#i wanted to relax after uni with something silly

[estcaligo]

upd Sebek asked me to add Malleus

[pablitogavii]

When the reader is mad at gavi and he just keeps apologizing and it's soo cute?

I told him ten times NOT to leave his shoes everywhere! On top having a horrible day at uni, submitting my project late and fighting with my best friend now I have to deal with this! Just great!

"Pablo! What do we do with training shoes!?" I said but he didn't reply obviously oblivious with his gaming head set on laughing with Pedri about something.

Usually I wouldn't care so much but today was such a bad day and I wasn't having it standing right in front of his screen making him notice me finally.

"Perdon chicos but I have a hot distraction here..dame un besito mi amor!" Pablo smirked reaching for me but then I tossed the shoes right in front of him and walked away making him confused.

"Looks like mi chica had a bad day, gotta go!" he said logging out and following after me into the bedroom seeing me at my makeup vanity taking off my makeup in silence.

"Amor, que pasa? Why are you enojada?" he asked but I was done talking for the night last thing I wanted was to fight with him too.

"Silent treatment don't work with me principesa, I'll make you talk.." Pablo smirked trying to kiss my neck but I pulled away not really in the mood for his little ministrations.

"Princesa porfi habla conmigo.." he said but I really couldn't do that right now so I just walked past him to the bathroom and he followed me like a lost puppy. Poor Pablito...

"Aii at least dame un besito and I'll leave you alone, I promise!" he said pouting and I couldn't resist just pecking his lips and pulling away but before I could his arms snaked around my waist roughly kissing me with passion and I sighed walking away.

He really did leave me shower and change which I appreciated since I needed my space right now. When i came to bed tho I started to miss him..I'm not used to not talk to him about my day, to have him hold me and tell me it's okay and to kiss me goodnight.

"Umm P..Pablito?.." I said not too loud so if he doesn't come, I can just pretend that's because he couldn't hear me.

"Couldn't wait for you to call mi amor! Mi princesa! Mi vida!" he was quickly on the bed pulling me in and I giggled but still decided to act "angry" with him. WHo can be angry with this boy!?

"Aiii no porfi enough with the silence..I wanna hear my girl's pretty voice again..how you call me Pablito..say it.." he said holding my face and I just smiled refusing to talk.

"Amor say it...porfiii" he said nuzzling his face into my neck leaving butterfly kisses and since he didn't shave this morning there was a little facial hair (nothing crazy) that was tickling me so I giggled and that gave him an idea.

"If you don't say it I'mma tickle you till you cry!" he said giving me a moment to talk but when I refused he started tickling my sides pulling me underneath him and I was laughing so hard my chest hurt.

"P..Pablo..st..op..porfavorr" I begged him really feeling tears coming to my eye but he wasn't back away moving closer to my ear to whisper his words.

"That's not my name amor..say..it..right" he said and I couldn't hold it back anymore.

"Pablito! Stop!" I said and he finally let go letting me catch my breath and laying besides me instead.

"Now tell your Pablito why are you enojada with him, Hermosa?" he said and I moved closer hiding my face into his neck and leaving a few kisses there..he smelled like him..like home and I was finally able to relax.

"Long day amor..very long day" I answer and he kissed my head nodding his head and holding me tightly just like he knew I needed.

"And your annoying boyfriend leaving shoes all over the house?" he added and I giggled knowing it was silly as I nodded my head.

"Lo siento hermosa, I put away all my shoes just like you like.."he said and I looked up smiling at his handsome face..he really cared so much about me that it was impossible not to kiss him right now.

"I love you Pablito.." I said as I moved away from the kiss and he smiled nodding his head.

"I know mi vida..and I love you so much..even when you're enojada comigo" he smiled kissing me again before we cuddled up and got some well deserved rest together.

[dronekittycuddles]

First OC post!! Hello!! Intro post coming soon but in the meantime - a little silly something i wrote during classes at uni. Enjoy!!

N patted his lap, an invitation. Uzi didn't waste time, immediately crawling onto the larger drone, burying her head into his shoulder. He chuckled, encompassing them in a gentle hug.

The two robots stayed like that for a while, N rubbing small circles on the other's back. Uzi fully relaxed into him. The disassembler's attention drifted from his girlfriend to the bag he brought with him. Right, snacks! N leaned slightly to his left, reaching for one of the battery packs on top. He pulled out a bundle of zinc-air buttons, Uzi's favourite.

"Uzi, baby." N spoke softly as to not spook his little. "Look what I got, your favourite batteries!" He took one out of the package and held it up to Uzi's face. She looked back, eyeing the snack, before burying her face back into him with a displeased whine. N frowned.

"Hey, buddy. Are you not feeling well?" He's met with another whine, this time much softer. She didn't want to admit it it seems, but to him it was a clear confirmation.

Gently, N pried Uzi away from himself, to check her temperature. The purple drone pouted as the back of N's hand met her upper screen.

"Hm, you're not overheating. I don't see any warnings popping up either..." He met Uzi's discontent glare, seemingly from being separated from her source of warmth and comfort. N thought for a moment before finally asking, "Is it your tummy? Do you have a tummy ache?"

Uzi grimaced and shoved her head back into N's shoulder. Bingo.

"Hey, that's nothing to be embarrassed about, little dude. We'll get you fixed right up." N already had an idea of what could help. He just had to figure out how to get up with an /extremely/ clingy little glued to him. He was pretty certain getting her off of him willingly would be borderline impossible, and the last thing he wants right now is to make her more upset than she already is. So, the tall drone moved his hand to support Uzi from the bottom and tried as best he could to stand up, using a wooden bedframe and his tail as balancing aids. He succeeded, carefully making his way into the kitchen, but not before grabbing a tall baby bottle from one of Uzi's drawers.

Fortunately, her father already left their shared apartment, and wasn't scheduled to return for another few hours. That meant N didn't have to rush or hide with preparing Uzi's little meal. Which was great because, to be quite honest, making anything while only having one hand available was going to take longer, whether he liked it or not. At least he had his tail, too.

N pressed on regardless, rummaging through the fridge until he found what he was looking for - a bottle of power steering fluid. It was much lighter on the stomach than oil, but could still help lubricate some of Uzi's internal mechanisms. Hopefully, that would be enough to solve or, at least, partially quell her problem.

At some point while N was busy doing his very best /not/ to spill the liquid everywhere, the little purple drone slowly readjusted herself on his arm so she could see what he was doing. She gazed at his every move with curious eyes.

N took notice of that, fixing his attention back to his little with a smile, after popping the bottle in a microwave for about a minute.

"What's up, buddy? Wanted to peek what's for dinner tonight?" Uzi didn't respond, but her expression seemed to brighten. She loved when N talked to her, he knew, even despite the fact that tiny Uzi wasn't very keen on speaking herself.

Suddenly, one bitey tail extended from Uzi's rear. Though instead of, well, biting, it only swished happily below her. N chuckled, making the other drone form a blush of embarrassment.

"Oh, what's that? Your friend decided to show up for some food as well?" Uzi's tail stopped wagging and bought its "head" up for N to pet and then promptly went back to swaying happily. It wasn't sentient, not really, but it was fun to pretend it was.

The microwave beeped, an unpleasant sound that N quickly silenced by clicking one of the buttons. He retrieved the warmed bottle, capped it and shook to make sure the liquid was all equally warmed. It wasn't very hot, which was exactly what he wanted.

"Okay." N made his way to the living room. Usually, he would return to Uzi's room, but now that the apartment was empty, he much preferred using the armchair. It provides much better support for both him and Uzi than a cold wall does, plus it's much more comfortable.

He sat down with a grunt and let Uzi adjust herself in his arms. With a bit of help, she laid down across N's lap, head resting on his metal bicep. The disassembler brought the bottle up to her lips. Uzi still hesitated, though, visor displaying a worried look.

"C'mon, buddy. It'll make you feel better." N used his 'trapped' hand to pet the little drone's shoulder. "Promise." He smiled softly.

That seemed to be enough to assure Uzi. Placing her hands on the bottle in a loose grip, she shyly took the silicone nib into her mouth and began drinking.

Almost immediately, N felt her body relax, warmth from the drink spreading through her insides. The purple drone's hold on the bottle tightened, prompting N to let go. He used his now free hand to draw small circles on her stomach, providing further comfort.

"Don't drink too fast." He didn't want her to choke on accident. But Uzi didn't seem to be in a rush, savouring all the pleasant sensations soothing her aching stomach.

After a while, all the liquid was gone. Uzi began chewing on the soft silicone with a content hum. It didn't last long though, with N removing the bottle from her grip shortly after. He was met with a whimper of protest.

"Zi, you know I can't let you chew on the bottle. You'll break it." He knows this, because it already happened. Twice. Neither of them were big fans of venturing out in search of a new one, but it was up to the disassembler to make sure they didn't have to.

In response, Uzi glued herself to the taller drone's chest, and... began nibbling his shirt.

"Hey!" N pried the material out her mouth, which earned him another whine. "My clothes are not for biting either, young lady! You have toys for that!" He scolded his little, but quickly shifted tones. He didn't want Uzi to think he was /actually/ mad at her. "Speaking of, we should probably get you some, huh, ya little shark?" N booped the other drone square in the middle of her display, making her giggle.

He got up, making sure both the bottle and Uzi were secure in his grasp, and made his way back to the bedroom.

This time, Uzi wasn't as opposed to being torn away from N, but still complained with various noises of dissatisfaction once set on the bed. The other drone gave her a quick forehead kiss.

"I'll come back to cuddle in a second, okay? I'm just getting the toys for you."

Soon, he was done rummaging through drawers, picking out two teethers; a blue bird- shaped water one and a hard one, attached to a plush crocodile - and a black pacifier, strapped to a lanyard clip patterned with happy dogs. N really liked that one.

The taller drone smiled as he laid down on the bed, opening his arms. Uzi pressed herself against his side, one hand grabbing for a teether. N let her choose which one she wanted - his little went for the bird.

Uzi released the hoodie sleeve she was mercilessly mauling and slipped the soft plastic between her lips. Now, tightly snuggled against her boyfriend, the purple drone began to feel drowsy.

N took notice of that, and without missing a beat came up with an offer.

"Want me to tell you a story, little buddy?"

Uzi perked up a bit at that, her tail wagging rapidly. N was really good at making up fantasy stories on the fly, or so he's told. But the fact that he isn't reading means that, every single time, the story is different. Which is why Uzi loves them so much.

N chuckled, dragging a fluffy comforter over both of them. He pulled Uzi closer, her brilliantly purple eyes looking straight up at him.

"Okay, so, once upon a time..."

------

It didn't take long for sleepiness to overtake Uzi - they barely made it halfway through the story before [SLEEP MODE] appeared on the girl's screen. N took that as his cue, slowly taking the falling teether out of her mouth and replacing it with a pacifier, which he gingerly clipped to her hoodie.

After turning off the bedside lamp, N enveloped Uzi in a tight hug and closed his eyes.

"Goodnight, sweetheart."

[shubblelive]

— BOTTLED UP

summary : wilbur's budding music career has undergone a multitude of changes since he first started. fortunately for him, you are not one of them.

genre : fluff

warnings : i guess there's one part that's slightly suggestive?? mentions of a makeout i guess, wilbur has a few Anxiuos moments, mentions of alcohol/drinking

pairing : cc!musician! wilbur soot x reader, musicianbur x reader

pronouns : none (you/yours)

featuring : cc!musician! wilbur soot

requested : Helloo! Could you write something where Wilbur's favorite thing to soothe his pre-show anxiety is to plant loving, relaxed kisses down the reader's neck in just a really silly way?

word count : 1.1k

note : maybe a tad too much worldbuilding, but what else do you expect from me let me LIVE

Whoever wrote “the lights are so bright but they never blind me,” clearly had not been to Sam’s. It was a dingy little joint with insane prices, but it was the closest pub to Wilbur’s flat and they gave Wilbur $50 a night to play guitar and sing a few covers. The lights directed at the “stage” in that place were enough to convince Wilbur he didn’t need glasses anymore because his vision was shot. 

He’d get up there, perform to a crowd of about twenty people (some of them were sober too!) and then crash before 9 ready to get up for his early morning retail shift.

It was a pretty good life, especially when you considered he’d just moved out of home and was also taking online classes for uni. Plus, there was his number one fan sitting at the bar every Thursday, sending him flirty looks and paying for his water.

He’d come along way since Sam’s. Performing at real venues, songs he’d written, not sweating buckets under lights so strong he could barely make out the shape of you at the bar (not usually).

That part never changed. You moved positioning with each venue. Oftentimes you were in the pit of people, off to the side with the less jumpy patrons. As they graduated to venues with seats and a real stage, you’d be off backstage with a bottle of water and a hug available (no matter how sweaty he was). 

It had been hard, his first few shows at Sam’s. Just a kid with a beat up acoustic guitar that was barely legally able to buy the alcohol he needed to even get up on stage. Said stage, a stool in the corner with a microphone that did more harm than good. There were panic attacks right at the beginning, quite a number of them. He would show intermittently. Slots at Sam’s were on a weekly basis, so some weeks he simply wouldn’t show up and ask for a slot. His anxiety would get the better of him, and then after a month, he’d suddenly regain his ego and he’d be back at it. In addition to the money from the owner (not named Sam), a lot of the patrons would leave tips for him with the bar manager (coincidentally named Sam), some weeks he would leave with over $250 for three days of playing. That would keep him going, he’d play for a few weeks and then someone would roll their eyes while Wilbur was talking and he would feel physically ill any time he even thought about picking up his guitar. 

But then, you showed up. It was during one of his ego boosts, he’d finally saved up for that electric guitar he’d lusted after for months. You had been dragged out by a friend who promptly ditched you upon seeing a cute girl from one of her classes. He’d seen you before, at student services. All his classes were online, but registration hadn’t been, and you worked the desk at student services for some extra cash. He’d tried to find you on social media but with just your first name on your nametag, it had been fruitless. He didn’t want a relationship anyway, he was fine with his friends, and his coworkers and his electric guitar, he didn’t have the energy for a relationship.

At least, that was what he said before he was dragging you out the service entrance to kiss you that first night, you laughing airily. He wanted to bottle that sound, needed it more than any liquid courage Sam could possibly overcharge him for. 

And thus, a new pre-show routine was born. A quick kiss before going back to his stool turned into a backstage hug as his crowds evolved from bargoers into fans - people who paid tickets just to hear his music.

Just a kid with his acoustic guitar was suddenly four guys with a two hundred million streams on spotify. Wilbur didn’t feel any different. He was still… just a guy. He’d swapped out his guitar, traded covers for originals, Sam’s service corridor for an actual dressing room.

The venue supported nearly a thousand people, and their manager had said they managed to seel over 80% of the tickets. That was an unfathomable amount of people to Wilbur. He’d quit his job and changed his act, but right before he went out there he was wracked with the same anxiety.

You were right beside him, your elbow tucked into his. His fingers fiddled with yours, nervous energy radiating off of him. He pulled you close, closing his eyes against the chattering from the audience, pressing a kiss to your temple.

“You’re alright,” you hummed, voice light. That same airyness he’d started to crave over the last six years skipping right past his nerves and planting itself right beside his heart, right along with the rest of you. 

He planted another kiss on your temple, then beside your left eye. You were half-sitting on a vanity, the weight of your boyfriend comforting as you traced letters up and down his arm. “I know, darling,” he whispered, breath tickling your cheek as he planted another three kisses as he moved his way down to your jawline. His mouth ghosted up and down your neck as the band manager called out five minutes until opening from the hallway. You squeezed his hand as his lips came to a stop where your neck met your shoulder. He sat there for a moment, peppering that one spot with chaste kisses. 

“You have to get out there, go meet the guys,” If he didn’t know you, he’d think you were trying to be stern. Your voice was firm, but still oh so light. Just like the kisses, over and over on the same spot of your shoulder. He hummed in recognition, and the two of you stood there for a second. His mouth connected with your shoulder again and, before you could stop him, Wilbur let out a large exhale, the vibrations on your skin letting out a loud sound that startled you. You pushed him off, laughing through faux-disgust. 

“Wilbur!” He was laughing too, giddy smile beaming at you. He heard final call and knew his time with you was limited. He gravitated back towards you, mouth hovering over yours for one last kiss before he had to get out there. You gladly met him halfway, and he could feel the curve of your smile against his. “You got this.”

He smiled breathlessly at you as frantic knocking began on the dressing room door. He probably did, he’d be fine. Even if you were wrong and he didn’t “got this,” he had you, which was just as important. 

[javelinbk]

Paul's POV or BTS for Double Fantasy? :)

Ah, now this one I have actually thought about for a while, and I'm hoping to work on a proper Paul POV version once Brother Dearest is out of the way. I just need to try to find a way to make it a separate fic rather than just a copy and paste job.

Anyhoo, that does mean I have a little snippet I can share with you...

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

George folded his arms, and leaned back in his chair.

“You’ve met someone, haven’t you?”

Paul scoffed. “No.”

But George was convinced he was onto something. He waggled a finger at Paul, grinning smugly. “Yes, you have. Why else would you be looking like that?”

“Like what?”

“Like you’re getting some. Or like you’re about to get some. Or like you want to get some with somebody."

Paul took a sip of his drink before looking down at the table. “Don’t be silly. How would I meet anybody? There’s no-one new at uni, and when I’m not there I’m at John’s.”

“Yeah,” said George, looking disappointed and slightly deflated. “Good point.”

Phew, thought Paul, finally relaxing. “Anyway, I’ve got to get back to John’s after lunch. The new hydrangeas are coming in today and we’re thinking of setting up a new display next to the….what?” he asked, as he noticed George’s mouth drop open.

“Oh. My. God.”

“What?” asked Paul again.

“It’s John.”

“Where?!” said Paul, sitting up and looking around the pub like an excited puppy. He never got to see him outside of the shop.

“It’s John,” George repeated. “John is the one you like.”

Paul tried to make some kind of dismissive noise, but it came out somewhere between a snort and the sound of a deflated balloon. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

But George couldn’t be deterred, leaning forward and pointing his finger at Paul. “It all makes sense now. You’re always there. You’re always talking about him. And you only started cheering up after you started hanging out at his shop.”

“Well… maybe floristry is my true calling.”

“It’s not a big deal, you know? If you do like him.”

“I told you, I don’t… isn’t it?”

“Course not.”

“You wouldn’t mind then, that it would make me… you know?”

“Boring?”

“No!” said Paul, before looking around to see if anyone was listening. “You know… gay,” he whispered. “Or bi, at least.”

“It’s not the sixties any more, Paul. Besides,” he said with a grin. “More girls for me.”

“Ah,” said Paul. “Now we’re getting down to it.” He chuckled and took another sip of his beer.

“So, I’m right then. You do like him?”

Paul looked up shyly from his pint. “Possibly,” he admitted. He left out the part where John was the single most amazing person he’d ever met in his life.

“Ah! I knew it. So… does he like you too?”

Paul sighed. “I’ve got no idea.”

“Well… have you asked him?”

“It’s not that simple.”

George frowned. “Why not?”

Paul squirmed in his seat. “Well…”

“Shall I get another pint first?” asked George.

“Good idea.”

[sweetrebelpersona]

Friday 16th February 2024

Get this: you're a uni/college student who is going through these hard times, especially when you're having trouble dealing with those mental health issues. So instead of making a justification about why you're feeling down, you throw a meltdown for completely nothing. You would rather put your foot down and say you're not going to do this anymore. But what if you can do it?

Progress takes time to get used to because there's an opportunity for you to develop yourself as a person, both in character and personality. When you are questioned about how you're feeling when you are stressed out to a person who can help you get through the struggles properly, that's okay because you can use this communication to explain your emotions and thoughts to the one closer to you. To put it briefly, you have two choices:

A. You can let yourself off the hook by making silly excuses about why you're feeling angry, worried, scared or stressed in the first place.

B. You build a mindset of personal growth and self-development, leading you to success even if failure is an option.

Work:

Carried on with my soundtrack justification draft study

Went to my remote support session

Play/Self-Care:

Went to the Boots Library and borrowed a few more books centring around black music (mostly hip-hop)

Read more of The World of Six Songs

Went to Waterstones and got a new book We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal, which is the second and final book in the Sands of Arawiya series

Took a relaxing bath to clear my head

Played video games for a bit

Putting things aside from my studies over the weekend, I don't want to repeat this devastating pattern all over again from the next week onward because something has to be done, despite the hard work, effort and talent I put up with in the second term of university. I want to hold in my vented frustrations and not take it out on something I want to break or someone to attack. Basically, that's what most disabled college/university students go through when they are close to reaching their breaking point.

I'm here to focus on my own priorities with mental health up first, then studying. With several coping mechanisms I utilised to help me minimize my anxiety, that's not enough. I want to be normal. I want to act maturely, not go off like a firework obliterating everything in my path. I already got kicked out of university once and I'm not doing this again. I have a predominance to keep my stress under control while getting my BA Music Performance degree with honours after my three-year undergraduate course is over. It'll take a matter of time before I make peace with myself and my mental well-being once again.

[seelestia]

hi!! its been a while hehe

FIRST PARAGRAPH i totally agree jsjds

i JUST took a chem test today UGH stoichiometry <<< but my fav is also bio WHAT!! i specifically love genetics, i'd like a job in it someday.

i actually just finished + posted a fic, its a childe fic where childe has to give up the reader for his family. if u find it maybe my identity will be revealed hehe

LOL i hope ur stomach is okay after all that, actually whats your fav drink? mines def water or coffee. AHHHH INFJS THE CINNAMON ROLLS!! how's life as a j? i really wanna be an intj ugh :(

ME TOO!! i mostly do it with mbti BUT WHATS UR ENNEGRAM!! and do u wanna take a shot at guessing mine? if not its okay

i wish i cld add more to this ask but something is demanding my attention very this second n i'm too lazy to rewrite this all.

BUT!! whats ur fav scent? like perfume wise?

have a nice timezone!!

-quill !

quill, hi hiiii! the way i was planning to come online when you sent the ask?? destiny. the fact that we despise chemistry??? also destiny LMAOAOOA. I SHALL PRAY FOR YOUR BRAIN 🙏 and hello??? fellow bio lovers unite! yooo, it's good to know that you'd like a job in genetics because they're super cool 😩 this makes me wanna look back at my notes abt meiosis HELP. tho, i personally love the digestive system! but i think i might just end up taking linguistics or literature courses when i go to uni soon.

(remember me when you get that huge salary, quill. so cash money of you /lh) AND OMG. i think

my fav drink is... iced chocolate. quick, act surprised LMAOAO why is this no different than choco milk 😭 but any types of iced fruit tea are super good imo! water and coffee... quill, you're so self-sufficient and easy to take care of, jfjwkkfkwm. don't be like me, be practical and save money 🚶

CINNAMON ROLLS?? US INFJS?? TY, TY! we are all silly people, i promise. like everything, being a j has its pros and cons: because we make plans and take some time to think for stability + this helps us feel secure knowing how something turns out. but at the same time, it makes us more frigid when it comes to change?? it's not like it'll kill us but most j's can get a little moody/panicky when the plans take a turn — which i do think we can afford to relax a bit more abt 😭 (i talk like a p, but i think it's just the introverted intuition (Ni) in me jfjwjkek) + it takes away our chance to experience how unpredictablity can make things more enjoyable than they seem disorganized!

YEAH! i do more with mbti and cognitive functions too but i recently researched more into enneagram. i personally recc using the sakinorva site if you haven't because they go more in depth >:)

ALSO HI YES. i'm a 9w8! your local and private cheerleader <3 and ofc, i'd want to guess, hehe. hmmm, i think... you might be a type 6?? i got this feeling because of how you said that you wish you could be a j/intj, so i can somewhat theorize that you desire security and stability (which sounds like a 6 to me but again, this is just a silly guess fjjwkdkke.

NO WORRIES! go take care of those things like a boss and a good timezone to ya too, quill <3 thanks for stopping by~ i'll keep a lookout for the childe fic you wrote because ayo, the family vs lover trope??? yes. 👀

[loorain]

Sims 4 Fontenot Legacy - Graduation, Family Vacation

The end of Sabrina's final semester in college is uneventful. They grind, study, write essays, and do presentations.

After finals, Sabrina packs up their stuff and moves out of the dorm they spent their time in uni in.

Sabrina: See ya never losers!

And as winter settles in the Britechester area, Sabrina gets ready for a day they weren't sure they'd ever have: graduation day!

Scarlett: You did it! I'm so proud of you honey!

Sabrina: Thanks, Mom. I'm glad you two could make it.

Robin: Wouldn't miss it!

After posing for a family picture, the trio head home and pack the rest of their things for their family trip to Sulani!

The weather in Sulani is far better than most of the other worlds, so the family is more than thrilled to enjoy a warm winter in the clear blue waters.

Sigrid: This vista is beautiful! How did you find such a nice place that would fit all of us?

Robin: It wasn't too difficult. I'm glad you like it. I really thought a family trip is what we all needed.

Sigrid: Yes, but Robin, I'm not exactly part of the family. Is it okay for me to be here? You guys probably need some alone time after everything--

Robin: Of course you're part of the family. You've been a part of my life for so long and have been with me through many moments, even my father's funeral. You are part of our family just like everyone else.

Robin: I planned this vacation for all of us to get some much-needed relaxation and bonding time. I want to spend this trip with you just as much as I do with my sisters or my aunt or my nephew. Let's just have fun, okay?

Sigrid: Okay. I love you.

Robin: I love you too.

As evening falls over the house, Anya and Sabrina enjoy some time in the hot tub.

Anya: Can you believe my silly brother is actually going to be engaged?

Sabrina: It is a thought that seems a little unbelievable, yet it makes sense at the same time. Those two have been together for so long, I'm sort of shocked he didn't do it sooner.

Anya: I guess that's true. Well, what about you? Any new flames?

Sabrina: There've been a few here and there, but nothing's stuck so far. I've just been enjoying sowing my oats.

Anya: Oooh, Sabrina!

Sabrina: Hey, men get to do it all the time, why can't I?

Anya: That's true. Can't say I didn't have my own share of drama before marriage.

Sabrina: And how's that going for you?

Anya: I have to say, it's really great. There were many days I was unsure of my relationship with Haru. I wasn't sure I could be the woman he deserved. But things changed. I changed. I'm happy being a wife and, shockingly, a mother too. I just can't believe I have a teenager.

Sabrina: Yeah... we're not kids anymore. I still feel like I am many days though. I feel like I'm falling behind you guys.

Anya: What? You just graduated from college! You're about to start your career! You're not behind just because you don't have love yet.

Sabrina: It's just... I'm so confused, Anya. I thought I knew what I wanted, but as soon as I went for it everything started falling apart.

Anya: Hey, life isn't straightforward. You remember my struggles. I was unsure of my future. But things always work themselves out. What's for you will come to you. But if you ever need to vent, I'm always here.

Sabrina: Thank you.

Anya: Hey, that's what family's for.

Eventually, the trio end up in the kitchen while Sabrina whips up something to eat.

Anya: So, everything's ready?

Robin: Yup.

Anya: That's all I get? A "yup"? You must be nervous

Robin: *sigh* I am.

Robin takes a seat at the island.

Robin: I just want it to be perfect.

Anya: And it will be. You've prepared. It'll be splendid.

Robin: What if I drop the ring, or stumble over my words, or--

Anya: Do you love her?

Robin: ...Yes. With all my heart.

Anya: And she loves you. It'll be fine. She'll say yes. It'll be wonderful. Don't worry.

Sabrina: Anya's right. You two were made for each other.

Robin takes a deep breath.

Robin: Thank you both. For everything.

Sabrina: We three have been together longer than we can remember. We've all been through our share of tests.

Anya: It has been a long time. And now look at us. Finding love, starting careers, building families of our own. I'm proud of us.

Sabrina: No matter what, let's always stick together.

Robin: Always.

[itsrottenwork]

Hi mj!! Secret Santa here!! Hope your Saturday was a relaxing one!!✨

Ooooo, you’re so close to being finished!! Sending you my congratulations early and wishing you all the best on your future endeavors!! 🥳✨

They’re so pretty!! The cat rock really gives it a nice touch lol.

I feel you 100%!! My college friends and I have always wanted to do a long road trip across different states, but because a lot of us are busy doing our own thing, it has been a bit difficult to plan it all out. Wishing you all the best for that road-trip with your friends!! Sounds very exciting!!

2022 was my year of concerts!! I feel very fortunate to have been able to attend these shows; they mean so much to me!! I’ve seen so many different artists (many of them more than once!) it’s hard to pick a favorite. I’d probably have to say my top three were Big Time Rush, Dua Lipa, and Louis Tomlinson. Can’t wait for what 2023 has in store!!

Those are some very practical answers!! I’d probably wouldn’t be able to also live without my phone; I think I would choose that, my Nintendo switch (gotta have some entertainment other than my phone lol), and my headphones!! Ooooo, you have a boomerang? That’s cool!! Have you gotten a chance to properly throw it and see if it came back? lol. Just based on your description of him, I bet your great grandfather was a very nice man!! I would probably try and meet one of my fav. Music artists, but I would also really love to have met my great grandmother from my mothers side!! She looks exactly like my grandmother when she was younger, and I heard many stories from my mom about who she was as an individual!! I think that would have been neat!!

Speed round questions!! Do you have a fav. Animal? What is your guilty pleasure? Since 2023 is approaching, what’s one thing you would like to do once the new year hits!? Is there something that never fails to make you laugh? 🎄✨

I am, thank you thank you!! I'm really excited to be finished, but yeah, don't quite know what comes next. hopefully that's the fun part!!

that would be sooo fun!! I've only ever done a bit long distance road trip across states like that when I was moving, so less fun, but driving cross country with friends would be like a movie or something!! honestly the biggest trouble is making sure everyone's free at the same time, breaks that match up and whatnot, and even though my friends go to a different uni, we've luckily got some time off at the same time. hopefully you'll get to hear all about our trip in the spring!!

oh wow those are some really big ones, lucky you!! I feel like dua lipa would be a fun concert and I've heard good things about the louis tour. I'm glad you got to see so many shows this year!!

headphones is a very good shout actually, I cannot stand listening to any sound from my phone in public unless I have headphones in. I do have a boomerang, I painted it myself!! but I didn't get to learn to throw it. they had a little lesson, but I was injured at the time and couldn't go. also I think mine is more decorative than practical, I'm not sure how it works but it's a bit rough round the edges lol

speed round answers!!

favorite animal: I don't really have one!!

guilty pleasure: I have suuuch a sweet tooth ngl

things to do in the new year: hmm, I haven't thought about a resolution or anything like that yet. I think it's all like, longer term goals for me at the moment, but 2023 is gonna be about getting direction in my life (after I graduate and get a job and whatnot obv)

makes you laugh: this is going to sound stupid but every once in a while I'll rewatch this video because it's so incredibly silly and the guy's laughter is infectious

[moneymasnn]

One where your just a normal uni student who is dating mason you go to his latest game to find out a few ig models have been gifted tickets (which they have tonight) and they have mason set in their sights. He sees you after the match and knows something is wrong so you explain and he makes it known it’s you he wants

You Make Me Human| Mason Mount

fluff fluff fluff (I haven't proof read so plz don't judge<3)

Burb: Basically explained in there request but, Y/n feels insecure after coming to terms with the fact she doesn't to compare to the models that are after her boyfriend, but not only does mason reassure her, he opens up about how any silly model could never compare to her in his eyes.

notes: I loved writing this! and also IM BACK I haven't posted anything for weeks, but I forgot how much writing for you guys helps my mental health! thank you for all the notes and follows and anyone that just supports, you guys will never know how much appreciate it. Corny lol.

Warnings: none just lots of mason fluff <3

You were sat in a Chelsea blue stadium chair, somewhere you found yourself most days you had off. Wrapped up in a thick puffer coat with one of masons old jerseys underneath, not that anyone could see it, but you considered it a good luck charm. You felt the most happiest watching the little blue dot that was mason run around a pitch for 90 minutes, you felt as though you could watch him play for hours and never get bored.

It was a normal Thursday, you probably should be a home finishing your university work, but you wanted to take a break and be anywhere where mason was.

Although, your attention would usually set on the match in-front of you, you couldn’t help but notice the gorgeous women in front of you. They were taking photos of each other in their Chelsea merchandise for what looking like their social medias, paying no attention to the game below, just their phones.

You usually dont pay attention to these things, but when one of them started talking about how she was going to sleep with the mason mount at this party after the match, you felt the blood boil in your veins.

Once the match had ended you and your sister, who had came to keep you company, made you way down to the family room where you sipped some free wine and waited for the team to get change and come join you. The thing is about the family room was it was less of a family room and more like a vip room.

You had noticed the girls from earlier in the corner with their tight leggings and rolled up Chelsea shirts showing their belly buttons and hour glass figures. There was no doubt you felt insecure around them, mason could have many of these pretty models but he settled for a dyslexic, broke, uni student.

“Y/n? Y/n? Are you even listening to me?” your sister said, clicking her finger in your face.

You wasn’t listening, your eyes were set on the girl who had “mount” and “19” on her back.

“Yeah, I am, sorry. What was you saying?” You turn your attention to your sister.

“Don’t worry, wasn’t anything interesting anyway.” She had turned so she was now standing next to you instead of in front of you, her eyes catching what had previously held captive of yours.

You watched as she thinned her eyes, glaring at the model. “Some girls have no respect, honestly. A tenner says she starts making tik tok dances in front of everyone with no shame in the next 10 minutes.”

You giggle at her comment, starting to feel slight more relaxed as you downed your free wine. You then notice some of the boys walk though the door.

“Well masons here now.” Says your sister as she notices a few of the boys walk in.

“Oh no, he won’t come in yet. He’s always the last one out, he likes to spend time on his hair.” You laugh with your sister as you patiently waited foe your boyfriend.

About 15 minutes later mason and Ben pile though the doors together, laughing loudly at something one of them had said, and it must have been really funny because the smile on masons face could light up a room. He hadn’t noticed you yet, but you watched as his eyes scanned the room for what was no doubt, you.

Once his eyes met more his pupils dilated and the sides of his mouth tugged upwards. However his smile was immediately stolen when he saw the sour look on your face, you thought you had hidden your jealousy a bit better, but obviously not.

You had been with Mason for 10 months and in that's short time Mason could read you like a book, he knew you better than you knew your self. To him you were predictable, but he felt a slight shock in the centre of his heart when he saw your face, immediately telling him something was wrong.

You once again downed you second glass of wine, causing a break in eye contact for you and mason. And when you looked back up again you saw one of the models had made her way up to your boyfriend. Her hand was on his bicep as she extravagantly laughed at whatever he was saying.

“I need another glass” you turn to your sister.

“Are you sure? You’ve already had two-“ she tuts as her eyes flicker from mason to you. “Look at him, he has no interest in those girls. What. So. Ever. Stop being insecure, because it’s you that gets to take the sexy footballer home tonight”.

You grimace at the fact she had just referred to your boyfriend as “the sexy footballer” but in no doubt she was right.

Your eyes move back to where mason was previously standing but he wasn’t there anymore.

“I’m gonna go look for-“ you turn to your sister to say, but you stop when you find what you was looking for is right next to you.

“For me?” Mason grins, as he screws back on the lid to his water bottle.

His arms warp around you as he kisses the top of your head, he could tell you was being stiff and then he knew something was definitely wrong.

“What’s up?”

“Nothing”

“Doesn’t look like nothing to me”

You didn’t have time to reply before a couple girls come over to talk to mason. You sisters eyes widened as she immediately realises what’s going to happen here.

“Hey mase, are you coming out for drinks with us?”

She has some stupid little child voice on, you wanted nothing more than to punch her, not only for calling him ‘mase’ but for the guts on her to place her hand back on his bicep as she twirls her hair in her other hand.

“Probably not, sorry” mason jerks back, freeing his arm from her grip.

“Oh come on macey, it will be fun” she smiles.

“Yeah Macey, why don’t you go have some fun?” You couldn’t help yourself, you had said it then stormed off. You head mason call you name from behind you but you carried on walking.

The plan was to just grab your sister, who had some how slipped away from you, and go. You wanted to be any where other then in this room.

When you spotted your sister she was with ben, since when did she know ben?

You walked over, refusing to make eye contact with either of the pair. “We’re going.”

“What?” Her and ben both said in sync.

“Why? You said we were staying for the after party?” She winned.

“Yeah, well, plans change. Get your shit were going.”

“Y/n? What did you do?”

“I didn’t do anything” you reply, with an emphasis’ on the ‘I’.

“Can you just hurry up, I really want to leave” you look at you sister with pleading eyes.

She just hums and starts to put her coat on, “Can I erm, maybe get your number?” Mumbles Ben to your sister.

“What?” you say, looking ben up and down with daggers.

“Yeah of corse” you sister glares at you as she pulls her phone out.

“Oh this is not happening right now” you mumble and place you fingers on your temples.

You knew it was about time mason was going to find you, it wasn’t like this room was a maze.

“Y/n? What was that?” Asks mason as he comes to a halt next to you.

"Great" you mumble with straight lips, while you stare down you sister who is currently passing her phone to ben. Doing everything in your power to avoid creating eye contact with mason.

"Y/n?, please talk to me." mason calmly says as he grabs your arm to turn you to face him.

You could feel the gazes from ben and your sister, but your could also feel all the gazes of the gorgeous models staring at your boyfriend.

"I just want to go home-"

"Why?" mason interrupts you.

"I don't feel well." you cross your arms and stare down at the floor.

"If this is about that girl, I was never going out for dirinks I have no idea why she even said that."

"Mase, I just want to go home." you stare into your boyfriends confused eyes.

"Thats not fair y/n"

"Mase!" you scream out as his grip on your arm tightens as he's pulling you out of the crowded room and into a quiet hall way.

You sigh as you place your back up agains the wall, you don't think you can handle it anymore. You're nothing other than a in debt uni student, you don't compare to any of these models that want to be with your boyfriend.

"Whats this about then? come on then. Tell me." mason beacons you to reason with him.

You lift your back up from the wall as you stand straight, prepared to see your relationship crumble at the hands of your own insecurities.

"You really want to know? Mason just hums in response.

"Fine. I feel- I feel like there's so much pressure on me all the time, mason. Being your- being 'thee mason mounts' girlfriend is hard, Im constantly being compared to these really really pretty women, that might I add would literally fall too these knees for you-"

"And?"

"And, my point is. I don't get it ,mase. I don't get what you see in me when there's so many better options." but once again your cut off by mason.

"What you don't get is that you're what I want, y/n/n. You literally just said it yourself, I could have any of them models in there, sure. But the thing is, they don't want me, they want 'mason mount'. All of them girls in there just like the idea of being a wag, and all the publicity and attention it brings them. Them girls you're comparing yourself too, they just want to sleep with me so they can use me to social climb."

Mason takes a long breath before getting ready to say something else.

"You know, you're the first girl who hasn't looked at me like a piece of meat. You don't see 'mason mount' you see me y/n, and that's why I am so so so in love with you. You're the first girl who Ive looked at and though, "yeah, mums going to love her". And you're the only girl I've ever looked at and though ' yeah, I'm going to marry her one day'."

You couldn't see mason anymore because your vision was blurred with your tears, you hadn't realised mason made you cry until you felt the salty taste hit your lips.

"Y/n, I really want to have you in my life for as long as your have me, because- because you make me feel human."

Mason walks forward and places one of his hands on your palm, intertwining your fingers. He uses his other hand to wipe away a falling tear before placing it firmly around your waist. You lent forward to place your forehead on his.

"I love you y/n/n"

"I love you more. Mase, I'm really sorry, I hope you know I'm not going anywhere" you giggle with a few sniffles.

"I'm never letting you go anywhere."

You both stood like that for a few moments, in each-others embrace.

"mase"

"yes, my sweet"

"You make me feel human too" you pecked his lips as you both hummed a smile into each others lips.

Masterlist

[parkerpeter24]

You’re having a really bad day and Prof!tom notices and offers to spend the rest of the day with you to make it up to you, lots of reassuring words and a lil confession! Fluff to the max basically :’)

long day

pairing ➳ prof!tom x reader

w.c. ➳ 1.1k

warnings ➳ professor-student relationship (both are of age)

a/n ➳ rosie, happy birthday!! i wanted to post this today because what better day than today to post a prof!tom fic for you <3

tom was about to go off. he was about to go off like an alarm and there was no stopping him. he had just returned from a long day of running errands and making sure to sit with the librarian and get the stock of history books, his subject, that came in just a day before, stamped. his whole sunday had been ruined with all this and now he couldn’t find his favorite pair of sweats.

he plopped down on the couch of his apartment’s living room in work clothes finally heaving a relieved sigh. his next step was pulling out his phone from his pants’ pocket, dialing your number. he expected you to pick up the phone and listen about his excruciating day as he rambled on, but there was no reply from your end. he hadn’t seen you this weekend and he believed you were busy with assignments.

it was after five missed calls that tom threw his phone on the couch as it bounced against the leather, almost tipping off the edge. he was clear about one fact that you wouldn’t have gone to sleep this early in the evening considering your two am calls that were very evident in his call history.

he was desperate to have you pick up his call, his fingers working on their own accord, dialing your landline number without considering that your roommate could be the one picking up the phone.

you heard the landline ringing continuously but decided to ignore it just like the last five phone calls. you were exhausted but not sleepy at the same time. you didn’t feel like getting rest but your head was throbbing.

“corey?!” you called out to your roommate but got only silence in response, “can you get the call?”

receiving yet no reply, you rolled off the bed, landing on your knees on the carpeted floor before getting up and making your way outside with slumped shoulders. there were no signs of your roommate around the 2bhk apartment. you grabbed the landline in your hands before plopping down on the couch, finally answering the call begrudgingly

"hello?"

"darling, why aren't you picking up your phone, i've been trying to reach you for the longest time! i had such a bad day at work and when i need you, you're not even picking up my calls" tom rambled

"i was busy." your answer was precise, ignoring the way you felt yourself tense at his accusations, "uni and stuff." tom noticed how your voice sounded quieter.

"is everything alright?" he asked, now sitting up a bit straighter, worry lacing his smooth words.

"yeah, i'm good."

lie. he could see right through you. he might have had a bad day and he just wanted to talk to you, maybe even bitch about this one nagging colleague of his who won't stop talking about their kid picking up a block. now, tom loves kids but how many times can you hear a story, certainly not seventeen times in a day. but as far as he was concerned right now, he would've been at gunpoint and still asking you if you were feeling okay, because he could tell something was wrong.

"doesn't sound like good, darling." he let out slowly, as if he spoke any higher, he would irritate and give you one more reason to avoid his calls, "you at home?"

"mhm, i am." you replied.

you worried about sounding rude, making him want to get over with this call and finally get to relax after a long day, but the gears in tom's head were turning in other directions. never in a million years would you have thought his next sentence would be, "i'm coming over." tom stated, already working on putting his shoes back on.

you had thought about retreating to your bed but tom's text reading 'almost there' illuminated your phone screen sooner that you thought and soon enough you were making your way over to the door. opening it, you saw tom in his disheveled state, eyes slightly red and hair flying in all directions, bearing a dopey smile just for you as his hand lifted up a packet. you smiled at the sweet man, "what's that?"

"cupcakes, silly!" he made his way inside your apartment. a sense of relief washed over you as you recalled that your roommate had went out, however the fact that tom didn't make sure of that before coming over made your heart flutter in adoration and nervousness at the same time. after all this secret little rendezvous of yours had to end sooner or later.

"sounds delicious." you gave the older man a smile as you both made your way over to the dining table. tom pulled out a chair for you, making you chuckle, "such a gentleman." you remarked before sitting down.

it was a few bites into your cupcake when tom decided to bring up the question from before, "are you okay, darling?"

you felt your body tense as you gulped down the lump in your throat but tom's soft smile made you nod your head, "better now. i was overthinking about uni and how i could never be really good in any subject."

"what're you talking about? you're exceptional in my subject!"

"you're just saying that because you love me." you chuckled, taking another bite of your delightful cupcake, not giving another thought to the words that left your mouth. it was tom's turn to visibly tense, a sudden epiphany causing you to choke on the sweetness in your mouth, "n-no, i meant- i didn't mean to say that out loud!" you stuttered your way through words, caught off guard but you were surely making up a whole explanation about the words you'd just said, "it just slipped out, we can pretend that never happened, i'm just so stupid, you obviously don't love-"

and before you could go on another rambling spree, tom's lips were on yours. his hand caressing your cheek softly, lulling you in closer as his tongue poked out to swipe the remains of frosting off of your lips. a little upturn of your lips and tom was reciprocating the smile enveloping your lips. you couldn't help but run a hand through his messy locks as the both of you pulled back, oxygen signifying its importance, "i do love you."

you rested your forehead against his, finding pure adoration in his eyes. he did love you, maybe it was never about hiding what you had from everyone but keeping it for each other's eyes only, "i do love you too."

———

[helloalycia]

The Wrong Lifetime — Ten // Wanda Maximoff

chapter nine | story masterlist | main masterlist | wattpad | chapter eleven

author’s note: okay so this was supposed to be published yesterday but (if anyone cares lol), basically, i finished my last year of uni two days ago and so yesterday was the first official day i had that i didn’t have to do work, so i spent the whole day playing video games 😂 but it’s here now, so i hope you liked it!

Approaching Y/B/N's study, my annoyance returned when I remembered how he acted only an hour before. I didn't bother knocking as I let myself in, seeing him loosening his bow tie and looking out the window.

"What the hell was that?" I snapped instantly.

He sighed, yanking his bow tie off and throwing it to his desk. "What was what?"

I crossed my arms to contain my frustration. "You know what, Y/B/N." He continued to play dumb, so I watched him with a frown. "Why are you so against me getting published? I thought– I thought you'd be proud of me. It's all I've ever wanted."

With a scowl, he looked the other way. "I'm the writer, Y/N, not you."

His words created an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of my stomach. Jealousy was a disgusting look on him, one I never wanted to see.

"No," I said, uncrossing my arms and staring daggers at him. "You're not the writer. I am. You only got noticed because of me!"

"Shut up!" he shouted, finally meeting my eyes. "You don't get to do this! It's not about you!"

"Yes, it is!" I shouted right back. "For once, it is about me, Y/B/N! Because this is my chance to do something I love."

He rolled his eyes, getting riled up all over again. "And that's another thing. Why the hell are you putting silly ideas into my fiancé's head about making money? Are you trying to make me a fool in front of my in-laws?"

I squeezed my fists together, narrowing my eyes. "They aren't your in-laws."

"Oh, you know what I mean!"

He didn't deserve Wanda. He couldn't. She was too good for him.

"Sorry that your masculinity is so fragile that you can't let your fiancé do something she's passionate about," I said through gritted teeth.

He glowered down at me. "You need to butt out."

I smiled bitterly. "Maybe if you didn't start on Pietro for no reason, I would."

He scoffed. "Please. That man is only trying to get into your pants."

I don't think I'd ever wanted to strangle my brother as much as I did right now. Did he really not believe in me? He couldn't accept that maybe I'd earned this on my own accord? Thankfully, unlike him, I could contain my emotions and managed to swallow down my anger.

"You know that's not the case," I said with a dangerously calm voice. "You should talk about your soon-to-be brother-in-law with some respect."

Y/B/N sighed, moving to sit at his desk. I followed him with my eyes, unable to recognise who he was. I hadn't dubbed him for the insecure type, but I was being proven wrong many times tonight.

"I don't want to do this right now," he said quietly, sinking his head into his hands.

I uncurled my fists, fed up. "It's already been done."

He looked up, but I didn't wait to see his face. Maybe he wasn't the brother I thought he was.

—

"Honest opinion," Wanda said, before revealing herself from behind the curtain. "Nice or ugly?"

"Nice."

She smiled brightly, twirling around in the dress she was trying on, before going back behind the curtain to change into another one. She'd invited me over to hers to hang out, which meant watching her try on a bunch of new dresses and getting excited over each one. I wasn't complaining.

"So, that first book," she picked up from our previous conversation as she changed. She was referring to Y/B/N's first published book. "That was really you?"

"Yep." I pulled my legs up onto the lounge sofa and leaned on my hand, elbow propped on the back of the seat. "I mean, it got edited of course, but the initial manuscript was mine."

"Wow," she commented. "That must have really sucked to hear everybody praise it when it was actually yours."

"It did indeed."

She came out from the curtain wearing a dress that wasn't particularly nice looking. It had a baggy torso and slim legs, making Wanda look very unflattering. And that was saying something – she could pull off anything.

"Nice or ugly?" she asked, hands on her hips.

I squinted, tilting my head and trying to think if I should lie or not. Her blue eyes peered down at me intimidatingly and I knew I couldn't find it in myself to lie to her.

After a moment, I released a breath. "I'm sorry, love, but it's kind of ugly."

She chuckled, giving me a knowing smile. "Good. This was a test. Means you're paying attention."

"Wow. You think I'm just sat here for fun?"

She didn't respond, but an amused smile was on her lips as she headed behind the curtain to change yet again. It was quiet as she was changing, before she spoke up again.

"You know when we first met? And you showed me around your room?"

"How can I forget? You thought I was jealous of my brother," I quipped with a smile.

I could imagine the eye roll she was giving me. "That was before I knew you wrote half his stuff."

Stifling a laugh, I nodded even though she couldn't see me. "Okay, go on."

She sighed. "I told you how I fell in love with that first book. How I fell in love with the words. And the person who wrote those words.”

"I remember."

She reappeared from behind the curtain, this time wearing a stunning floral blue sundress. It fell off her shoulders, revealing cream-coloured skin and a well-defined collarbone. I smiled softly, overwhelmed with admiration for the beautiful woman before me.

"I'm glad it was you," she said, and I suddenly remembered we were in the middle of a conversation.

Her eyes sparkled brightly as she smiled my way, and then her words sank in and my heart fluttered with adoration.

"Me, too," I breathed out.

She held my gaze for a second longer before looking down at her dress, pressing her hands over it. "So. What do you think? Nice or ugly?"

I raised my eyebrows with astonishment. "Wanda, you look absolutely beautiful."

Her shoulders relaxed as her eyes flickered to mine. "So, I should keep it?"

I spluttered, "Duh!"

She laughed, before approaching me and sitting beside me. Leaning her head on my shoulder, she pulled her legs onto the sofa and sighed contently. I wrapped an arm around her, resting my cheek on her head.

"I'm glad you'll finally get the recognition you deserve, milaya (darling)," she said, lifting her hand to intertwine it with mine over her shoulder.

With an entertained smile, I held her hand firmly. "Maybe, love. I haven't said yes."

"Oh, you'll say yes."

I pressed a kiss to the top of her head, revelling in the warmth her body created as it pressed to mine. We had no concerns that somebody would catch us since nobody was home and the servants knew not to bother us.

"So, what was the book actually about?" she asked, playing with my fingers.

"Huh?"

"The book," she repeated. "I've heard Y/B/N's take on it, but what about yours?"

At the mention of my brother, I rolled my eyes. We still hadn't spoken since our argument and I wasn't exactly in the best place with him right now.

"It doesn't matter," I mumbled into her hair.

She used her elbow to nudge me gently in the stomach before grabbing my other hand and wrapping it around her waist.

"I like hearing you speak," she said softly. "And I love the way your mind works."

My cheeks flushed at the compliment, but I appreciated her words. She always had such an effect on me and I'd come to only care about one opinion nowadays – hers.

"Okay, I guess..." I sighed, subconsciously pressing my fingertips to hers. "The book is about a man who loses his wife to his own ignorance, right?" She hummed in agreement, so I continued. "Y/B/N always talks about how it's about a man failing to appreciate his wife, but that's not how I intended for it to be perceived."

Interest piqued, she sat up straight and turned around to face me, leaning her head on my chest and looking up with curious eyes. I smiled down at her, pressing a kiss to her nose, making her scrunch it up adorably.

"It's supposed to be about the wife discovering that she's her own woman and that she doesn't need her husband to be okay," I continued, holding her gaze. "It was her own self-discovery that pushed them apart, as well her husband's stupidity."

Wanda's lips curved into a gentle smile. "I like that interpretation a lot better than his."

Licking my lips, I breathed out through a smile. "You're biased, dear."

Her eyes flickered to my lips. "Maybe."

I chuckled before closing the gap between us, connecting our lips in a short, sweet kiss. She relaxed against me before smiling as we pulled away.

"Ya lyublyu vas (I love you)," she whispered.

I always loved when she spoke in her native tongue. She sounded so at peace when she did and it warmed my insides.

"I love you, too," I whispered right back.

She grinned, carefree, before turning to lean on my shoulder again. I held her, enjoying the silence that formed between us. Her presence was always enough and I never wanted anything more. But I knew Wanda and I knew that she couldn't stay quiet for too long, so something was definitely up.

"What are you thinking?" I asked quietly, not wanting to startle her in case she was too deep into her thoughts.

She sighed. "It's stupid."

I smiled. "I doubt that."

It went quiet and I assumed she didn't want to share, but then she played with my fingers again as she spoke.

"I was wondering what it would be like if we were able to get married," she murmured. "With the dresses and walking down the aisle and the rings."

I laced my fingers through hers, the thoughts having crossed my mind at times, too. It was nice to think 'what if', but it was also a dangerous game.

"The wedding cake would have to be chocolate," I played along, not wanting her to think she couldn't talk about it.

She snickered, loosening up in my arms. "Of course. And the colour scheme would have to be red."

"Definitely," I agreed, knowing she wouldn't have it any other way, "...it could be somewhere small but comfortable. Surrounded by nature, maybe."

"Yes. With flowers all around us and the sound of birds tweeting in the trees."

A comforting smile crept on my lips as I closed my eyes, imagining it in my mind. What a beautiful day it would be.

"I'd force Pietro to be the ring bearer," she added as an afterthought, and I laughed, chest moving up and down with her on it.

"He'd hate that," I pointed out.

"Exactly," she said with a mischievous hum.

I rolled my eyes playfully. "What about afterwards? Where would you want to live?"

She scrunched her face up before settling with, "Somewhere remote. Away from people. Maybe a nice cottage somewhere."

Nodding in agreement, I said, "We could have a beautiful garden in the back. I'd do my very best to make it perfect for you. And you could paint whatever you wanted there."

A considerate smile tugged at her lips at the thought. "Yes! And we could get a pet. I've always wanted a pet."

"I guess we could... what pet do you want?"

With no hesitation, she said, "Chickens."

I looked down at her, quirking a brow. "Chickens?"

Looking up at me, she stared like it was self-explanatory. "They're cute and they lay eggs. Think about it. Fresh eggs for breakfast every morning."

God, she was so cute. I smiled, squeezing her hand. "Chickens it is, love."

She got excited as she tugged on my hand. "You can finally get a study of your own!"

"And you can get your own studio," I added, making her grin.

"And I'd keep it sparkling clean."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Don't lie, Wanda."

She rolled her eyes, though wore a humoured expression. "Okay, maybe not..."

"You can keep it as messy as you want," I promised her, as if it was actually going to happen and we'd get what we wanted.

The dream was so vivid in my mind that it could have been a memory. Wanda and I living together, peacefully and without hiding... if only we weren't in the wrong lifetime.

"I like to pretend that you gave this to me," she said after an unsettling silence fell upon us, raising her left hand for me to see. She wiggled her ring finger, the silver band and emerald gem glinting in the light. "It makes me feel better."

I swallowed hard and forced a smile, intertwining my fingers in hers and bringing them to my lips to kiss gently.

"Technically I picked it," I reminded her to lighten the mood, but it didn't work.

A sad smile appeared on her face. "Maybe in another lifetime, we could have met in a world that allowed this."

My smile faded into a frown at her words. Like I said, considering the 'what if's' was a dangerous game, and we'd already played too much of it.

"You're going to marry my brother soon," I said quietly, the realisation hitting me. "This– us, will have to stop."

She sat up and turned to face me, eyes looking between mine as she shook her head. "It doesn't have to."

I rested a hand on her cheek and she leaned into it, kissing my palm. I savoured the feeling of her lips against my skin.

"What we're doing isn't fair on either of us," I said reluctantly, afraid to say what we'd avoided for as long as our relationship lasted.

She frowned. "I'd rather have you like this than not at all."

My heart ached because I knew she was being genuine, and the truth is, I felt the same. But that brought me to our next dilemma.

"It's not fair on Y/B/N either."

She tensed her jaw. "The world doesn't want us together, Y/N. They're the ones who forced us to be like this."

"Like what?" I asked with knowing eyes. "Cheaters?"

Her eyes glossed over and it broke me to see her so hurt.

"Is it really cheating if I never wanted to be with him?" she asked with a shaky voice. "If I'm only acting out of duty? If I never loved him?"

Realising I'd saddened her, I moved forward and pulled her in for a hug, running my hand down her hair and to her back. "Sorry... I didn't mean to make you upset."

She sniffled and I felt her tears soaking my shirt. "Don't talk like that... I don't want to lose you."

I swallowed hard, nodding into her shoulder. "I don't want to lose you either, Wanda."

But I knew that deep down, we couldn't hold onto everything we wanted to in life. Deep down, she must have known that, too.

—

"...and this is where we write up the contracts. It's where we'd write up yours if you say yes."

Pietro grinned cheekily as I gave him a knowing look. He was showing me around the publishing house – a proper tour, not just me lurking around on the few visits I'd been here for Y/B/N – with hopes of convincing me to sign a contract with him.

"Pietro, you said you wouldn't be biased," Wanda warned, and I gave her a grateful smile as Pietro chuckled.

"I'm sorry, I can't help it," he apologised, though he definitely didn't mean it. "I just really think you'd be a great fit here, Y/N. I already have editors willing to work with you based on the few pages they've seen of your work."

I raised my eyebrows, startled. "Wow, seriously?"

He nodded. "Most definitely. As I told you the other night, you're talented. And with my help, you can be successful, too."

A smile fell on my lips uncontrollably. A real editor wanted to work with me. Woah.

"I'm gonna get some coffee," Wanda said, squeezing my shoulder. "I'll get you both some, too." She wagged a finger towards her brother. "Don't pressure her whilst I'm gone."

He raised his hands in defence. "Okay, calm down, sestra (sister). I'll be fair."

She lowered her finger, shot him a final look, then smiled at me before leaving for the café next door. I chuckled at how cute she was and how much she cared before returning my attention to Pietro.

"I won't pressure you," he said to me, perching on the edge of an empty desk. "I just want you to know that you'd be well looked after here. I wouldn't let anyone talk down to you, nor treat you with disrespect because you're a woman. I don't condone that here."

I relaxed at his words, offering him a grateful smile. "Thank you, Pietro. That really means a lot."

He returned the smile before his gaze moved over my shoulder. Smile fading, he cleared his throat awkwardly and looked away. I turned around, curious to what had caught his attention, and then I saw Y/B/N standing in the doorway, looking around for something. His eyes eventually fell on me and he perked up before heading our way.

I hadn't spoken to him since two nights ago after dinner. He'd actively avoided me, too and I wasn't complaining, having still harboured an unexplainable anger for him. What was he doing here?

"Y/N, hey," he said awkwardly, stopping before Pietro and I. His eyes flickered to Pietro before he asked me, "Can I speak with you?"

Instinctively, my jaw clenched and he seemed to notice as he shook his head quickly.

"Not to argue," he clarified. "Just to talk."

His eyes were pleading and I couldn't find it in myself to deny him. He was my brother after all, we couldn't argue forever. Nodding wordlessly, I smiled apologetically to Pietro before following Y/B/N to a quiet side of the room. My eyes ran along the many employees working away at their desks before falling to my brother before me.

"What is it?" I asked, maybe a little too harshly, but there was no going back now.

He frowned, eyes flittering around nervously. "I want to apologise for my behaviour the other night. I shouldn't have acted how I did."

I hugged myself as I shifted my weight between my feet. "Okay."

"You were right," he continued, finally meeting my eyes. "You deserve this. You've always been there for me, helping me with my writing when I needed it. I should have reacted better, but I let my jealousy get the better of me."

My mouth opened, surprised at his apology.

He offered me a sad smile. "The truth is, Y/N, we both know you'll be the more successful of us both. And you'll be so preoccupied with your own writing that you won't be able to help me anymore. And it was selfish of me to think that first, but I did. And I shouldn't have. I'm sorry. I'm your big brother and I should've been better."

Chewing on my lip, I let go of waist and straightened up, nodding slightly. "I– thanks. Thank you. For telling me that."

His shoulders relaxed as he nodded. "Also, you were right about what you said about Wanda. And I'm going to apologise to her first thing."

My expression softened at the mention of the girl who'd only ever been good to us. "She's seriously talented, Y/B/N."

"I know."

I nodded, stepping forward and resting a hand on his shoulder. Looking between his eyes, I only saw regret and I knew he was being genuine with his apology.

"You're forgiven," I told him with a small smile, before pulling him in for a quick hug.

He returned it and I felt relieved to know he was supportive. I didn't see a reason to not accept Pietro's deal now... everybody I cared about was okay with it.

"Wanda is here by the way," I told Y/B/N when we pulled apart. "She's just getting some coffee for us."

He nodded and we returned to Pietro, who gave me a concerned look. I smiled reassuringly and he relaxed before looking to my brother with a smile.

"Hey, Pietro, sorry for what I said last night," Y/B/N was quick to say. "It wasn't cool. I know you're not like that and I shouldn't have even thought it, let alone said it."

Pietro was one of the chillest people I'd met as he offered his hand out to my brother. "No worries, mate. Bygones."

They exchanged a handshake before my brother glanced to me.

"She's really good," he said to Pietro. "You'd be lucky to have her here."

My face heated up as Pietro nodded in agreement. The two of them looked to me with proud smiles and as uncomfortable as I felt with the attention, I was grateful to have their support.

"I know," Pietro said. "All she's got to do is say yes."

"You haven't said yes yet?" my brother asked with disbelief, before slapping me on the arm playfully. "Y/N! This is your chance!"

"And it's a big decision!" I reminded him.

He looked like he wanted to say something, but then I caught sight of Wanda over his shoulder and perked up. She smiled my way but then noticed Y/B/N's presence and proceeded with caution.

"Hey, I got you both a coffee," she said, giving Pietro his and handing me mine, but her eyes were searching mine with worry.

My hand brushed hers as I accepted my coffee and I squeezed it reassuringly. She seemed to believe me as her lips twitched into a small smile before looking to Y/B/N.

"Hey," she said to him quietly, biting her lip.

He glanced to me for encouragement and I gave him a subtle thumbs up. This seemed to help as he wiped his hands on his trousers before looking to Wanda hopefully.

"Hey," he finally spoke. "Please can we talk in private for a moment?"

She nodded, humming in response, and followed him to talk.

"Match made in heaven those two," Pietro said sarcastically, and I tried not to laugh, but damn was it funny.

"Look, I think I've made a decision," I said after a moment, feeling my heart speed up at the realisation of my next words.

"Oh? And what is it? Will you let me publish you?" Pietro asked, quirking a brow and watching me with an excited smile.

Well, there was only the future to look forward to now.

I grinned. "Yes."

[raisinghellonstarbug]

Stumbled Into Laughter, Stumbled Into You - A James Acaster x Reader Story

Basic plot: The year is 2019, and life has been quite dull for you since working in a job that you hate for the past two years after graduating from university. You used to do stand up comedy at uni, but you’ve been putting off pursuing it due to lack of confidence and motivation. Your best mates decide to encourage you to try a comedy mic night for the first time ever and while there you incidentally run into an old mate of yours, comedian Rhys James. That’s when your life gets turned around as you end up diving into the world of the comedy circuit and becoming close with other famous British comedians. In the midst of it all, you end up meeting a particularly distinctive red headed fellow who might end up being the very thing that brings meaning to your life again.

*

A/N: Hello Acaster fans!

So this was an idea I have had in mind for the last few months and I finally finished the first chapter of my story!

Just so you know, the first chapter does not include James, but be patient as he will appear soon (but maybe not quite as soon as you hope). I do reckon it will be worth the wait for his appearance, or at least I hope the story is still enjoyable! It is a slow burn so if you are an inpatient person, then this story might not be for you ;)

You can read this chapter below or if you prefer, there is also the link to the chapter posted on Ao3 right here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/33748507

-

Rating: M

Chapter 1 word length: 2326

Characters: James Acaster (duh), Original Female Characters(s), Original Male Character(s), Rhys James, Ed Gamble, Nish Kumar, Josh Widdicombe

Relationships: James Acaster x Reader/you, Original female character/Original Male character

Story tags: Romantic comedy, domestic fluff, slow burn, fluff and smut, British comedy, eventual relationships

Tagging: @laurabeech @rilannon @jasclearwaters @marklily @queensantiagoofthe99

Chapter 1 - Summer 2019

You were sitting at your desk at your mundane job, practically ready to blow your brains out on the usual, dull Thursday afternoon. It was really warm and stuffy inside the fifteen story office block building situated in Canary Wharf. This was a place you found yourself five days a week, doing the typical 9 to 5 hours. A usual day for a usual person.

Your job wasn’t a particularly riveting one. As an underwriter for an insurance company, some days could get especially boring. You knew how to do the job well, but it was not something you really loved. It involved all kinds of clients and claims in paperwork and it sometimes felt tedious and unfulfilling. But hey, it still paid your share of rent and bills. At least you could say you could manage in the hustle and bustle of the London lifestyle.

It was nearly hometime and you were itching to get home and relax. But before that could happen, there were those last set of insurance cover forms you had to copy to get sent to the HR department. And so you typed away on your laptop, clickety clack, clickety clack… the minutes went by like a chalk on a blackboard, scraping away at a snail’s pace.

You put your full force of concentration on the documents on the screen until it was finally done. A sense of achievement was necessary in these moments despite your lack of enthusiasm. It was in the little victories you reminded yourself. You rubbed the sweat from the July heat off your forehead.

* * *

The last 2 hours eventually passed by and it was soon the rush to get out of the door before you got held up by your colleagues. They were nice enough, but sometimes they could hold you back for half an hour chatting when you just wanted to get home, or your manager might try and get you to stay an hour overtime.

Thankfully you did get out promptly, and as you ran and dashed out of the office building saying brisk goodbyes to coworkers, you managed to make it to the tube with the train just arriving on time. But not without being moderately sweaty and hot though. Bloody stuffy platforms.

As expected it was still a busy train with plenty of 5pm finishers getting themselves situated on the half crowded carriages, but as it was only 10 past, it wasn't the worst time of day for commuting yet.

You perched yourself on one of the tube’s seats and let your shoulders drop, having held the tension in your body from sitting at a desk all day. You placed your head slightly back, balancing it on the window of the train. You looked up momentarily above you and then lifted your head back up to look at your phone and choose a song to listen to on Spotify through your wireless earphones.

The streams of sound from one of your favourite songs began to play softly in your ears and you smiled, knowing that the song gave you a little bit of wistful joy. You started mouthing the words.

Call it all for nothing, but I'd rather be nothing to you. Than be a part of something, something that I didn’t do (Best to You - Blood Orange).

The words half mean something but not necessarily anything. You began to wonder about being part of something that you’re not.

I just wish I could float away from my unexciting existence… you thought to yourself.

It sometimes occurred to you that you might have wanted something more out of life, but weren’t entirely sure what. It doesn’t make you dreadfully sad, but you know that life for you hasn’t exactly been the best it could be, and that perhaps something was missing. You wish you knew what it was.

You sighed, ignoring the feeling of sorrow wash over you momentarily and propped yourself back up in the uncomfortable seat of the train. You tried to keep yourself awake so that you wouldn’t miss your stop. The music continued through your ears.

* * *

You opened the door of the three bedroom flat that you had been residing in for the last two years with your flatmates and sighed with relief that you had finally reached home. You hurried to get your handbag off your shoulder and your shoes off, placing them on the rack next to the front door and walked through the hallway.

The minute you poked your head through to the lounge, bellowing a faint hello to whoever was around, you were suddenly greeted by one of your best friends and flatmates, Grace.

“Ahh Y/n! You’re home. Thank christ!”

She grabbed you and reached her arms around to embrace you tightly. You were perplexed by this gesture as it was so random and unusual given that Grace lived with you and saw you everyday of the week. You frowned and reluctantly placed your arms around her to return the hug.

As she then let go, she looked at you with urgency in her eyes and shrieked with excitement, “Oh Y/n guess what? It looks like I’m up for a promotion! Can you believe it?”

Now processing the reason for such an embrace, you raised your eyebrows in glee and smiled proudly, gushing back to your best mate who was obviously chuffed by the matter.

“Oh wow Grace, that's fantastic! I mean, finally. It is about bloody time!”

She smiled, “Yes I guess it is. But I mustn't get too excited. I haven’t officially got the promotion yet.”

“Ah but no. I’m not having any of that. You will get that promotion. It is a guarantee. They would be idiots to not give it to you.” Grace rolled her eyes and bit her lip. She reluctantly nodded and agreed.

The smell of food distracted you momentarily from the conversation. It was a particularly appetising smell.

Grace uttered, “Yes that smell is good isn’t it? Theo insisted on cooking us a nice meal for me as a celebration.”

You smiled knowingly, having known about how Grace and Theo had been in relationship limbo ever since you three became close friends at university. You knew they both had feelings for each other but often danced around the subject, completely oblivious to one another’s obvious attraction to the other. You reckoned they had to do something about it one day.

“Thank fuck. I wasn’t prepared to make dinner tonight. I am too tired for that.”

Grace then had her worried face on. She instantly knew, as she knew you too well, but funnily enough never picked up on Theo’s emotions despite constantly wondering about them, that something was wrong.

“Are you ok babe?” she asked with a look of pity that you scornfully resented.

You sighed, half lying, “Yes. I’m fine. Just tired is all.”

You made a beeline for the couch knowing full well that you were going to talk about it whether you liked it or not. You knew that Grace would see right through your dishonesty and insist that you told her the problem.

So you waited until Grace inevitably sat next to you and gave you that sympathy look she always gave you before coming out with the concerns that were floating around your brain.

“OK fine. I know you won’t leave me alone unless I tell you.”

“Ahh, you know me so well…”

“Yes, just as you know me. I’m just- I’m fed up. Work was slow. I don’t really feel like I’m associated with my life. I feel... disconnected, I guess.”

“Do you have any idea why?”

You shrugged and looked down at the floor and then back at Grace smiling sheepishly, “I don’t know. Maybe I’m not- not fulfilled? I just don’t thoroughly enjoy my life right now.”

Grace nodded and put a hand on your leg. You twitched your face in slight discomfort. You hated it when you were given sympathy for something that seemed so miniscule. It wasn’t like you were dying.

It was times like this when you just wanted to curl up in your bed, eat a tub of ice cream and watch your favourite comedy programmes. 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown sprang to mind.

As you sat in momentary silence for a bit, Theo came waltzing through from the kitchen with his silly apron on that had a naked man’s body printed on it, and a spatula in his hand. He smiled at you.

“I thought I heard your voice. I hope meatballs for dinner are good tonight. Not mine of course,” gesturing to the apron as he said it.

You shook your head at Theo’s poor dad joke and stood up to hug him. You realised that you must be really down in the dumps to be hugging Theo. It was his turn to be confused. He looked towards Grace wide eyed.

“She’s had a particularly tough day. But mind you babe, you’ve kinda been like this for weeks now.”

You let go of Theo and turned to Grace, frowning and feeling slightly defensive. You placed a hand on your hip.

“Been like what? I’ve just been a bit fed up, that's all.”

“Yes but it’s not just a bit fed up. You said so yourself you feel disconnected. We’ve been waiting for you to say it.”

You looked to Theo and he nodded gently in agreement.

“Ok… but, nothing is really wrong exactly. My life is fine.”

“Fine, yes. But not amazing. We know it’s getting you down. And the job is the problem.”

“But I’m good at it. And it pays the bills. What else am I supposed to do?”

Grace then looked away from your eyes then, twitching her lip and looking as though she was holding something back. She then sighed and began to admit something you had not been expecting.

“OK look. We know what you can do. Theo and I have figured it out. We can manage money wise. It will be tight, but if you quit your job we should be able to help you out for a little bit.”

Your eyes grew wider than large saucepans. You were totally bewildered and your mouth slightly agape.

“What? Quit my job? Why? What work would I get instead?”

“Well, maybe you won't quit your job yet. Maybe you’re right, that's too hasty. Perhaps what I’m trying to say is-”

Theo then chimed in, “-what Grace is trying to say is…”

You smirked to yourself. How do they not realise that they’re already a couple but without the sex? They’re practically married for christ sake.

“...we reckon that you need to pursue your passion. Perhaps stop wasting your talents in an office job that you hate.”

Grace continued, “yes exactly. We have had an idea in mind. See, we want you to go to this thing… it’s no biggie but well, we’ve already booked it for you.”

Your mind was racing. You couldn’t understand anything that they were saying to you. It was all too much for you to manage.

“Booked what for me? What the hell are you both going on about?”

They both looked at each other with reluctance, pondering the moment and whether to tell you the whole truth. They both shrugged and Grace was then pulling her phone out, this whole conversation beginning to appear as though they had been trying to practice it.

Suddenly Grace’s phone screen was wavering in your face. You moved your head closer to see a photo on the screen. It was a comedy club night poster. Incidentally, it was an open mic night event happening on Saturday night. You began to then put the puzzle pieces together. You folded your arms and frowned heavily.

“What the fuck have you two done now?”

Theo softly spoke, “We… booked you a slot to do that comedy open mic event thing, on Saturday night.”

“Wait. As in to perform? You can’t be serious-”

Grace tried to reassure you and grabbed your arm.

“Look, we know it might seem daunting, but we just wanted to see you happy again. It’s been two years since we graduated and you haven’t performed since then. We thought it might be good to encourage you to perform again. You were always funny to us. And people at uni thought so too. You have the stand up talent, Y/n.”

You could not process anymore. You shook your head in disbelief and placed your head in your hands, rubbing your eyes from sudden exhaustion. You then threw your hands up in exasperation. It was not possible. You could not do that again.

Fucking no way. I can’t be on stage again! It’s too scary. University pub nights are one thing but a comedy club?

You shook your head again and placed your hands on your hips. Grace tried to speak up again seeing the frustration painted across your face. In fact it was anger that your friends chose to do this without your say so.

“Y/n…”

“No. Nope. I’m not doing it. No.”

“But Y/n, we were also going to tell you that Theo is also thinking of doing the same thing! He wants to do his music again. What harm would it be for you to rejuvenate your comedy skills? Surely you can write a quick couple of gags. Nothing strenuous. You have your old material from university, right?”

You had to get out of the room. Nothing that they were saying to you could be fully accepted at that moment.

You then gave them no choice but to let you go with your head in a flurry. They both watched you leave the room, mumbling something along the lines of I’m not really hungry anymore, I’m going to bed. Soon after, you darted across the other end of the hallway, ill-tempered and almost seething, and slammed your bedroom door shut.

[athina-blaine]

50 Types of Kissing Writing Prompts: #36 - Starting with bunny kisses before moving on to soft kisses.

This got away from me.

~

“Ask me again.”

“Jon, you’ve practised these questions about 20 times just on the way over. I don’t think-”

“Just ask me again.” A beat. “Please.”

Martin let out a lengthy sigh, the kind that came from deep in his belly. It echoed down the corridors of the school hall alongside their heels clicking on the vinyl floor. “Right. Okay, so, how would you describe your teaching philosophy?”

Jon took a deep breath, chest puffing up. “My teaching philosophy is that all children are unique and deserve to have a stimulating educational atmosphere. I want to provide a safe environment where students are encouraged to share their thoughts and take risks.”

Martin smiled, trying not to giggle, but Jon’s voice inflected the exact same way every time he’d say “risks”- a sort of huffy pitch. It was hard not to be amused. “Very good.”

“Ask me the question about resolving conflicts in the classroom.”

“How do you intend to resolve conflicts in the classroom?”

“I would isolate the nature of the conflict in question and strategise accordingly. Compromise is the ideal resolution but in the event one cannot be reached, I will contact a higher authority than myself to mediate and help find a solution.”

“Perfect.”

“You don’t think it makes me look weak-willed?” Jon asked, brows furrowed with distress. “The part about contacting another authority figure? What if they want me to be able to handle the problem by myself?”

“I think it’s fine. You’re new. Shows you won’t let your ego get in the way when you need help.”

Jon let out a low breath, nodding slowly. His chest collapsed until he was nearly hunched over, and he tugged frantically at the strap of his briefcase. Martin had lent him that briefcase since it matched his nice navy blue jacket- he also figured it would help Jon feel more professional.

Martin wanted to say as much, lavish Jon in compliments on how scholarly and refined he looked, but every step they took closer to the school’s administrative office seemed to wound him up tighter and tighter until that briefcase strap threatened to fall apart. If Martin said Jon looked good now, Jon would just argue with him, citing the scuff in his shoes he hadn’t managed to buff out, or quadruple-guess the way he’d tied up his hair or something. The last thing Martin wanted to do was make Jon self-conscious; he’d just have to save all his gushing and lavishing for after the interview.

Martin’s restraint didn’t seem to matter, though, as, without warning, Jon stopped dead in the middle of the hall, digging into the recesses of his case. “I-I should practice the lesson plan one more time, the entire lecture phase is-”

“Jon.” Martin clasped his hands on Jon’s shoulders and turned him around. Jon stared up at him, eyes owlish and glossy with muted panic. “Please. Relax. It’s a part-time home economics class, not tenure for university English lit. You’re funny and charismatic and intelligent. They’re going to be begging you to take the job. The nice lady on the phone said as much.”

“I would appreciate it if you didn’t make promises you have no possible way of keeping,” Jon said, a sliver of ice snaking through his words. Martin lifted a pointed brow, and a dark stain flushed Jon’s face. He looked away. “No, I … Sorry. I don’t mean to snap.”

“It’s okay to be nervous.”

“It’s not that, it’s …” Jon sighed, shoulders sagging. “I just want this to work. I … need this to work.”

Martin tilted his head. This wasn’t the same frantic energy Jon had been carrying with him since he’d gotten off the phone with Principal Williams last week. This was something heavier. More sombre.

“Can you tell me why?”

“It’s silly.”

“Maybe.” Martin shrugged. “Most things are.”

Jon still wouldn’t meet his eyes, staring down at their warped reflections in the floor. Martin waited, rubbing his thumbs over the jut of Jon’s shoulders.

“I just …” Jon started, then paused to breathe. “I don’t know whether or not I can still … function out here. Outside of the Institute. It’s been so long and … what if I just … can’t?” His voice lowered to a dull murmur. “What if I can’t make the adjustment?”

Humming, Martin stroked his hands up and down the length of Jon’s arms. He pressed a kiss to Jon’s forehead. “I don’t think that’s silly.”

Jon sighed through his nose, tickling Martin’s collarbone. Slowly, Martin pulled away.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Okay, so. Let’s pretend you don’t get the job. Which won’t happen,” he said quickly when Jon’s head snapped up. “You are absolutely getting this job. But let’s just pretend you don’t. What do you think will happen after that?”

Jon’s brow furrowed with quiet confusion. His mouth flapped for a long while before, softly, “I … don’t understand?”

“Here’s what I think will happen,” Martin said, cupping Jon’s face between his hands. “We’ll go home. We’ll order a pizza, half cheese half-Mediterranean. We’ll flip on the TV and finish that nature documentary series. We can polish off that bottle of wine and I’ll rub your feet.” Martin leaned in close enough to press his lips to the bridge of Jon’s nose. “And then we’ll try something else. I actually think that animal hospital nearby is hiring.” Martin smoothed a thumb over his cheekbone. “You’d make a really cute vet tech.”

Jon’s lips twitched, eyes brimming with some complicated emotion. Martin smiled, holding his gaze until Jon turned away, face warming again.

“It’d suck if you didn’t get this job,” Martin said. “You’d be fantastic at it and they’d be stupid to turn you away. But, whatever happens, you’ll be fine. We will be fine.”

Silent, Jon stared somewhere between Martin’s chest and his neck. Then, he swayed forward, leaning into Martin’s sturdy weight, and Martin wrapped his arms around him, pressing his face into prim, professionally styled hair. They stood like that for a long while, breathing each other in. Good thing Jon had them show up about a half-hour early for the interview, just in case.

When they parted, Jon opened his eyes again, calm and bright.

“We could also get killed by a rogue satellite,” he murmured. Martin’s eyes widened. “Just, you know, as a worst possible thing that could happen. Rogue satellite. Right on our heads.”

Martin snorted. “I don’t think I phrased it quite like that, but, yes, I suppose we should consider that a possibility.”

Jon took a deep breath, held it, and let it out slowly, just as Martin taught him. He rolled out his neck, cleared his throat, and tilted his head up. “Alright. Kiss me.”

Martin blinked. “Um. What?”

“Kiss me.” A beat. “For luck. Obviously.”

“Oh. Obviously.” Martin tried to smother his twitching smile. “I didn't realise we'd started doing that."

“Yes.” His eyes became pleading. “Please?”

Martin rolled his eyes, but kissed him, a chaste pressing of their lips. Jon’s eyes had slid shut and he took another deep breath.

“One more?”

Martin obliged. Jon’s eyes remained closed, his chin still tilted up. Martin provided another one without prompting, and then one more, for good measure, soft and indulgent. They were rubbing away at Jon's lip balm, but Martin's lips had been feeling a little dry anyway. The tension bled from Jon’s shoulders, and Martin parted with a breathy sigh.

“That’s all your lucky kisses for the year,” Martin said, earning himself a chuckle. “Spend it wisely.”

A cough drew their attention. An older woman stood idle by one of the classrooms. Through both of their embarrassed spluttering, Martin managed to note her and Jon had tied their hair in similar fashions.

Oh yeah. Jon was going to fit right in.

The woman stepped forward. “Mr. Sims, I presume?”

“I- uh, y-yes, ma’am.” Jon’s face was burning but the woman smiled.

“Glad you could make it. Mrs. Williams seemed really impressed with you after your phone call. Shall I walk you to her office?”

Jon nodded, squeezing Martin’s hand hard enough to break it off and take it with him. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Oh, none of this ma’am stuff. We’re going to be coworkers, yeah?" She held out her hand. "You can call me Janice. I teach maths.”

“Yes, m- Yes, Janice. It’s a pleasure to meet you." Jon accepted her hand. "Um, you can call me Jon.”

After their quick handshake, she indicated towards the hallway. Jon nodded and looked over to Martin. “I, uh … guess I’ll meet you by the car?”

“Meet you there.” Martin gave his hand one more squeeze. “Good luck.”

Jon smiled, a delicate, fluttering thing, before he slid his hand out of Martin’s and allowed Janice to lead them down the hallway.

“So, you’re from London, yeah?” she asked. “Grow up there?”

“No, I’m from Bournemouth. I moved to London after I graduated uni.”

“Oh, really? I think I’ve got a cousin who lives by that area. Always wish I’d have lived somewhere more coastal.” She turned to him, her teeth pearly white. “I have to say, we’re all a little curious about you. Don’t have many city-people here. We’re really excited to have you onboard.”

“Oh.” Even from this distance, Martin could see the way Jon’s face flushed. “I … I see.”

“I’m sure the others will want to ask you all sorts of questions, but don’t let that put you off, the staff here is as sweet as can be. They’ll get used to you soon enough.”

Jon glanced over his shoulder back at Martin, looking fit to burst. Martin waved, sure that his own expression was as sappy and affectionate as could be.

Yeah.

They’re going to be just fine.

[tinyjeanmarco]

modern marco relationship hc’s!

note: gosh, it took me forever to get around to writing these, LOL. my user literally has marco’s name in it but i haven’t written anything about him yet. these are modern so that my boy isn’t dead. (✿◡‿◡) i hope you enjoy! ♡

marco x gn!reader

warnings: none.

marco is the adorable, soft, boy next door type of guy. the “yes sir, i will have them back home by nine!” kind of boy.

you started dating him in your senior year of high school after jean introduced him to you.

marco had moved recently into the area, and was the new kid at your school. he was super charming and a lot of people had a crush on him when they first met him, regardless of how nerdy he was.

while he was charming and outgoing, he was also pretty shy which made him more appealing. 

after you had seen him around the school for the first few times, jean introduced you two, saying that he and marco had gotten along immediately after meeting, and he wanted you to get to know him as well.

after a few weeks of hanging out with marco and getting closer and closer to him. 

he had begun to develop a crush on you, so he decided that he would just go for it and ask you out, to which you readily agreed.

marco and you had continued dating after graduating and even went to the same uni, getting your own apartment together after your first year.

again, marco is the softest boy ever. he is absolutely adorable and will treat you like royalty.

he’s an absolute mama’s boy, too, and she taught him to treat everyone he loves with compassion, hence why he treats you so well. 

he has a tendency to buy you things that remind him of you. he’ll be out shopping and see some cute stuffed animal and be like, “this reminds me of (y/n)! i have to get it for them.”

he will always greet you with a hug and a kiss when he comes home, or when you come home.

he loves showing affection to you in any way possible, and will always try to tell you how much he loves you.

he gets unbearably shy and soft when he tells you he loves you, blush covering his freckled cheeks. sometimes he tumbles over his words and gets more nervous.

he’s just SO SMITTEN, you make this tiny boy nervous!

you just return his words of endearment and press soft kisses to his face.

marco is the type of boyfie who will call you like really domestic, married couple kinds of pet names. expect a honey, darling, or sweetheart all the time.

marco would also be super into like matching couple looks. he finds it super cute and sweet to wear the same clothes and hold hands in public.

speaking of holding hands? never even try to let go of his hand when he’s holding yours. he will be so pouty and not stop dramatically sighing until you hold his hand again.

will be all smiles and sunshine when you’ve got your hands entwined though!

it’s so comforting and reassuring to him when he has you close, holding his hand.

marco will always kiss you on the top of your head or on your forehead.

as he is ever the gentleman, he will also kiss your knuckles all the time. he loves how romantic and special it feels because no one really does that.

also loves pulling out your chair for you and pushing you in when you go out to eat somewhere!

i personally hc marco as a music major of some sort. i think music therapy would be suiting for him, tbh, so i hc him as a music therapy major.

he just looks like he would be a good singer, and good with music, okay?

i think he would be pretty good at singing, and also would play a few instruments. 

he would definitely play the guitar and piano. for fun, he picked up the ocarina and he has a ukulele for the hell of it.

when you’re struggling to fall asleep, he will sing to you and you’ll be asleep almost instantly.

he sometimes writes little songs for you on the guitar or piano that he’ll play for you. if he’s feeling cheeky, he’ll write something silly on the uke and play that for you instead.

the ocarina was honestly a joke at first. jean got him into the legend of zelda games and he’s like “hmm i bet i could learn to play one of those...”

so he ORDERED ONE and then wouldn’t stop playing it? so while it’s not horribly complicated, he picked it up extremely quickly and is very good at it.

fun for times where you go on little adventures or walks in wooded areas and he takes an ocarina he has on a necklace so that he can play you some impromptu tunes on it while you guys relax.

he would also love to teach you how to play any instrument if you were to ask him.

he gets so excited about it, ready to put together full on lessons in order to teach you.

just imagine him sitting down on the piano bench next to you, softly telling you where to put your hands, explaining the keys and being so GENTLE when you mess up.

“remember your hand placements, babe!” and he smiles all cute.

back to the music therapy though, he would try to use that when you’re feeling sad and down.

he would be the best boyfriend when you’re upset, albeit a little annoying, but very good to you.

he would always be helicoptering, unintentionally giving you no space if you needed it. 

please don’t yell at him for it though, he’s trying his best to make you feel better and genuinely doesn’t know better. he might cry if you get angry with him. just ask him kindly for time alone.

but when you are not in need of alone time, he will try to help the sadness go away. 

whips out some of his music therapy knowledge.

he will sit down with you, talking to you about music that makes you happy and sad, making you think about why that is, and then make a playlist of music that inspires happiness.*

outside off all his music therapy techniques, he will be someone you can lean on and just vent to, letting out all your feelings to him.

he tries his best to be a strong pillar of support for you to lean on.

now, when marco is stressed out, he tends to not notice and needs you to pull him aside to take care of him. 

he always overworks himself and just,, doesn’t stop. please pry him away from his work so that he can eat properly and get hydrated. 

also give him head scratches when he’s stressed, he will turn into putty. the gently scratching on his scalp almost forces his eyes closed with how good it feels.

nap time with marco is so fun, he likes mountains of blankets covering you two with your bodies entwined beneath them.

cuddling is also so fun because he likes when you guys just like, lay on top of each other.

when you cuddle, he likes holding your hands and pressing kisses to anywhere he can reach on you.

ahhh, kissing him is so sweet, he would never kiss you or even make out with intentions of going beyond just kissing.

his hands always stay above the belt, and he’s honestly so shy and afraid of touching you too intimately.

if you want him to have his hand on your thigh? you’re gonna have to tell him you like that and that you want him to do it more, otherwise he will refrain from doing so.

“marco, you know you can like, put your hands on my hips and thighs, right?” and BLESS this boy, his cheeks would heat up, freckles floating in a sea of pink as he averts his gaze from yours, all shy.

“but i, i just didn’t want to make you uncomfortable or make you feel obligated to do anything.” the literal embodiment of 👉👈.

on the topic of shy, respectful marco, he would ALWAYS ask for a kiss, even after like dating for five years or even being married. he just wants to be sure that you want it!

he would never want you to feel as if he’s forcing himself on you.

marco also gets really awkward and flustered when flirting with you.

if you sit on his lap, it’s his favorite thing. he goes as red as a tomato, but he loves the closeness of the gesture.

same goes for if you pull him onto your lap. the baby will be so, SO flustered, but love every second of it.

he’s the type to nuzzle his face into the crook of your neck while cuddling, or the back of your neck when spooning and he’s the big spoon. 

overall, marco is the bestest boyfie, always making sure you’re comfortable and feeling loved. please return the gesture and make sure he feels loved! ♡

* - this is something that someone i know has personally experienced with music therapy!

[tomtenadia]

Remember Us - 8

Weekend surprise!

-----

Rowan had another tough week.

His headaches had been almost constant and some days worse than others. He had bouts of dizziness and on a couple of occasions he had felt disoriented and confused again. He had been terrified. All of a sudden he had no idea where he was, who he was and it just sent him back him in the hellhole of the first days he had woken up.

Aelin had took him to the hospital and his doctor had ran some test and explained that what he was experiencing were some common symptoms with a head injury. The spells of disorientation should disappear soon but he had said that headaches might linger a bit longer. He had prescribed some painkillers but Rowan had decided to take them only when the headache was unbearable. The first time he took them he was knocked off for an entire day and did not like the idea.

That morning he was home alone. Aelin was at work, Thomas at his nursery and Evalin had taken Freyja with her while running some errands.

He was sitting on the sofa with a book in his hand. He had asked Aelin to show him the book where Thomas’ namesake was. He had joked saying that he was keen to meet his competition.

Things between him and Aelin had improved. He still had his fears, he was still scared of not being enough for her but she had been a constant presence at his side and never pushed. They had shared some nice moments and in bed at night he had started sleeping with her in his arms and his hand on her belly.

Slowly he realised that the feeling he had for her had been real. His attachment to her was growing day by day. More memories flooded back and in the past few days their friends made an appearance as well and he had talked with Aelin about those moments and now he could put names to faces. They had discussed the possibility of meeting them in person, but Rowan was not sure how he felt about it yet. A part of him wanted to, was curious, but the other felt terror at the idea.

He sighed and went back to the book and read the same page for the millionth time. He had discovered that he was also struggling to concentrate, another annoying side effect. Exhausted, he placed the book on the coffee table. He was about to go back to bed but someone rang the buzzer of their house. He was not expecting anyone. So he stood, grabbed his walking stick and reached the door. Once he opened it he found a tall dark-haired man with a baby carrier at his chest and a baby in it. Lorcan. The man was Lorcan. His partner at work. Aelin had filled him in.

“Hi,”

“I am Lorcan,” said the man.

“I know.”

“Sorry, I was taking Allison for a walk and I got to this area and decided to pop in for a visit.” He explained “I can go if you don’t feel like having visitors.”

Rowan shook his head “I guess I need to start to interact with the outside world.”

“Fancy some fresh air?”

Rowan thought about it and nodded. He hadn’t left the house since he came back from the hospital. “Let me change.”

He came back a few minutes later and left a note to Evalin, explaining that he had gone for a walk with Lorcan “you need to be my guide, I have no idea where to go and how to get back home.” He locked the door behind him and pocketed phone and keys.

“Don’t worry. I checked with Aelin and she said that it was okay if you felt like it and that fresh air might do you good.”

Rowan nodded and took a deep breath of fresh air. “Just don’t run, I am still very slow.”

“I was just going to the park down the road. Elide is at work today so I am on babysitting duty.” And caressed his little girl’s head.

The baby was fast asleep against Lorcan’s chest. “She looks lovely.”

“She is her mother’s daughter, she is basically an Elide in miniature.”

They walked in silence to the park and then sat down on a bench and Rowan sighed in relief. That had been the most he had walked and his leg complained. It was getting better and Dorian had recommended to keep using it as much possible to get used again to the weight on it. Also, he had muscle mass to rebuild and the man had given him exercises to do at home.

“Silly question, but how do you feel?”

Rowan sighed “definitely better than a few weeks ago. Memories are coming back and it’s not as scary anymore as it was before.”

“How is it going with Aelin?”

Rowan paused and looked at the park around him. That was a loaded question and he always had to sort out his feelings “We are growing closer, or actually is me. My feelings for her are slowly getting clearer.”

Lorcan chuckled “you two will go back being attached to the hips in no time.” And the comment surprised Rowan “as soon as you two decided to stop fighting you became this disgusting cheesy couple. You have been together forever,” he continued “and after what you have been through, this is a stroll in the park. I am not sure another couple would have survived it.”

Rowan looked away, the pain of those memories was always vivid. He had dreamt the night she had woken up in a pool of blood. He had wondered the same thing. How their marriage survived that level of loss.

“Elide would probably make fun of me for saying this but you are soulmates. Elide and I had to work hard, mostly because of me. Before her I was not the relationship type.” He told him, rocking gently from side to side to prevent his daughter from waking up “you and Aelin had a deep connection from the start, even when you called her a spoiled brat and she called you obnoxious bastard. There was something there, among all that fighting and you were the only ones who did not see until much later.” Lorcan kept talking and Rowan listened interested. He needed to know more about them and this was exactly what he needed. An outside perspective on his relationship with Aelin “that bond, that connection brought you back together after those dark weeks.”

“I felt it since the first time she stepped in my room after I woke up.” Then he looked at the man and decided to learn more about their relationship.

“How did we meet? You and I.”

“Uni.” Said Lorcan with half a smile “First year and first day. We sat at the back of the class. I showed up with no pen or paper for taking notes thinking it was not needed for our first day. But the professor dove straight in. So you gave your spare notepad and spare pen.”

Rowan laughed at the memory.

“We became friends instantly.” Allison stirred so Lorcan stood and paced in front of Rowan “Once we graduated we applied for jobs and we landed in two big law companies but after two years you left them and then a while later you came to me with a plan. I resigned the next day.”

“Do you regret leaving a high paying job?”

Lorcan shook his head “not in the least. It was driving us mad and killing our lives. We had no time for anything. Too many ungrateful bastards to deal with. Elide and I broke up for two months because of it. No, I have no regrets. What we do now is good. We actually help people.”

Rowan played with his wedding ring in a nervous gesture “what if I can’t get back to my old job?”

“You have probably heard this a lot, but take your time. Things are under control. When you feel ready you can ease back in, but there is no rush.”

Rowan sighed “I need something to do. When Aelin is not at home Evalin looks after Freyja to give me space.”

“You probably still have your law books. Get them out of storage and read and see if anything comes back. If not, they are handy if you are struggling to sleep.”

He laughed and in that instant Allison woke up.

“And she is awake.” He gave the girl her pacifier “come on I’ll take you home.”

***

Lorcan took him back home and Rowan was now back on the sofa trying to go back reading the book but only managed a few pages before the headache came back.

He groaned in frustration and then paced a bit around the house like a caged animal. He stopped at the window and looked at the tree in front of the house and he had an idea.

Slowly he reached the closet and found a few spare duvets and grabbed one of the colourful ones, then a couple of pillows and dragged them outside. He had to abandon his walking stick so the job had proved harder, but not as hard as the second part of his plan. He had to get the stuff in the treehouse. The weather was nice and he was going to prepare some adventure for the kids. He had no idea what, but he would think of something. Climbing the wooden stairs with the duvet in his arms had proven hard, but now at the top he dropped the blanket and took a deep breath then very carefully made his way down and grimaced at the pain in his leg. With a heavier limp he made his way back in the house and grabbed a backpack and started to add some toys, books. Then he found battery powered fairy lights in the closet and grabbed those as well. Finally he grabbed the pillows and left the house once more and went to the treehouse. Rowan climbed half the stairs and threw the backpack inside, then grabbed the pillows and finally got in the house and sat down ignoring the blinding pain in his leg. He had gone too far for one day.

Crawling around the place he started spreading the blankets to make it cosy and warm, then the pillows and eventually he attached the fairy lights around the walls. He switched them on for a moment and the effect was perfect. He laid out the books, the toys and eventually lay down to relax.

He had finally managed to read a bit more of the book and was now engrossed, Thomas was still the alleged bad guy but he had just discovered that he had confessed that the enemy had taken POW and begged his captor not to glass the base that still had their people on. He had started to like the man and could start to see why Aelin loved him.

He reemerged from the book when he heard some familiar voices. With caution he crawled to the edge and popped his head outside and saw Aelin with Thomas in hand and Freyja in her stroller pushed by Evalin.

“Good afternoon,” he greeted them. 

Aelin lifted her head and gasped when she saw him inside the house.

“Dad!” Shouted Thomas, freeing himself from his mother’s grip and running to the wooden ladder.

“Careful,” Aelin was at his side and helped the boy climb.

“Fancy joining me?” Rowan extended his hand to Aelin and she smiled.

Evalin nodded at her daughter “go, I’ll take the stroller inside. Stay with your family.”

Aelin lifted Freyja in her arms and slowly climbed the ladder. Rowan waited for her at the top and grabbed the little girl and allowed Aelin to climb easier.

When she reached the top and peeked inside she gasped “did you do all this?”

Rowan gave her a grin and nodded “I was bored and I tried to do something so we could spend some special time as a family.” He winked at her and Aelin kissed him “I love you,” she whispered and he kissed her back. He could not utter those words yet but he wanted to show her how much he cared already.

Aelin lifted the blanket and squeezed underneath after she and Thomas had removed their shoes. Rowan sat at her side and brought her close to him. The kids sat in front of Rowan in between his legs. Thomas passed one of the books to his dad but Aelin took it. She knew Rowan was still struggling with reading for prolonged time “now, is everyone cozy?”

Thomas screamed all excited and leaned his head against his father’s chest and Rowan placed a hand on his head and Freyja snuggled closer as well.

Aelin pulled up the blanket to cover them and tucked under Rowan’s arm and opened the book

“In a distant and magical land there lived a princess. She was young but loved her kingdom very, very much…”