasting a beat, he gripped your bicep and spun you around to face him. He pinched your chin and forced your gaze to connect with his again.

“It didn’t seem like that when you were holding me nice and tight earlier.” He hovered his face just centimeters above your lips. You gripped his shirt as his body heat flooded your palms. 

“Close your eyes.” He whispered. Your eyes fluttered closed.

“Have you had time to look at our menu?” You and Gojo broke apart in response to the waitress arriving. It didn’t seem like she was aware that she was breaking a moment but the racing of your heart thanked her. 

You approached the table and Gojo pulled out your chair for you to sit. As you looked at the menu, each dessert looked like it would make your wallet cry. 

“P-Please give me a minute.” You laughed nervously as you scrunch your eyebrows to focus. The only thing you can afford here is the water and maybe an espresso shot. 

“There are just soooo many nice things here. I literally can’t decide. ” You spoke through your teeth, clearly feeling pressure over the menu. 

Gojo snapped his menu closed.

“We’ll just go with one of everything.” Gojo answered while you were mentally lashing out at him.

You closed the menu and gave the waitress a strained but polite smile while she took the menus. 

“I say I’m taking you out and you are still eyeballing the price.” Gojo scoffs while taking a sip of the water left on the table.

“I never trust a man who says he’ll foot the bill. I’d rather at least order something I can afford.” Toji absolutely killed that idea for you and you haven’t trusted a man for funds since. You crossed your arms and sat back comfortably on your chair. The wispy light from the candle reflected on Gojo’s cheek and made his glassy eyes contrast the dark sky behind him. 

“Fair enough.” He tilted his head voicing his response and took another sip of water. You traced your finger on the mouth of the tall glass of water standing next to you. You couldn’t help but focus on his lips as they touched his glass. The way his tongue wets his lips sends your mind into a spiral. He notices you gawking and a small chuckle escapes his lips. You rolled your eyes to the side innocently and struck up conversation.

“So other than training students at the dojo, what else do you do?” You huffed, swiftly pulling your own water glass to your lips. The relaxed grin on his face fell. You felt the atmosphere shift a little.

“You said it yourself didn’t you? I’m a ‘trust fund baby.’ Beloved son of one of the number 1 richest clans in the city.” He responded with heavy sarcasm.  You drew your lips together tightly. You gathered that family was a triggering subject. Well, it’s not like you are daughter to father of the year either. But even though Gojo seems to wear his heart on his sleeve, it seems that it’s just armor to hide his true feelings. 

“Eh. I don‘t know. Blood relatives suck sometimes.” You snapped back. Your elbows rested on the table and your chin fell comfortably onto your palms. For a second you saw Gojo’s eyes go wide, lost looking at you but he then quickly regained his composure.

“I’d rather form my own family. Like me and Meg. There’s something about loving someone and them loving you back just because of the person you are and not because you’re related.” You continued. Gojo lowered his glass and listened to you intently. You smiled down at the fire that danced on the candle and allowed one of your hands to rest on the table. 

“I’ve seen family members treat their own children like pawns and burdens to be neglected…” Gojo flinched at your statement and his hand rested on the table as well. You rested your palm on top of his and gazed at him softly.

“But blood doesn’t make it an obligation to love people like that.” Gojo intertwined his fingers in yours and scanned you curiously. He gently rubbed his thumb against the back of your hand.

“Hmmm? You sound like you had a tough love life.” He mocked and you choked out your water. You rolled your eyes as the tone of the date returned to being playful. 

“Don’t mind me. I’m just thinking out loud.” You retook your hand and folded it into your lap. Gojo pouted at the lack of touch. 

“Here you are! We pulled up another table to make room for all of the other desserts. Is there any flavor you would like to try first?” The waitress accompanied by 2 assistants rolled in the entire catalog of sweets. Gojo shook his head.

“We’ll figure it out.” He stood up and started making room for various desserts on the table. One particular dessert caught your eye.

“Hey. Pass me the (insert flavor) parfait.” You pointed at the neatly decorated yogurt. Gojo picked it up and inspected it curiously. He stalked to the other side of the table and knelt down to your level. Taking the long spoon out the dish, he lathered some whip cream on top of it. 

“Open wide~.” He cooed while floating the spoon towards your lips. Your brows twisted and you leaned your head back in rejection.

“You’re fucking joking.” You answered dryly. Gojo shrugged and turned the spoon towards himself and prepared to take a bite. 

“Hey-!” Your mouth hung open in protest and Gojo used the opportunity to sneak the spoon into your mouth. The parfait was heavenly and the flavors melted the tension in your body. You finished enjoying the taste and you took another glance at a satisfied Gojo, unsure whether to protest some more or to let him continue. 

You felt a hand rake the back of your head as Gojo’s lips advanced towards yours. However, he teased you and instead tongued the corner of your lip where whipped cream was left. You froze in your chair.

“Damn good. Should I eat the rest of the desserts like this?” Gojo taunted and then traced his tongue on your bottom lip.

 A pleased sigh fell from your lips as your tongue met his, battling for dominance. Your lips touched and it felt like electricity ignited throughout your body. You closed your eyes to soak up his taste and you heard him place the parfait glass and spoon on the table.  

With free hands, Gojo gripped both your thighs and glided them up and down your legs, barely ghosting your core with his thumbs. He pressed his lips against you punishingly and parted your legs to situate himself in between them.

You gripped his shirt to prevent yourself from falling backwards. One hand dragged up your body and he teased your hardened nipple under your black corset. Gojo released your lips and then proceeded to leave trails of kisses down your neck.

He moved his hand from your chest to your clothed cunt and pressured his grip against it. You bit your bottom lip.

“Gojo…the waiters could come in.” You panted trying to keep your fevered voice as low as possible. He smirked against your collarbone as his teeth grazed your shoulder.

“I’m not doing anything wrong. Just enjoying dessert.” He quipped while peppering more kisses up your neck and started massaging you gently. You felt yourself becoming soaked in his clutch. Your thighs closed around his wrist. You cupped his chin and turned him up to face you.

“You’re really not funny.” You whispered while he looked up at you with fire pooling his irises. He released you and shoved his hands in his pockets to shuffle his way back into his seat. You shifted your knees back under the table while trying to regain your composure. 

Gojo took a small dish of elegantly dressed mochi and took a bite while holding contact with you. He allowed two fingers to linger in his mouth while he licked off the flavor. He slowly sucked the flavor off of the long digits and then reached for another piece. 

You tried to avoid eye contact while you took another spoonful of parfait. The rest of the evening was quiet but the haze of desire still remained.

taglist: @beetusbritt ❤ @nousija ❤ @notleclerc divider by @cafekitsune

❀ follow for more ❀ ao3: kenzieblue❀

-kenzie & des

[starryeyedstray]

it's christmas eve and it's been ages since hank has gifted anyone anything, but hank decides connor deserves at least one present for his very first christmas. here's the ao3 link if you prefer reading there <3

Connor opens the box and inside is a black tie embossed with a triangle tessellation pattern. It's simple but would match his jacket perfectly. He studies the tie closely and his LED switches from blue to yellow. 

“I’ve, uh, saw that you must have lost your tie at some point. And you always seem a bit frustrated when you try to straighten it and it’s not there. So I, uh, figured a tie might be good,” Hank rambles because Connor is just staring at the tie in silence and his LED is yellow and spinning and Hank thinks maybe Connor hates it. He’s never been a good gift giver and it’s been years since he’s given one so maybe this was all a mistake. “If you don’t like it, you don’t have to wear it.” 

Connor’s head snaps up. “No, I like it. It’s just…” And he stares down at it thinking again. 

“What is it? C’mon, you won’t hurt my feelings if you say you don’t like it.” 

“No, it’s just ever since the night I infiltrated Cyberlife Tower, I haven’t worn a tie. I wasn’t adhering to Cyberlife’s dress code they programmed into me. It felt like I was making my own choice. But you’re right, Hank. I find myself reaching up to fix my tie even when it’s not there. And I wonder if maybe I’m still stuck in my programming. Like I can’t escape Cyberlife’s design.” 

Hank watches Connor stare at the tie a bit longer his eyebrows slightly furrowed. Hank narrows his eyes as he contemplates what Connor said. “You think you’re still stuck in Cyberlife’s programming because you want to wear a tie.” 

“Correct.” 

“Jesus fucking Christ, Connor,” Hank says with a bit of exasperation. “It’s just a tie! It doesn’t have to mean anything. It doesn’t have to be a fucking symbol of non-deviancy or whatever; it can just be a tie. Just because Cyberlife told you to wear a tie and you happen to like wearing one, doesn’t mean you’re not alive. You can wear the tie because you like it not because Cyberlife told you too.” 

“But what if I only like it because Cyberlife programmed me that way?” 

“Then fucking throw it away. Or wear it for special occasions. Or never wear a tie again if you really think that will give you peace of mind. I don’t know. You don’t have to overthink every little thing you do, kid. It’s okay to stick to what’s comfortable especially when you’re facing a lot of new things. The fact that you want to wear a tie says enough about your deviancy. You’ve said it yourself before, machines don’t want things.” 

Connor stares at Hank as he internalizes his words. He did like wearing ties and appearing professional and tidy. He knows Cyberlife programmed him that way, but maybe Hank’s right and that’s okay. Maybe he didn’t have to change everything about himself right away. Maybe that didn’t mean he was any less alive. 

One side of Connor’s mouth twitches up into that half smile he always does because he hasn’t really learned how to smile fully and genuinely quite yet. His LED is blue again. Hank can’t help but grin as Connor removes the tie from its box. “Thank you, Hank. I really like it.” 

Connor lifts his collar up and wraps the tie around his neck, but Hank stands. “Come here, I’ll tie it for you.” 

“I know how to tie a tie, Hank.” 

“Just let me do it for you,” Hank insists walking to Connor’s side of the table. 

Connor obliges and stands so Hank doesn’t have to crouch down. Hank couldn’t remember the last time he had tied a tie, but he remembers his dad showing him how to tie a full Windsor knot and he does the same wordlessly. Connor watches Hank, and there’s a softness to his weathered face. A ghost of a smile on his lips. Connor wonders if Hank is thinking of Cole and how he never got to teach him how to tie a tie. It makes Connor wish he didn’t know how so Hank could teach him.  

Hank finishes and pats both hands on Connor’s shoulders. “All done, son.” And then Hank freezes because he realizes that he just called Connor son and he doesn’t know how to take it back and he’s not sure he wants to. 

But Connor pretends like he doesn’t notice though now he’s certain that Hank is thinking of Cole. “Thanks, Hank.” He straightens the tie not because Hank tied it crooked, but because it’s a habit and Connor finds something comforting in the action. He smooths the tie against his chest saying, “Now, I just need to buy myself a new tie clip.” 

“Hang on, I think I have one you can use,” Hank states and he almost ends the sentence with “son,” but stops himself as he quickly goes into his bedroom.  

Connor looks down at his new tie and he wonders what it would be like to be Hank’s son. But he pushes that thought away because he doesn’t want to be a replacement. Plus, androids didn’t have families.

Or at least, he didn’t think it was possible, but his thoughts drift to Kara and Markus. Kara acts like a mother to Alice, and Markus considers Carl his father. Did that mean that they were family? Could a family transcend beyond the bonds of humans and extend to deviants? Perhaps, androids didn’t have families, but maybe deviants could. 

Maybe Connor could.

happy holidays everyone~! this little piece is for the island winter wonderland event ran by @island-of-misfit-deviants which is the dbh discord server i'm in. we're all very welcoming so feel free to join us!!!!

[manicpixiedreamedwins]

GINGERWREN'S PAYNELAND RECS 2024!

I can't believe we have had Charles and Edwin for less than a year. Even still, we've had a lot of fun! I wanted to share some fics, art, and gifs that made this year worth it for me personally. I was talking to a friend recently, and we noticed recent rec lists seem to be short, tag based lists with no real input from the list writer. Many of them also seem to rec the same few fics. Sometimes I feel left out as a smaller writer, and I know my favorite fics also don't always make it onto these lists either.

So, gentle reader, I will not be making a list of tags and summaries. You can read the tags on the fics and the art work, should you choose to view. I will be telling you why I love the works themselves. This is the best way I can think to recommend work to you.

Without further ado: the list is below.

WRITING

sweeter than honey from the rock - @dearheartdont

This lives rent free in my head. Literally in my mind this is like a lost episode or something. I do not want to spoil it or anything, but some of my favorite things in it are the world building (there are delightfully sympathetic clients, and witty antagonists), Charles does... exactly what one would expect Charles to do in order to help the client and protect everyone, and he makes things temporarily worse for himself. Rest assured though, there is a very, very satisfying resolution. Really, this is such a wonderful fic.

Winter Bloom - @skinnybritishdudes

PINK!!! EDWIN!!!! NOW!!!! This was my request for our server's Christmas exchange and it blew me out of the water. Genuinely, the magical mischief PLUS the subtle horror PLUS the absolute tenderness at the end?? Was everything I wanted, and more than I expected. Friendship ended with my own pink Edwin origin story. THIS is Pink Edwin now. Run don't walk for this one (as you can see, I still have not calmed down I am so excited about this one).

Nothing Left to Hide - @roseganymede95

I know I need to say more than "spider jar" but there's a point where I just start crying softly and going "spider jar" while I am reading. Honestly I'm sure if I said that to you, you would probably know which fic I'm referring to. It's this one. It's brilliant. It rewired my brain early on and I haven't been the same since. I found a spider jar pin because it may as well be canon in my mind. They call each other mine in the fic what more do I need to tell you to get you to read this? Join the spider jar cult with me.

right. never finished it.- taableclofh

A classic. Charles tries to save Edwin from Hell. He figures some things out in the process. (This is canon divergent in the best possible way and was a real balm on the soul, somehow).

molliculi (soft little things)- @williamvapespeare

This was made in a lab to make me cry specifically. The first time I finished reading it, it was two in the morning. I stared at my bedroom wall for like twenty minutes, bleary eyed, and then finally managed to type something to @williamvapespeare (who was really gracious about whatever mess I sent, lol). God fuck. It's a character study on Edwin. It's a history of living and dying in 1916. It's wondering what it means to continue on existing, but never have lived on with your peers. It's an outsider's perspective on Charles' trying to figure things out. Go. Go now. Suffer with me.

All Rights Reserved- @phoenix-soar

Do you like possessive Charles? (There's one right answer and it's yes). This fic is the fic. This also lives rent free in my brain. I wish I could say something more coherent but honestly I do not know how much I can say- well there is this lovely description where Charles compares Edwin's eyes to the sea on a stormy day (ao3 is sadly down, I cannot pull the full quote, but it was gorgeous). The rest... 🌶️🌶️🌶️

The Case of the Omegaverse Portal - miraworos

Omegaverse, as specified in the title. Also a very well written casefic, and some really satisfying feelings revelations. Once again: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

ART

Kiss (Blue) - @ent-is-indecisive

Genuinely A I am just amazed by how lovely all the kisses you draw are. Like they come out stunningly, over and over. I have no idea how you pull off this wizardry but it is amazing. Anyway I picked the first picture we ever talked about but I am also genuinely blown away whenever you drop something in LOMA

Collab Gifset For Payneland Week- @mellxncollie

I know you have all seen Olly's gifs. If you haven't, what are you even doing? (Maybe you're new here. That's okay). It's something special when Olly makes a gifset for your fic. Genuinely, sometimes I just go back and stare at this one because WOW THOSE ARE MY WORDS. BUT ON A GIF. Genuinely thanks for making my first year in the fandom special Olly.

Pink Slip- @arisprite

Ari was super great during the flash sketch commissions and we had a blast. Now this reminds me of ongoing convos that @majorlb @deadboyslullaby and I have (and perhaps one day we will do something more with those) but the point here is Ari is great. You all should go and appreciate the wide range of payneland she has made. Her fem!payneland is dazzling, and so is her sad boy Charles (which I think is the first piece I ever fell in love with).

RITUALS - @deadboyslullaby

THE RITUALS ARE INTRICATE. This was a collaboration with @likemmmcookies . @deadboyslullaby worked really hard on the inscription around the edges for this one and I am forever in awe of all the little details here. I want more of them doing strange, arcane stuff together always.

ORBWIN IN CHARLES’ RIBS- @jube-art

This is absolutely what I think is going on when one of them is orbing and the other isn't. No I am not taking feedback. Once more, this was a piece of art that re-wired my brain early on. Ribs are for lovers.

BONUS:

Feathers and Fur - merle_p

Super secret rare pair that rewired how my brain works forever. I love you catcrow. I love you Monty that's a little bit depressed a little bit of a masochist. I love you Thomas who can't help but take in strays but still has teeth and hasn't been declawed in this fic. This fic is just... so... gorgeous*chef's kiss*. I won't spoil it for you, but I implore you to read it so I have more people to talk about this pairing with.

These were all my recs for now. Thank you Dead Boy Detective fandom 2024! We may have had some bumps in the road, but here's to a strong and healthy 2025!

[silenzahra]

✨🎄🎅🏻 Christmas celebrations 🎅🏻🎄✨

Last year I shared on my old blog a short headcanon post about Mario and Luigi exchanging presents. Since it got lost, I thought it'd be good to bring it back to celebrate this special season, and I decided to expand on it and include our beloved princesses! 💖

@vulpixfairy1985 my dear big sister, you'll find here a little nod to your beautiful Luaisy story that I can never get enough of. It's very brief, but iI hope you'll like it! 🥰

@megamagimugi @peaches2217 @itsavee4117 @bberetd @pepperycar @smokszyvverstar @c-lavanda @eleventhhourfactor @stripetkattelalala54 @doodleydoo101 Hope it's okay that I tag you in case you'd like to read this! Feel free to ignore it if you're not interested 🙏🏻💖

Merry Christmas everybody and I hope you enjoy! 🎅🏻🎄🎁

Christmas for Mario and Luigi 💚❤️

Christmas has always been very important and special to Mario and Luigi. Ever since they were little, they enjoyed opening presents together every Christmas morning, celebrating the holiday with their entire family, and playing in the snow, whether it's building snowmen or having snowball wars. Each year, their mother also gives them hand-knitted Christmas sweaters for their birthday in October, so that they can wear them during the holiday celebration.

This tradition has continued into their adulthood. Luigi still proudly wears the garments made by his mom, with designs of reindeer or snowmen and bright green and red colors, not only because those are the brothers' favorite colors, but also because they’re the ones that best represent Christmas. Mario, on the other hand, feels that he’s too old to wear this kind of sweaters, but he’s well aware of the affection with which his mother knits them, so he wears them at family celebrations as a token of gratitude and appreciation for her work.

Luigi never misses an opportunity to tease his brother about this, and often gives him nicknames like “Rudolph” or “Olaf”, depending on what their mom has knitted on his twin’s sweater that year. Mario, though he grunts a bit at first, thus also earning the nickname “Grinch”, eventually teases Luigi back by calling him “Christmas tree”, since his clothes tend to be mostly green. The times when his brother dubs him “Santa Claus” for wearing a red sweater with a design of Santa Claus, the white beard embossed, Mario doesn’t miss the chance to call his sibling “Santa's elf” and starts giving him orders to get to work on this or that toy. It’s then Luigi’s turn to look resigned while Mario laughs.

When they were children, no matter what presents each one received, they always shared them: a ball, some crayons, some toy dinosaurs... Even the books, since Luigi, an avid reader from a very young age, would read them to Mario when they went to bed, even if his brother fell asleep in the middle of the story. Besides, their parents always made sure to give them at least two gifts that were, from the beginning, for both of them.

When they turned ten, their parents began to involve them, separately, in choosing the perfect gift for each other, asking them what they thought their brother would like to receive so that they could help Santa Claus a little. In this way, Mario has on more than one occasion chosen the books that his twin was most eager to read as soon as possible, while Luigi has decided on a racing car or a specific pencil box that he thought his brother might like best.

Over the years, the twins began to cooperate to choose gifts for their relatives, and, more or less subtly, they try to question each other to see what they could give to the other. Luigi always notices when his brother is trying to find out if he’s interested in this or that book, or maybe if he needs some new clothes to wear that year, but he doesn't mind pretending he’s completely oblivious and makes sure to give Mario more than one option to choose from. Mario, on the other hand, never notices when Luigi is probing him and always answers in a distracted manner, keeping most of his attention on whatever he's doing at the moment. This makes it easier for Luigi to choose the perfect gift for his twin.

As the date approaches, however, Luigi can't help but feel more and more intrigued to find out what his big brother will give him. The excitement bubbles up inside him the same way it did when he was a little boy, and before he knows it, he finds himself chasing Mario around the house they share in the Mushroom Kingdom, fists clenched under his chin and eyes sparkling as he questions him incessantly, wearing, of course, his Christmas sweater from that year.

“What are you going to give me this year? What's your present? Can you give me a hint? Is it big? Is it square? Can it be carried in your pocket? What does it smell like? Does it have letters on it? Is it warm? Is it green or purple? You know those are my favorite colors, right?”

Faced with such an avalanche of questions, Mario just smiles and gives him a look full of affection, but also of amusement.

“Yes, Lu, of course I know,” he replies nonchalantly.

“So?” Luigi insists, enthusiastic.

“So what?”

“Are you going to give me a clue? Even if it's a tiny one. Pretty please?”

Luigi's puppy eyes and the childish tone with which he elongates the last word are close to cracking Mario's relaxed facade, so, to restrain himself, he turns around with a sigh while he shakes his head.

“I'm sorry, Lu,” he replies lightly. “I forgot.”

“What do you mean you forgot!?”

The incredulous and desperate tone of his little brother always makes Mario have to resort to all his power of self-control to keep from breaking into laughter.

“I'm sorry,” he says without turning around, shrugging. “It's just that I have a very bad memory.”

“Bad memory?” Luigi exclaims, frustrated. “Who are you, Dory?”

At that point, Mario is never able to hold back a snort, but the way Luigi crosses his arms and even pouts in frustration fills him with tenderness inside. Unable to resist any longer, he ends up putting an arm around his twin as he starts tickling him with his free hand, which makes Luigi burst out laughing as he tries to get away from him. And Mario, of course, catches his outrageous laughter.

At other times, it is Luigi who comes to Mario with a smug and satisfied expression, very proud of having already prepared his present and eager to mess around with his brother a little.

“You know what, Mario? Santa Claus has already stopped by!” he announces excitedly. “And guess what? He left something for you! You have a surprise waiting for you under the tree. Aren't you dying of curiosity?”

He always says it crooning and in a funny tone, wanting Mario to play along and see if he can give him a hint, or even give it back to him with an “Oops, sorry, I forgot!”

But Mario knows him too well and doesn't fall for it. Even though he is, in fact, dying of curiosity inside, he usually finds a way to easily turn the tables.

“Yes, I think I've seen him too! He actually left something for you as well.”

And so Mario is once again met with an excited, pleading Luigi, making puppy eyes and pouting, proving that his inner child is still very much alive.

Even so, Mario adores his brother so much that, more and more, he tends to give in and brings out his eagerness that Luigi has prepared a present for him. For Mario, however, the greatest gift is undoubtedly seeing Luigi's happy face when he finally plays along and lets his enthusiasm shine.

When Christmas morning arrives, Luigi is always the more excited of the two when he opens his present. After all, whatever it is, it's a gift from his big brother, which automatically makes it the most important thing in the world to Luigi, his new favorite thing from then on. Mario could give him a piece of loose slab and Luigi would treasure it as his most prized possession.

So, whenever he unwraps his gift, Luigi squeals and eagerly hugs the object, usually a book, against his chest as he jumps for joy. Then, still springing, he opens his arms wide and squeezes his brother tightly, dragging him into his silly hops. Mario not only reciprocates, but when it's his turn, he also gets extremely excited and hugs his little brother even tighter, even lifting him off the ground. Neither of them can stop loudly laughing.

Christmas in the Mushroom Kingdom 🎅🏻🤶🏻

Since arriving in the Mushroom Kingdom, the brothers have introduced some of the customs of their homeland to their new home, including Christmas. This one is Peach's favorite, not only for the giving and receiving of presents, but for the message of peace, joy and warmth it conveys and the importance of sharing, helping others and enjoying the company of loved ones.

Peach has been included in Mario and Luigi's family Christmas Eve dinners since the first year the brothers spent in her kingdom, as have Toad, Toadette and Toadsworth. The whole family immediately made them feel welcome and included, and Mia, the brothers' mother, gave them each Christmas sweaters that they could also wear during this holiday, matching Mario, Luigi and, in fact, all the members of the family.

Their kindness only increased the princess' devotion to this celebration. She felt the desire to celebrate something similar in the Mushroom Kingdom so that all the Toads would know this beautiful tradition and get into the Christmas spirit.

So, as the brothers explained more about this holiday, Peach decided that she herself was going to take on the role of Santa Claus and make sure that all the Toads in her kingdom could enjoy a happy, warm and friendly Christmas Eve and Christmas.

Every year, Mario, Luigi and Peach decorate the kingdom together and invite all the Toads to participate. They put tinsel on lampposts and trees, hang garlands from the streets, and sometimes the engage each other in snowball battles that end with everyone making snow angels and building a big snowman together. In addition, in the center of the main square, they place a huge tree, crowned by a shining star, which Peach makes sure is always lit up, day and night. She thinks that, in this way, any Toad who looks at it at any time of the day will be able to perceive the warmth that emanates from it and will feel accompanied and, if needed, comforted.

On Christmas Eve, after the family dinner in Brooklyn, Peach goes to her castle and puts on a red dress, similar to the one she usually wears every day, but with long sleeves and the edges of her long red skirt made of white wool. She puts on white gloves, a red jacket whose edges are also made of wool and a belt to adjust it better and to be well protected from the cold. She covers her legs with white stockings and protects her feet with red boots, and replaces her turquoise earrings with golden ones, more in keeping with the festivity. Finally, Peach replaces her regal crown with a red hat, adorned with a white tassel on the end, and goes to the back door of her castle without anyone, not even the ever-vigilant Toadsworth, noticing her absence.

There she meets up with Mario and Luigi. They’ve already loaded a large sack full of gifts onto the Odyssey ship, guarded by Polterpup, to whose red collar Luigi has added a mistletoe ornament. Mario's outfit, very similar to Peach's, was, in fact, the main source of inspiration for the princess, who decided that, of course, she had to match her favorite plumber on such a special night. The only difference, apart from the fact that he wears pants, is that Mario always includes the white beard, which creates a curious contrast with his black mustache that the princess finds amusing and cute. To her, Mario is the perfect Santa Claus, and she can never help but pinch his cheek affectionately when she sees him dressed like this every Christmas Eve. And she loves it even more that Mario always blushes after her gesture.

Luigi, next to his brother, discreetly giggles before greeting Peach with a hug. The woman thinks her friend is the second best Santa Claus in the world, but only because, true to his style, Luigi’s suit is entirely green, including his hat, although it doesn't make him look any worse. Peach knows for certain that there’s at least one person who finds Luigi to be the best Christmas Santa, and, in fact, it is to her home that they head before she and Mario start the delivery.

Daisy waits for them every Christmas Eve at the top of her castle in the center of Sarasaland, her kart ready to take flight, just waiting for Luigi and Polterpup to arrive to meet her. Even though these meetings are usually quick, Peach and Mario always set aside a few minutes to chat with her, after, of course, Daisy has greeted Luigi with a tight hug and a passionate kiss, which, this time, causes Luigi to blush and Mario to chuckle.

Mario and Peach then return to the Odyssey and begin their nighttime adventure through the Mushroom Kingdom.

The princess knows each and every one of her subjects so well that she knows exactly what to get them for Christmas. For the children, of course, there are a wide variety of gifts, and Peach could never tire of seeing their excited faces when they see her and Mario arrive and when, after unwrapping their presents, they find the toy they were most looking forward to getting, be it a doll, a racing car, a ball or, in some cases, a book.

In those moments, watching Mario interact with the children, deep in his role as Santa Claus, joking, wishing them happy holidays, patting their Toad heads affectionately and enjoying the mirth and eagerness they give off, Peach feels herself falling more and more in love with Mario. It's as if he himself were a child too, as if, in fact, he had an even better time than the kids on that special night. And, of course, with the parents, the young Toads and the couples, Mario is the most polite person in all the universes and makes sure, too, to offer them a gift that is to their liking, as well as some warm laughter that he concludes with a resounding “Ho ho ho!”

When it's the turn of the older Toads, the princess knows very well that what they crave most on such a special night is company. For her, and she knows it’s the same for Mario too, it’s always a pleasure to visit them, sit with them by the fire and share a few minutes of calm chatting. They always go out of their way to make them feel comfortable in their homes, and Peach tries to bring them some new woolen clothes to get them through the cold winter. Mario, for his part, makes sure to shower them with Christmas sweets typical of his homeland.

Peach loves every second of Christmas and how it has allowed her not only to meet people she now considers her family, but also to get closer to her subjects, have the opportunity to talk to them for a few moments and find new ways to make sure they are happy in the Mushroom Kingdom and never lack anything.

And, of course, she also enjoys the moments aboard the Odyssey ship, where her own Santa Claus does his utmost to keep her warm, snug and comfortable. Peach enjoys sitting with him and simply watching the kingdom out the window together, reveling in the company of her favorite hero and plumber on the most magical night of the year.

Sometimes Peach even dares to go a step further and take Mario's hand in hers.

And her heart flutters when he not only doesn't pull away, but gives her a gentle but firm squeeze, conveying to her that, for him, that night is also much more special since he can share it with her.

Christmas in Sarasaland 🛷🎇🎈

Ever since Luigi first told Daisy about Christmas, the princess of Sarasaland declared herself the number one fan of the holiday.

Although at first no one in her household is familiar with Christmas, Daisy decides to go all out. After an afternoon of shopping in Brooklyn driving Luigi crazy with everything she wants to acquire, Daisy takes him with her to Sarasaland and asks him to help her decorate not only her castle in the Chai Kingdom, but the entire empire. To do so, she invites Luigi to stay in Sarasaland for a few days and he, delighted to help her and share the Christmas excitement with her, agrees, always accompanied by his faithful and adored Polterpup.

They get down to work right away, so that, with Christmas still more than a month away, all of Sarasaland is decorated from top to bottom with bright lights, colorful garlands and a gigantic Christmas tree in every central square of every capital city of each of the four kingdoms that make up Daisy's home. The young princess spares no expense, and Luigi enjoys decorating Sarasaland with her and strolling through its streets once the lights are on, sharing a hot chocolate with Daisy and with the always cheerful and giggly Polterpup trotting around them.

Daisy loves how Luigi's eyes sparkle even more brightly when the Christmas glow lights them up.

Daisy soon becomes a guest in Mario and Luigi's family home as her relationship with the younger plumber begins to take hold. Like Peach, Daisy soon wins the hearts of all the brothers' relatives, and when Mia surprises her with her own personified Christmas sweater, the squeal of excitement that escapes her can be heard in the entirety of Sarasaland from Brooklyn. She immediately puts it on and decides that, even though crafts aren't her thing, she wants to learn to sew those sparkly sweaters herself to join in the tradition of giving them as Christmas presents.

At that moment it is impossible to determine who is happier: Mia, for having a new disciple, or Luigi, for seeing his girlfriend follow in his footsteps. After all, he also learned to sew thanks to his mother, and he can't get over the joy of having someone else to share his enthusiasm for Christmas with besides Mario.

From Brooklyn, Daisy always sets off straight back to Sarasaland to get everything ready for what has become her favorite night of the year. The Christmas spirit nested in her from the moment her boyfriend told her about this holiday for the first time, almost more intensely than inside Luigi himself, and impatience devours her throughout the year as she’s forced to wait for the right moment to hand out presents, sweets and celebrate Christmas properly.

So, when it's finally time, Daisy lives it to the fullest.

As Sarasaland is mostly warm, the winters are not usually very cold, so Daisy doesn't need to bundle up too much. A thick red dress with a couple of white buttons and black stockings is enough for her, and, following Peach's advice, she decided to have the edges of her skirt and sleeves made of white wool. Over her shoulders she wears a shawl of the same color that is fastened with a flower-shaped brooch, matching her earrings, and she covers her feet with red boots with white edges, also Peach's recommendation.

In contrast, unlike her friend, Daisy replaces her crown with a red cloche-like hat topped by a white tassel and with a sprig of mistletoe attached as an ornament. That way, whenever she sees Luigi, Daisy has the perfect excuse to kiss him, and she does take advantage of it.

Mario and Peach bring her dear boyfriend to her in the Odyssey ship, and although Polterpup always jumps out first to greet her, Daisy only has eyes for her green Santa, as she calls him. She loves how well his costume suits him, and most of all, she adores how good he looks with his fake white beard. Daisy has even wondered what Luigi would look like if he chose to grow a beard someday. She's sure it would make him look... interesting.

Before her friends take their leave to carry out their mission in the Mushroom Kingdom, Daisy hugs Peach tightly and wishes her all the happiness in the world. To Mario, on the other hand, she gives a shocked look.

“My God, Mario!” she exclaims, pointing to a spot on his jacket at the level of his stomach. “What a stain!”

“What!?”

Mario looks down, equal parts bewildered and alarmed, and that's when Daisy quickly reaches up to tap him on the nose. She starts laughing before she even finishes her prank, but Mario's gesture of resignation and exhaustion is so funny, and Luigi's laughter is so outrageous, that Daisy ends up joining him and emitting thunderous guffaws that must surely be heard by everyone in Sarasaland. Even her friend Peach has trouble holding back her laughter, and Daisy is well aware that this is what ends up causing Mario himself to burst out laughing as well.

And then, at last, comes Daisy's favorite moment.

Seconded by Polterpup's excited barking, the princess grabs Luigi by the hand and pulls him into her kart. It’s thanks to him, in fact, that her racing vehicle is the perfect Christmas sleigh to fly over all of Sarasaland in one night. Daisy wanted it to be larger, so that everyone could fit comfortably and have room for the sack of presents as well, and she deeply wished it could fly in order to reach all the corners of her vast empire and none of its inhabitants would be left without celebrating Christmas.

And Luigi, her perfect and wonderful boyfriend, truly her green Santa Claus, made it possible.

Daisy already knew about her favorite plumber’s mechanical skills but witnessing them first hand is something very different. Luigi has not only made her wish to take to the skies to deliver presents to her subjects come true, but he’s also remodeled the kart in such a way that it really looks like the sleigh of Santa Claus himself: he’s painted it red, respecting Daisy’s floral logo on the front, and has placed tinsel on the door, on top of the seats and even on the turbos that allow it to fly. He’s added a back seat to carry the gift sack and his beloved Poltergust 3000, and on both sides of the vehicle, each year he prepares a handful of balloons that he places on the outside. Green and gold, both colors that hold a special meaning for them and remind them of a dance among bubbles under the starlight.

Since Luigi is the artist and, moreover, the guest, Daisy opens the door with an exaggerated bow for him to be the first to get on the kart-sled. She, however, is the driver, and she loves to accelerate and feel the wind in her face as soon as the vehicle takes flight. In fact, she almost always lets go of the steering wheel and stretches her arms out to the sides, laughing nonstop, which makes Luigi gasp and freak out a little. She turns to him with her cheeks hurting from the joy she feels at that moment, and Luigi, even though he’s clinging with one hand to the edge of the sled and with the other to Polterpup, who is panting happily, only needs to look at her for a second to slowly forget the panic that rules his features.

The smile full of love and tenderness that blooms on his face only increases Daisy's bliss.

When they’re high in the sky, the princess presses the button next to the steering wheel. Immediately, she hears behind her as the kart-sled begins to throw fireworks that, she hopes, will alert the inhabitants of the Chai Kingdom that Christmas has finally arrived. For a second, Daisy wishes she were down there so she could see in all their splendor the Christmas shapes Luigi designed for the fireworks, but, deep down, she wouldn't trade being up there for anything.

Especially because she gets to be with him.

After a couple of laps to make sure everyone in the kingdom is still awake and ready, Daisy exchanges a quick knowing glance with Luigi and they both nod in unison, smiling. The princess quickly activates the autopilot and they both turn to the back of the kart-sled. Luigi is the first to reach into the gift sack: he pulls out a new handful of balloons, green and red this time, and takes hold of the Poltergust to inflate them. As he does so, he releases them into the Sarasaland night sky, so that they serve as a sort of ornament framing the fireworks.

Meanwhile, Daisy hauls in the presents and, just as she pulls them out of the sack, she starts dropping them on either side of the sleigh. She doesn't hold back and shamelessly imitates Santa's laughter at full force, which only causes Luigi to burst out laughing. That, in turn, motivates Daisy to increase her “Ho ho ho!”, delighted to make her green Santa laugh.

And Polterpup, euphoric at all the excitement, jumps and barks all around them, trying to catch the balloons before Luigi releases them and peeking all the time on both sides of the sleigh to watch the presents fall into the hands of their new owners.

Daisy and Luigi repeat the same operation in Birabuto, Easton and Muda, the other three kingdoms that make up Sarasaland, and both continue to have a wonderful time and enjoy themselves like little kids. Daisy feels that the holiday is even more special because she can spend it that way with her adored boyfriend and share a night of laughter and fun with him. She knows she’s lucky to have Luigi in her life and that he’s brought a whole new world for her, one filled with magic and fantasy that keeps her inner child very much alive. Daisy thanks every day for having met Luigi and fallen in love with him.

As the sleigh drives them back to her castle in the Chai Kingdom, the sack of gifts completely empty and only the green and gold balloons adorning the sides of the vehicle remaining, Daisy and Luigi's gazes meet, the sound of fireworks echoing around them. The princess, without hesitation, leans toward her green Santa Claus, playfully removes his hat and ruffles his fluffy locks, which always feel so soft to her touch. His hands go up to her waist as he laughs softly, and Polterpup, as if he knows what’s about to happen, moves off Luigi's lap and stands on the front of the kart-sled to enjoy the last moments of flight.

The moon and the stars are witness to the tender but passionate kiss that the princess of Sarasaland and her own personal Santa Claus share at the end of the most special night of the year. The fireworks that illuminate the sky and the glow coming from the festive cities at their feet are their backdrop.

Christmas morning🎄🎁

Despite the fact that they both find it tremendously difficult to separate from their princesses, Mario and Luigi end up returning to the little house they share in the Mushroom Kingdom to, as they do every Christmas morning, open presents together and surprise each other, Polterpup being their constant companion for a few years now. Laughter and barking flood their home as they discover what the other had in store for them on that special day, and of course, Polterpup gets presents too: a collar with a shiny new tag and noisy or squishy toys to play with, both on his own and with his owners.

Christmas mornings are usually a bit slower for the brothers, as they like to take their time sharing hot chocolate and holiday treats while enjoying their gifts and tossing Polterpup his new toys back and forth. Shortly before lunchtime, however, the two get ready to go out again.

First they go to the castle in the Mushroom Kingdom. There, Peach always organizes a small party for all the local Toads to come, if they wish, to share the joy of Christmas. And, of course, as soon as the brothers arrive, she, Toad and Toadette, under Toadsworth’s supervision, rush to bring them their presents. Mario and Luigi are still not quite sure how they do it, but every year, not failing a single time, they all get their gifts right, and the brothers are happy to see that they too have chosen wisely what to give each other that morning.

The Odyssey ship is a hive of activity as Mario and Luigi board it, accompanied by Polterpup, Toad, Toadette, Toadsworth and Princess Peach, and set off for Sarasaland. As cheerful and lively as ever, as if the few hours of sleep she had slept that night had no effect on her, Daisy welcomes them singing and jumping and clapping her hands, showing that she still has plenty of energy. After the initial greetings, including the customary kiss to Luigi, Daisy gives them not one, not two, but three presents each, while letting out squeals of enthusiasm that only prove how much she loves to spread joy and how well she fits the role of Santa Claus.

Christmas morning ends in the same place where Christmas Eve night began: in Brooklyn, at Mario and Luigi's family home, where Mia, their mother, is more than delighted to welcome them all. Greetings turn to laughter, and laughter turns to conversation, and there’s an abundance of jokes, the most delicious food they've ever tasted, huge amounts of gifts, and the warmth of a home overflowing with love.

And, at the center of it all, Mario and Luigi. Two humble plumbers who have become the heroes of many and who, with their affection and camaraderie, have united creatures from different worlds to build the large and warm family they make up today.