#i work in a bookstore and admiring pretty books is half the job

[bergoozter]

9, 38, 72 😊

9. your favourite book of 2020

the martian by andy weir

38. your favourite series

truly devious series by maureen johnson

72. a book with a gorgeous cover

ALL ft lukens books !!

[literary-illuminati]

2024 Book Review #1 – How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue

I read the overwhelming majority of this book in 2023 but I finished it after new years so review #1 of the new year it is! Despite it by all accounts being very critically acclaimed and well-reviewed, I had absolutely never heard of it before opening up the packaging on a ‘blind date with a book’ thing a bookstore was doing (incredible gimmick, for the record). Overall a great book, if rambling at points and with a somewhat weak and confused ending.

The story takes place in Kosawa, a village on the western periphery of a fictional west African country, with the incredible bad luck to have been built atop a fortune in oil. The story is told through several POVs, and follows the villagers struggle against the Pexton corporation and their country’s de facto neocolonial government to try and have their home restored to what it was before the river and soil were poisoned and children started dying. It’s told on a generational scale – stretching from the ‘80s to the mid 2000’s – and follows the main cast of characters from childhood into their forties, As might be expected from that, it’s not exactly fast-paced or full of heroics – lots of promises and reassurances being given and never lived up to, and dramatic actions being taken and leading to awful tragedies or only compromised half-successes. The book really beats in the theme that if you’re really powerless and the ones fucking you over have all the cards, a lot of time there really isn’t a winning move. Well, and maybe that the heroic, principled attempts at violent resistance repeatedly got everyone involved killed but did win real concessions and aid for the other villagers who were willing to play along (or just to sell out or give up Kosawa for dead), though I’m not entirely sure that’s how the story’s intended to be read.

The prose isn’t usually eye-catching, but it’s extremely well-constructed, and beautiful at points. The story does a lot with shifting points of view, jumping from a corporate one of a particular age-group of children whose lives parallel the story, and closely individual ones from different members of a particular family whose daughter Thula ends up becoming the moral/intellectual heart of the resistance. Each voice feels incredibly distinct and focused on very different things, in a way that really worked for me. The massive timeframe covered also lets the book really indulge in showing what the day to day life of the villagers looks like – how they sustain themselves, the social rhythms of life, the rituals of adulthood, marriage, and childbirth, how widows and children are treated, and how the poisoning of the environment around them weighs down but doesn’t destroy any of it. It even does a great job of really selling the perspective and world-views of people for whom the world is enchanted and spiritual rites have real direct physical effects, which in my experience the vast majority of books about religious/spiritual characters totally fail to.

The tone of things is pretty overwhelmingly melancholic – this is a story with a deep sense of history, which also means a very tragic imagination. Characters who really dedicate themselves to trying to change the world are portrayed as deeply admirable but almost certainly doomed and even likely to cause more harm than good. You see this most prominently with Thula, whose basically a genius and devotes her entire life from childhood to activism and social change with saintly (if not near-inhuman) purity and focus, and dies in her forties having not won much at all. The ones who take what they can, get government jobs and use the opportunity to become exactly as corrupt as the men who came before them and loot the country for the benefit of their friends and families meanwhile – well, they definitely aren’t making the world any better, but they’re shown as very human and sympathetic and they mostly end up with exactly the lives they were hoping for.

[33roda]

Zhongli X Dom!Reader <3

♡ teaching zhongli a little lesson...

♡ tags: humiliation, calling zhongli a slut, reader with cock/strap, cocksucking (reader receiving), choking, pegging, smartass li in the beginning

-----------------------------

"Hey Zhongli, you know how you've been struggling with mora these days?"

"Yes?"

"Well I've got the perfect job opportunity for you!"

Finally, a job! Zhongli'd been bothering half of Liyue with his lack of mora - asking for help paying for his meals, begging his neighbours for house appliances, bathing in public lakes just so he wouldn't pay water bills.. the list just went on and on. "What kind of job, if I may ask?" he leaned down to rest his arms on the table, looking at you with a soothing smile. He wasn't just gonna waltz into any job, no matter how broke he was.

"Ah, of course," you set down your cup of ginger tea, trying to shake away the bitter taste in your mouth. "Well, the Wanwen Bookhouse was looking for someone to take over for Jifang for a few days, so I recommended you!" knowing he'd take the job anyway, you didn't have to encourage him much - all it took was telling him he'd have to discuss mora with Jifang later, and he'd get the job almost immediately.

Days pass, with no negative news - only Zhongli telling you he'd "educated" the customers of the bookstore, nothing too out of the ordinary. However, when Jifang came back from her business trip, she sure had a lot to say about your recommended person. Apparently, he'd disrupt innocent customers just looking to buy books, and ramble to them about Liyue's history for hours and hours on end daily. You could already hear his rambles - How Liyue's been for the past 4,000 years, how it's grown, the wars it's been in and how they've affected it.. And boy, you were gonna teach him how to shut up.

You invited him over with the innocent guise of just having tea and chatting, but you definitely had other plans..

"So, Zhongli," you got up from your seat, walking all the way to the back of his chair. "The boss has been.. complaining," you leaned down to his ear, "apparently, you were disturbing her customers, is that right?"

Feeling his breath hitch at the closeness, he cleared his throat to regain his indifferent attitude. "Disturbing? I was simply educating them. I don't see howggwhh-" he got cut off by you squeezing his cheeks together, slurring his words. Furrowing his eyebrows, he leaned his head back to look at you from behind, and oh man did you look mad.

"Educating them? is that what you call embarrassing me in front of Jifang and her customers?" you shook his face left and right with your grasp on his cheeks, just strong enough to stop him from talking. "I guess we'll need to teach you how to shut up, 'li." you let go of his cheeks, leaving him to catch his breath. "Strip, Zhongli."

"You're.. gonna make me strip because I didn't do well? Is that how society works nowadays?" closing his eyes and letting out a little 'hm', he still got up anyway, no signs of complaint in his body language - if that wasn't evident enough in how he immediately started taking off his coat, still dressed in who knows how many layers. You moved over to sit in his place - you weren't just gonna let this go. You had to enjoy every minute of watching him, going from his vest, to his shirt and tie, and to finally, his bare chest. He was honestly just ripped, and you were gonna make good use of his defined chest - maybe later, though.

Stopping him when he got to unbuckling his belt, you got up, zipping through the house to lead him to your bedroom, probably knocking a few things over in the hall, but that didn't matter - you didn't want this to go slow, you needed to teach him a lesson, and quick. "On your knees, 'li," you shoved him down with your hands, finding it just adorable how he didn't complain - only bit his lip to hold back any smartass remarks. "Aw, is the humiliation getting to you already, pretty boy?" seating yourself on the edge of the bed, you stroked his cheek as gently as you could, before unbuckling your own pants to show him your cock. "You know what you're gonna do, right baby? Gonna choke you on my cock till you can't talk anymore," he gave you little nods, staring at the length in your hand. Even though he wouldn't show it, he couldn't wait to have you in his mouth - and you wasted no time doing that as you guided him to your cock, his mouth eagerly engulfing your tip and tongue licking all over. Bobbing his head, he took as much as he could, humming against you, but that won't do. You needed him to choke on you. Grabbing his head and thrusting into his mouth, you finally heard that pretty gagging sound from his throat, further exciting you to fuck into his cute little face. His warm saliva dribbling everywhere on you and his lips, leaking all the way down to his chest.. the sight almost made you swoon.

Finally pulling him off you, you almost felt bad looking at his pretty face splotched with blush and tears, lips open red and wide with saliva covering the entire bottom half of his face, but Gods, was it hot. "You lubed it up so well, sugar," you said, sounding almost impressed, "guess you're really sorry, hm?" you kicked off your pants completely, ignoring the wet patch near the crotch from his drool. "Don't worry dear, we're almost done with our lesson~ take your pants off for me, will you?"

He wasted no time taking off his pants, laying down on the bed and spreading his toned legs to show you his sweet hole, his stomach muscles contracted and head laying to the side, his hair laid messily next to him. You almost wished you'd kept his pants on and made him cum all over them - just to keep it as a reminder, but you had to take him. "Good boy, learning so much already," you teased the tip of your cock against his hole, "you almost look excited. You're enjoying this, aren't you?" his response being a gasp as he felt you enter him. Why not have a little more fun with it? "Show me how sorry you really are, 'li," you whispered, just loud enough for him to hear you.

"I-I apologi-mmmhhh," he bit his lip, letting out a low groan as he squeezed his eyes shut. You just kept pushing into him, sure he could take all of you, his hole almost like it was made for you - until the base of your cock reached his ass. "I apologizeEee, Y/N -ah," sliding out, you made sure to make him tremble on his words - it was just fucking adorable.

Building up your speed, he could barely manage to let out anything more than moans and little 'sorry's, overshadowed by the sound of you thrusting into his ass, making filthy smacking sounds. "I can't hear you over the sound of your ass, baby," you said between gasps, "Say it louder, you fucking slut."

It was dirty of you - teasing him like that knowing you found his spot. "imsorryimsorryimsoryAHHHMMF" was just music to your ears, slamming into the same spot over and over, eventually making him unable to let out a single word without having a moan in between - not like you cared anymore. You wanted to make him cum untouched, humiliate him just like he embarrassed you.

Twitching under you, he frantically grabbed onto the bedsheets. "I-I'm gon-" - and he spurt out his load, letting out such beautiful guttural moans, you would've recorded them if you could. It was impressive how much there was, honestly. You couldn't help but let out a little laugh before slowly sliding out of him and smacking his ass, admiring his ass and chest blushing red. Catching his breath, he looked down at you, lips parted as if to say something - but he couldn't.

You put your thumb to his lips. "You talk too much, Zhongli," you laughed. "Has no one ever taught you to shut that pretty mouth of yours?"

wc: 1.4k . not proofread

[deidearly]

Kakashi Relationship Headcanons

Guess who’s back with another relationship headcanon today? And as usual, I had a good time writing this one even got slightly carried away, hehe. Enjoy! XX. 

Well— Hatake Kakashi, huh? Dating him would be such a roller coaster ride, tbh. It’s like, one moment he’s so clingy, fragile, so afraid of losing you— but one moment he’s like, “Just do what you need to do. I don’t really care.” This is due to the fact that he’s got a lot of things in his mind and occasionally struggled to sort out his priorities. 

Anyway, of course you’ve complained about his ‘reading-smut-in-public’ issue, especially when you’re together. You two would come up with an agreement somehow. But to piss you off, he’d pretend like you’re the one who’s obsessed with reading smuts.

You’re browsing for some important books and he playfully yelled, “Y/N! Come here, it’s your favorite book— Icha Icha Tactics! My, I know you’ve had four books, but another one won’t hurt, right? Since you love it that much!” making everyone in the bookstore giggled.

He received “Y/N Signature Punch” that day.

To your surprise, he’s not very secretive about his relationship with you. In fact, you’ve caught him frequently use you as an excuse for him to escape some unwanted occasions.

Let’s say Gai was asking Kakashi to fight him like usual— and he wasn’t having it that day. “Gai, with all respect— I would gladly accept your challenge. But can’t you feel the springtime of romance youth is blooming? I must see Y/N immediately.”

Gai’s tearing up.

Don’t worry, he actually went to your place.

“Yo. Can we hang out? I just told Gai that I would come to your place. Please say ‘yes’ to make me less of a jerk, will you?”

Would totally show up in front of your place at an ungodly hour.

At first it surprised you but now you’re used to it.

You just finished your mission, it went pretty well but you felt there were some wasted chances due to your captain’s miscalculation. It’s nearly 2 AM but you caught yourself wide awake, reviewing back your battle– only to got distracted by a knock on your bedroom’s window. Instead of turning your head in surprise, you already knew who it was. To have a little fun for yourself, you ignored the sound, which was later followed by a second knock. Walking over to the window, you saw a silver-haired man with a mask. Although half of his face was covered, it’s obvious that a smile was apparent. “Yo.” he greeted, but you replied with a sigh. “You could actually knock on the door and I’d let you in through the door. It’s something normal people would do, Kakashi.” you grumbled, opening the window for him to get in. “Ah, spare me the lecture!”

So, reverse psychology works best for Kakashi. Like the Icha Icha Tactics– the more you ignore his behavior, he would actually try not to read his book in public like you told him to. But the more you complain, he’d read it in places where he shouldn’t be reading it at all. This method works in almost every cases.

You’ve been dating for weeks, but you haven’t seen his face.

Yes, when kissing, too.

You’ve had enough of kissing fabric. 

You had planned to make a dinner together at his place. He was preparing the dishes and you’re about to finish your cooking, when he suddenly asked, “Hey, Y/N. Have you ever wondered what would I look like under this mask?” You were dying to know actually. So, now you’re stuck with two options: (a) be honest about it, (b) pull out another reverse psychological answer— and you chose the latter. “Huh? Not really,” you shrugged, “I don’t really care so it’s not like I’m eager to see it.” and of course, this was a lie. Kakashi went silent for a while. “Anyway, dinner’s re—“ you swore you could’ve dropped the whole pan when you saw an unfamiliar presence. “Kakashi?” you asked hesitantly. The man looked up with a questioning look, “Why are you blushing?” he replied casually.

“ANYONE WITH A DECENT EYESIGHT WOULD BLUSH TOO, YOU STUPID.”

He’s honestly so heavenly to look at.

Sometimes it’s just too overwhelming to see his whole face, you thought.

It’s safe to say that it’s a privilege to be able to see his face. But due to his immense charm, you’d prefer to have him with a mask on.

“Y/N, I feel naked without my mask—“ , “And I honestly feel like I’m being forced to see an illicit nudity, too. Put your mask on, it’s fine honestly.”

He’s been very good at his job for almost his whole life, a fine shinobi. So, he’s rarely exposed to mundane things, moreover a relationship. Thus, making him quite restrained in expressing himself. Plus, he was labelled with some negative titles, saying how cold-blooded he was and he just decided to live with it. This, obviously, requires a lot of patience.

But he’s determined to change, the first step he took was letting you in— into his life.

It started rocky, though.

He’d say something like how he didn’t care much about you and sadly, he really didn’t.

But as the time went by he realized how your presence has been the one that helped him through it. How you’ve always been there to comfort him, by listening to him, giving him a lot of supports, or simply by reminding him that he’s not completely alone.

And when that moment came, he’s sworn to protect you with all his might.

He had a lot of nightmares, he still does, unfortunately. But when you’re around, your presence eases him up a little.

When you’re not around, however, he’d rather spend all night unhealthily tiring himself until he fall asleep.

His personal favorite would be curling up next to you with his hand around your waist while hiding his face near the crook of your neck as he’s giving you some soft neck kisses.

Again, NECK KISSES.

He had a hard time trying to open up himself fully to you and this applies to romantic gestures, I believe. He surely would take his time to explore you, what you like, and what he likes.

Would shower you with kisses, all over your face without missing a spot. He greatly admires every inches of yourself. 

Body worship, oof.

Lowkey (semi highkey) protective.

Lowkey (semi highkey) a show-off.

Would straight up jump to save you if it’s necessary.

And since he’s a show-off, he lowkey loves PDA— but the soft ones, of course. You two would always get spotted together. He would casually sling his arm around your shoulder or lazily has his hand wrapped around your waist.

Favorite time to spend with you is training together. No matter how many times you’ve told him to “fight with an intent to win” he simply refuses— saying how, he’s “far too powerful” for you.

But deep down he just doesn’t want to hurt you…

Chatting in the middle of a training

“Tsunade-sama hasn’t assigned me any missions lately *throws kunai*” , “Maybe if you threw your kunai accurately, she will. *dodge kunai*” , “Kakashi, shut your pretty mouth up. *throws MORE kunai aggressively*”

When you turned him down while he was showing off his new tricks, though, it weirdly turned him on.

He loves someone powerful, with a right amount of cocky.

Doesn’t talk big. He’s a man of action— his action speaks louder than words!

Doesn’t spoil you that much, though. Because it’s actually him who needs to be spoiled.

Really loves it when you trace your fingers all over his skin— it’s intimately soft, he claimed.

LOVES YOUR SCENT. Has it memorized probably.

He’d prefer someone independent. Someone who could actually take care of themselves instead of relying on him completely. 

Anyone too childish would remind him of Team 7, tbh.

Speaking of Team 7, they would probably be the one to get introduced to you.

Naruto was so shocked to find out that his sensei was capable to develop a romantic feeling towards someone. But he had his doubt— do you really know Kakashi? He started to bombard you with questions to test your knowledge.

“So, do you know what’s Kakashi Sensei’s favorite—“ , “I’ve seen his face. Multiple times.” , “YOU WHAT?”

Complained and sulked about it, “Kakashi Sensei, we’ve trained together for years. How could you?!”

Sakura was confused.

“How? I know he’s probably very handsome under that mask but come on, Y/N, reading smut in public? That’s an absolute no.”

On the contrary, Sasuke was thrilled, internally.

“Yeah. Finally. Old man has someone to annoy besides us. About time.”

He has a pretty bad behavior, too. Unlike Gaara, who’d put an emotionless facade when he’s only in the Kazekage mode, Kakashi would treat you just how he feels like doing it that day. 

Let’s be real, he has so many bottled up feelings inside his heart so it’s not a surprise that someday, somehow, a random painful emotion just hit him— hard, and he shut himself out.

The hospital is the place you immediately visit right after Kakashi’s arrival after a mission because you know he’d be there— reading his book with a few bruises here and there. But this time was a bit different. When he’s hospitalized, he would whine about you not being able to stay more than an hour— but right now you’re puzzled, since he’s been completely silent and avoiding you, answering your questions with a mere shrugs.

Tsunade told you that the mission went pretty well, thanks to Kakashi for eliminating all the enemies on the field, singlehandedly. You automatically knew that it must brought up his past traumas. “Kakashi, it’s not your fault.” you decided to speak, earning a glance from Kakashi, but that’s it. “It’s a mission and you protected all of your comrades!”

“I killed them, Y/N. I didn’t have to, but I did.” he said, with his eyes still glued elsewhere. “Every time I look at my hands, I feel dirty. It reminded me of that—“, “Kakashi, look at me.”

You moved closer to his bed, reaching out your hand and traced your fingers softly on his face. His cheeks were cold, and you could clearly see how he was slightly trembling with teary eyes. “Kakashi, if you didn’t do it— it could’ve been your own comrades. Now they’re safe and sound, thanks to you.”, you paused as he slowly began to move his sight to you. “And if I could meet you way sooner, I would remind you every day that it’s never your fault— it’s never been. You’re a good person, Kakashi. I, and all of us, are forever thankful for the things you’ve done.” you whispered, now wiping a few tears that fell down to his cheeks. A weak smile started to bloom, “I’m forever thankful for you as well, Y/N.”

[danny-pino-group-therapy]

Lost In A Daydream

Prompted by @tom-hlover: Benedict Cumberbatch X assistant reader, where Reader fell in love with her boss but knows that it couldn't be, so she resorted to writing which luckily she used a pen. Name as her writings became successful and even surprised her that Ben reads her works until he knew it was her and found out about her feelings, and he was feeling the same way too

Pairing: Benedict Cumberbatch x Reader

Warnings: None that I can think of, all fluffy.

Word count: 1,111

A/N: I'm not taking request, but I was asked very nicely, and I didn't want to let a fan down. I have a horrible time saying no, lol. I hope you like it @tom-hlover. So this is my first fic posted in forever, like in years, so be kind, please. If you like it, comment, like, reblog, please! I love your feedback.

Other notes: (Y/P/N) is Your Pen Name. *Gif Credit goes to @thelostsmiles*

Working as an assistant to Benedict Cumberbatch for the past year had been a fantastic opportunity, one you hadn't quite expected to receive. The job had been presented to you by Benedict's previous assistant when she turned in her resignation letter as she was moving away to be with family in the states.

Over the year assisting your boss, you had developed more than just feelings of friendship towards him. Being so close and constantly around Benedict, you slowly developed romantic thoughts. The feelings that you had were eating away at you slowly, and it was no chance you would spill them to Benedict or that he'd in any way return the same feelings, so you decided to put your college courses in creative writing to use and start by writing fanfictions here and there in your free time. When they began to gain attention, several of your readers suggested you start publishing eBooks and submitting drafts to publish. Never had you thought they'd take off as they did, but you had sold several books online, and one of your first books was due to release today in stores, under a pen name, of course.

"Good morning, (Y/N)." Ben said with a smile as he came into the studio to prepare for another day of filming his newest movie. He would spend a while in the makeup chair, so he always had a book on hand.

"Hello, Benedict. You look very cheerful this morning." You commented at the tall man's bright smile. Ben usually had his face buried in a script, but today you noticed he was carrying a bag from his favourite bookstore.

"Well, one of my favourite authors has just published another book, and it was released today. Just grabbed my copy on the way here." He sat down in the chair and cracked the new hardback book open.

It was then that you noticed the title of the book he had. Your book, to be exact, it was also then that your heart sank to your stomach, and you felt nauseated.

"What if he finds out it's me? What if he figures out it's about him? What if he knows it was me all along and he…."

"(Y/N)? (Y/N)? You with me?" Ben called out, making you snap your head up to look at him.

"With you? Wh-why. What do you mean?" You laughed a bit, trying to brush the whole thing off.

"I asked you if you had read any of (Y/P/N) 's books before, but you seemed very occupied." He laughed, making you gulp and blush a bit, looking down to some notes you had in your hand.

"Oh, ha, no. No." You cursed yourself for being so awkward. "I've heard great things, though, from friends."

"She's my favourite author. I'd love to meet her someday." Ben looked over you, carefully studying your curious behaviour before he got back to reading.

The day passed by with you trying to avoid Benedict unless he needed you beside him for work; otherwise, you stayed at a desk out of the way and tried working only to end up stuck in your thoughts.

Ben had a pretty good idea by the end of the day that you were the author of his favourite books, not only due to the way you had acted when you found out he had bought the book this morning but continued to avoid him all day when able. The actor would be lying if he said he didn't have similar feelings as the male character in the book towards his coworker. He was now determined to find out if the feelings were mutual between himself and (Y/N).

You were reading the same line again and again on a paper that had been given to you for a commercial that Ben was to be in in a few weeks.

Benedict came up behind you and called your name, going unnoticed by you with the first call.

"(Y/N)?" He said again and laid a hand on your shoulder to bring you back from your concentration.

You jumped and turned your head, looking up to the ocean blue eyes of your boss.

"Oh, Christ, you scared me." You placed your hand on your chest, feeling the thumping of your heart under your palm.

"You are jumpy today. Is everything okay? You seem a little off. Like in your own world almost." Benedict stated bashfully, wanting to say how he felt about you.

"Uh yeah, yeah. Just, um. Just a lot on my mind." You nodded and looked off. You just wanted to spill your guts to him and get it off your mind and chest.

"You can tell me anything. I know I'm your boss, but I consider you a friend as well. I need to, no, want to tell you. I only hope I'm not crossing the line or going to cross the line." Ben rubbed the back of his neck and tried to stop himself from continuing to ramble.

"I have feelings for you." Ben said suddenly.

"It was about you." You blurted out at the same time.

"I'm sorry?" You asked, staring dumbfounded at the handsome man you had admired. "Did you say you have feelings for me?"

"Yes. Yes, I do (Y/N). I also think you wrote the books, am I right?" He questioned curiously.

"Y-yeah. It's embarrassing. I'm so sorry if it's inappropriate." You wrung your hands and looked down at them. "I can take another job if it'll impact my position working with you." You continued.

"(Y/N)." Benedict interjected. "(Y/N)". He said again and failed to stop you, so he tipped your chin up and kissed your lips tenderly, only pulling away slightly to see if he crossed the line.

What he found was your eyes closed and your face in peaceful bliss. Smiling, Ben leaned in again and pressed a more passionate kiss, wrapping his arm around you, his large hand flat on the small of your back and one hand holding your face gently.

After breaking from the kiss and opening your eyes, you both had a smile.

"What about a date? Not a fictional one this time, an actual date. Then you can tell me about what else you have yet to publish, and I've yet to discover of yours." The actor chuckled as he looked down at you.

"A date I'm great with that idea, but you'll never see what I've posted on my blog. At least not yet." You died just thinking of what he would think if he saw half of the filth you had posted on your blog even before your employment with him.

[darkdevasofdestruction]

Where they take you on vacation - 7 Brothers + Diavolo

Found out the edits are made by @devilgram​ who has such a beautiful blog and posts so many Obey Me! things that are so cool! You did a great job with all the edits! <3

LUCIFER

Lucifer would like to take you to Romania, mostly because of all the stories of the great Wallachian ruler Vlad Tepes/The Impaler and wants to find out more about his ruthless yet effective methods of insuring no crime happens in his country ( and hopes they will work on his brothers too ).

Apart from the gorgeous landscapes from the mountainside, the possibility to go to the seaside, or see the different types of regional architecture ( like the unique Black Church ) from different cities, he’d also like to get a full experience of the language, the music, the traditions ( customs, clothes, foo ) and feel for a day like a native from the old ages. 

Even more, he’d find it very nice if you were to try out one of the traditional outfits, and would take a picture of you at the mountains, on a nice field, and put the developed picture in his coat, looking at it whenever he is working and misses you.

He can get pretty salty about the fact that there are still people who believe the Bran castle is Dracula’s true castle, instead of the Poienari fortress and wouldn’t hesitate to express his displeasure, but would appreciate the castle and everything displayed there nonetheless.

Also, would be the first to go to the Horror house, holding your hand if you get scared, and would feel incredibly proud that you trust him and feel safe around him, but would get such a kick out of using his demon form while at it, to scare the actors there.

His whole aesthetic draws people near as if they would actually approach a vampire royalty, which allows him to puff his chest out in pride, so hey, you’re dating a vampire now!

Would take you out at the fanciest restaurant, just to feel how the life at this place is.

Would love to take long walks on the beach at the sea, your feet in the water, holding hands, and just admiring the moon and stars while waves are your music.

You’d mostly stay silent and enjoy the atmosphere, but sometimes you talk a few words, and that’s when Lucifer is the most relaxed, calm and tender.

He would saying that he loves you with such ease for the first time in so long, and the kiss on your forehead would be so soft that it brings you more butterflies than any kiss ever could.

Lucifer looks so ethereal in the light of the moon, it’s almost like he’s glowing, and when you tell him, he’d actually blush softly, before chuckling and stroking your hair, not denying, nor agreeing with your statement.

---

Mammon

Mammon loves to spend money and grab it, so what better place than Las Vegas?

He’d love for the two of you to dress super fancy and flashy, in matching colours if possible, go gambling, scam people and experience the luxury night lifestyle, go to clubs, loud music and expensive alcohol and all that.

But Mammon isn’t all about the flashy and exciting night time, instead, he would mostly love to just see the world with you by his side, and his goals is to make you happy, to he does everything he can to go sightseeing with you and reads in advance about whatever places you could visit and tells you some fun trivia about the place, he’s treating you to the fanciest food and drink places, and would spoil you rotten when going shopping, loving to see you do a little catwalk for him every time you get out of the changing booth.

He’d definitely insist on buying super cute animal Pyjamas.

He’s a huuuuuge fan of the “His Queen/Her King” trope and loves showing you off as much as possible, so get matching Tshirts or jackets and he would be SOOO proud and would laugh confidently and proud all the time, his arm around you, saying how cool you two are together and all that.

He wouldn’t admit it out loud, but he honestly doesn’t believe he’s good enough for you, but when he sees how your dazzling smile is always directed to him and you cling on his arm whenever you watch the Lights Show on the big buildings, see the beautiful fireworks or watch the impressive singing fountain...Well, he can’t help but blush and kiss your forehead, feeling butterflies in his stomach.

He’s the kind of guy who would spam his DevilGram with either couple pictures in different places you visit, or just cute pics of you or you two messing around, and his account is actually very popular for the #CoupleGoalz trend.

At night, he would like to either cuddle with you and watch a movie, or go drive through the city at night, watch the night lights, and go on a cliff, stargazing and chatting openly about everything, because honestly, this guy is always dismissed and insulted by his brothers, it’s always a relief and a fresh air when he can be himself and just...Talk with someone. 

---

Leviathan

Levi is the biggest weeb in the world, so the first place you’d visit together is Japan.

Anime conventions, wearing cute kimonos while going to festivals or roaming the streets of Kyoto or Akihabara, couple cosplay (Henry and the Lord of Shadows), buying merch of your favourite anime/manga/game, going to Vocaloid concerts, buying the newest Ruri-chan figurines, trying out new video games that just came out and so on.

Actually wants to go to a Pokemon cafe and fangirls SO much about all the cute pokemon themes there.

He would get you all the cutest Pokemon plushies, especially if you’re not all that into Pokemon but want to share that interest with him, so expect a Skitty, Vulpix, Shaymin, Eevee and all its Eeveelutions, Milotic plushie, while he would already be collecting plushies for the rarest Pokemons, but he’s incredibly happy that you want to do this with him.

He also gets an Ekans just for the Lolz and let’s out his tail, mostly for troll purposes, but it makes you laugh and he could swear his heart stopped beating and his cheeks were redder than ever.

He secretly got you a maid outfit and would love to see you wearing it, but he’s too embarrassed to actually say.

He would blush SO much seeing you in a kimono with a nice hair pin and a fan, while going to see the Sakura trees blossoming and you look like the Sengoku type of heroines from the dating sims he plays so much (to get experience and not fuck up with you), but somehow, you’re so much beautiful than any CG he’s every seen, no matter how gorgeous the art is.

He would get lots of packs of Pocky and despite not saying it out loud, would put a pocky in his mouth and you’d get the hint and munch on the other end of the pocky, in the end kissing him softly.

Levi.exe stopped working.

He would love taking pics of you alone, because you’re so beautiful, and would edit them to look as ethereal as possible, if you want, to even have fantastic backgrounds, and would take pride in how popular your DevilGram/InstaGram is.

He also changed his Lockscreen to have you with your hand in a half-heart gesture, while yours has him with the other half, so whenever he looks at the clock, or sees a new notif, he sees you smiling, with a cute kitten filter.

His Wallpaper is the two of you kissing, edited with a few hearts, sparkles and a little “I love you” written in cursive in a corner (you edited the pic and suggested you both use it, but he denied, so you changed it yourself for him too, while he was busy gaming, and he liked it so much that he couldn’t change it back to Ruri-chan.)

---

Satan

Satan would choose England first for so many reasons!

He’s such a perfect gentleman and seeing everyone so polite and chivalrous there makes his heart bloom and would up his gentleman shills even more, wanting to impress you and make your heart skip with everything he does.

Loves to take you to different castles, see in real life everything he read in books and saw in movies or TV series, and he’s so mesmerised by the beauty of everything that he forgets he promised to be your guide, but his bright smile and the way his eyes sparkle in curiosity and glee make up for everything.

Besides, he’d definitely go back to you and explain in very precise detail the reason for his fangirling.

He’s a little nerd so bookstore dates are a huge YES, and more - CAT CAFES where you can read at your heart’s content. HUGE YES.

You’d both get our of there with tons of books that you will read together, cuddled up under the blankets while enjoying an aromatic tea that Satan prepared for you, together with some nice scones.

He’d want to go with you to Shakespeare’s grave, Dicken’s house, would like to see anything involving the Romantics and so on, since he’s in love with British literature.

Satan wants to go see the Harry Potter theme park so much, and would buy tons of merch for the two of you, and wants to go in full Hogwarts robes and wand with you.

Would take a gazillion pics of you together, that only you can see since it may ruin his reputation with his brothers for geeking out, but he’d love it if the universe was actually real.

He’d also take you to King’s Cross to take pic near the wall where you get to the 9 3/4 Platform.

And no trip to England could exist without a visit to Sherlock’s house, pretending to be detectives, and at Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum to admire all the figures and potentially take troll pics with them.

---

Asmodeus

Asmo wastes no time in taking you to Paris, of course!

And the first thing you do is have a coffee at the restaurant located on top of the Eiffel Tower.

He would, throughout all the trip, take tons of selfies EVERYWHERE, and aeshtetic pics of either you alone, him alone, or together.

He’s a Devilgram and Devilr celebrity, after all!

Loves going to all the little cafes and drink a hot beverage with you while looking and judging all the passer-bys, how they would never compare to how beautiful and fashionable you two are.

He takes you to the Versailles Palace while wearing the most glamorous outfits, and despite all the pics taken, he will tell you stories of when he visited the place long ago, and more, will tell you of the paintings displayed, since he’s rather knowledgeable.

Asmodeus will take you everywhere, but first, the Lafayette Galleries, all while streaming every second there, to shop everyone how amazing the place is.

Would pics the both of you sooo many pretty brand clothes, new skin care routine and make up products, that you almost wonder where he has all the money from, especially to pay someone to carry them back to your place.

Would take you to a lingerie shop where he’d make you try on all the cutest outfits and would buy them all, especially because he thinks they will make you more confident and wants to make sure you never thing bad of yourself, because if you’re dating him, then you’re obviously the most beautiful being he’s ever seen, inside and out. (he doesn’t count here, of course)

His wallpaper is a selfie of you two smiling and making a peace sign, from the top of the Eiffel Tower, seeing all Paris in the background, at evening, with the beautiful sky and the night lights all over.

Would take you on a cruise on Seine, serenading and drinking a glass of bubbly champagne, admiring all the buildings and the happy people sitting on the banks of the River, enjoying the scenery.

And of course, there’s no perfect trip to the City of  Love without some very tender and sensual love-making, with so many compliments, praises, soft touches and gentle kisses from Asmodeus, followed by a relaxing bath with milk, honey and rose petals, scented candles, bubbles and ambiental music, and of course, a lot of cuddling all night long.

---

Beelzebub

Beelzebub would want to go to Italy, since it’s the country with the best human food, and what better place to eat it them its home country?

Would actually love to go sightseeing with you and seeing all the pretty stuff there is.

He appreciates the architecture, statues and paintings of every historical place, loves to find out more about the country’s history and traditions and would like to take scenic pictures of all the places you visit...

And make a couple album where he puts pics with either you alone or together.

It’s his most treasured possession and nobody except Belphie knows about it, and while he is happy that his brother is happy, he would say it’s so cheesy.

Would have fun when doing the classic “Pushing the Pisa Tower” picture, would like to sing when you go on a Gondola ride in Venice, and pretend to be a gladiator at the Colosseum, while you’re his Caesar.

If you get him a necklace or a keychain, he’d never take it off and has it as his lucky charm, kissing it whenever he misses you or wants the day to go good.

After he understands how the food is made, he’d want to make it himself, so you cooking together would be so cute and fun, and the way you see the love and tenderness in his eyes as he looks at you laughing, while your face is covered in flour...

He’s such a precious and soft baby, and he loves you so much.

Also, he’d love to carry you around just for fun and because he loves holding you close to him, so either bridal style on on his shoulder, you say it, and he’s gonna do it.

Will also like to take lots of short videos with you two, just fooling around, giggling, laughing, making jokes, kissing, pretending to be kittens, having flour fights and all that, since they’re beautiful memories and whenever he’s sad, he watches them and he forgets the reason he was sad in the first place.

---

Belphegor

Belphegor would take you to New Zealand, because he saw how beautiful and green the landscape were, thanks to the Lord of the Rings movies, so he wanted to see what would be like stargazing on such a flowery field, or sleeping in a Hobbit hole.

He’s pretty sleepy all the time, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t take you to see the big cities as well, eat out, shop for souvenirs and so on, but his heart is taken by the simplicity and peace the countryside and forests hold.

Belphie would actually like to have his head on your lap as you stay at the bottom of a tree and read, much like Froddo Baggings would, waiting for Gandalf.

It’s a guilty pleasure of his, but he wants to see ‘Gandalf’s’ fireworks, and when a festival like that happens, he’d hold your hand tight, having a soft smile on his face and a tender look in his eyes.

Despite not saying it very often, he will confess his love for you.

It’s barely above a whispers, but it’s genuine.

It’s simple, small, but meaningful and beautiful nonetheless.

As you stargaze on the field, he’d tell you the names of all stars and constellations that you can see, and would tell you some trivia he knows about them.

Would take a few pics here and there, but his favourite one is one where you two are on the ground outside, both your heads on his favourite pillow, while looking at each other, both of you having such genuine and pure love in your expressions.

If he ever wakes up earlier than you, and likes to troll a bit, he’d get his tail out and tickle your noes, smirking at how cute your half-asleep reactions were, but would play innocent when you ask about it, only kissing your nose to make you forget and reassure you that it was only a dream (it wasn’t).

---

Diavolo

Diavolo is so easily excitable, despite his age and title for the next Devil Lord, but honestly, he wants to take you to Iceland to see the Northern Lights that you spoke so fondly about.

There are so many pretty things to see in the Devildom alright, but none of them quite as fascinating to him as how the sky lights up with so many different and beautiful shades of green, blue and pink, it’s almost unreal!

Who would have thought that the Human world could hold such natural wonders?

He could have sword you were a witch or something, and just wanted to impress him with your magic, as if charming him wasn’t enough, but this beauty makes him behave even more like a child, leaving him speechless and breathless.

Diavolo would kiss and hug you, spinning your around so many times, if you allow him, you forgot to count, which is his way of thanking you for showing him this place and he’s honestly just so happy that he can share this precious moment together with you.

You tell him some old stories about how they say the ancestors’ souls watch over everyone from up there, and that even the animals who died have their souls there, living in peace and quiet.

Despite knowing it’s obviously not true, the tales humans come up with are so creative and make so much sense to their beliefs, he’s genuinely fascinated by all these old stories and would like for you to tell him more.

Iceland’s landscapes are also to be taken into account, and Diavolo will take thousands of pics of you literally everywhere, just because you’re so cute and he’s so damn happy and wants many memories together.

Would like for you to take a selfie with his phone, while at the Northern Lights, and would make Lucifer frame it so he can have it on his desk whenever he’s working, and whenever he gets bored, tired, or just misses you, he’d gaze fondly at the picture and would occasionally kiss it.

[liberty-barnes]

Letters To A Stranger

Peter Parker x Female!Reader

Summary: The story of a girl who loved a boy, but couldn't talk, so she wrote.

Warnings: fluff for a bit, but then massive angst, and i mean massive, STOP READING HERE IF YOU DON'T WANT ANY SPOILERS BUT I WOULDN'T FEEL OKAY WITHOUT LISTING ALL THE ANGST FACTORS 

(mentions of ED, mentions of self-harm, implied character death, mentions of social anxiety)

Word Count: 1.3k words

Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

A/N: did you miss me?

Masterlist 

February 21st, 2024

Dear Cute Boy On The Subway, 

Are you new? Or was I simply too oblivious to your presence until now? I've never seen you before, you're really pretty.

 I don't think I've ever used the word "pretty" to describe a man before. Well, boy, but my point stands.

But you really are. With your caramel eyes, and artistically tousled hair. You're cute. Kind of like a puppy. Not that I'm attracted to dogs, of course, but there's really no better way to describe you. Your face lights up when you talk on the phone, like an excited golden retriever who'd just been told he was going for a walk. I wonder who you're talking to. Is it your partner? Please, say you're single.

You get off after me apparently, so I guess I'll just keep my pining to my letters and hope to see you again tomorrow.

Kinda wishing I was yours,

Your secret admirer.

February 22nd, 2024

Dear Cute Boy On The Subway, 

You're back! Is this a simple coincidence or are you a regular? 

From the backpack on your shoulder, I'd say maybe you're a student. I don't go to school. You make me wish I did if only to see your face every day for more than the short ten minutes of our joint ride.

I wonder how old you are. You look old enough to be in high school, but which year are you? I know I'm only nineteen, but I'd feel a little bummed about crushing on a fourteen-year-old.

You're smiling again today. I'm glad. I don't see a lot of smiles at the diner. Mostly glares, impatient huffs, and tired, distant expressions. It's a nice change.

I have to go now but thank you for making my day.

Hoping to see you again tomorrow, 

Your secret admirer.

February 23rd, 2024

Dear Cute Boy On The Subway, 

I'm starting to think that smile is permanent. It's the third day in a row that I've gotten on the train and was immediately greeted with your beaming smile as you watched some video on your phone. It made me smile too.

Your sweatshirt's pretty. It says "Midtown Tech" on it. Is that a school? Is it your school? 

I may have to do some digging later.

Please don't think I'm a stalker.

Your totally not-stalker secret admirer.

March 1st, 2024

Dear Cute Boy On The Subway, 

I was late this morning so I didn't get to see you. My boss was not happy about it, I felt like I was walking on very thin ice.

And then this guy grabbed my ass while I was taking his order. I acted on instinct, tried to remember everything they taught me at my self-defense class. I ended up accidentally punching him in the face. 

So yeah, I lost my job today. Which is why I'm here so early. I might stay on the subway just to see which stop you get off on. 

Yeah, maybe not, that'd be weird and I should start job hunting as soon as possible.

Thank you for making me smile on a bad day.

Thank you for being you,

Your secret admirer.

March 17th, 2024

Dear Cute Boy On The Subway, 

I got a new job! I'm working at this coffee shop/bookstore and it's honestly the greatest thing in the world. I get to be around books AND get free hot chocolate, how much better can life be?

You looked a little down today, I wonder if you're okay? Is everything well at home? Maybe school's the problem? Maybe you got a bad grade, but you look really smart so I don't know.

I hope you're feeling better tomorrow,

Your secret admirer.

March 19th, 2024

Dear Cute Boy On The Subway, 

I wish I knew your name, that way I'd know who to address this to. But I guess Cute Boy On The Subway will have to do. 

You were smiling again today, that's nice. I haven't seen you smile in a while, I was starting to get worried. The sweater you were wearing looked a little too big to be yours, the collar slipped down a little when you moved. It looks like there's a massive bruise on your upper chest. Does it hurt? Are you okay?

I wish I was brave enough to ask you in person.

Get better soon, 

Your secret admirer.

March 25th, 2024

Dear Cute Boy On The Subway, 

You're back to not smiling today. I don't like to see you frown. Not at all. I want you to tell me what's wrong. I want to help you get better, see you smile again.

I want to talk to you.

I'll do it tomorrow, 

Your secret admirer.

March 26th, 2024

Dear Cute Boy On The Subway, 

You were sad again today. But that's okay, cause I said I'd talk to you. 

Except I didn't.

My stomach started doing uncomfortable flips and I had to get off the train earlier than usual so I could throw up. It was not fun. 

Maybe I just have the flu?

Hopefully, I'll be better tomorrow,

Your secret admirer.

March 30th, 2024

Dear Cute Boy On The Subway, 

I've tried talking to you for three days, every time I had to get off and empty my stomach's content. I started to see a pattern so after a half week of that vicious cycle, I went to see my doctor.

Turns out I have social anxiety tendencies and you simply trigger them a bit. So, basically, my body won't let me talk to you.

I'm a little sad but also kind of relieved. At least I know I'm not voluntarily letting you slip through my fingers.

Not that I ever plan on doing that, you've become too important.

I hope you smile tomorrow,

Your secret admirer.

April 7th, 2024

Dear Cute Boy On The Subway, 

I'm worried about you. Your sleeve rose a little when you held onto the pole. There are scars there, familiar ones, ones that I recognize as scars left by one's own hand. Physical marks of a person's suffering.

Why are you doing that? It hurts to know that you feel down enough to resort to that. I want to help, but I can't bring myself to talk to you.

Please stop this,

Your secret admirer.

April 12th, 2024

Dear Cute Boy On The Subway, 

Your eyes were red today. You've been crying. There are dark circles under your eyes, how long has it been since you've last slept?

A lady asked you if you were alright. You said you were just a little tired. I've never heard a more obvious lie.

I wish I could talk to you,

Your secret admirer.

April 16th, 2024

Dear Cute Boy On The Subway, 

The dark circles haven't gone away, if anything they've gotten darker. But now there's a bruise on your cheek. You seem to be getting thinner too.

What's going on?

Your secret admirer.

April 28th, 2024

Dear Cute Boy On The Subway, 

How much weight have you lost? Your cheekbones are more prominent, and your arms are getting thinner by the second. Why don't you eat? 

The bruises are more frequent now. Cheek, eyebrow, lip... 

Who's hitting you?

Who's making you suffer?

Your secret admirer.

May 6th, 2024

Dear Cute Boy On The Subway, 

I haven't seen you in a few days. I wonder where you are.

Are you okay?

I'm sorry, that's a stupid question, you probably aren't.

I've decided that next time I see you I'm gonna talk to you. Ask you what's wrong. Force you to tell me if that's what it takes.

I hope you're safe.

Your secret admirer.

May 27th, 2024

Dear Peter Parker, 

I'm sorry I wasn't brave enough to talk to you when I had the chance.

I hope you're in a better place now.

I'm sorry you were alone when you did it.

I'm sorry you had to do it.

With love,

(Y/n).

yes, i'm one of those authors that post something an then disappears for two months, i'm sorry. i've been super busy with school and i haven't really had the motivation to write lately but i got this idea and i just needed to get it out.

also, i may be getting a new computer in like 1 or 2 weeks, so that's cool! it'll be better to write and stuff cause this one's getting kinda slow and sometimes it's hard to post stuff cause it won't load lmao.

anyway, i hope you liked it and if you did don’t forget to reblog/comment/like

love you all!

-Miah

«────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────» 

Taglists: (if your name is striked through it means for some reason tumblr wouldn’t let me tag you) 

PERMA TAG 

@jeezkiddo​ @officiallyunofficialperson​  @beananacake​ @theunderlier @harrysleftchelseaboot​ @averyfosterthoughts​ @onebigolemess​ @samoney69​ @agirlwithpointlessideas​ @ddaawwssoonn​ @inhumanwithpowers​ @imagineshere-forall​ @stiles-banshees​ @orowit​ @spideynut​ @deathofmissjackson​ @parkersbliss​ @ephemeral-limerences​ @write-from-the-heart​ @cardboard-ben​ @my-alignment-is-bisexual @mendes-marvel​ @timotayswriter​ @inthecornerchair​ @lovelynerdytraveler​ @niallssweetheart22​ @incorrect-things​ @lost-in-the-stars03​ @harishaanne​ @ellamw04 @bisexual-disappointment​ @onelovesr​ @ellyseveronica​ @sovereignparker​ @notsosmexy​ @theamazingtomholland​ @lozzypoz321​ @peterspideyy​

PETER PARKER TAG 

@dreaming-lia @markleehee​ @juliebean247​ @quechulitaaa​ @bubblegumbarnes​ @sofiaconlaz​ @bellaaa321-blog​ @parkerpetertingle​ @emily-louise-hynes @clara-licht​ @ekelly2015​ @inlovewithmobtom​ @quaksonhehe​ @danicarosaline​ @tutuabby28​ @sovereignparker​ @spn67-sister​ @t-monosapiens-h @kayleypaige2233​ @galaxystern08​ @highlydisfunctional1​ @jillanaholland​ @zeusmyster​ @sirtommyholland​ @a-singleboat​ @allthisfortommy​ @middevil456 @kdotcxz​ @drishtisikarwar 

MARVEL TAG 

@dreaming-lia @emily-louise-hynes @arts-ismything​ @peachyafshawn​ @cathwritestragediesnotsins​ @spn67-sister​ @t-monosapiens-h @galaxystern08​ @highlydisfunctional1​ @jillanaholland​ @hyluas @ravenagrimes @captainbuckyy​ @kaylig02​ @crazyassbitch-things-blog @sharenaloveyouX @tacobacoyeet​ @andycanbeemotional​ @angelicromanoff 

[dameronsgalaxygal]

I’ve Been Waiting For You - Chapter 3: Voulez Vous

series masterlist

Pairing: modern!poe x reader

Warnings: language, drinking, mentions and implications of past abusive relationship, light angst, things get steamy.

Word Count: 3176

Song Link: Voulez Vous

A/N: this took a really long time!! @rewritingstarrs and I filled the doc with notes/comments/suggestions and I still feel meh about it but hopefully it doesn’t disappoint!! don’t worry, things will be fine. don't forget to listen to the song! as always, feedback and comments are appreciated! taglist is open!

Summary: A night out in the city with your friends leads to the unexpected with Poe. 

The first few weeks in Florida had been pretty good. Your things were completely unpacked, your room decorated to your liking, and to your surprise, not one missed call from Kyle. Rey and Rose had toured you around Miami Beach, and as promised, Poe sent you the information for his aunt’s bookstore down at the shore.

You were walking down the beach with your roommates when you saw the little store across the street named “Solo Reads”.

“Hey, I’ll catch up with you guys later. I’m gonna go look inside this bookstore” You pointed across the street.

“Sounds good, text me when you’re done.” Rey said before trailing off with Rose.

The bookstore was small and antique-style. It looked as though it had been in this location for hundreds of years, the walls slowly starting to fall apart, but it added to the aesthetic. The smell of polished wood and coffee flooded the room and you couldn’t help but smile. You loved it.

You walked around in admiration until a short older woman peeked from behind an aisle. “Hello, dear. Can I help you find anything?”

Smiling gently, you approached her. “Hi, I was actually wondering if you were hiring. Your nephew is a good friend of my cousins and he referred me to you.”

She smiled back. “Ah, yes. Y/N, is it? Just moved from New York?” You nodded.

“I’m Leia.”

“Pleased to meet you, Leia.” You stuck out your hand to shake hers and she took it, grabbing your hand with both hers, squeezing tightly.

“You as well, Y/N”, she let go of your hand before walking behind the small checkout desk. “So when can you start?”.

“Start?” You were confused. You had just met the woman and you hadn’t even been interviewed yet.

“You know, start working. I need someone to care for the books more than I can. These babies, they’re old. I’d like to make sure they live as long as possible. Some customers aren’t so gentle in handling them. You were an English major, right? I know you’d appreciate all of these as much as I do.” She brushed dust off of a couple books that were stacked on the counter.

You completely understood. You had collected old novels and magazines since you were a child. Your favorite book being Pride and Prejudice. The idea of someone disrespecting a piece of work that an author put so much dedication into made you sad. You looked around the store before turning to face Leia.

“Absolutely. I will make sure that this place and these books are in great shape all the time”. It was true. You loved and adored all forms of literature, so you would work so hard to keep the place organized.

She smiled. “I know we just met, and that I didn’t give you a proper interview, but my nephew has great judgement in people. He told me you were a sweetheart, and I could tell that he was right the moment you introduced yourself. I know you’ll be good here”.

You blushed slightly. Poe called me a sweetheart?

Suddenly a girl, around the same age as you, burst through the door quickly taking off her jacket. “Sorry I’m late, Leia. I got distracted on the bus by this family who had never been to Miami before and their kid was amazed by the beach, so I missed my stop. But it was the cutest thing! You had to be there.” She made her way behind the desk and put her jacket down.

“Yeah, yeah. Tallie, this is Y/N. She’ll be working here soon.”

“Oh thank goodness. It gets lonely around here.” She chuckled.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to provide some sort of company” You smiled before your phone vibrated in your back pocket. You pulled it out to check the message. It was from Poe.

I’m down at the shore right now if you wanted to meet me and I can introduce you to my Aunt Leia!

You smiled before responding quickly:

I’m actually with her now! I got the job:)

You looked back up at Leia and Tallie who were talking and continuing to dust off the old books. “I can start working tomorrow, if that’s alright.”

Leia nodded. “Wonderful! We can discuss a proper work schedule later, but how does 11am work for you?”

“That’s perfect” Your smile widened. “Thank you so much, Leia. Nice to meet you Tallie!”

The two women said their goodbyes as you left the store with the same feeling you had after leaving Finn’s party a few weeks ago. So far, everything seemed to be going well, and you hoped that this was the start to the kind of life you had always wanted.  

You pulled out your phone to call Rey, but just as you were about to dial her number, Poe called you.

“Hello?”

“Hey! Congrats on the job. I mean, I knew she’d hire you, but still!” You could hear the smile in his voice.

“Thank you. For both congratulating me and for putting in a good word.” You, once again, were blushing.

“Of course. Thought I’d help you get a kick start here in the city. You got plans right now?” He asked.

You bit your lip nervously before responding. “Not really.”

Suddenly his voice through the phone sounded closer. “Good. Then can I treat you to lunch?” You jumped to turn around and see him laughing, his phone still pressed to his ear. A sense of deja vu ran over you as you remembered this was the same way Poe approached you at Finn’s party.

You hung up the phone and scoffed playfully. “You need to stop doing that.”

“I’ve only done it twice,” He laughed, putting his phone in his pocket.

You chuckled lightly before looking around. “So where are we going?”

“There’s a nice deli a couple blocks down. You up for sandwiches?”

Your mouth nearly watered at the thought. You hadn’t eaten since early this morning and it was only a couple slices of toast. “That sounds fantastic.”

The afternoon you spent with Poe was familiar. Just how you two talked for hours on his couch at Finns party, you two spent hours in the Deli talking about almost everything under the sun. He told you about his childhood growing up in South Miami, and he also revealed that his mother had passed away due to cancer when he was 18. You appreciated him sharing something so personal with you, and you wish you could do the same and talk to him about your past. But you had met him not too long ago. If you could hardly tell Rey who you have known your entire life, there was no way you could open up to your new friend right away. You had to admit though, every moment you spent time with Poe felt natural. It felt easy.

Over the next few weeks, your friendship with Poe skyrocketed. You had been working at the bookstore, and sometimes Poe would stop by to see Leia. Leia had mentioned that he had never visited this often, which made your heart flutter. You brushed it off though. You were enjoying your friendship with Poe and have someone brand new in your life. A blank slate.

You were sitting on the couch watching a movie with Rey and Rose when your phone buzzed. You smiled when you saw it was a text from Poe.

Hey! Just landed back to Miami and was thinking about going to the club with Finn tonight. We were wondering if you and the girls wanted to join.

“Poe wants to know if we want to go out tonight with him and Finn,” You asked your roommates, who didn’t take their faces off the TV.

“Yeah, I’m down. What time?” Rey asked and Rose nodded in agreement.

Yeah that sounds fun! What time were you thinking?

How bout 8? We can pick you up!

Sounds good. See ya then, Dameron.

Can’t wait :)

Smiling, you put your phone down. “Eight. They’ll pick us up” You reached for a chip from the bowl on the coffee table before returning to watching the movie.

Rose checked her phone. “That’s two and a half hours from now! I need to go get ready.” She stood up and headed to the bathroom to shower.

You laughed. You had gotten used to Rose spending at least an hour in the bathroom making sure she looked, as she liked to call it, “photogenic enough”.

Just as you were about to continue watching the film, Rey pressed pause and looked at you.

You cocked an eyebrow. “What?”

“What’s going on with you and Poe?” She asked with a smirk.

“What are you talking about? He’s my friend.” You chuckled before munching on another chip.

“Oh come on. When he’s not working, you’re with him. You smile every time he texts you. Him and Finn used to come over a lot, but since you’ve moved in, Poe has started coming over without Finn. Even Finn has noticed. He talks to me about it at work. Are you two-”

“No! No, Rey, it’s not like that.” You said sharply. You sighed when she didn’t reply at first, taken aback by your tone. “Look, I like Poe. He’s the first friend I’ve made after moving here. We get along really well and I enjoy being around him. Nothing’s happening between us. Okay?” You were saying this to Rey, but really you were trying to remind yourself of these things. You did like Poe. You were starting to like him in the way you had thought you liked Kyle, and it scared you. From what you had witnessed from the weeks you had spent being around him, you knew Poe wasn’t anything like your ex, but feeling something towards him meant feeling vulnerable. Were you ready for that?

“Besides, I don’t want to jump into anything right now. Not after everything with Kyle. I’m..” You paused to take a breath, your memories rushing back. “I’m still trying to get over that”.

She nodded, knowing that you hated bringing him up. “I’m sorry”.

“It’s okay” You reassured her. “Let’s finish the movie.”

The movie ended about half an hour later, giving you and Rey still enough time to get ready for your night out. You had been to a few bars with Rey since you had gotten to Florida, but not a club, and not with Poe.

You checked the temperature on the weather app, seeing it was going to be 80 degrees and humid. You changed into a pair of shorts and a crop top with a pair of white converse and gold earrings. You curled your hair and put on some light makeup. Your first time at a club, might as well look cute, right? Or were you subconsciously trying to impress Poe?

A few minutes after you had finished getting ready, there was a knock on the front door. “Coming!” You said as you headed towards the door, opening it.

Poe and Finn stood before you, smiling. “You look nice.” Poe smirked.

Your cheeks heated up once again, a familiar feeling around him. “Thanks”.

Finn rolled his eyes before chuckling softly. “You girls ready?”

Both Rey and Rose emerged from their rooms, “Yep!”

You all headed to the car after locking your apartment. You asked if it would be better to uber, but Rey wasn’t a big drinker and was always the designated driver. You trusted her to call an uber to take you all back home if she wasn’t feeling sober.

The club was huge. It was crowded and hot, bright and colorful LED lights that flashed through the entire room. The music was so loud that you could hardly hear your friends talking to you. But after a few drinks in, there was really no talking necessary.

You, Rey and Rose were on the dance floor allowing yourself to let loose. This was the first time you had actually felt a sense of joy. Yes, you were slightly intoxicated, but you had your friends, good music, a job that you enjoyed, and you were in Miami. You had seemed to forget about your past, and it felt so good.

Poe and Finn were getting more drinks at the bar, Poe unable to take his eyes off of you.

“You like her?” Finn yelled over the music for Poe to hear.

Keeping his eyes on you, Poe replied, “Fuck, man. I think so.” He laughed softly.

“Then go get her!” He nudged him, in which Poe smirked before heading to the dance floor.

You smiled as he approached you, reaching your arms out to grab him and pulling him to you. If you were sober, there was a likely chance you wouldn’t have allowed him to be as close as he was right now. But again, your past had seemed to leave you in the moment, and it was Poe.  

You danced together, jumping and spinning each other around until his chest was pressed against your back, hands on your hips. One of your hands was placed on his, the other snaked up to reach around his neck and run through his hair.

You could feel his hot breath on your neck as you grinded your hips against his. There was no denying that the man was getting very, very excited. Your breathing started to pick up, what with the humidity in the club and the alcohol in your system, not to mention the fact that your ass was pressed against the crotch of the guy you were starting to develop a crush for.

You felt Poes lips press against your neck and you gasped at the feeling. They were soft and warm and they provided a sense of comfort even in such an intimate setting. He continued to trace kisses up your neck until he spun you around to face him. You looked up at him to see dark eyes. You bit your lip before wrapping your arms around his neck, tugging on his dark curls as he pulled you closer. Lips nearly brushing over each other, you two continued to dance against one another.

At that moment, nothing else seemed to exist. Your foreheads pressed together, both of you smiling nervously, he leaned in to kiss you. Hesitant at first, you kissed him back. You swore you could hear fireworks going off in the background as you pulled away, music still pounding through your ears. You looked up at Poe as he jerked his head toward the door and whispered in your ear loud enough for you to hear, “Do you want to get out of here?”

With hardly any hesitation, you nodded. “Yes.” You had been drinking, but you were consciously able to respond verbally and process what he was really asking you. Everything you had mentioned to Rey earlier completely left your mind. You wanted Poe.

Poe smirked before grabbing your hand and pulling you out of the crowd. You looked around nervously to see Rey, Rose and Finn glancing at you and Poe as they continued to dance. Rey shot you a look and you nodded, letting her know that it was okay, and she winked at you.

Surprisingly unlocked, Poe opened the back door to his car and pulled you in, immediately latching his lips to yours as you shut it behind you. The kiss was rough and hot, but his lips fit perfectly against yours and you moaned slightly into the kiss as his tongue traced your bottom lip. His hands trailed from your waist up to your stomach and you pulled away for a breath.

Poes hands reached up to cup your cheeks, holding your face close. He leaned up and kissed the corner of your lips. Instantly, it all came back to you.

You were lying on the bed as Kyle hovered over you. Tears in your eyes, you stared at the wall. He leaned down to kiss the corner of your lips.

You had completely sobered up as the memories of Kyle came flooding back. Kyle used to kiss the corner of your mouth. The small gesture had brought back so many terrible memories and you decided that you couldn’t keep going, not tonight. You let out a breath, “Stop, Poe.”

Still in the heat of the moment, Poe responded without thinking. “No, no, no, hey baby, it’s okay.” his voice was calm as he brushed hair out of your face before leaning up to kiss you again.

“No, Poe. Stop!” Your voice was louder than you had intended. He pulled back immediately. “I’m sorry,” you avoided making eye contact, getting off of his lap and sitting in the seat next to him. “I want this. I really do….but I’m just not ready.” You looked down, hands fidgeting. “Uh, I think I’m going to go. Thank you for tonight, Poe….I’ll call you.”

You quickly got out of the car, walking through the parking lot as you opened your phone to call an uber.

“Y/N, wait! I’m sorry!” Poe called after you, but you kept walking. Poe leaned back against the headrest and closed his eyes. He let out a sigh, completely sobering up. “Fuck.”

You texted Rey as your Uber approached.

Got an uber home. Don’t worry, I’m fine. Just tired. I’ll see you when you get home.

It wasn’t a long ride back, but each second felt like hours. You started to wonder if you had just ruined what you had with Poe. If you did, it would mean losing the spark that you felt with him, losing a good friend, and that was the last thing you wanted. You weren’t angry at Poe. He had no idea. You were angry at yourself.

After what seemed like forever, you were home. You thanked and tipped your driver, walking into your apartment. Feeling exhausted, you went to bed right away, or at least tried to. It was difficult to sleep with so many thoughts running through your head. Memories of Kyle, walking away from Poe. Dancing with Poe. Kissing Poe.  

You are pulled from your thoughts when your phone that was resting on your bedside table buzzed.

Hey Y/N. I’m really sorry about earlier. I never intended to make you uncomfortable. I hope this doesn’t affect anything. Let me know if you want to talk. I’ll have my phone next to me all night. If not, no worries and I hope you sleep well.  -Poe

It gave you some relief knowing that Poe wasn’t freaked out by your outburst and that he wanted to talk. You wanted to reply to him, let him know everything would be okay, but you needed to allow yourself to calm down. The night may not have ended the way you intended it to, but there was still a huge chunk of you that still needed to be healed. Poe didn’t deserve to be treated like a rebound. You liked him a lot. You wanted to do this right, but you needed to be ready.

You let out a deep breath before putting your phone back down on the table, closing your eyes before you drifted off.

taglist <open> @twomoonstwosuns​ @rewritingstarrs​ @darksideofclarke​ @writingforhoursonend​ @demigod-dragonrider-schoolidol​ @lanatheawesome​ @fanfiction-trashpile​ @fantasticcopeaglepasta​ @softly-sad​ @aidela​ @yeeintensifies​ @the-cry-of-youth​

[oohfluffy]

TIHM Ch.2 | BBH

Group: EXO

Member: Byun Baekhyun

Theme: Angst | Fluff | Rated M | University!AU | Football!AU

Word Count: 1,818

chapter 2

The final bell rang throughout the room, signalling the end of the last subject for the day. However, your professor seems to have a different schedule as he continued discussing the human anatomy all over again. You stared at his powerpoint presentation, trying to keep awake and take notes of what he was saying.

You can hear some of your schoolmates already buzzing and getting ready to pack their things. After ten minutes, your professor finally ended his lecture, but not before leaving a hundred pages of lessons to review for a short quiz on the next meeting. You just let out a sigh as you hear groans of complaints among your schoolmates.

"Do you guys wanna hang out?" You hear someone ask around. "I hear that there is a newly opened pizza place near the bookstore by the street!"

"Yeah! I want to go!"

"I'm in for the food!"

"As long as Irene would go, I will too!"

You didn't bother looking at the crowd forming at the back of the room, and continued packing your things. You never went to any group gatherings anyway, not that they made efforts to invite you in any. You were invisible in their eyes. 

You stood up from your seat and quickly went out of the room without a sound. It was just half of the first week of your 3rd year college life, and it was the same as ever. As soon as you saw the lockers by the hallway, you brought out your key. Since it was nearing weekend, you'll start bringing home your books to read.

"You skipped practice on the last two days, man!" 

"I was busy—" 

"Busy with what?! What is more important than practice?!"

"Sex, man. I'm betting he did—"

"Shut up, Sehun." 

That was the last thing you heard before your locker door hit you in the face.

You groaned in pain as you pushed the small locker door away from your sight, looking down at your feet. You cursed in your mind while your hand caressed your reddening cheek. 

"Oh shit! I'm so sorry!" You felt a hand touching your shoulder, urging you to turn around. You just waved your other hand without bothering to look back at the person. "I'm so sorry, miss. I-I wasn't looking where I was going—"

"It's okay." You said, just so he will stop talking to you. You flinched as you became aware of his warm slender fingers on top of your shoulder. You moved away from him, closing your locker quickly after getting your books. You locked your locker and silently nodded your head at his direction, being respectful enough to acknowledge his presence and apology.

You held onto your left cheek with a frown as you waited for the bus in the waiting shed. You heard noisy teenagers hanging around the shed, making your eyebrow furrow in annoyance. Your eyes couldn't stop looking at them as you waited. 

You saw how much fun they were having.  

Their smiles, laughs, and teasings that they share within their circle of friends, you kind of envy their bond. You looked away as you gripped on the straps of your backpack tighter. 

How fun.

"I'm home." You said as you entered your apartment. You hear the radio's noise in the kitchen, making you smile. You quickly placed your shoes on the rack, and running to the kitchen. As you saw your roommate by the stove, you grinned in delight.

"My girl is home!" She exclaimed as she noticed your presence by the counter. She's in her baby blue apron with her hair in a messy bun. 

"Jiwon-ah." You greeted her as you sat on the tall stool chair by the kitchen island. "You got out of campus early today, huh?"

"Yep! Our prof for the last class was absent, and she just sent us an email for the upcoming quiz." Jiwon shrugged as she looked at the ramen she was cooking. When you met her two years ago, you didn't expect she will be a bubbly person. She's so pretty to the point you got intimidated of her dashing looks. You were not prepared to have someone bright as her to be your roommate in college. "I cannot accept the fact that we're having quizzes in the first week!"

But she was more than her looks. She was talkative, never letting you hear a pin dropping on the floor with her loud voice. She was also outgoing, becoming friends with people from different courses. You won't be surprised if she knows everyone in the campus. Even Irene's group knows her despite being in a different building.

"Me too." You frowned as you remember the hundred pages you need to read this weekend. You might start reading them later if there are no disturbances like Jiwon's loud voice. You were so deep into your thoughts that you didn't notice Jiwon was done cooking and was already beside you as she place a bowl of ramen in front of you. 

"Ooh, what the hell happened to your cheek, girl?" She pointed at your cheek, where a small bruise was forming. Your eyebrows furrowed in confusion before realizing that that locker door has probably damaged your face more than you thought it did. "Did someone punch you?!"

"No, no. It's an accident." You placed your hand on your cheek and tried pressing it, only to grunt in pain. "Damn, that locker door is harder than it seems."

"What? Someone hit you with a locker door?!"

"It's an accident, Jiwon." You shook your head as you sighed, picking up the chopsticks on your bowl to start eating. "Thanks for cooking ramen."

"Who was it?" She continued questioning you, picking her chopsticks up as well. "Did that person apologize?"

"I don't know who was it. Yes, he did." 

"Well, that's good. If he didn't, I would have to find him and kick him where it hurts the most." Jiwon smirked as she munched on her noodles. You just chuckled at her protectiveness and ignored her incoming threats to anyone who tries to hurt her roommate. "I don't like how your batchmates do not want to get close to you. Like you're one of the best people I've ever met, and they're just treating you as an invisible woman."

You felt better chatting with your best friend slash roommate. She was the only one who appreciated you, and treated you as her own sister. She may be clingy most of the time, but she makes you feel accepted in this new environment you are living in.

"Oh! I forgot to ask you if you're interested in working part-time in my aunt's new coffee shop?" 

Your eyes widened as you turned to her, full of excitement and curiosity. Jiwon glanced at you and laughed as she shook her head. 

"Why did I even ask, you love coffee." She said with a smile, making you nod in agreement.

"I would love to work in a coffee shop, Jiwon!" You responded after you slurped down the soup from your bowl. You worked at the library last year, until you got too busy with school and ended up quitting in the summer. "I was about to seek for part-time jobs around the campus. Thank goodness you asked me."

"Welp, I'm your fairy godmother! It's my responsibility to make your life easier!" 

You spent the whole night listening to your best friend's stories and gossips, which you aren't really interested but chose to listen. You enjoyed her company anyway. You looked at your biology book resting on the table in front of you, deciding that you can start reading tomorrow.

"Are you going on Friday?" Jiwon asked you, making you look back at her in confusion. She raised her eyebrows in disbelief. "Of course you don't know about the first football game of the term!"

"Oh, that. What?"

"You're not going as usual? Oh come on! Come with me on Friday!" She pouted while shaking your arm in persuasion. "I'll introduce you to nicer people!"

"I've met your friends, you know. They're not that interested to be—"

"Not Krystal and her entourage! I said nicer people!" She emphasized, her eyes widening as if to prove a point. "I'm certain you will like them!"

"Will they like me though?" You rebutted her, raising your eyebrow. Jiwon huffed, shoulders deflating in defeat. She looks so sad that you almost gave in her favor.

"I'll buy you two corn dogs, extra large fries, and mocha frappe if you go—"

"I will go." You said in a heartbeat as you heard food involved in the deal. "You should have said earlier that you'll provide those."

"You bitch." She laughed as she pinched your cheek. "EXO will be playing, so we need to get there as early as possible or else we won't find any seats."

"EXO?" You mumbled as you tried remembering what or who was that. You just remember hearing the name a year ago when the music festival arrived. 

"You don't know them too?!" Your best friend shrieked as she looked at you in disbelief for the nth time tonight. "You've been in the university for two damn years and you don't know them?!"

"Stop screaming, our neighbors will totally report us tomorrow." You rolled your eyes at her. "I've heard of them before, I just can't recall who are they."

Jiwon just sighed in dismay as she leaned her back on the bean bag. You looked at her in expectation, waiting for her long ass explanation. And that is what you get.

"EXO is a group of hot guys, coming from the Engineering, Advertising, Art, and Music departments. Most of them are scholars, and not only they are intelligent, they are also talented. Some participates in dance competitions internationally, and some in band festivals. If not performing arts, intellectual competitions are what they join into!" Jiwon narrated like a storyteller, hands going up in the air as she enthusiastically emphasize her admiration to the said people.

You nodded as you listened to her introduction. Sounds like a popular group.

"They also represent our university's football team!" She exclaimed excitedly, looking at you with a smile. "That's why they are so well-known everywhere. They are just so amazing!"

"I see." You replied to her long explanation, with a serious face as if you were indeed interested in the so-called group of hot guys. 

"That's all you can say?" 

You shrugged at her dismayed question. She scoffed at your indifference. 

"Well, we still need to get on the field real early!"

"Then you need to buy my food as soon as you get out of your class then." You smiled innocently at her frowning face. "I'll head to the field as early as I can and save us seats."

"Hmp, fine!"

You are so looking forward to that most anticipated game.

Really.

—

♫ Ch. 3

[mrsbhandari]

Shutter - Part 2

a/n: HI it me!! i don’t really have much to say lmao, but i hope you like it!! also the cover of vogue looks like this, by the lovely @lxdy-starfury, and is like the entire inspiration behind this fic so yee!

warnings: some language but that’s really it

words: 2k

tags: @lxdy-starfury, @huntress1024, @anotherbeingsworld, @brightpinkpeppercorn, @chaotic-ramsay-queen

#

“Can you believe I got his number?” 

“You what?”

“We talked a little bit after the shoot.” Nia guiltily fidgeted with her tea cup, her ring making small clicks against the porcelain. 

“Okay, talking is very much different from getting his number. You have a billionaire’s phone number.” Incredulous, Naexi sat back in the plush seat of the book store lounge area, shaking her head. “So now what? Is he gonna be your sugar daddy?”

“What?! No!” Nia blushed furiously. “I don’t like him...that way.”

“Sure. And I didn’t just get credited with the cover of Vogue.”

“Congratulations, by the way.” Nia tried to change the subject, which Naexi picked up on and allowed. Nia grabbed the latest issue of Vogue off the table in front of them, admiring the glossy cover of Tyril with his hair in a messy ponytail and a somber look behind his glasses. “He was...unexpected, though?” 

“What do you mean?”

“I expected him to be like all of those aloof and distant love interests in romance novels.”

“And how did he seem to you?”

“He was really sweet! Super warm, like you could just talk to him all day about everything and he would totally understand.” Naexi hummed, looking down into her coffee. “What? How did he seem to you?”

“I’m...not sure.” She shook her head and looked back up to her friend, giving an easy smile. “He felt nice enough, but I totally bet it’s all some act. He’s definitely a vampire.”

“At least he’s attractive.” 

Naexi sent a glance down to the magazine. “Maybe.”

#

“So what I’m getting from this is...you’re in love?” 

“That’s absurd! I am in nothing of the sort.” Tyril sat straight up in his chair, which was a direct contrast to Mal, whose feet were spread as he lounged lazily in the wire seat. Despite the cold, they sat in the outside seating section of a small cafe, right near small space heaters set up by the table. “I never said anything about even liking the woman--”

“Alright, alright, chill out. I was only joking, but it sure seems like I might’ve been right.” Mal sent a smug smile over the table and raised an eyebrow. 

“What are you talking about?” 

“Dude, you want to impress her? You want her approval? You noticed the smell of her lotion? I diagnose you with love, bud.” He crossed his arms and briefly glanced towards his bike that was parked across the street; a car seemed to be driving kind of close to it. When he returned his gaze to Tyril, his friend was pensively staring at the half-eaten pastry on his plate and chewing on his nail. Reaching across the table, Mal plucked Tyril’s hand out of his mouth and held it on the table top to get him to stop. “It’s not a bad thing.”

“I don’t have time for it, though. That’s the problem.”

“C’mon, Ty. We both know that’s bullshit. You’re into her, but you’re afraid of getting hurt and don’t want to take a risk.” Mal squeezed his friend’s hand. “I agree that what happened with Kaya sucked, but you have to be willing to step back out on the edge to see the view, even if you might fall.”

“Poetry is supposed to be my thing, Volari.” 

“What, I’m not allowed to be romantic?” He batted his eyelashes and placed a hand under his chin, prompting a small smile from Tyril. 

“Not with that haircut, you’re not.”

“Hey!” 

#

“Um…” Naexi cautiously eyed the large vase of flowers on her desk, tapping her coworker Belana on the shoulder before approaching the tulips. “What is this? Who delivered these?”

“Well, they look a lot like tulips and a delivery guy just came with them about ten minutes ago. Who’s the admirer?” Belana wiggled her eyebrows, laughing when Naexi shoved her shoulder. 

“As if I know.” She set her bag down and dug through the jungle of vibrant red to find a small card. The gold inscription read “When I’m around you, I lose my focus,” paired with a tiny drawing of camera in simple black ink. It wasn’t signed. 

“Well?”

“I have no clue what to make of it.” She handed the card to Belana, who burst out laughing at the joke. 

“That’s a good one! Because you’re a photographer!” 

“No, stop, please. My stomach hurts from laughing so hard.” Snatching the card back, she read it again before pushing the vase to a miraculously unoccupied corner of her desk and placing the card in one of her frames, the one housing the picture of Nia and her on a work trip in Paris. Nia was a bookkeeper at a small bookstore, but she abused the hell out of Vogue’s plus one policy on trips. She grabbed her phone and found Nia’s text conversation quickly, typing out a short message asking about the flowers.

NIA: that’s so weird! I have no clue who could have sent them.

#

Nia definitely had a clue who could have sent them. She had so much of a clue, in fact, that she scrolled down to her conversation with Tyril, the exact person who sent them. 

NIA ELLARIOUS: She got them! And she doesn’t know who sent them.

TYRIL STARFURY: Did she like them?

NIA ELLARIOUS: Hm, I’m not sure. She didn’t say anything about them, just that she wasn’t sure who they were from. We’re having lunch today, I can ask her then.

TYRIL STARFURY : I can’t thank you enough! I hope this isn’t awkward, being somewhat of a spy for your friend. 

NIA ELLARIOUS: Of course not! I think it’s incredibly sweet what you’re doing.

TYRIL STARFURY: Thank you, I’m very nervous about it working. 

NIA ELLARIOUS: Don’t be! It will all work out, I can promise you that. 

TYRIL STARFURY: Thank you.

Nia slipped her phone into an apron pocket and went back to humming as she dusted the shelves. 

#

“I’ve probably gained twenty pounds since you’ve started working here. These pastries are to die for,” Naexi moaned as she bit into her chocolate croissant, savoring the flakiness of the breading that practically melted in her mouth. 

“Me, too,” Nia sighed, nervously fidgeting with her apron. 

“What’s got you all nervous?”

“Hm? Oh, nothing!” She offered a shaky smile, which did nothing to squash Naexi’s suspicions. 

“So we’re lying to each other now?” 

“No, of course not!” Nia struggled to come up with a believable lie that could easily segue into talking about the flowers. “I’m just still trying to think who would’ve sent you flowers today. Very odd.”

“To be honest, I kind of forgot about them.”

“Really?!” Nia set down her teacup before she had the chance to drop it. “I know if someone sent me flowers, I would be thinking about it for the rest of the day.” Naexi hummed. “What?”

“Now that I’m thinking about it again, it is kind of weird. I haven’t been dating in a while, so who could’ve done it? And obviously they were sent by someone who barely knows me, because the joke was….not my style.” 

Smirking, Nia spoke before she could stop herself. “Maybe that’s why you’re so cranky. You need to put yourself out there more.” 

After a small moment of silence seemed to be occupied by Naexi’s thoughts, she waved her hands. “I think not. No significant other is going to keep me from being my grouchy self. Sorry to disappoint.”

Nia threw her arm around her friend’s shoulder. “I’d never want you to change.” For the rest of her lunch break, the two girls sat and talked while watching people pass outside the window of the store. As soon as Naexi left, Nia eagerly fished out her phone and found Tyril’s text conversation.

#

“I shouldn’t have gone with that inscription.” Tyril was pacing back and forth in his office between where Imtura sat in one chair and Mal sat in another. He was chewing on his nail again, and Mal stood to take his hand away again. He sat back down in his chair with a firm grip on Tyril’s hand, limiting the length of the billionaire’s pacing while still not stopping it. 

“Will you stop panicking? I’m sure the girl loved it,” Imtura reassured, barely looking up from her phone. “It was a pretty funny joke.”

“But what if she doesn’t like jokes?!” Tyril exclaimed, running a hand through his hair and pulling some pieces out of its tidy half-up do. 

“Ty!” Mal stood and grabbed his friend’s other hand, forcing him to stop and look at him. “I’ve never seen you like this. C’mon, talk to me.” 

“I’ve just never done something like this. Flirting and relationships and what have you....It’s all foreign to me. I want to make sure it’s perfect.” He jumped as his phone went off in his pocket.

NIA ELLARIOUS: She still doesn’t have any idea who sent the flowers, but she doesn’t really like puns. Especially about her job. 

TYRIL STARFURY: That is...most unfortunate. Thank you so much for your help.

NIA ELLARIOUS: Would you like to come by the shop and have lunch with me on Thursday?

He looked at the date; It was Tuesday.

TYRIL STARFURY: I would love to. 

NIA ELLARIOUS: See you then!

“I knew I shouldn’t have gone with your idea, Mal.” 

“She didn’t like the joke? Sounds like this girl’s a real snooze, if you ask me.”

“Good thing he’s not,” Imtura joked, dodging a punch from Mal. 

“Well, Nia invited me to lunch with her on Thursday--” He was cut off by his phone ringing, his father’s contact flashing on the screen. “Pardon. Hello, Father?”

“Tyril, I hope you are doing well.”

“You as well, Father. To what do I owe the pleasure of your call?” In his seat, Mal cringed at the formalities. 

“I’ve sent the information to your email, but I wanted to remind you directly about a charity gala I’m hosting next week, for the company.”

Mal rolled his eyes, but Tyril snapped his fingers and gave him a stern look, akin to a mother scolding a child. “Yes, of course.”

“Your sister has a date, so I would have to ask you to bring one as well. It would look good for the company.” Tyril opened his mouth to speak, but his father beat him to it. “Mal is already invited as a high ranking member of the company, therefore he cannot count as your plus one.” 

“Yes, sir. I will find a date for your gala.” 

“Thank you, Tyril. Goodbye.”

“Good bye.” Tyril continued to look at the phone, even after his father hung up.

“Well.” Clapping his hands together, Mal stood up and sighed, placing his hands on his hips and swiveling his body to crack his back. “He’s even more of a snooze than the girl.”

#

“Are you kidding me? Again?!” Naexi exclaimed, throwing her bag down on her chair since her desk was occupied by yet another large vase of flowers, this time peach dahlias. “Who is doing this?” Belana peeked over to her coworker’s desk, whistling at the sight of the large collection of flowers. 

“Damn! Wait, what logo is on the card?” Naexi fished the card out. 

“It says it’s from a place called Loola’s.” While Belana typed something into her laptop, Naexi read the card aloud. “‘For a woman with a unique view of the world and the means to capture it.’”

“Holy shit!”

“I don’t think it’s that good, but I--”

“Not that. I looked up a bouquet of peach dahlias from Loola’s and it looks like that one cost about a hundred and ten bucks.” 

Naexi blinked. “It still isn’t signed. I don’t…” she trailed off, looking again at the bouquet before whipping out her phone and texting Nia. 

NIA: Wow, another one?

NAEXI: Yeah! Belana says it cost 100$

Despite knowing who sent it, Nia’s eyes still widened at her phone. 

NIA: Seriously?! Any idea who it’s from yet?

NAEXI: Nope.

NIA: We can brainstorm tomorrow over lunch.

[not-the-tie-youre-looking-for]

Alphabet Squadron: Shadow Fall

⚠️ Spoiler warnings for the Star Wars novels Alphabet Squadron and Alphabet Squadron: Shadow Fall. Surprisingly, spoiler warnings for the series finale of Star Wars Rebels as well. ⚠️

Alrighty, to start this off, Saskia Maarleveld is apparently no longer the narrator for the Alphabet Squadron books; Carol Monda has taken that place. I wasn’t a fan of her narration style, and after about two chapters I gave up on the audiobook and got the hardcover at my local bookstore instead. Now that that’s off my chest, lets begin!

As I began to read, I was starting to wonder if maybe I should have re-read the first book before reading the sequel, but the characters do a very good job recalling the events that went down through conversation rather than exposition. I’ll probably reread the prequel afterwards anyways, but it did help my brain catch up to what I was reading. 

Hera Syndulla. Hera freaking Syndulla. She has a pretty big presence in this first half of the book, and it shows through the battles that occur and what other characters say about her. She’s one of my favorite Star Wars characters, so whenever she was given the spotlight I had my full attention on her!

“Yet Syndulla wasn’t finished. She shook her head gently and amended, “I have to decide what [taking down Shadow Wing is] worth. That’ s my responsibility as a general, and I promise you I will do the very best I can.” This takes me way back to Rebels during the Battle of Atollon and the Battle of Lothal; Alexander Freed writes Hera very, very well. 

“Syndulla took a sip of caf. Six cups and two thermoses stood guard around the room.” When I read this I did a double take. “Hera Syndulla is a caf addict” was not a headcanon I thought would be confirmed in this book, but here I am, pleasantly surprised. 

However, I soon experienced some serious emotional whiplash, as in this same meeting, Hera, Quell, and Adan discuss various methods of attack on Troithe when Alexander Freed decides to hit me in the heart with THESE lines:

Finally, the general nodded and drew up. [...] ”We wipe out the shields, bombers decimate the enemy before they can retreat to the bunkers. The timing will be challenging but I don’t see a way to make it easier. Not unless someone’s got a Jedi hidden away.”

No one spoke up.

“I can dream,” Syndulla said, and her smile was sadder than Quell would have expected.

And then, a bit later, these lines:

Quell had met the captain, though she couldn’t recall his name. He’d been younger than she’d expected, aware of the peculiarities of the campaign and insistent that Syndulla understood the cost in lives⁠—but never refusing an objective. Never asking why they were taking the capital in such a manner.

Be back, gonna go cry real quick...

Hera also seems to have created an outdoor work area that I got a real kick out of; it seems very Hera, and for whatever reasons reminds me of the crew of the Ghost hanging out in the cargo hold in Rebels:

General Syndulla spoke with the quiet authority that Yrica Quell had become accustomed to, sitting cross-legged on the hull of the Lodestar half a dozen meters from the nearest maintenance hatch. The general had made a camp of sorts, with a blanket spread on armor plating, a heat rod glowing to one side, and a spread of datapads around her like a fortune-teller’s cards. 

It’s also kind of funny but also kind of sad that the moment Hera leaves, things just kind of... fall apart?

Switching back to Shadow Wing’s POV of Hera, they see her as the face of the destruction on Pandem Nai. It’s quite disconcerting to see a group of Imperials want to target Hera’s battle group as a means of revenge for Pandem Nai. ⁠

When Soran Keize is training with some of the pilots of Shadow Wing, he plays holos of Hera in the Ghost, reminiscent of the simulators Sabine was in at Skystrike Academy. 

Lots of mentions of Vanguard Squadron from the new video game Star Wars: Squadrons. The game takes place in some locations in the Bormea sector, including the Nadiri Dockyards and Sissubo. About 3/4ths of the way through part one of Shadow Fall, Hera leaves the battle group to join them, which also accounts for her cameos in the game. 

I had totally forgotten that Quell had last her X-Wing and astromech droid at the Battle of Pandem Nai, but she keeps one of her droid’s chips as a necklace on her neck. Thought that was pretty cute tbh. 

After almost every mission, Wyl Lark records what went on in said mission and addresses those recordings to Blink, a TIE pilot in Shadow Wing he had a conversation with in the last book. When his finishes his recording, he deletes it. I’m interested to see where it goes...

When some of the pilots are hanging out together, Quell ends up telling stories of Vader, and I gotta say, he’s made to sound like a ghost story, Pretty creepy if I’m being completely honest.

And finally, the mentions of Admiral Rae Sloane. I know her better from A New Dawn, as I read the first Aftermath book and was not really impressed with the writing style. She also shows up in Star Wars: Squadrons trailer. Seems like Hera will meet back up with her after her early rebel days on Gorse. I’m looking forward to possible meetings between the two in either Squadrons or Alphabet Squadron. In any case, I’m going to be adding the Aftermath Trilogy back onto my reading list, along with A New Dawn. Hopefully I’ll actually be able to get through Aftermath....

Well, those are my main thoughts on part one of Alphabet Squadron: Shadow Fall. Look forward to part two soon!

As always, stay safe!

[dual1pa]

the fair.

*(PART 1) (PART 2) (PART 3)*

Warnings: TOO MUCH FLUFF 

Your parents were both out of the house before you woke up. They left for a business trip and they would be gone for the next couple days. It was a nice feeling to have the house to yourself for a while. It would be quiet and you could have your friends over. You could also have your new boyfriend, Steve over as well. It was going to be a crazy next few days but you were excited. 

Once you woke up, you went downstairs and threw some bread in the toaster. While your food was warming up, you were debating whether or not to call Steve to see if he was off work or not today. You decided against it when you realized that he worked at Scoops everyday. You splattered peanut butter on your bread and took it back upstairs to your room. You turned on your tiny TV to some random sitcom. You didn’t have to go into work until 11am, when the store opened. You glanced at your clock resting on your bedside table and it read 9:37am. After you finished eating breakfast, you quickly jumped into the shower. 

---

After drying yourself, putting on some makeup and put your hair in a half up/half down look and walked out the door for work, locking the door behind you. Lucky for you, work wasn’t that far from where you lived, so you didn’t need a car. Would you like a car? Sure, but it’s not something you needed. You hopped on your bike and you were on your way. You told Mel, the owner of the bookstore, that you couldn’t work late because of the date you had planned with Steve. Mel was very understanding since him and your family go way back. He said it was alright if you close up shop at 5 instead of 7. 

You grab the key to open the store from your backpack and take a seat at the cashiers desk, patiently waiting for your first customer. You weren’t expecting a lot of people today cause of how business decreased because of the mall but you had hope. 

Since you had nothing else to do, you rearranged some books on the shelves, dusted off old books and grabbed some to keep at the desk to keep you occupied for the next 6 hours. 

-- 

Nothing newsworthy happened at work, there never really is but you did get some familiar customers. You double checked to make sure that everything was locked and loaded before you left for the night. Now the night really began. Once you got back to your house, you grabbed some high waisted blue jean shorts and tucked in a striped t-shirt into your shirt. You redid your makeup and put some lip gloss that really made your lips sparkle. You tied up your white chucks and waited downstairs until you saw Steve’s car pulling up. You locked the door and ran up to the car before Steve got out. 

“Wow, someone is excited to see me.” he said. 

Even though going to the fair was only your second date, it was like you’ve been together forever. 

Without saying a word, you pushed him up against the back door and brought him in for a kiss. So much for the lip gloss staying on. You broke the kiss and saw his lips sparkle just like yours. 

“I missed you.” you said, breaking out of his grip and walking over to the passenger side of the car to get in. 

“I missed you too, babe.” 

“So we’re starting with the pet names, now? We’re at that stage of our relationship?” 

“Do you not want me to call you babe?” he cocked his eyebrow.

“I’m just teasing, call me whatever you want Stevie.” you rested your hand on his leg as he drove off.

“So, how was work?” Steve broke the silence.

“It was good, pretty boring actually. Many of the customers were normal ones I see almost everyday.” you stared out the window. 

“That’s good, work was so busy for us. Lucas’s sister kept asking Robin for sample after sample. It drives her insane.” he shakes his head. 

“Honestly, that would drive me up a wall. Like, you can have like 2 and then you’re done. Just pick a flavor, you know?” you lean closer to Steve, allowing him to wrap his arm around you. 

“Hey, I agree. It really abuses are sample policy.” 

“Oh my God, I almost forgot to tell you, I have the house to myself for the next couple of days. So, you’re welcome to stay as long as you like.” 

“Wait, really? I would love to stay with you tonight. But we would have to stop back at my house before we go to yours cause I have to get my work outfit.”

“Okay.” 

-- 

Steve pulled into the crowded parking lot that overlooked the entire fun fair. It was filled with Hawkins citizens having fun at all the games and rides. There was a giant ferris wheel and a spaceship. Everything was so bright and inviting and you couldn’t wait to get on some of the rides. You loved thrill rides, you could say you have a strong stomach and you hoped Steve did too. 

You got out of the car and reached for Steve’s hand. You watched as he admired everything that was going on. This was the first carnival to hit Hawkins, Mayor Kline decided it would be a good idea to raise a little money for the town and boy he really went hard. 

Steve bought you a wristband so you could go on unlimited rides for the rest of the evening, plus the spectacular fireworks show happening later in the night. 

“What do you want to do first? I know I want to win you a stuffed animal later.” 

“Aww, you don’t have to do that.” 

“I want to, babe. Isn’t that what the boyfriends do in relationships? They win their girlfriend a giant teddy bear?” 

“Only if you want to be a cliche.” you joke.

You thought the best idea was to ride rides first, eat, then play carnival games. 

You looked over to your right to see Mayor Kline giving a speech and to your right was a bunch of kids surrounding someone playing a game where you shoot balloons. The first ride you decide to go on was the giant spaceship. One by one, the ticket person checked your wristband, giving you a nod to go in. Steve and you found a spot together. 

“I’m kind of nervous for this one.” you said.

“Why, I’ve never been on it, what’s it do?” 

“It spins and you can’t move your body. You can’t lift your head you can’t do anything.” 

“Oh, God.” 

You look over to watch the door of the ride shut tight. 

“Just lay back and relax.” you grabbed Steve’s hand. 

The ride started spinning and everyone was laughing and screaming, trying to lift their bodies. 

“I can’t move my entire body!” Steve yells, laughing out loud. 

“I told you! Just relax!” 

As the ride came to an end, you found it easier to move your body closer to Steve. You looked up as he kissed your forehead then your lips. Once you got your own gravity back, you carefully walked off the ride. 

“Well, what did you think?” 

“Honestly, I don’t think it’s a ride I will go on again, ever.” 

“Aw, no! I’m sorry.” 

“I hated having little to no control over my own body.” 

“I guess that’s what it’s like in space.”

-- 

You saved the ferris wheel for last. It was a nice ride to end the rides part of your night. Steve was the first to sit in the small seat and he put his arm around you. Once you were ready to lift off into the sky, the worker pressed a button and soon you could see the entire town of Hawkins. 

“Wow, the view is beautiful.” you leaned forward as much as you can to look down. 

“You know what else is beautiful?” Steve asked.

“You?” 

“Well, yeah, but I was referring to you.” 

You smiled and puckered your lips, hinting at Steve to kiss you. When your lips touch, it was like you were meant for each other. It was like time stopped and everything around you froze. You couldn’t hear the commotion down below, it was just you, Steve and the stars. 

Once the ride started moving again, you only had one more go around before you were kicked off the ride. 

“I’m starving. What do you say we get some food before we play some games.” 

“Sounds good to me.” 

While walking around, playing games and finding something good to eat, the fireworks began going off. It lit the sky all different colors. Steve held you close as he admired how you watched each firework as they went off. 

“My God.” he said. 

“What?” 

“Oh nothing, it’s just that you’re beautiful.” 

You blush, “Steve! Stop!” 

“What?” 

“Stop giving me compliments.” you giggle. 

“No. I will shower you with compliments 24/7. You’re my girlfriend, it’s kind of my job.” 

“You’re crazy, Steve Harrington.” you continue to glare up at the fireworks in awe. 

“Not crazy, just in love.”

[dxmichelle]

and 8, 15, and 18 for nerdship :)

8. What do the like best about their partner?

Hermione sees a bit of herself in him, as they’re both hard-working big-brained perfectionists. That being said, they don’t always agree on everything and she loves more than anything to prove him wrong over theories of magic, while continuously enthralled with how he manages to create holographic marvels all on his own (and without fancy wandwork). She can talk to him about things, and it won’t feel like her words are going into the void. 

Seto admires the fact that she’s not afraid of him when he’s at his worst and will still call him out on his bullshit. And as someone who didn’t consider themselves to have any friends (”close toleration” for Yugi not counting), their rapport grew naturally. She’s smart, level-headed, and has a desire to help people in a world that she’s almost as much a stranger to as he is. 

And, not that they’re keeping score, but she has him beat on when they start arguing over absurdity of magical law, and while he hates being proven wrong, he loves listening to her prove her point. 

15. How adventurous are they?

About what? Dates? Not very. Hermione has dated before, but Seto hasn’t had a normal upbringing by any means. The fact that he transitioned to having a friend (again, someone other than Yugi, even though he’d never admit Yugi was one) and then to a romantic partner is still something he’s trying to get used to. They take things slow and carefully.

Now, if we’re talking about...I dunno, overall shenanigans? That’s another story. I mean, one half of this partnership is someone who has dueled atop an airplane, jumped out of another one (with a jetpack, but still), and set his tournament finals atop a moving blimp....  

Hermione has ridden in the dragon jet once. Once was enough.

18. What are their dates like? How long do/did they date? Do they ever feel the need to take a break from each other? [hooboy do I have date headcanons lol]

Feelings were admitted during the War. Dating started after, while Hermione went back to school to finish out her seventh year. It’s easy for them to take breaks from each other because 85% of the time they’re both in separate countries. She’s usually grounded in Britain, but Seto bounces between Japan and America. They’ve never officially “paused” their relationship, but with them both being busy with school/work, and also having a pretty extreme time zone difference, there have been pretty long stretches where they haven’t seen or spoken to each other.

When they do get to see each other, it’s usually someplace quiet and peaceful because lord knows their jobs are stressful enough. Sometimes date night is curling up on the couch together with books after a nice dinner out.

When they’re in NY they usually get tickets to see Tea when she has a performance. 

Seto once made the mistake of taking her to a brand new bookstore that opened. That wasn’t supposed to be the locale for date night...but hey, not everything goes as planned.

They walked the boardwalk in Domino countless times. Boardwalk fries are their thing, and each time they go they pick a different carnival game to hit up, just for the heck of it. Hermione is usually terrible at them, but she did win a huge plush animal on a lucky balloon pop. 

[elhoimleafar]

From booksellers sorcerers and cyber-pagans. #SocialMedia #ModernPagans “Let your closest relationship be with the gods you worship and not with your social media”.

While it is true that I am very regular with social networks, for me it is inevitable because it is part of my job, managing the accounts of other clients for the two agencies with which I work keeps me very focused in the world of social networks, I graduated as a publicist in 2013 and my area is precisely managing profiles and social networks, and although it is difficult for me to keep my academic/professional life in my spiritual/professional life, I do my best to keep it that way and until now I think I have achieved it.

My Twitter account is permanently active, it is my window to the world, it is literally my way of doing catharsis, sharing with my readers, with my friends, with my followers who support me, it is my way of taking ideas from my head, sharing notes and thoughts, funny pictures, great places, etc... But I try to maintain a line and a firm position between both worlds and over time I have achieved a balance.

While my Instagram may be full of photographs of my candles and amulets, these are taken after the rituals, and mostly I do it to share the recipes with those who follow me, but not to show off, much less will they see me performing a ritual in a live Facebook, not by the intervention of the cameras, I really do not think that the device has any negative effect that I can not control, it is rather for two reasons that I think are quite logical, and which I have maintained against any argument that they have thrown me to defend the opposite.

First, for a topic of concentration, in the middle of my rituals, before and after them I like to feel focused on 100%, I do not tolerate any kind of distractions, and you can not give 100% of you, if 36% of your brain is busy focusing on the photo, the video and setting up snapchat filters.

Second, out of respect for my tradition, I'm not a Catholic, but I do not think Catholics go to mass and broadcast it on video, but I do not know much about their religion so I'm not really sure what I write here, and if They do, well, that's wrong. 

When you are in the middle of a ceremony or a spiritual session, you are having a private meeting with the creator gods of the universe, they descend to listen to you, look at you, encourage you, motivate you and encourage you to follow, listen to your complaints, your laments, and help you Heal in any aspect of your life that you need.

When you are reunited with the ruling god of your pantheon, you dedicate yourself to him or her, just as they dedicate themselves to you, and I do not think you can dedicate yourself 100% to them if you are focused on finding the correct angle of the camera for your Instagram post.

It is a matter of total respect and consideration, if I admire the American pagan community and its community of witches, it is that although they have all the facilities of the internet (much faster than you can imagine outside the USA) and make use of absolutely all social networks, they always seek to organize all kinds of talks, forums, events and festivals where they can meet face to face, celebrate the celebrations of the wheel of the year, perform all kinds of rituals in groups and long forums, talks and workshops to deal with various topics about the esoteric world and sorcery, and although it is true that we can find a lot of prejudice around, because there will always be those who only see the glass half empty and point out that all this is done only for money, beyond empty criticism, the money involved is not able to stain these events in any way, so far I have only attended the events organized in the state of NY, mostly by an agenda item, among other minor things, but to each of the events that I have attended I have found the same result: 

Sorcerers, magician shamans, and sorcerers with real trajectories, mixed with the common sorcerer, the sorcerer of the city, the apprentice who is entering this unknown world.World-renowned authors, many of whom we read in our early years in witchcraft and renowned as Judika Illes and Christopher Penczak, among many others who slip into these events to approach you and hold workshops, in addition, who does not want the opportunity to have signed a book of your favorite author?.

Believers and practitioners of all the diverse pagan and neopagan currents (Asatru, Wicca, Druids, sorcerers, etc ...) Mixed in complete harmony, interrelating, talking, attending together the workshops achieving a peaceful coexistence, thus demonstrating that all this war "who is better than who" and "who has the most beautiful altar" is only a vague idea that exists in the virtual world, but at the moment of truth, we are all part of something bigger than ourselves and that attracts us to these places to realize that if we are part of a huge pagan family that has not stopped growing.

Although I miss those times of going to the esoteric books section of the library, subscribe to the mailing lists of publishers waiting for their extensive catalogs of books to order the newest in the genre, although it was exciting to organize these forums of skype and yahoo where we saw each other's faces, I must admit that now the internet is available to everyone.

The internet makes us realize how big we are as a community, now we can participate in huge virtual forums of conversation, follow our favorite authors (and not to show off but now I'm even friends with several of mine on facebook), and keeps us abreast of the esoteric or spiritual events and organizations that interest us the most.

Likewise, and like the same magic, the internet has its respective pros and cons, is full of trolls, haters, pretty ridiculous memes and fake people with fake names and fake photos with which you must be very careful, in addition the internet unfortunately It supports and promotes piracy in large part, I had to leave several Facebook groups when I noticed that they were uploading files full of books by my favorite authors, at that time I was writing my first book for a small print shop In Venezuela, he was also working for the publishing company Circulo de Lectores de Venezuela, a company that literally sank with the rise of piracy and left a total of 3,500 people unemployed throughout the country.

Who does not miss those long Yahoo mailing lists, where people really wrote, and shared very broad thoughts and reflections, was something made for those who really like to read and study, many times I even print them, because Many of these emails that revolved around a common theme were almost books full of information that went through the filters of many people, and they were gold.

Now in the social networks are saturated with information, much of it information that you do not need, to the point of being overwhelming, and all this without mentioning that in social networks we limit ourselves (because if the post is very broad nobody reads it and nobody shares it) so you have to limit yourself to writing the whole idea in less than 200 characters.

Another problem that brings the internet to the pagan community, is that we find all these bookstore sorcerers, who have read a couple of books and believe they know everything, I have often encountered trolls that harass me on the internet trying to "correct my work" because it does not go with one or two books that they have read.

For example there is a lot with the subject of rituals and spells, you can perform hundreds of spells, and you can do them very well, and have the results you want, but there is always an egocentric to correct you, just to show you "how much they know "in theory, and not so much in practice.

Because to identify an herb, that anyone does based on photos and books, but go to cut the grass personally, dry it in your house and use it for your own spells, that's practice, and in social media times, that practice is worth gold, but not for those who follow you on social networks, but for you.

Yes, it is true that the internet has unfortunately given more power to haters and trolls, and now many people also write in a blog without knowing what they are talking about, so everything we find on the internet must be swallowed with an extra granite of salt, even now it is quite normal to meet people who come to chat with you at 5 am to evangelize and tell you that you worship the devil, understand, "why to bother going to knock on your door on a Saturday morning, being able to just open your chat window to bother you from the comfort of your home?".

Let's not forget that social networks also give us that positive look, that touch of positivism that we study so much in marketing, that "like", that "comment" that tells you that you are doing something right, that makes you believe that you are on the way correct, and that puts you in the same box of those pink characters who do whatever it is for the "like", the problem when people get used to it, when "like", that positive reinforcement you receive, is more important that the content you share, is the problem there, when people get so used to giving everything for that like, and without realizing it, they stop contributing real good material, just because they are focused on the likes, because many times the ego only he asks for more positive reinforcements.

But also the internet has allowed us to form huge discussion groups, these groups where some 5 thousand people are added but only 50 participate, but those fifty people are worth gold, and for those fifty people who are now only a click away, it is worth keeping our presence on the internet, to share the links of our favorite books, to invite others like us to these events of pagan celebrations in our country, and even to chat and share the details and experiences of our spells.

But as I always write, as long as you are light, as long as you know how to shine, no matter how dark the cave you enter, you can be light and illuminate the path to others who come after you.

With Love & Respect

Elhoim Leafar

[purplesurveys]

1255

When was the last time you did something that you’ve never done before? What was it? Today; using an essentials oils roll-on. My workplace had a couple of them delivered to all the employees as part of the gifts they randomly send out every couple of months. It’s really pleasant! I didn’t understand it at first but I find the scents (I got peppermint and wild orange ones) calming.

Are there any slogans or mantras meant to motivate employees on display at your place of work? I’m pretty sure there are. I’ve only been to the actual office twice but as far as I remember there were cute and quirky photos and phrases up on display.

Has your favorite actor ever been stuck to a project you dreaded watching (e.g., stuck on a bad TV show for years)? Not quite, but there is a show – The Walking Dead – that I was once hooked to, but it got progressively worse over the years until I decidedly just stopped watching altogether.

When you are in a group do you more often find yourself wishing people would ask you more or fewer questions? Depends on how confident I feel. If I feel completely stumped about a certain aspect, I wouldn’t want to be asked. But sometimes I don’t really wait to be asked either; I like sharing my insights, especially if I believe I have ones that could help the direction of the project.

Now that you are an adult, which situations make you feel most like a grown up? Which situations make you feel like you’re still a child? I think overall, having a job really changed my perspectives on things. The idea of earning my own money sped up my process of realizing just how much more independent I became, which felt super empowering in general. 

On the other hand, there are certain adulting tasks I’ve learned to dread – applying for my social security, TIN, etc and all those government IDs always makes me wish I had a grown-up do them for me, until I remember I Am That Grown-Up who has to do it for myself lol.

Pretend you work at a bookstore. Which books are your 4 “staff picks” that will go on a shelf for customers to see? What little blurb will you write about each book as to why you chose it? I would be the worst employee ever as I’d have nothing to recommend.

When you were a child did you wish you were named something else? What sort of fantasy life did you imagine for yourself if you’d only had this other better name? I hated my name not because I wanted a different life, but because my name is stereotypically masculine and you know how brutal other kids would be if your name is considered unconventional. I was teased as late as the 4th grade so I had a terrible relationship with my name for years; and I’m sure it made my dad feel bad because he chose it, but he’ll also never know how it feels to be made fun of over something I had no control over on a constant basis.

If you have been working remotely or have ever taken a class or participated in a project remotely, have you noticed any significant differences between remote work and in-person work? What would be your ideal working setting? It’s a cliché answer but it can get incredibly draining seeing the lines between work and home increasingly get blurred. What I was extremely thankful for pre-pandemic was the me time I got to have when I would drive to and from school. As stressful as Manila traffic was, driving always served as the most calming part of my day. 

Now, as soon as I clock out of work I get into bed, and it just doesn’t feel as rewarding or productive as I wish it would feel. Are you a plant person? How do you feel about the trend of owning many, many houseplants? No, I’m terrible with plants. I for sure support those who like their places surrounded with plants, but it’s personally not my vibe.

What is something you do that makes you feel alive? Something you do that causes “flow,” or for you to lose track of time and other distractions? Being with my friends doing something I’ve never tried, or rarely get to try.

Do you feel like you act differently among people/peers you’d like to impress? For better or worse, what are some traits of yours that tend to come out when you’re trying to seem likable? I don’t think so. If I’m trying to get on someone’s good side, I just pay attention to what they’re into and try to integrate those into our conversations so that they can get interested more quickly.

What are three things/interests you are currently into right now? BTS, Instagram bakeries, and pro wrestling just because Punk returned and I’ve been feeling the need to get back on the fandom, if you can even call it that.

What are you sick of hearing about? Updates on presidential and vice presidential bids because they are all shit.

What was the last small thing that really inspired you, that jumpstarted you to create or gave you a great idea? As my K-Pop merch collection started growing I thought it would be a good idea to parade them all on an Instagram account so I could take all my friends – who are also fans – on a ride hahaha. I haven’t updated it in a while though because I’ve been too lazy to take IG-friendly shots, but I’ve shown off several of my albums and postcards already!

Do you travel well or poorly? Do you know anyone who always seems to get sick and very exhausted and unwell during travel? No, I think I do pretty well. I’m always down for whatever and as organized as I like to be, I don’t mind a bit of spontaneity especially if it comes to traveling.

What are some things that you enjoy but you have no practical use for in your own life (e.g., baby clothes for a non-parent or school supplies for a non-student)? Do you still browse these items at stores? Yeah, stationery for sure. I’ll browse through bookstores and stationery stores for half an hour just to admire the variety of items, but never actually buy anything. Do you wish that you had more followers on any platform? Do you even pay attention to how many likes/comments/followers you have? I mean it’s always nice to have more, I won’t deny that lol. I have a pretty decent ratio on my Twitter but my follower count isn’t the end of the world. On the other hand, for example, I have like 20 followers on Instagram and I can’t give less of a shit.

How much joy do you derive from celebrity/political schadenfreude? Do you think there’s a point when enjoying watching successful people topple goes too far? If they did something completely abhorrent, like fucking rape, then I would tune in to the downward spiral for sure.

Is there anything, such as a mantra, quote, or thought in general that you seem to tell yourself every single day - even if it's random and meaningless? “It’s no big deal” is very helpful whenever I find myself overthinking.

[ahumanfemale]

33 please?

Here you go, anon!  Thanks for playing and sending this in - I had lot of fun.  

Celebrity/Fan AU

Rafael stirred his cup absently, staring at the growing crowd with outright curiosity.  A sign a few feet away announced a book signing for that night, starting in nearly an hour.  He was enjoying his perch of relative invisibility, one of two deep armchairs in the corner of the bookstore.  So far his obvious glare had kept anyone from taking the other, which was how he preferred it anyway.  It meant he could drink his espresso in peace and ignore the distraction occurring across the room.  

Until, of course, the door to the cafe opened and the warm spring wind swept in something tall and blond and loud.  Something he’d seen last three hours before, when they’d all decided to call it a night and get a fresh start in the morning.  

“Barba?”

He offered a small smile to hide his sudden alarm and brought the cup to his lips to murmur around the rim, “Detective Carisi.”

All the glares in the world couldn’t have prevented Carisi from throwing himself down next to him, bouncing ever so slightly off the worn leather cushion before settling in.  Rafael took in the sight of him, changed from his work suit and into something more casual.  Dark slacks and a pale blue button up, work shoes traded for dress shoes that reflected the dim light in the bookstore easily.  The clothing still neat, still flattering on his lean body.  A body Rafael had appreciated more than a few times in the years they’d worked together.  A worn hardcover was clutched in his hand, the spine nearly worn to illegibility.  

The vague nerves Rafael had been dealing with for hours suddenly grew into jangling anxiety because his coworker was not supposed to be here.

“Didn’t take you for a reader,” Carisi commented distractedly, eyes darting to the makeshift stage once every second or so.  “You a fan too?”

“A fan?” Rafael repeated, amused.

“Yeah.  Of Robert Cutter.  The author.”

“Mmm,” he replied, noncommittal.  

Something like that.

“He’s great.  I’ve been reading his books for years, since the first,” Carisi informed him unbidden and Rafael looked over at him, surprised.  The first of the novels had come out several years before and Rafael had a hard time imagining Carisi was capable of an attention span that long, and that didn’t even address how much he doubted the subject matter would be appealing to him at all.

“You’re a detective and a lawyer.  I have a hard time seeing how a legal thriller would interest you in the least.”

Carisi shrugged.

“Not usually, but these are different.  My ma got the first one for me when I applied to law school because she thought I’d like it and I was hooked about a fourth of the way through it,” he confessed with a disarming smile in Rafael’s direction.  “I’ve been reading them since.  Usually the first day they come out if I’m not working.”

“It must be all the stunning realism,” Rafael mocked, more than intimately familiar with the fact that Robert Cutter’s books were anything but realistic.  Based in legal fact, yes.  But not realistic in the slightest.  

“Yeah, okay, so it’s not really how all of this goes down usually,” Carisi admitted with a smirk.  “Pretty sure they don’t let prosecutors investigate on their own.  The DA’s office hires private investigators for that.  Neither would they let them hold court drunk, I’m pretty sure, even it was a serial killer about to be released.”

“You’d be right about that.”

“I just… I like how his mind works.  It’s one thing to know the law and practice it, it’s one thing to write it.  But being able to turn the law into a character?  Turn it into something that has to be explored and tested and pushed so that justice can be served?  That’s just genius.”

Rafael had to fight to keep the pleased flush from his cheeks.

“That’s high praise coming from someone whose job it is to carry out the law,” he observed, watching as Carisi ducked his head sheepishly.  

“Yeah, well.  He deserves it.”

Rafael arched a brow.  

“Don’t tell me you have a crush.”

“What?  No,” Carisi blustered but the color on his neck spoke volumes.  Volumes he was all too happy to read, glad to have been here for the first time since arriving half an hour ago.  Rafael found himself leaning forward, putting his coffee to the side.  Crossing his legs, leaning his head on his elbow.  

Dominick Carisi Jr., a cocky Italian cop who was quite possibly more Catholic than the Pope himself, had a crush on a man and wasn’t that interesting?

The detective didn’t so much as flinch, squaring his shoulders as though waiting for rebuke or scorn.  It made Rafael wonder just what kind of vibes he put off, because if Carisi was expecting to be mocked for being attracted to men he’s either not paying enough attention or Rafael plays straighter than he thinks.  Neither of which matter when it’s the two of them sitting so close, the younger man confessing to a crush on an anonymous celebrity in front of a colleague.  

“Carisi, you’re about twenty years too young for a crush,” he chided lightly, smirking.   “You’ve never even seen the man.  It could be a pseudonym for all you know.”

And Rafael did know.

Robert Cutter had never made a single public appearance, had never had a picture published on either a book jacket or magazine article.  There were theories, of course.  Theories that he wasn’t a lawyer like the jacket claimed and couldn’t afford to be outed, theories that he was a woman working against a misogynistic marketing system with strategic use of a pseudonym.  Maybe that he was an author already published in a different genre who used a pen name to publish something else without expectations from his prior work.  

Carisi didn’t seem to care about any them.

“What does that matter?” Carisi fired back, looking affronted.  “You think I need to see a guy to know if I wanna spend more time with him?”

He scoffed, amused.  

Of course Carisi was a romantic.  

“Apologies, detective.  I didn’t realize the depth of your devotion to this faceless man who almost certainly uses an alias to publish,” he snarked.  “Please, tell me all about how the two of you will be married for forty years and play parents to sixteen Jack Russel terriers.”

Carisi tried, he really did, but the laugh punched its way out of him before he could help himself and his stunning blue eyes sparkled with the shared joke.  

“Yeah, alright.  That may be pushing it a little.”

“A little?”

“A lot,” he allowed, “And he may be straight for all I know.  Or female, not that it’s a dealbreaker for me.  But… man, at least a dinner or something?  Just to pick his - or her - brain for an hour or two?  I could live with that.”

“You’re adorable, Carisi,” he observed kindly, for once not turning a compliment into a barb.  

“Yeah, yeah,” the younger man waved off.  “Give me a hard time later.  Preferably another night entirely.”

“Wouldn’t dream of intruding on your moment,” he said and sighed, standing up from the deep well of his armchair.  “If you’ll excuse me, detective.  I’ll be right back.”

“Yeah, sure.  I’ll save you a seat.”

Won’t need one, Rafael thought and only barely suppressed a smirk as he wound through racks of magazines to find his agent in the back room.  She was flustered, as per usual, but excited at the turnout and for once not admonishing him for overdressing.  A few minutes later he heard the microphone come to life, his name called over the speakers in her high, Boston-tinted voice.   The nerves that welled up surprised him for a only a moment and then they were gone, burned away by the quick thrill of walking out to the sound of applause.

It was embarrassing how good it felt.

Particularly when he made eye contact with Carisi, who was staring at him with slack-jawed amazement.  Slack-jawed amazement that faded only once his earlier gushing came back to him and Rafael watched in real time as his jaw snapped shut and an expression of dawning horror slipped over his otherwise pleasant features.  

It was a moment Rafael cherished.  Through the brief reading of the first chapter, through a discussion of his writing process and what made him decide to tell these stories and why.  To his (false) background of private practice after years of working for the state.  Carisi watched through all of it, looking very much like he wanted to pipe up and say something stupid but was refraining.  Rafael made a mental note to thank him later - and maybe be nicer to him in the future.  Not a lot, because that would betray just how fond of him Rafael really was.  Just nice enough to keep himself on Carisi’s good side.

Maybe also because Rafael never wanted the admiration in the detective’s eyes to fade.  

Before long the lecture was over and the signing portion had started, Rafael stumbling over using a fake name only once or twice before falling into a groove.  In half an hour the line had dwindled and he found himself yearning for another coffee - just something small that wouldn’t keep him awake but would perk him up for a little while longer.  Seconds later a paper cup was set in front of him.  It smelled dark, smelled fresh.  It was encased by long, pale fingers that he was all too happy to follow up a slender arm to a pleasantly familiar face.  A pleasantly familiar face that was looking at him with a mixture of amusement and worry.

“Detective,” he acknowledged, leaning back in his chair.  

“Counselor,” Carisi returned.

Fondly, he hoped.

“You’re not going to tell anyone, are you?” he asked, unable to help himself.  If Liv found out he would never live it down.

“Tell them what?  That I know how you can afford all those fancy suits on a public servant’s salary?”

Rafael rolled his eyes.

“Carisi-”

“No, no, I know,” he replied, grinning.  “Your secret’s safe with me.”

He accept Carisi’s book and flipped to the title page, pausing for a moment before signing his name.  His real name, the one Carisi knew him by.  It would be a secret between the two of them now, something they could share.  He handed it back slowly, keeping it just a second longer than necessary so that Carisi’s hand brushed his.

“Still interested in taking Robert Cutter to dinner?” Rafael asked softly, offering a small smile to assure him of his seriousness.  

“Depends,” Carisi told him, despite the excited flush staining his ears.  The detective was undoubtedly eager but the effort of holding himself back was turning him pink.

“On?”

“You can pick the restaurant,” Carisi allowed, “But I draw the line at sixteen Jack Russell terriers.  Big dogs or nothing, alright?”

Rafael snorted, noticing for the first time how much he liked the sight of a teasing smile on the detective’s face.

“Yeah.  Fair enough,” he said.  “Wait for me?  I’ll be done in a few minutes.”

Carisi grinned and tucked his book under his arm.

“Take your time, counselor.  I’m not going anywhere.”

Rafael believed him.