#if you saw me post this early on accident no you didn't and that's definitely not why its not a real submitted post oops

[whatislifebesidesrehearsal]

Spotlight Operator: I’m counteracting the two bottles of water I drank by drinking this Mountain Dew.

submitted by @locallibrarylover

[notafragilething]

Late Night Buck & Tommy Ramble: Shit is getting interesting

I honestly thought today was going to be fucking chill with no promo and maybe only a whisper or two about tomorrow's episode. We currently have 21 hours left until the new episode airs and we have so much to unpack because everyone is just out there wilding right now

Get yourself a drink and a snack and prepare yourself. There is a lot to discuss. Minor spoilers for tomorrow's episode in regards to stills and vague-ish comments by people who have seen the episode.

Buck & Tommy Related Chaos:

I'm going to start with the chaos: OLIVER AND LOU ARE DOING A JOINT INTERVIEW that was filmed today for Access Hollywood / Access Daily that will air tomorrow before the episode.

I am in total shock by this because I've been vocal that I didn't even think we'd get more interviews from these two before the season ended. I would have never dreamed that they'd have them doing a joint interview together.

This is a pretty huge (and good) sign, in my opinion. You wouldn't suddenly have two actors going out doing press together unless (from a marketing point of view) you're trying to promote that couple to the audience. This to me really does suggest they're planning on keeping Lou around and pushing BuckTommy.

I've heard crazy speculation about what the interview will be about but it airs before the episode so likely we won't get major spoilers. We'll likely see the two talking about their characters, what it's like working together and hinting at what is going to happen moving forward.

With that said, I'm really curious at how they're going to sell this on the show. We've already seen Ryan hitting the talking point that Eddie is straight in recent weeks, which seems to be an attempt to distancing themselves from Buddie. This interview tomorrow may possibly give us an idea where their heads are at moving forward.

Regardless, I think this is a strong indicator that Tommy isn't going anywhere anytime soon. I know some people are trying to downplay this as happening because Bi Buck was such a huge storyline but they could have easily just had Oliver on the show. Them having both of them makes this about their relationship, not just Buck coming out as Bi and that's a pretty big shift from the marketing we saw around episodes 4-5.

Lou also posted about it on his Instagram and Ryan liked it.

Also I cannot remember a time that they had Oliver doing interviews with his love interest on the show. Can anyone else?

The kiss on Instagram reels continues to do well. It's almost at 1.2 million, sitting currently at 1183k.

General Cast Information:

Let's start simple with the tweets coming out from press who saw tomorrow's episodes. The overwhelming theme with all of them seems to be a warning for us to prepare for some hurt. I'm preparing myself to watch Hen, Bobby and Eddie all go through hell tomorrow based on what we've seen on social media over the last 24 hours. So let's get into that.

Hen: Early today the official Instagram posted stills from the earlier episode where the councilwomen's son refuses treatment after he accident and dies (which leads to Hen being investigated). They then captioned this "A moment from the past can become so pivotal for your future" because clearly they want to hurt us. It also seems like that congress women is in the episode and we see her in one of the stills at the medal ceremony.

Bobby: It seems like he's going to have a nice father/son moment with Buck at some point this episode based on the stills and what Oliver has hinted at. But I think he'll also definitely be dealing with guilt.

Eddie: Dude I don't even know. Between Marisol being at the medal ceremony with him and Christopher and him taking a row boat out with Kim? This is going to get ugly.

All of the stills were really happy and we know that isn't what is happening in this episode so I'm pretty sure they're from the first 15 or 20 minutes. This show has been fucking with our heads with these promos.

We're very, very likely to get a sneak peak sometime tomorrow along with the Oliver&Lou interview.

I might attempt to make a ramble post talking about the interview prior to the episode depending on what time it airs.

So how are we all feeling? Cause I'm having all the fucking emotions.

[sensitive-neuvi-enthusiast]

Day 31: Costume

♤♡-Pairs: Kaveh x male!reader

☆☆-Warnings: male reader, college au, kissing, fingering (kaveh receiving), bathroom sex, nurse costume (kaveh), clothes ripping (kavehs tights), panties (kaveh)

A/N: Super early upload! But I hope yall enjoy and thank you for this amazing first kinktober! Happy Halloween 🎃 👻

WC: 1.7k

"Do I really have to wear this?" Kaveh groaned, eyes casting a disgusted glance towards the pile of white fabric in his hands. 

"You do. That's how bets work." Alhaitham added, lithe fingers working at the button of his cape. Kaveh looked to his other friends; eyes pleading. But they only gave him a sorrowful glance, agreeing with Alhaitham. "Ugh, but what if he's there…" He mumbled, fingers picking at a loose thread. "Then you'll thank me, because he'll want to fuc-"

"Ahh, no more." He shook his head rapidly back and forth. Hanging his head in defeat, he slowly trudged to the bathroom. Slipping on the costume, his face immediately erupted into hot, red heat as he casted a glance in the mirror. White fabric tied in front, just above his belly button. Intended to push up breasts that he didn't have, instead gave the same boob window he had with his normal attire. But now, his tummy was exposed too. His blonde happy trail, peeking just a bit above the band of the skirt. Oh the skirt-he immediately hid his face in his hands. It stopped above mid thigh and he was sure if he turned-yup, you could clearly see the bottom of his ass. Or you would, if Alhaitham hadn't taken pity on him and gave him some tights. This was humiliating. Especially if you saw him. Kaveh nibbled on his bottom lip. Maybe he should just stay-

A harsh knock came to the door. "Come on, we're gonna be late." Kaveh really didn't wanna go. 

Reluctantly, he opened the door and peeked out. All three of his friends waited by the door, faces absorbed in their phones. With a deep breath, he stepped out, all heads swiveled to his direction. Alhaitham gave a hum of approval. "He'll definitely fuc-"

"Stop!" He yelled, waving his hands in front of his face. "Let's just go," he pouted with his arms crossed over his chest.

…

Kaveh had never felt more embarrassed than he did right now. He was hiding from you, it was obvious. As soon as he arrived, you just had to be the first person he saw. Your hair slicked back with gel, plastic fangs tucked in your mouth as you wore a low-cut suit. Who knew he had a thing for vampires? Not that it mattered, as soon as he made eye contact with you, he ran away. And everytime after that. Currently, he had posted up in the bathroom. Staring angrily at himself for being so weak and nervous to talk to you. Or even look at you. It was no secret he'd had a crush on you for a while. Well, you didn't know. 

He needed to put his big boy pants on and face you! With a curt nod to himself in the mirror, he turned to open the door. Coming face to face with you, a beer in your hand that he accidentally made you spill. "Shit," you hissed, the cold liquid seeping into your shirt. 

"I.." kaveh choked, his throat felt dry as he stared at you. This wasn't how it was supposed to go! "I'll help! Paper towels? Um.." he looked around, eyes wavering as he tried to find something. "Don't worry bout it, an accident." You gave a sigh, stepping into the bathroom now, shutting the door. Kaveh blinked, watching as you shrugged off the top layer of your suit, removing the white button up underneath it. He gulped. "Want a picture?" Your eyes glanced at Kaveh's shocked expression before you chuckled. "I'm messing with you dude," your eyes drifted a little lower before coming back up. "Nice costume."

Someone open the ground and swallow him whole please. "T-thanks…" He shifted his feet. "Lost a bet," Kaveh murmured. "Yeah?" You questioned, using your distracting hands to wash the beer stain out of your shirt. "Thank whoever made that bet with you, for me." He blinked. Did he hear you right? 

"What?" You chuckled, giving up on your shirt and set it on the counter, turning to him. "I said, thank whoever made that bet with you." You looked him up and down. "To think I'd see you in a nurse outfit, a sexy one at that." Kaveh's cheeks felt hot, was this really happening? Were you really saying these things to him? 

You stepped closer, hands hovering at your sides. Looking like they itched to touch his body; they did. 

"I know you like me Kaveh." You sighed, a playful smile on your face. "Y-You do? How? I mean-" He rubbed at the back of his neck, accidentally showing more of his slim waist. You felt your cock stir in your slacks. He really did look just too damn hot right now. "It's not hard when you catch someone constantly having eyes glued to you." You stepped even closer, bodies almost touching. "You were so absorbed in it, you didn't even see me looking at you, did you?" 

He swallowed thickly; had he really missed it? Kaveh shook his head. "Thought so," your hands tentatively rested on his hips, causing him to suck in a breath. "Well, now you have no excuse. What do you say we have some fun, hm? It's well overdue, and I have to be honest. This costume?" You licked your lips. "Makes me hard."

Was it possible to feel even hotter? Kaveh pondered that as he felt his head nod, giving you the go ahead. Immediately, you surged forward, pressing your lips against his. And it was a mess of spit, tongues tangling with the other, and teeth knocking against each other. It was hot. Kaveh could already feel his dick spring to life, lifting the front of his skirt a bit. You groaned, hands slipping around to the back. Grabbing handfuls of his ass, squeezing the flesh hard enough to make him squeak against your lips.

You chuckled, pulling back. "Sensitive aren't we? That's fucking hot." You lean back in, claiming his lips again. Kaveh found himself palming at your bare chest, seeking something to ground him from his foggy mind. Unable, still, to comprehend this was actually happening.

"Hop up," you murmur against his lips. Tucking your hands under his thighs, lifting him. Your hands spread across his backside, molding the flesh how you liked. "A shame you didn't wear any pretty panties with this." You mumbled, fingers tugging at the fabric of the tights. "Do you like these?" Kaveh heard you question. He shook his head, "N-Not really-ah!" His body flinched, the obscene sound of ripping fabric echoed in the bathroom. Did you…just rip his tights? Oh fuck, that was hot. "Oh?" You were pleasantly surprised to find, he was in fact, wearing panties. "Fuck-" you groaned, resting your forehead against his cheat. "You're killing me. I won't rip these, I wanna fuck you with them on." 

"Please.." he found himself saying almost immediately. Shivering when he saw how your eyes darkened with his neediness. "Don't worry, I will, gotta prep you first." With one hand around him still, you brought the other to his mouth. And you didn't even have to tell him, he immediately took your fingers into his pretty mouth. 

"God, you really are too fucking hot." Your dick strained painfully against your pants, leaking pre already. 

You pressed your fingers against his tongue while he swirled it around your digits. If he sucked fingers like this-how would he suck cock? The thought was enough to make you groan. As much as you wanted that though, you wanted to be inside him. Needed to be. You slipped your fingers out, sliding his panties to the side and slipping in a finger. His hole twitched, spasming around you as there was slight resistance. "Relax," you spoke softly against his lips. Thinking if you kissed him, maybe it'd help him relax. And you were right. Soon, you were able to get three fingers inside, his body grinding himself on your fingers.

His soft whimpers and whines going straight to your dick. You doubted it would take long for either of you.

"You ready baby?" He nodded his head almost immediately, hot breath puffed against your neck. You moved over towards the sink, slipping your fingers out and setting him on the ground. "Turn around for me. I want you to see. No distractions." He complied, turning towards the sink, laying his front on the counter. His ass pointed upwards as he flipped the back of his skirt up. You rubbed the front of your pants at the sight, "You really are gonna kill me." No more wasting time. You undid your pants, slipping them down your legs. Freeing your cock from its confinements, spitting abruptly into your hand. Stroking up and down its length a few times before slapping the tip against the flesh of his ass. 

His ass wiggled, his pretty mouth begging you to just put it in please. "Need to feel your cock inside me." He didn't have to tell you twice. Grasping the base of your dick, you slowly fed yourself into his greedy hole. Twitching and clenching around you. Even though you prepped him, you were still met with some resistance. You leaned forward, kissing up his back. "Fuck-relax baby, can't move, squeezing me too much." 

Eventually the resistance faded and you were fucking into him. Your balls, full and heavy, slapped against his ass. His blessed out face present in the mirror and you couldn't help but hiss. Tangling your hand in his hair, pulling back enough to make him arch. Allowing you to push deeper inside, the tip of your cock brushing against his prostate.

"Fuckfuckfuckfuck," Kaveh whined. Eyes became misty as the pleasure took over his body. Making his poor nipples harden and brush against the cold surface of the sink. "Gonna cum," he announced. His pretty eyes leaking tears that rolled down his cheeks, flushed a rosy pink. 

"Me too," you grunted, picking up speed. "With me, cum f'me, oh fuck fuck-" 

A flash of white burned behind your eyes as your hips stilled, spilling your sticky cum inside him. Kaveh's dick twitched, spraying his seed on the counter and his tummy. You fell, landing on his back as you panted heavily. 

…

"You owe me twenty bucks," Alhaitham pointed to Cyno. Sipping from his cup, eyes following you and Kaveh walking out of the bathroom.

Masterlist

Prev. ☆

[subbmissivesuccubus]

Aelumi and Kamisatocest - Swapping

Day 2 of Kinktober! I definitely didn't forget to post here what are you talking about you're crazy

CW : INCEST. DON'T LIKE DON'T READ. AETHER X LUMINE AND AYATO X AYAKA

“Oh man, I’m stuffed!” Xiangling said with a loud sigh as she skipped down the street, “Aether and Lumine are really good cooks.”

“Dinner was delicious.” Kequing said with a nod, “And Ayaka and Ayato are fantastic hosts.”

A large group of their friends were invited to Ayaka and Aether’s home, the couple promising a night of good food and drinks. And wherever they were, their siblings were right there. Lumine and Ayato were the first people to arrive, the couple coming in early to help their family with preparations.

“It must be nice to be so close.” Xiangling said, “And convenient. Your siblings dating each other? You’ll always have a double date, someone to steal groceries from, a place to crash if you need it…”

“Yeah…” Kequing responded, a bit hesitant to say anymore but her mouth worked faster than her brain, “But don’t you think they’re a bit…too close?”

“Who? Aether and Ayaka? Or Lumine and Ayato?”

“Aether and Lumine.” Kequing corrected, “and The Kamisato’s.”

“They’re siblings.” Xiangling said with a shrug, “Nothing wrong in being close.”

“I know but…” Kequing recalled the night and she wasn’t sure but she swore she saw Aether grab Lumine’s butt at some point and she thought she saw Ayato kiss Ayaka on the lips… but she also had a lot to drink and might just be misremembering things.

But if she wasn’t…

No. No. It’s just a misunderstanding created by her alcohol infused brain. There’s no way the siblings were actually the ones romantically involved…no way…

“Nevermind. You’re right.” Kequing said, waving away her suspicions, “Must be nice.”

She needed a nap and hopefully, by tomorrow morning, she’d forget about it.

~~~~~

“Ah- Brother-“

“You like that, baby?”

Lumine snickered as she placed the remaining dishes in the dishwasher while watching the Kamisato’s get touchy. They were all over each other the second the guests left the house. The two of them were on the couch, Ayaka straddling her brother as his hands slid down her body to her ass, taking a greedy handful. Their lips were sealed against each other, sharing a deep kiss, their tongues dancing in harmony.

“How about we get started too, hmm?” Aether asked as he slid behind Lumine, hugging her from the back, “Seeing you in this dress- fuck- I wanted to rip it off of you the moment I saw you.”

He ran his hand along the curve of her body, smoothing the fabric as he glided over her hips. Lumine was wearing a short black dress with a low back, the fabric doing wonders for her figure.

“I could tell.” Lumine teased, “Grabbing my ass like that? What if somebody saw?”

“No one’s caught us in two years. I think we’re fine.” Her brother said, placing a kiss on her shoulder, “But you should know if you wear a skintight dress it would be impossible for me to not touch you.”

“Good.” The blonde woman said, turning around in her brother’s hold to face him, wrapping her arms around his neck, “Why do you think I wore it?”

Aether growled, his hand suddenly grabbing Lumine by the waist before picking her up effortlessly. She squealed as her legs wrapped around his waist on instinct, her brother carrying her easily before he slammed her against the nearest wall.

“Naughty minx.” He growled, “I might just fuck you in front of everybody one day.”

“And undo all out hard work?” Lumine asked, clicking her tongue in mock disappointment, “How irresponsible.”

The twins as well as the Kamisato’s ended up creating a very neat little agreement. It all started on accident two years ago where Aether walked in on Ayaka getting fucked by her brother. When the two of them scrambled to explain themselves, Aether quickly told them to relax, letting them know that the reason he was late to begin with was because he just came back from fucking Lumine.

And so, a happy accident led to the best situation all of them could ask for. They’d tell everyone that Aether and Ayaka were a couple and that Lumine and Ayato were dating as well but behind doors, they’d swap partners and indulge in their true loves and their true desires. And nobody would be any the wiser.

Ayaka gasped as her brother tugged at the buttons of her shirt, the man quickly pulling it apart, not caring that a few buttons were ripped off. She moaned as he leaned down to press kisses on her now exposed chest, his hot tongue peeking out to lick at her plump skin.

“No bra?” he questioned, tongue tracing over a nipple, making her shiver, “I could see your nipples poke through your dress the entire night, baby. How naughty~”

Ayaka didn’t respond, the sensation of her brother’s tongue on her sensitive pink nipples making her choke on any words she might have wanted to say. She was a delicious sight, in a half open white shirt and her skirt pulled up over her hips, exposing her panties to her brother’s greedy groping. His hands on her ass and his mouth on her chest, she couldn’t help but grind her hips against him, his hardening erection pressing up against her core.

The pair of siblings have long since lost any semblance of shame in their relationship. Fucking in front of each other was an almost daily occurrence and foursomes were quite common as well. So no one cared that they were all going to start fucking in the living room.

“Gonna fuck you right against this wall, babe~” Aether growled, leaning down to mouth at Lumine’s neck, “Make you scream so loud the neighbours will complain again~”

“Fuck-“ Lumine mewled as she felt her brother bite at the sensitive part of her neck, “Do it- fuck me- I’m ready for you.”

“Yeah?” Aether asked, hand sliding down her body before finding its way between her legs. Pulling up her dress enough to expose her panties, Aether licked two of his fingers before slipping them in to touch her bare cunt. Lumine gasped and arched her back against the wall as she felt the familiar sensation of her brother’s fingers on her pussy.

“Fuck- you’re so wet, Lumi~” Aether teased as he touched her, fingers collecting her slick before running it up and down her folds, “Were you turned on during dinner too?”

“Mmhmm~” Lumine hummed with a nod, “you look so hot in your suit- and the way you were groping me- how could I not be wet?”

“Fuck-“ Aether cursed again as he leaned forward to kiss her, swallowing her little gasps, “You’re driving me crazy.”

Over on the couch, the Kamisato’s continued their sensual activity, lost in a world of their own. Ayaka gasped as her shirt and skirt were ripped off of her, leaving her only in her panties as her brother gently lowered her to lie down on the sofa. “B-Brother…” Ayaka panted, pussy growing wetter as Ayato kneeled between her legs, the man taking some time to undo his clothing as well, “You’re more…aggressive than usual…”

“Of course I am.” Ayato said as he shrugged off his shirt, smirking as Ayaka’s eyes drank up his physique, her eyes running over his sculpted body, “People told me I was so lucky that Aether would be my brother-in-law someday. Ridiculous. Like I’d let you get married to someone who isn’t me. I have to- no- I need to claim you.”

He leaned forward and kissed her again, Ayaka’s heart swelling at his possessiveness, spreading her legs wider so he could get comfortable. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pulled him closer, their chests pressed against each other and their privates grinding together in search of that delicious, pleasurable sensation.

“You’re so silly.” Ayaka teased once they broke apart, “You know I belong to you.”

“I know.” Ayato said with a smile, “But that doesn’t mean I don’t get jealous.”

“Well, if being jealous makes you so…passionate then maybe I need to make you jealous more often.”

“Hah. Naughty girl.”

Lumine was a frustrated mess. “Ah- Aether!” She cried out, eyebrows furrowed as Aether started to push inside her, his cock stretching her pussy open. Pressed up against the wall, her dress was pulled upto her waist and her panties simply pushed to the side, Aether’s grip on her thighs bruising as he stuffed her with his dick. “Fuck yes- oh yeah- so good!” She squealed as he thrust into her, his cock curling deliciously inside her.   

The man groaned, lost in the feeling of her pussy squeezing her like a vice, her wetness dripping down his thighs and staining the floor. “Lumi-“ he growled, drinking in her expressions, “Hah- what would the others think, hmm? All of us swapping partners so we can fuck our siblings?”

“W-who cares?” Lumine asked, eyes rolling to the back of her head as his cock started hitting that special spot inside her, “No one can s-stop us anyway~”

“Damn right.” Aether growled, increasing the pace as he pushed her harder against the wall, “your pussy is gripping me so tightly- I love it.”

“Your cock is- oh yes- stretching me s-so good!” Lumine babbled, eyebrows furrowed as she took her pounding, her brother’s balls clapping against her.  “Lift up your dress and show me those tits, Lumi.” Aether demanded, licking his lips as he stared at the way her clothed chest bounced up and down as he thrust into her. She scrambled to grab onto her dress and pull it up even more, a bit of a challenge considering the position but she managed to pull it upto her chin. She felt him twitch inside her as he stared at her bra covered breasts, the ripple of her ample flesh all the more noticeable without the garment in the way. Grabbing onto her bra, she pulled that up as well, her tits springing free once it was up far enough.

“There we go~” Aether cooed, staring at her bare, bouncing breasts like a pervert, “So perfect~” Lumine grabbed onto her tits and started squeezing them, giving Aether a show as her softness spilled between her fingers, her pretty pink nipples hardening from the contact. She loved it when Aether was so infatuated with her body that he loses himself, the man thrusting on autopilot as he stared at her playing with herself.

A shrill squeak broke both of their concentrations, reminding them that there were two other people with them.

“Ah-Ah-brother!” Ayaka cried out loud, nails digging into the fabric of the couch cushion as Ayato’s cock throbbed inside her, the man giving her a second to adjust to his length. He groaned as her pussy clamped around him, her hot, velvet walls squeezing him deliciously. He had her on her knees, taking her from behind, giving him a perfect view of the bright red handprint marking an ass cheek.

A hand went forward and grabbed her by the back of the neck before pushing down with force, making Ayaka press her face against the cushion and keeping her steady for him, her back arched lewdly. With no warning, Ayato gently pulled out all the way to the tip before slamming it all back in with one thrust, making her squeal.

“Greedy little pussy~” Ayato groaned, body shivering as he fought against her tight walls, “So desperate for me- I can barely thrust, baby.”

“B-Brother’s c-cock is- oh Archons-“ Ayaka babbled, head going loopy from the sensation of her pussy getting fucked as well as Ayato’s tight grip on her, “s-stretching me open!”

“Ah, such a perfect cunt~ Like it was made for me, hmm?” Ayato said, pushing her face farther into the couch as he picked up the pace, “Arc that back more for me- good girl.”

The slapping sound of skin against skin echoed through the room, the Kamisato’s so focused on each other that they barely registered the other couple fucking just as passionately a few steps away. The blue haired woman mewled as her big brother’s dick pounded her vigorously, the slick from her cunt allowing him to truly fuck her silly. Her moans and babbles were muffled into the couch cushion, her eyes rolling to the back of her head as the fabric got wet with her drool.

Ayato raised his free hand and gave her ass a smack, making her yelp from the sudden burst of pain, before that hand grabbed her by the hip, gripping onto her tightly. Her pussy always felt heavenly regardless of the countless times the two of them fucked. He would always be grateful for Aether walking in on them and coming up with the idea of swapping their partners behind closed doors.

“Oh, Aether!” Lumine cried out, fingers tugging the hairs at the back of his head, eyes closed and eyebrows furrowed as she took her pounding, “I-I’m gonna cum!”

“Me too baby.” Aether said sweat dripping down his brow as he picked up the pace, jackhammering into her. His muscles were starting to burn from carrying Lumine but he’d rather die before he dropped her. “Touch yourself,” he ordered, “cum around my cock.” She nodded her head excitedly, her hand sliding down to toy with her clit. Aether moaned, eyes rolling to the back of his head as her pussy tightened around his cock. His abdomen tightened and he grit his teeth, trying to fight off his orgasm. He wanted to see Lumine cum first.

Thankfully, he didn’t have to wait long. Legs trembling, her face red and her tongue sticking out, Lumine squealed and screamed as she reached her climax. Her back arched and her voice got high, her pussy gushing as the pleasure hit her like a truck. Toes curling, her body shivered and twitched as Aether continued to pound away at her g-spot, her fingers still rubbing desperately at her clit to milk herself of all the pleasure. “That’s it baby, that’s it.” Aether cooed, biting his lower lip as he watched her expression contort, “Good little slut~ Now, get on your fucking knees.”

Once she was satisfied with her orgasm, Aether gently pulled out of her, the slick sound of his cock leaving her fucked open hole making their bodies shiver. Lumine obediently got on her knees, still high from her orgasm but she had enough sense to bring a hand up and start jerking off Aether’s wet, hard cock. He had the desire to cum in her mouth so she quickly sealed her lips around the head of his member, licking at the slit before she moved downwards, taking in more and more of his cock. It was only a matter of seconds before he came and sure enough, she barely needed to bob her head before Aether climaxed.

He shouted out loud, tossing his head back, knees locking in place as he came inside her mouth. Lumine moaned around him, giving his dick more pleasure as she took him all the way in, his dick sliding down her throat as he came. He grit his teeth and grabbed her hair, holding her tight against him, enjoying the deepthroating as his balls clenched with every pump of cum. Lumine looked up at him with watery eyes and she swore she felt his dick instantly harden inside her throat.

“Oh- oh- oh – ah- fuck- brother- c-can I cum?” Ayaka begged from where she was getting pounded, Ayato fucking her mercilessly. The man had brought a leg up to rest on the couch cushion, giving him more movement to go deeper inside her eager hole, his cock pounding against her womb. The hand that was pushing her face into the couch was now pulling at her hair, her ponytail wrapped around his fingers and tugging on it so tightly, Ayaka had no option but to get on her hands and arc her back even more, her neck strained as her brother pulled her by the hair.

“Good girl, asking for permission.” Ayato said, the calmness in his voice a complete contrast to the body shaking pleasure he was feeling, “Let’s cum together baby. And big brother is going to cum – fuck- cum inside you.”

“Th-thank you!” Ayaka cried out, tears in her eyes from how good she was getting pounded, “Thank you b-brother.”

“Beg brother for his cum.”

“C-Can I please have you c-cum brother?” Ayaka begged, not even hesitating, “P-Please cum in my p-pussy! Fill my womb up w-with your seed! I need it- I need you!”

“You want me to cum inside you?”

“Yes!”

“Want brother to breed you?”

“Yes- yes- yes!”

“Ok baby. You’ll get what you want~”

With another sharp smack to her ass, Ayato let go of her hair in favour of grabbing her hips with both hands, smashing his pelvis against hers and getting his cock as deep inside her as it could go. Her babbles and cries were a thing of beauty, his swinging balls slapping against her sensitive clit each time he thrust into her.

“You’re going to cum in 3…2…1…cum!”

Ayaka screamed, eyes rolling to the back of her head as her climax hit her hard. Her whole body convulsed, her toes curling and fingers clenching as she came around Ayato’s cock. Her pussy gushed around him, her juices dripping onto the couch as she came so violently, she swore she blacked out for a second. Ayato was right there with her, the man tossing his head back and moaning loudly as he came inside his sweet, little sister. His balls clenched as he pumped rope after rope of his seed inside her, laughing as he felt her womb get filled up with his sperm. Her body was accepting him greedily, taking in his load and squeezing him so tightly- it was like she wasn’t going to let him pull out.

It took them a few seconds to come down from that high, Ayaka’s hands giving up on her as she fell face first back onto the cushion. Ayato panted behind her, rolling his hips to make sure every drop got milked out of his balls. He whistled at the mess they made, the couch needing a change considering it was now stained with both the Kamisato juices.

He looked back towards where the twins were, smirking as he saw them start to fuck once more on the floor, too desperate for each other to even make their way to the bedroom. Aether had caught Lumine in a mating press and was just going to town on her, cock driving deep inside her eager pussy.

This was the life. Swapping partners so they could love each other with no fear of judgement. “Ready for round two, Ayaka?

[dunkledog]

his name is Feldspar and he feeds on lawsuits

Alexander Feldspar, (which is a totally real name that he didn't make up one day), is the team leader of D.A.C.S. He is... a Medic. Which is puzzling considering his medical training is not particularly extensive and his bedside manner leaves much to be desired. Some quick notes because trying to format this in a normal paragraph is killing me:

Originally from What Cheer, Iowa.

Sort of perceives his team like family, but he'd never admit it. He'd have you believe it's in the corporate "we're all one big family here" way, but deep down he definitely cares. He'd be alone otherwise.

Will do what he believes is in everyone's best interest, but he usually bases these decisions off of his own observations and biases. Thankfully, he's pretty observant and his decisions are logical. Daniel the engineer is really the only one bold enough to provide feedback (most of the team are pretty reserved people and read Feldspar as a man whose ego is easily salted. They're not... that far off.)

He can be vain. Very vain. But being drenched in blood is not something he seems to bat an eye at anymore.

Sleep? What's sleep? Amphetamines were invented for a reason.

Owns one of those long cigarette holders. Cancer the looong way

His weapon of choice is a crowbar. He prefers it up close and personal. (He's a terrible shot, anyway.) Comes in handy if doors or crates need prying open or kneecaps need busting. A habit he picked up from mob work in the early days, even if he doesn't remember it quite so well as he used to. (The Car Accident did a quite number on him 😔)

Speaking of The Car Accident, prior to it, he was a lawyer. Graduated from Harvard. Worked in New York. Saw his ol' college roommate up in Mass between cases and "errands." Sometimes head up to Maine on a fishing trip. Never seemed to... ever catch anything... ... was never married, either. That's probably not related though.

Insists on being the primary team chef. He's terrifyingly adept at making tasty meals out of canned goods and whatever fresh food he can scrounge up from the closest town; so no one really complains.

ok this is all i can think of and ive been working on writing this forever and im tired

[juicy GOVERNMENT SECRET just below the break. the CIA does NOT want you to know this information:]

haha got you this is just the feldspar ref but his hair is turning white!

He dyes it because god forbid anyone finds out he's gone white by 49 (And he vehemently avoids talking about his age. The very concept of aging just seems to disturb him, really.)

oh and plus a version w/o the coat tail for reference purposes i suppose yk how it is

ok now i post this finally for real

[riley-coyotl]

Hello! I saw a post about your dog recovering from ovary-sparing spay and as someone else interested in this route, I am curious what made you choose it.

Sure, I'm happy to explain! :)

So, especially if it is done earlier in life, there are a lot of health concerns associated with traditional spaying (orthopedic issues, urinary incontinence, even certain cancers,) as well as behavioral ones. Of particular concern to me, more and more data is showing an association between spaying and increased anxiety-related behaviors... Which, for Juniper in particular as an already anxious dog, I really did not want to risk making that worse for her.

The timing of spaying is however a balancing act with the increased risk of mammary tumors (early spay reduces the risk for this.) So it's kind of a tough balancing act and a really personal decision, but for me, I feel it's better to wait to spay until maturity, for both physical health and mental maturity/behavioral issues. For most breeds of dog this would be around at least 1.5 to 2 years of age.

That said, the increased risk of mammary tumors seems to rise quickly with the first and second heat cycles, but then pretty much plateaus around that point. In other words, doing a traditional spay on a dog 2+ years old is unlikely to reduce their risk of mammary tumors. (During my research I also found a bit of conflicting data about the conventionally accepted information on mammary tumor risk, which gave me even further pause in accepting that keeping a dog intact increases risk as much as we've assumed it does.)

So, since my only real remaining health concern with a completely intact female dog is first and foremost pyometra (infection of the uterus, which is not an uncommon condition and scares the crap out of me,) and of course, risk of pregnancy (I feel confident in my own management and don't even have any male dogs living here anymore, much less intact ones, but crazy accidents can always happen, male dogs can be VERY determined...) Ovary sparing spay takes care of both these concerns (a proper OSS that removes all uterine tissue + cervix should carry no risk of "stump pyometra") while avoiding any of my concerns with traditional spay.

Also, some dogs do seem to struggle/not feel well during heat cycles (which, since Juni still has her ovaries, her body will still go through heat cycles, she just can't get pregnant and will probably not have any bloody discharge, but if she does it will be reduced,) or have distressing false pregnancies etc. But Juni has none of these issues and her heat cycles are easy on her and not stressful. So I wasn't concerned about that either.

So that was our logic for the decision! Personally, unless and until there is further research definitively conflicting with the conclusions I've drawn about this, I intend for all of my future dogs to have an ovary sparing spay vs. traditional spay (full ovariohysterectomy) done.

(In addition, ethically I just don't jive well with the idea of surgically altering an animal if it's not necessary/not to their benefit (e.g. things done purely for aesthetic, or done largely for human convenience, etc.) In many countries, routine spay/neuter is practically unheard of--it's really only here in the United States that the general consensus is that spay/neuter is the objectively correct and responsible choice... And, while this is a bit more personal and emotionally driven, I have had an ovary sparing spay done on myself and have had a really great experience with it and the outcome for my own body, and I feel like it is intuitively correct that keeping our bodies working hormonally as naturally as possible is just...typically healthier and better for us. I wasn't going to remove my own ovaries for the health risks and other effects that would have on me, so I didn't want to do that to my dog either. I wanted to give my dog the same healthy outcome I wanted for myself.)

I hope that helps! :) And if you are interested, here are a few studies that I read during my research that helped me reach my decision: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

[t1ts-4-scattorcio]

Can you do a "being nat's sister" hc? Like she went with nat to nationals. (Post crash stuff too)

Sister Nat x Reader:

This was long

TW: Abuse + Substance Issues

Both you and Nat were accident babies but especially you. Her parents had settled with Nat but then you were born.

Nat had a hard time warming up to you. She was only around kids at school and was naturally a loner she didn't have that many friends at an early age so a new baby in her space was weird for sure

She liked her personal space and would side-eye you whenever you wanted her attention especially if it was by making a mess. "God you're so gross" she'd comment eyebrows raising in disgust observing you drool all over yourself on the dining room table. (like Nat girly pop shes a baby 😒 babies gonna be icky and loud).

But she saw how badly your parents resented you for taking up more of their time and money it actually was upsetting for her. Nat vowed to be your #1 protector the day your dad first yelled at you for being upset.

It was a bad day, you just couldn't stop crying and no one knew why. "Fuck she won't shut up! The brat's giving me a headache!" slamming his beer on the countertop turning to your mother who was at her wits end rocking you back and forth the entire afternoon. Nat locked herself in her room tuning out whatever was happening outside until she heard something break and your screaming getting worse

she burst into the kitchen and saw your dad get in your flushed face screeching in your highchair and of course, your mom didn't do anything but sob. Nat pushed him away and stood her ground, he gave her one of the worst beatings of her life but it was worth it to keep you safe.

That was the first night she let you sleep in her bed, and let you sleep with her until you were comfortable enough to be alone

Nat took the brunt of the abuse over the years because she didn't want to expose you to how bad your parents could treat you. She'd force you to stay in her room whenever confrontations happened or walk you to the local park and let you play for a while forget about your troubles, she would even teach you a little bit of soccer if you wanted to.

Doesn't want you around alcohol or drugs (she's a hypocrite I know) but she wanted better for you, she wanted you to succeed to be able to leave and make something out of yourself not feel stuck, and have the same shit (untrue) reputation she had.

Which meant she'd be on your ass at parties, "what are you doing?🤨” shoving your solo cup behind you "nothing.. 😀" nat jeered at you as you swayed back and forth sooo out of it. “You smell like vodka hand it over😡” you rolled your eyes and told her she's no fun but she brushed it off.

Absolute garbage at regular school work but is great with helping you make art projects and anything creative. She definitely asked Lottie or Tai to help you with any classes you were failing.

Will back you up and support anything you do, any performances or recitals you have, she will be there in the first row, she will skip practice to watch you play the sport you're in, stay's up late at night just to help you prepare for presentations

any spare money would go to taking care of you and whatever you needed whether that's school supplies or any new clothes. Your mom insisted Nat give you her hand-me-downs but Nat refused, she wanted you to find your own style.

You weren't home when your dad died, your mom was inconsolable and Nat completely shut herself off, you took care of her for a while and never blamed her for what happened to your dad. (something you had to constantly remind her of).

She's grateful you never judged her, just wanting to keep her safe like she did to you.

____

Silly sibling things:

Will kill you if you don't let her sleep in late

Interrogates any person you like or want to be in a relationship with. "I will kill you if you hurt them ☺️” all smiley while your S/O is shitting their pants.

Constantly reminds you to be responsible with your S/O. “Y/N don’t do anything stupid, and don't get pregnant. "GOD NAT I WONT 🤬."

Stealing each other's stuff but not fessing up to it or saying it looks better on your or her, (y'all never mean it).

The rest of the team also were your designated sisters, they would help you when nat couldn't.

ghosts you sometimes, she doesn't mean to she has garbage memory and a sense of "what was I gonna do again? syndrome" (which is why the other girls help you out)

You call her out about liking guys esp Travis "you're a girl kisser, you're all goo goo eyed whenever Lot's is around" cue to her stomping her cigarette out and walking away all huffy.

Lottie strut’s up “y/n why did Nat do that??" "she's in love with you Lots 😏" she looks at you like you grew a third head, "HUH" "nevermind 🙃" clueless gf’s for real.

----

You were her top priority before the crash and especially after it.

Nat had invited you to the trip for support and you were so excited everything was so luxurious. You plopped down next to Nat listening to music with her, dozing off to sleep until you woke up on the floor still attached to your broken seat.

She was terrified when she got out of the plane and couldn't find you, her brain conjuring your death. The worst thing that could happen to you coming true (you being gone would kill her.)

She found you heaving in Lottie's arms, she thanked whatever was listening to her hopes and prayers that you survived.

she never let you go or left your side once for the first few days in the woods, and is the only person that can comfort you when you're about to break down "listen to me everything's going to be ok! You know I'm never wrong."

you'd revert to sleeping with her like when you were a baby, being nervous to ask if you could though "of course you can, you could never annoy me, get in"

She'd ask if you wanted to come to hunt with her whether you could shoot the gun or not she loved your company and liked knowing you're safe.

you both would check in on each other especially when things got really bad (the snackie incident, not finding javi, shauna's traumatic birth).

You'd also back her up when she's calling out Lottie's "Voodoo Bullshit." (even if you believed it👀).

Best 👏🏽Sister 👏🏽Ever

[pumpumdemsugah]

Agree with your kids and internet post. The shit I saw as a child by accident just browsing on silly websites in the early 2000s was insane. Even watching like Paw Patrol on YouTube with my nephew recently the auto play by force brings up random right wing shit or crass stuff that even I as an adult don’t want to see and it’s nothing I previously searched just a strange algorithm. Like I know kids deserve privacy and boundaries but all the takes online lately about letting kids ‘discover’ anything because life is harsh or how there should be no boundaries regarding what books kids read make me feel so crazy. Like do these people not live in reality? There a definitely things I stumbled upon as a child that haunt me to this day. Kids deserve moderation and care and all this free range shit makes me feel like I’m missing something lol.

I didn't use YouTube for a very long time because anytime anyone mentioned it, it was about a beheading or someone beating up their pet. For a while I thought anyone into YouTube was sick lol

I managed to never see anything crazy until I joined Tumblr and this chick was reblogging pictures of dead bodies and another time when these men "invaded" this beauty forum I was on and changed their avatars to pictures of dead people. I've seen very few pictures of dead people and mutilated bodies. It feels like everyone else has seen a beheading at 9 to 15 or someone losing a limb. You didn't have to tell me not to look

The type of privacy children deserve doesn't Include having access to social media when they're very young and don't understand privacy. They can call and text their friends and use the family computer in a communal area until they're old enough for a smart phone.

Some parents don't want to admit they're negligent or bad parents because all they can think about is how they don't hit their kids. What do you mean you can't tell your child no ? And get them to listen most of the time ( refusal is normal )

[dr-jem-nutcase]

MvA: The M Files, take-a-peek, pt. 5

Chapter 6:

Dr C's origin story video was a 20-second one-take recording of his accident, so there's little to no room for any deviation from the movie. Still, may this NOT disappoint

Gotta love alliterations but carnage means "widespread murder". And I don't think this sort of kids' book would be willing to show a bloodbath

I just realized, where are the stairs leading to those massive doors?

A pin-up in the audience, wth? Even the guy to her left is saying the same thing

Genetic teleportation device. Makes sense cuz teleportation was the topic of scientific research & experimentation in both Fly movies but this time the bug mutation is intentional. The video game only talks about the genetic part: recombinant DNA (fact: this term wasn't coined until the 70s, so Dr C was ahead of his time). Thanks, M Files, for a better elaboration beyond just a scientific machine

Is it just me or have the illustrators eventually said, "heck with it! let's just get this done & over with!" and got lazy? Taking a look at the last two chapters/the last post, I'm beginning to wonder

Ok, we get a better visual of Dr C's hairstyle. I put this pic in a grayscale filter and his hair in the movie was definitely darker than this ash brown-blond color (I like to think it's dark brown)

That shirt & tie. So much for that turtleneck. But from what I've gathered, the illustrators for a number of kids' books about the movie were given art references (besides the concept art) from DW months before the movie came out. Dr C's swap from the tie to the turtleneck didn't happen until later in the making of the movie; pretty much all the concept art of him show a shirt & tie. I don't know about you but I wanna see that reference art, every piece of it! As a fan of this glorious franchise, may my prayers be answered!

Whozits. Lol

Srsly? Portable phones, or phones that didn't require a cord, were a thing of dreams in the 60s. And what kind of haircut are you guaranteed? A trim? A buzz cut? And chocolate tastes AWFUL after you brush your teeth, and the average adult doesn't drink hot chocolate on a regular basis. It's coffee, if anything. Or even more realistic in the early 60s: a phone that lights a cigarette. You ever watch mid-century period dramas like Mad Men or Call The Midwife? Every other person smoked back then--anytime, anywhere! But this is a kids' book, again. Smoking/tobacco use is nowadays a reason for something not to be rated G. Istg, my inner historian has been doubled over & screaming in pain since this chapter began! Ok, enough whining

The fat guy's constant *ahem* cracks me up tho

Was this presentations of scientific discoveries or a glorified science fair? Dr C had discovery in mind while the fat guy had fair in mind. Imo, that genetic teleportation device was way more practical than a phone with hygiene & hot chocolate powers, not just super scientific

Unsurprisingly, Doc had his own fanbase on a university campus

Say "they called me crazy but I'll show them" without saying "they called me crazy but I'll show them"

Ok, is it just me or did the color pallet change on this page?

Didn't think that the machine was red. Also, the shirt is now black

"Whoops! I made a mistake!" "Just keep going, Jim. We've got a deadline."

So, he's just going with it without actually testing it on something else? That IS mad

I wish we saw more of his face in this instead of the back of his head

Dr C foretold Neil Armstrong's famous landing-on-the-moon quote

O...m...g. You can tell the illustrators had the hardest (or laziest) time with this chapter. I can barely look

A PhD in dance, mind you. A PhD in anything doesn't make you a faultless god

Oh! And go back inside if you want peace & quiet. And if you must, lock the door

Now both the tie and shirt is a different color

Reclining in the trash can, lol

I'm honestly the university campus hasn't been entirely vacated at this point

Welp, if climate change doesn't work, we know where to go...wait this was the 60s. Never mind

So, you've got a washing machine, an oil barrel, two tires, a traffic cone, maybe a bike chain and...what else?

That day, the middle of September 1962, a distinguishable sound that would haunt a secret prison facility for generations to come was born. This lines up with my h/c that being partially human mentally on top of the trauma of the accident brought on some amount of insanity

That tie must be magic. It changed colors again

Omg! Just call that slipper out for what it is!

"Hey, Jim? What's that shoe thing people wear in the morning?" "I forget. In this panel, it's in a junkyard, so just call it an 'ugh'."

In the movie... "Ooh! An old ugh...I mean, slipper!"

That is one heck of a net for that tiny fishing pole

The antennae sticking out of the net

Ooh, Monger's a major now, but how'd he know about Dr C?

But srsly. Is this chapter perfect? No. But I like it for giving "human" Dr C a bit more time than just a 10-second camera footage of a hottie in a lab coat getting into a giant cylinder. I don't know about anyone else, but it gives me more of a comprehension that Dr C's a human being with a cockroach head and tendencies, not just a strange anthropomorphic bug person

Epilogue

The End! Oh, wait!

So the jetpack has a flamethrower? Hot dang...literally

Link lifting a weight with his tail, lol

Blue-eyed Dr C with a gold tie pulling out...what is that? A bra? The illustrators must hate his guts

Poor private Grime. And what are the monsters supposed to do with potatoes? I think B.O.B. & maybe Insecto are the only ones who would eat potatoes, and Dr C might try potato battery experiments. But why so many? Did Monger stop by local gleaners or a food bank/pantry? Was this a donation of charity? Did he accidentally go over the top with potato crops at his farm? I don't get it! But quoting Samwise Gamgee, "Po-Tay-Toes! Boil em, mash em, stick em in a stew!" There's probably a thousand and one things you could make with potatoes. Like vodka--oh, wait! Kids' book

Grime must've been like one soldier online who said he could cook minute-rice in 58 seconds. Still, I feel bad for the guy. Do you know how hard peeling potatoes can be on your hands after a while? Ow, ow, owie...

Overall, not a bad book. Disappointing every now and then, but hey! Kids' book. It was kinda expected. The watered-down, non-violent breakaways from the movie had its ups and downs. Like providing some explanation of details of the origin stories in the movie, like why the tomato and dessert topping. Or the idea that luring a monster into a trap is the ultimate way to capture one, MUCH more scaled out and less violent than fighting them until you get the upper hand and force them into submission and/or tranquilizing them, like tranquilizing Susan and then tying her down when she became too drowsy to fight and eventually consciousness in the movie instead of luring her into a trap (like, how would you lure a confused, scared 50-foot bride into a trap when all she can think of was her fiance's safety and why people were wrapping a rope around her arm?). If you thought this book was a disappointment through and through, I read the graphic novelization, and it is a bigger disappointment than anything in this book. More watered down, the illustration was terrible, and some of the rewritten scenes didn't add up with the events of the movie, like wth. I think I threw it out

I hope you enjoyed this take-a-peek series as much as I did. And maybe I can share the second half of the entire book, a story called Brain Pain, a silly entertaining story about the four monsters (BOB, Dr C, Link, & Insecto) in the facility some time before Susan showed up. Maybe :)

Again, none of this belongs to me, as much as I wish it did

[catherinerandom-blog]

So, I just started watching Black Mirror. I totally love it. It definitely gives me Love Death And Robots vibes just its not animated. So far I've seen every episode in seasons one and 2 (excluding the first episode of season one because I was advised to skip it), and I also saw the 1st episode of season 6 bc it was just what started playing when I went to watch the show on Netflix. I wanna give episode reviews for the ones I've seen so far in the order I watched them, so spoilers from here on out.

S6 ep1 Joan Is Awful: I loved it. The show did such a great job contrasting the show with reality. The twist was epic when I 1st watched, but compared to other episodes is just alright

S1 ep2 Fifteen Million Merits: again great episode. I loved how hopeless the situation felt. No matter who you were it just felt awful, and I love how well they instigated that feeling

S1 ep3 The Entire History Of You: this one was alright. I kinda super disliked the main character even before he got real crazy, and the concept didn't quite pull me in as much as the others.

S2 ep1 Be Right Back: this one was cute and sad. To be entirely honest I felt bad for the AI. I feel like the MC was a bit unfair to it. Not that I think the AI cared that much, but still. The thing was perfectly polite, no dangerous self aware controlling behavior at all, and she locked him in the attic, poor guy.

S2 ep2 White bear: so at first I wasn't a fan of this one. I'm not a fan of thrillers and I thought the bystander commentary was mediocre, but then the twist happened. Oh my god, did I adore the reveal. And props to the actress playing the MC because her screams of agony at the end gave me chills to the bone. Thank God cruel and unusual punishment is not permitted where I live.

S2 ep3 The Waldo Moment : this one as a story was alright, but what really freaked me out was how realistic the scenario is. If somebody ran for government as a joke a significant portion of the population may actually vote for them. I mean Trump got elected. People will vote for people as a joke and that has serious consequences. After this episode I promised myself if I ever saw someone run for government as a joke I'd vote for someone serious.

S2 ep4 White Christmas : I just finished watching this one and Jesus Christ! The 1st story didn't get to me but the last two did. I guessed the twist pretty early on in the ep but the concept of being trapped in a room for months with nothing to do is such a terrifying concept it really really got to me. Additionally the whole blocking people thing is scary as hell. Specifically the whole getting blacked by everyone, can you imagine? So lonely. And then the ending, 1,000 years per minute for at least 24 hours. I already have a fear of immortality, did not need that confirmed thanks.

Over all this show has been an experience and I'm all over it.

[legends-of-time]

The Journey of Living at Downton

Chapter 33:Early August 1922

Masterlist

Come early August, Emma is shocked to see how time has flown. Sybbie will be turning two this month and Emma will be heading back to work as the brand new head nurse of the Hospital.

"So, what did Anna say when she saw the dress?" Emma asks.

Emma thinks this is a good opportunity to get all the details of Mary's mud-filled adventure with Charles Blake and the Downton pigs, as she, Mary, Edith and Tom walk the worn path that leads from the house to the end of the estate where the pig stye has been built. Mary hasn't really been too open about the night of the pig incident which seems to have changed Mr Blake's attitude towards her.

"Honestly, she had no words." Mary says. "I don't think I've ever seen her eyes so big in shock. I told her she needn't take the time to clean it as it was obviously ruined beyond repair."

"But a small sacrifice for the sake of the estate." Edith remarks sardonically.

"And what of Mr. Blake?" Emma asks, looking at Mary from the side of her eyes.

"What about him?" Mary asks casually, seemingly ignoring the gentle teasing in Emma's tone.

"Well, you saved the pigs and made him breakfast while all dressed in evening wear, though perhaps a bit mucky." Emma says. "That has definitely thawed him out a bit."

Mary rolls her eyes. "I'm not interested in his... temperature."

Edith and Emma giggle.

"Well, he might be more interested in yours now." Emma remarks. "It never takes them long to decide they like you, Mary. You're not so modest as to deny it."

Mary ignores her teasing. "The true hero of the night is the scullery maid who left the whisk in the sink. Otherwise, I'd never have known where to find it."

"So, you saved her too, then," Emma says, "or she'd have gotten a scolding from Mrs Patmore come morning."

"What did the pig man say after all this?" Edith asks.

"He had the decency to resign the post." Mary explains airily.

"Would you have given him the sack?" Emma asks. "If the pigs knocked over the trough, it was only an accident."

Tom, who is a step ahead of the trio of women, turns as he walks and says, "I think he saw it as a bad omen, and decided to cut his losses."

"Tom disagreed, but I'd have sacked him." Mary says. "But I appreciate his not wanting to go on after an inauspicious start."

"So, you'll have to find someone new?" Edith asks.

Tom looks over his shoulder at Mary.

"We'll see." Mary replies.

As the group nears the barn, Emma catches the stench of the animals, which makes her picture, once again, Mary neck deep in mud. She chuckles. "Never let it be said, Mary, that you are not willing to fight for Downton."

Mary smiles, then looks to Tom. "I hope Drew knows we're coming."

"Yes." Tom reassures. "I sent a note yesterday."

They walk through the barn, cute little piglets running around their feet, and approach the open pens where the adult pigs are kept.

"Have the pigs recovered, do you think?" Edith questions.

Mr Drewe, in working clothes, comes walking towards them, carrying a pail.

"They look in good shape to me, after the shock of their arrival." Mary observes.

"But why didn't he check to see they all had water before he left for the night?" Mary wonders.

"Maybe he filled the trough and thought that was enough. He wasn't to know they'd kick it over." Mr Drewe defends the poor pigman.

"Mr Branson is right. He should have made sure." Mary says.

Emma turns to Mr Drewe. "I'm sure you would have done."

"Where did you learn about pigs?" Edith asks.

"We've always had pigs at Yew Tree, M'lady." Mr Drewe replies. "Not many, but enough to learn their ways."

"I'm truly seeing what His Lordship saw in you." Emma comments.

"Thank you, Mrs Branson." Mr Drewe puts down his pail. "So, have you found a man to take over?"

"Not yet. First, we'd like to know if you'd want the job." Mary offers.

Mr Drewe looks at them in surprise. "Me? You mean I'm to manage the pigs for the estate, as well as me farm?"

"It's asking a lot." Tom realises.

"I can do it." Mr Drewe reassures him. "If you're sure?"

"Let's give it a try, see how we get on." Mary says.

As Mr Drewe, Tom and Mary discuss the matter for a few minutes, Emma walks around and watches the animals walk around their small space. She now wishes, she'd brought Sybbie and Ivy with them on their walk even though it is likely they'd have ended up covered in mud too.

——

Everyone's gathered in the Library having tea, attended by Mr Carson, Mr Molesley and Jimmy. Violet and Isobel are visiting and Emma is glad to see the Dowager going from strength to strength. Evelyn Napier and Charles Blake are unsurprisingly surrounding Mary though the duo are to be leaving soon.

Cora is at the desk, stressing about the bazaar, a task usually dealt with by Robert but as he's in America (dealing with Cora's brother's involvement in the 'Teapot Dome' scandal. So, the daunting task has been left to his wife and anyone she can drag into it.

Emma and Tom walk over to where Isobel sits reading a newspaper, and sit down next to her.

"Anything interesting?" Tom asks.

"I'm reading about county politics. They're looking for candidates for the local council." Isobel replies. She hands the paper to Tom. Emma leans over his shoulder to have a peak. "Why don't you put yourself forward?"

"Mr Ward has already invited Tom to be a part of the local committee, to help draft the local platform before the coming election." Emma comments, glancing pointedly at her husband, who glances elsewhere in an attempt to avoid her gaze.

"Sounds splendid!" Isobel exclaims with a smile.

"I'm still not sure about it." Tom adds. "But what are my politics these days? I'm not sure."

"You could always read a bit about it." Isobel offers.

"You won't find many books on the Liberal ideals in this room. And nothing at all about socialism." Tom retorts.

"If you're serious about driving me to Thirsk tomorrow, perhaps we might find some then." Isobel says.

Tom smiles, honouring her good intentions, but hands the paper back to her.

"Well, either way it'll be a nice trip. I'd like to come, we could take Ivy and Michael out." Emma says.

"What a lovely idea!" Isobel agrees.

The door opens and Nanny Jean and her companion walk in with Michael and George in their arms and Sybbie and Ivy in tow.

"Are we too early?" Nanny Jean questions.

"Bring them in, Nanny. I don't think anyone will mind." Mary reassures from her seat on the settee next to Mr Blake.

"Your Papa might, but he isn't here to complain." Cora remarks with a pleased smile, visibly happy to see the children.

The Nanny walks Ivy over to Tom, who gets down to take her into his arms and places Michael in Emma's. Her companion brings Sybbie over to her grandmother, who's moved to the settee next to Edith then brings over a loudly crying George towards Mary.

Mary is putting her cup on the side table. "One moment, darling, while Mummy puts away her cup."

"Oh, here, let me." Mr Blake holds out his hands for George and the Nanny puts the crying baby in his arms. Emma watches, while cradling Michael, how Mr Blake handles him quite competently. "Hello, there."

Mary is honestly surprised while Violet is downright shocked. Emma can't help but see, something that has been happening recently, the possibility of Mary and Mr Blake...

"He's turning into quite a bruiser." Mr Blake remarks. George is still crying.

"Yes, and I must go." Violet says as she pulls herself up.

"Stay and have some dinner, Mama. You needn't change." Cora pleads, standing up with Sybbie in her arms.

Those sitting stand in politeness. Mr Blake is still rocking a crying George in his arms, patting him soothingly on the back while Mary takes her son's little hand and makes gentle shushing noises.

"No. Thank you, my dear, but no. You should change and I should go." Violet says. She takes her leave in a hurry.

——

That evening, Emma makes her way down the stairs and when she reaches the bottom, Emma feels someone grab her arm. She startles and turns to find Mary is the one pulling her into a corner.

"Why did you not tell me?" Mary hisses.

Emma frowns. "Tell you what?"

"That it was Lord Gillingham's Valet that attacked Anna."

Emma's eyes widen in panic and glances around them, fearful someone may have heard before turning back to Mary's accusing gaze. "You know why. She's my friend Mary, I don't want to break her trust. She pleaded for me not to say anything, she desperately wants to protect her husband from his own anger."

"We need to do something." Mary insists.

"Like what? We can't say anything."

"Lord Gillingham and his valet are coming tomorrow night. I'm going to try and telephone him tomorrow to either come without Green or to not come at all." Mary says.

Emma nods. "I suppose that's all we can do for now."

——

Isobel, Emma and Tom get out of their parked car along with the children. Tom pulls out the pram for Emma to lie Michael in while Ivy diligently holds onto Isobel's hand.

"Let's meet in the book shop in ten minutes. I've got some letters to post." Isobel shows the letters in her hand. "I can take Ivy with me." She grins cheerfully at Ivy and squeezes her hand. The toddler smiles back.

"If you're sure?" Emma asks. Isobel affirms. Emma turns to Ivy. "Would you like to go with Auntie Isobel?"

Ivy grins at her mother. "Yes!"

Tom chuckles and leans down to stroke his daughter's cheek. "Well, okay then. We'll see you at the bookshop."

They walk away in different directions.

——

Emma and Tom are strolling along, the latter is pushing the pram. They are walking past the windows of the tea room when suddenly Tom pauses and doubles back.

Emma pauses. "Tom? What is it?"

"Just something..." Tom trails off. "Could open the door for me?" He gestures to the door of the tea room.

Emma frowns but does as he asks and holds the door open for him as he pushes Michael inside and follows after.

A lady customer passes them on her way out. The woman behind the till nods her head towards them and Emma and Tom do the same as Tom takes off his hat. Though the former is confused while the latter looks concerned.

"Why are we in here, Tom?" Emma asks.

"That." Tom nods to the window between the front counter and the tea room at the back.

Emma follows his gaze and through it, she can see Rose and Jack Ross, who are just taking their places at a table. They smile happily at each other. Rose reaches out to stroke Jack's cheek but the singer pulls away. Emma doesn't blame him. Even from where she's standing, she can see a waitress is watching from the doorway while a woman is watching from a neighbouring table.

Emma can see that Tom is deeply unsettled and she doesn't want him to do anything she'll hate him for. "Let's go, Tom." She encourages.

Tom nods and they step out of the shop along with Michael and walk off. Emma doesn't have a problem with what's going on between Rose and Mr Ross but knows that this time period does and even her own one does sometimes and because of this, she knows this won't end well, particularly for Mr Ross. Rose is naïve enough to not realise this.

——

Emma and Tom don't really know what to do, both of them agreeing this won't end well. They end up deciding that Mary might be the best one to go to, they trust her.

That evening, after getting ready for dinner, Emma and Tom knock on the eldest Crawley daughter's door. At Mary's call, they enter the room. Emma notes that Anna, who lingers in the room, is looking quite crestfallen.

Emma frowns but gets distracted by Mary's comment to Tom as she stands from her vanity, pulling on some gloves. "No tails? You know Granny's coming."

Tom looks down in his black tie ensemble. "Oh, God, is she? I didn't realise." He turns to run straight back out again.

"No, don't change. It's time she learned about the real world." Mary says.

"Well, that's a phrase with more than one definition."

There's an uncomfortable silence. Emma doesn't really want to talk about this with Anna present. Thankfully she gets it and walks out of the room, closing the door.

"Can we have a word?" Tom starts. "We've seen something, and we're not saying there's anything wrong about it, but we'd feel uncomfortable if we kept it to ourselves."

"We also are not sure how to deal with it so we thought it best to share it with you." Emma adds.

"I'm all ears."

"This morning, in Thirsk, we saw Rose." Tom says.

"Yes, she was shopping." Mary says with a 'duh' like tone.

"No, she was not shopping." Emma disagrees. "She was meeting a man. We saw her as she reached up to stroke his cheek."

Mary sighs in resignation. "Oh, golly. Who is it this time?"

"It was Jack Ross - the singer with the band who came up for your father's party." Emma explains. "Again, nothing wrong, but, well, you know how naïve Rose is with how the world works. I worry that she doesn't realise the implications for him."

"That's it. We've told you and have nothing more to add." Tom declares. Emma can see he didn't take any pleasure in doing this and he walks out without another word.

"Emma." Mary calls before Emma can follow.

"Yes?"

Mary sighs. "It's about lord Gillingham. Apparently, he left the Dalrymples straight after breakfast, so I missed him when I telephoned."

Emma closes her eyes. "I was wondering why Anna looked so sad when we came in. There's nothing more we can do, is there?"

"Except pray that Bates doesn't work it out." Mary says.

"I fear he may have already."

——

Since Robert has been away, the seating layout has changed. Cora sits in Robert's seat while Violet sits in Cora's old seat. Emma, as usual, sits between Rose and Edith while Mary sits next to Billy and Tom at the other end.

Violet is next to Gillingham. "Have you been wandering round Scotland since we saw you?"

"I have." Gillingham replies. "I was on the Spey. I did a tour of the cousinage, then after that a wedding in Ayrshire. I've enjoyed myself. It gave me time to think for once."

"What about?" Billy asks across Tom and Rosamund.

"My life, I suppose."

Emma tenses at that and notes how everyone is listening in as well. Emma already knows this will lead them down an awkward path.

"Everyone should, from time to time." Isobel comments.

"Oh, I can't agree. In my experience it's a dangerous occupation." Violet dismisses.

Emma frowns, curious. "Dangerous?"

"Well, no life appears rewarding if you think too much about it." This is putting rather a damper on the party.

Rosamund, who sits next to Tom, makes a valiant attempt to change the subject. "I gather you've launched into pigs these days."

"Yes." Tom replies. "And their arrival was quite the adventure, in which Mr Blake and Mary were the hero and heroine."

Gillingham turns to Mary, rather miffed. "Is this what you wouldn't tell me when I was last here?"

Mary smiles uncomfortably. "Only because I didn't want to make too much of it."

"Lady Mary was perfectly splendid." Emma glances across rose to Mr Blake, who's really not helping.

"Lady Mary is perfectly splendid. Really, Charles, are you a pig expert as well?" Gillingham snips.

"He was that night, thank heaven." Mary comments.

Now it's Cora's turn to try and make things less awkward. "Rosamund and Edith have some exciting news."

"What's that?" Mr Napier questions.

"We're going on a sabbatical, so that we can really improve our French," Rosamund explains. "The only thing I ever learned from my governess was how to say 'please', 'thank you' and 'I have a temperature.'"

Emma frowns. It seems very sudden and strange but she knows now is not the time to say that. "Seems useful when travelling, but it would be nice to be able to hold an actual conversation.

"Precisely." Rosamund turns to her mother. "Do you remember her, Mama? She was always in tears."

"Oh, poor Mademoiselle. Her life was full of 'complications'." Violet and Rosamund share a little laugh at the memory. "I think she quite enjoyed it, though."

"But why you? You don't want to learn French. Or is this an incognito search for the missing Mr Gregson?" Mary remarks insensitively.

"Don't tease her. It's much more serious than that." Billy says.

"Thank you, Billy. If you must know, I fancy getting away for a bit." Edith says. Emma frowns as she watches the woman next to her look down, fiddling with her fork.

"Oh. Like Lord Gillingham, thinking his way around the Highlands." Violet gives Edith a searching look. Seems she's also sharing Emma's suspicions that this isn't all that it seems.

——

After dinner, Emma is walking along the landing to her and Tom's room after checking in on the children when she finds Anna standing outside Mary's room.

"Anna?" Emma calls to her as she approaches.

"Ssh!" Anna quickly hisses.

Emma is about to ask why when she hears Rose declare, "I love him. And I won't listen to any imperialist nonsense about racial purity and how he should be horsewhipped for daring to dream."

Oh dear, seems Mary is talking to Rose about what Emma and Tom had seen in Ripon.

"Don't you know me better than that?" Mary retorts.

"I'm going to marry him, Mary. And I don't care what it costs and I won't keep it a secret. Not once I've told Mummy. I want to see her face crumble when she finds out." Rose declares fiercely.

Emma is startled when Rose opens the door and charges past her and Anna. Emma and Mary exchange a concerned look.

——

Mr Napier, Gillingham and Mr Blake are making their farewells in the Great Hall in the presence of Tom, Emma, Rose, Cora and Mary.

"I feel we're driving you away." Cora says.

"Oh, hardly. We're in grave danger of outstaying our welcome." Mr Blake remarks.

"If Tony hadn't offered us a lift, we'd probably be here forever." Mr Napier adds. Emma knows that's probably the reason the lift was offered in the first place.

"I hope you'll be back soon." Cora says.

"Good luck with your bazaar." Mr Blake says.

"I think Lady Grantham wants to plead for you to stay and lend her a hand." Emma remarks.

"Don't tempt me." Everyone laughs a bit.

"I'm so grateful for your advice and wisdom." Marry says to Mr Blake. "And not least for the very practical and muddy pig rescue."

"Glad to be of service, M'lady."

They all walk for the door. Emma glances back, seeing they are leaving Mary and Gillingham alone for a moment. Mmm...

"Are you going straight there?" Billy asks.

"We might stop for some lunch." Mr Blake replies.

The party soon comes walking out of the front door, the visitors dressed in their travelling coats and hats. Green stands waiting by the car. Emma sends a glare before turning back to the farewell conversations around her. She doesn't want to give him the time of day.

The final shaking of hands and the three gentlemen walk to the car and get in. Gillingham is driving himself, with Green next to him, and Mr Napier and Mr Blake in the back. They start driving off. They line up to see them off, Rosamund and Edith having joined them.

"I'm sorry to see them go." Cora says mournfully.

"Not as sorry as Mary." Rose remarks. "What's a group noun for suitors?"

"What do you think? A 'desire'?" Cora suggests teasingly.

"'A desire of suitors'. Very good." Rosamund agrees. Emma huffs a laugh along with the others.

Mary remains stone faced. "If you're going to talk nonsense, I have better things to do." Mary leads the way back in. The other ladies are still giggling.

——

The Villagers start setting up the stalls for the bazaar on Saturday. Cora is in the middle of the bazaar preparations as she stands at the writing desk in the Library, holding a letter. Rose is in an armchair, reading a newspaper. Emma comes walking up to them.

"What a nightmare. The man selling ices is ill, so I've got to find another. The grocers from Easingwold and Malton can't be side by side, and I've got to decide the house menus with Mrs Patmore." Cora complains to Rose as Emma walks up to them.

"I'll do that. Tend to the bazaar." Emma offers, feeling sorry for the woman.

"Are you sure? Because if you are..."

"I'm sure. Everyone's got to pull their weight." Emma insists. She glances disapprovingly at Rose, who is clearly not pulling her weight. Cora hands her the paper and gives her a look of gratitude.

Rose calls after Cora, "When's Cousin Robert coming back?"

"I don't know. I wish I did. We've had no word from him in days." Cora laments before leaving.

Rose puts down the newspaper and is about to say something before cutting herself off.

"What is it?" Emma prompts.

"I've got to tell someone, or I'll just explode." Rose says excitedly.

"Tell someone what?"

"Oh, Emma." Rose jumps up and moves towards her. "What do you think? I'm engaged!"

Emma gapes at her. "You what?" She blurts.

——

After hearing Rose boast to Mary about how she wants to see her mother's face 'drop', Emma knows that Rose doesn't truly love Mr Ross as she should and the girl's news just confirms it. To be honest, Emma worries about what everyone will do to Mr Ross because of Rose trying to prove a point.

Emma tells Mary who decides she must go up to London. Emma wishes she could join but she's been tied down with promises to Cora to help with the bazaar. Mary hurries off and Emma moves on to observing and conducting the set up of the stalls for the bazaar on the lawn, bunting and flower garlands used as decorations. Emma walks through them all, directing things with a clipboard in hand and Mr Carson at her shoulder. The servants are out handing drinks and sandwiches to those setting up the stalls.

Emma is conducting Rosamund and Rose setting up a trestle table when Mary, dressed for travelling, and Cora walk up to them with Anna trailing behind.

"But why the urgency?" Emma hears Cora asking.

"I can't explain, but I swear if you knew, you'd approve." Mary replies. She shares a conspiring look with Emma.

"What this? What's happened?" Rose asks.

"Mary has to go to London." Cora tells her, sounding irritated. Rose almost seems to light up at the word 'London'.

"It's no big thing. I'll be back tomorrow night." Mary reassures.

"Can I come?" Rose quickly asks.

"No."

"Well, why not?"

"Because Mama needs you here." Mary says.

"Plus, Tom and Billy have gone off to Skipton so we're low on a couple of hands." Emma adds pointedly.

"What for?" Rosamund asks.

"Tom wants to see some suppliers and compare prices." Emma shrugs.

Mary turns and kisses her mother on the cheek. "Goodbye, then. Bye, Rose." The young girl is sulking.

"Do you want to stay at the house? I'll telephone if you do." Rosamund offers.

"Could you? You're an angel." Mary says.

"I'm afraid I told Mead he could visit his sister in Swindon, but they'll do the best they can." Rosamund tells her.

"Thank you." Mary walks away.

"How mysterious." Rosamund remarks.

You have no idea.

——

The next morning, it's time for the stalls to be decorated for the bazaar tomorrow. Emma is in the Hall with Edith, Rose and Cora at some trestle tables that have been put up and are sorting through tablecloths and decorations for the bazaar. In the background, several members of the staff are busy, too.

Emma and Rose giggle with each other as they put on silly helmets.

Rosamund arrives downstairs. "Goodness, I thought I'd be down before anyone."

Emma scoffs with a smile. "Cora wouldn't let us. An early start helps get the job done."

Tom and Billy walk in from outside with their jackets off and sleeves rolled up. Emma gives her husband an appreciative look. He always looks good with his sleeves rolled up.

"We've got the tent up for the tea, and they're fetching the tables and chairs from the barn." Tom tells them.

"Just don't let them mess up the grass too much when they drive them back." Cora replies.

Rose nearly knocks Tom in the head with something that looks like Neptune's trident. "Rose!" Tom laughs. He turns to Emma and smirks at her headdress. "Very nice."

Emma chuckles and tips her helmet slightly. "Why thank you kind Sir."

Cora and Edith are at either end of a huge linen basket but are quickly relieved of the heavy basket by Billy who carries it outside.

——

Emma is outside, helping set up and directing people when she spots a familiar face setting up some sweet jars on a stall talking to Billy who carries three folding chairs in each hand.

Emma spots her husband nearby and walks over to him. "Oh, that's Sarah Bunting. Didn't know she was local."

Tom turns to her and then glances at Sarah and Billy with a contemplative look. "Yes, she's a school teacher in the Village. Me and Billy saw her yesterday, helped her with her broken down car."

Emma sees Tom looks uncomfortable. "What is it?"

"She's very opinionated." Tom reluctantly admits. "I felt she was attacking mine and Billy's beliefs because we live at Downton. She doesn't like the upper class very much."

Emma smirks at him. "Neither did you I recall."

Tom huffs a laugh. "I know but... have I stepped to far from my socialist beliefs? Am I so different from the man you first met?"

"Mmm... well, you've mellowed out I suppose but no." Emma replies. "You're still a fighter for your beliefs, you just understand the other side a bit more than before."

Cora then appears beside them, carrying a tray laden with flowers in vases. "Are they ready for these?" She asks Tom.

Tom nods. "Give me those." He takes them and hurries off again. Emma frowns as she watches him. She hopes he's alright.

——

It is finally Saturday and the bazaar is in full swing. There's laughter and chatter, people milling around, talking, looking at the stalls, eating and drinking. Children are playing games like sack races and running around excitedly. Men play the ring-the-bell game. There's a hook and duck stand where a tin bath is being used.

Jimmy ladles punch into a cup and then furtively drinks it himself. Anna and Gemma are serving food in the tea tent. Rosamund is temporarily manning a baker's stall, serving a customer with a very upset and grumpy Rose. Mary had told Emma that Mr Ross had called off the engagement and had broken things off with Rose.

Emma has absconded Michael and Ivy from Nanny Jean and her companion. Michael laughs and gurgles at what he can see from his pram while Ivy runs a little unsteadily beside her mother and brother, staring at everything around them with glee. Emma watches softly as she watches Billy holds Sybbie and plays a throwing game by holding onto his daughter's arms and pretending she's the one throwing them.

Suddenly, Emma hears Mr Carson yelling, "It's His Lordship! His Lordship's back! Tell the others! His Lordship's back! James!"

Emma turns to see a couple of cars can be seen moving up the drive, laden with luggage and stares in surprise. It really is Robert, back from America. He stands up as soon as the open car he's riding in has come to a stop and waves his hat cheerily. Thomas jumps out from the front seat to open the car door for him.

Emma hands over the children to the Nanny before hurrying over with the others.

Edith is the first to arrive. She greets her father, laughing. "How can you be here?! Why didn't you send a message?" Robert laughs, too, and kisses her cheek. "We would have made such a fuss! You're a beast!"

"Oh, not quite a beast, I hope. I wanted to surprise you and I think I have." Robert replies joyfully. "Hello Emma."

He surprises her with an embrace but she recovers and beams back. "It's good to see you've survived your voyage."

"Quite."

Meanwhile, Mary has arrived. In the background, the servants all hurry towards them too. Mr Molesley and Jimmy move off to the cars to take care of the luggage. Mr Carson and Mr Bates stand ready, waiting for orders.

"Papa, you should have let us know!" Mary says. Robert kisses his daughter's cheek. "When did you get in?"

"This morning. I'd forgotten about the bazaar. I was right not to distract you all from your labours." Billy and Tom walk up and Robert shakes each of their hands cordially.

"What happened to Uncle Harold?" Mary asks.

"A reprimand, but nothing more." Robert replies with a sigh.

"So, it was worth your going." Tom says.

"I don't think I made a bit of difference, but let's hold on to that fiction."

Emma moves over to Thomas who's unstrapping the cases. "You've returned then?" She remarks with a grin.

Thomas gives her a warm smile. "I have."

"How was it?" Mr Mosesley asks excitedly as he and Jimmy join them.

"Interesting. Very modern, and very interesting." Thomas remarks. "How's it been here?"

"Not very interesting and not very modern." Jimmy replies gloomily. Thomas chuckles and, with a nod to Emma, walks off with Mr Molesley and Jimmy and the luggage.

Emma turns and smiles softly as she watches Robert and Cora exchange a passionate kiss and then hold each other in their arms, looking at each other lovingly.

——

A short while later, Emma is with Edith, Violet, Rosamund and Mary. Emma spots Lord Gillingham walking among the bazaar-goers.

"Isn't that Lord Gillingham?" She points out to the others.

"What? It can't be. Where?" Emma indicates and Mary immediately walks towards him.

"What does Miss Lane Fox think about it? That's what I wonder." Edith remarks.

"I agree. He's the most unconvincing fiancé I've ever come across." Violet adds.

"Perhaps she doesn't know." Rosamund suggests.

"She better. It'd be worse if she was none the wiser." Emma says. She watches with a frown when she notes how dead serious Gillingham is.

She's even more concerned when Mary pulls her and Anna to the side and tells them the news. Green is dead. He was in Piccadilly when he slipped, or stumbled, and fell into the road.

"You mean... he fell into the road, and... he was hit? Yesterday?" Anna questions as if to be sure. Emma doesn't blame her.

"By a bus or lorry, apparently." Mary adds.

"And someone saw this?"

"The pavement was crowded. Lots of people saw it."

"That's a relief." Anna says. Emma looks at her sharply. She doesn't think...

"What do you mean?" Mary asks.

"Nothing. I don't mean anything." Anna says quickly and walks away.

"You don't think..." Emma murmurs.

"I hope not." Mary replies.

They're interrupted by Charles Blake, who has apparently been magically drawn back to Downton today, too. "Mary! Did your mother warn you I was coming?"

Mary quickly puts on a greeting smile. "She did. Why are you back in Yorkshire so soon?"

"I'd no sooner got back than I was despatched to a tenant farmers' convention in Whitby. But it's over now, so I'll go home from here." Mr Blake replies.

Emma quickly excuses herself and walks over to Tom who holds Ivy next to the hook and duck game.

Tom immediately notices her distressed look. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Emma hurriedly changes the topic. "Where's Michael?"

Tom frowns but replies, "With Nanny. Emma? What's going on?"

"It's nothing, really. I'll just go and get him." Emma quickly walks away feeling guilty for lying to him like that.

——

Robert walks across the bazaar with a glass in his hand and joins his mother and Emma, who's cradling Michael, at the table under a canopy.

"God, what a relief to be able to drink in public without a Policeman pouncing." Robert remarks, raising his glass in a toast. "Down with Prohibition."

Emma hums. "Ah, yes prohibition. Caused more problems than solved them."

Violet looks at her son, aghast. "You can't mean you never had a drink all the time you were there."

Robert shrugs. "Harold has his uses."

"I suppose he does." Violet comments with a chuckle. "And let us hope they both leave us in peace."

"A slim hope, I'm afraid. Martha wants to bring him over next summer for Rose's coming-out ball." Robert tells them.

Emma pulls a face. "Why?" She has nothing against the Crawley's American relations, just the coming out into society all high-class girls have to do for some reason.

"She says she wants to see another London Season before she dies."

Violet groans. Emma sniggers to herself and, sensing her laughter, Michael joins in with a giggle of his own.

——

The bazaar is ending. The servants are packing away and the bunting is taken down. Hall boys and estate workers are taking down the stalls and carrying chairs and benches away.

Mr Blake and Mary return to where the family and their guests are assembled under one of the canopies that are still standing.

"Where have you two been hiding?" Gillingham remarks to them.

"In plain view, where all good tricksters hide." Mr Blake replies.

Robert arrives, triumphantly carrying two bottles of champagne. "Look what I've found. Billy, will you see if there are some clean glasses on that table?" He hands both to Billy who happily takes them and turns to Cora. "Well done, my dear. A real triumph." Everyone starts clapping.

"Ah, she did have help you know." Emma huffs jokingly causing the rest of the group to chuckle. She gives Michael to Nanny so she's able to accept the glass that Robert fills for her.

"I hope so. I've told them they can clear up the rest tomorrow." Cora says.

"I thought that was the best bazaar I've known here." Isobel compliments.

"Certainly." Violet agrees before turning to Robert, as he fills a glass for her. "At least since your father and I were running it." Everyone laughs.

"And now, as the Prodigal Husband home from the sea, let me raise a glass to my extraordinary wife," Robert fills his and Cora's glasses too, "who can clearly manage far better in my absence." He raises his glass. "Cora."

Everyone joins in the toast.

"Very well done, Lady Grantham. And now, I'm afraid, I should be going." Mr Blake reluctantly says.

"It was so kind of you to come." Cora says.

"I don't suppose I could ask you for a lift this time?" Gillingham asks. "I came by train, but I'd much rather drive."

"Certainly."

Emma raises an eyebrow at this. Certainly sounds like it could be a bit of an awkward ride.

"I'll see you off."

Robert looks after Mary and the two men bewildered. "What sort of ménage has that turned into while I've been away?"

None of the remaining group is going to answer that as they shrug and smile, but they all watch Mary and her suitors out, very curious to find out the answer.

——

A/N: Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.

[nonegenderleftpain]

@mad-dyspunktional so I literally had my pre-op appointment this morning and my surgeon and gyno said there is no increased risk for ovarian cancer after a hysto and salpingectomy (removing the fallopian tubes). Part of the reason my surgeon in particular suggests removing them as well, even if you leave the ovaries, is to prevent the (statistically insignificant, but anecdotally significant) chance of ovarian cancer increase. The ovaries will operate independent of the uterus, and while early menopause is definitely a *possibility,* as long as the ovaries are left intact it is unlikely. Short of complications, there really isn't any serious health risk from a hysterectomy.

I'd wager the common misunderstandings/misinformation is a means of deterring people from removing their uteruses, but that's entirely speculation on my part. All I know is 1. I'm glad I saw this post before my appointment to ask her about it and 2. I trust my female gyno who's been doing this surgery for like fifteen years to be honest with me about the risks, as she has never led me astray before. So if you're considering a hysto and you don't have contraindications that could put you at higher risk of surgical complications or infection, you don't have anything major to worry about, short of possibly early menopause. I didn't ask her about that in particular because, as I said, it doesn't apply to me as a guy, and I haven't had a period in over two years. Ask your gyno (or your surgeon - my gyno IS my surgeon) about it if it's something that does worry you, and definitely do not take unsourced medical information from the internet (including mine! I'm relaying what I was told today but I am only human, and cannot promise that I have not misrepresented what she told me on accident. I won't doxx myself by giving the name of my surgeon here, but if you WOULD like a source, I'm happy to give you her name in DMs).

they have got to invent consequence free hysterectomies i’m so serious. and boobs that you can take off when you feel like it

[miss-smutty]

Forbidden

Chapter 1

A/N- I've teased y'all for so long I hope this series is going to live up to expectations, I'm confident it will though because I'm addicted and it's been super easy for me to write - I'm up to chapter 3 so far so updates can be on time! There's a slight age gap between my professor Hemsy and OC Jess but she's twenty and completely legal. You know this is gunna be a giant tease fest for the first couple of chapters cos that sexual tension is fucking gold 🥵

Summary- Jess meets the man of her dreams and then stupidly leaves without getting his number. Will fate bring them together again?

Word count- 1.5 K

Pairing- Professor!Chris Hemsworth x OC

Warnings- Swearing, age gap

18+ only!

Disclaimer: This is an entire work of fiction/AU and has no affiliation to real life what so ever! This is a fictional story about fictional characters who happen to share names and faces with some real people.

Posted: 5th August 2021

Taglist:- @innerpaperexpertcloud @pandaxnienke @chickensarentcheap @jjpogueprincess @longlostinanotherworld @mostly-marvel-musings @darklydeliciousdesires @monet-belle

@skyfullofsong123 @swaggysposts

Chapter 2

I pulled out a chair at the last available table in the unusually busy coffee shop, I thought I might've caught a break choosing the one outside of campus but alas I was wrong.

I was about to sit down when the chair opposite me slid out from under the table, my eyes lifted to meet with the most sparkly blue eyes i'd ever seen. The sight of him took my breath away. Literally.

I stood staring, frozen on the spot, my mouth slightly ajar as I looked him up and down. He was tall, so tall, definitely over 6ft and built like a dream. Thick thighs straining against his fitted trousers, wide muscular shoulders and I just knew there was a six-pack hiding behind that tight t-shirt. 

"Sorry. You were here first, I'll just grab a take-out." He smirked a side smile, amused at how I was so obviously checking him out but his sexy Australian accent distracted you from anything else.

"It's fine, I'm on my own. I don't mind if you want to sit there too." I mentally face palmed myself, drawing attention to the fact I was alone wasn't the best idea but then again he was alone too. "I don't bite." I added trying my best to flirt.

It seemed to work, he smiled at me as he sat down and I took the time to admire his handsome face. He was quite clearly a lot older than me, the laughter lines around his eyes a tell tale sign but he was still quite possibly the best looking man I'd ever laid eyes on. His hair was fair and the short beard framed his face perfectly but the one thing that stood out the most were those piercing ocean-blue eyes.

"So do you come here often?" I cocked my eyebrow at him over my coffee cup making him laugh at my reaction. "Sorry, it's been a while." He said nervously, running his hand through his hair.

"It's been a while since you spoke to a stranger or…?" I questioned casually.

"It's been a while since I spoke to an attractive woman." He finished, his eyes sparkling as he watched me almost choke on my drink.

"Oh, I err…. I don't think you're doing too badly." I absentmindedly circled my finger around the rim of my cup, crossing my leg over my other and accidently rubbing my foot up his leg. My cheeks felt hot and flushed as I looked up into his eyes and saw him smiling slyly.

"Evidently. We're already playing footsie under the table." He smiled widely, a genuine smile that stretched the corners of his mouth. I smiled back at him shyly, thinking of something to say to change the subject before I ended up looking like a tomato.

"What part of Australia are you from?"

"I'm originally from Melbourne but I lived in Byron Bay before I came to America." 

"Awesome. I've always wanted to go to Australia, the Spiders put me off though." 

"Yeah I think they put most people off but in heavily populated areas they stay pretty much hidden, I think it's the size that scare people." How have I made this conversation go from flirting to talking about spiders? And how do I get back to flirting?

"Are we still talking about spiders?" I raised my eyebrows questioningly and laughed at the innuendo, flicking my hair over my shoulder. I noticed something in his eyes when I did so, a hunger, just a little flash and then it was gone again. I'm sure I didn't imagine it though because his eyes lingered on my exposed shoulders.

I checked my watch subtly, not wanting him to think he was boring me but I had to get to class and couldn't be late again, not when this semester had only just started.

"I'm really sorry, I'm gonna have to run, I'm going to be late. It was really nice meeting you." I gathered up my bags, ready to leave.

"Already? You've only just got here." He looked disappointed, his smile fading. His mouth opened as if he was going to say something else and then closed again when he saw I was ready to leave. "It was really nice to meet you too, hopefully I'll see you again." His eyes sparkled as he looked into mine, standing from his chair to get the door for me. I felt fireworks when his hand brushed against the small of my back and his face lingered close to mine. The tension was unreal, like we were the only people in the room as his eyes hungrily stared into my soul, undressing me with his eyes. My heart stopped beating when his face moved closer to mine so I could feel his breath on my lips, the smell of coffee and his aftershave filling my nostrils. I paused, my feet routed to the spot, I wanted him to kiss me so badly but I moved away at the last minute. Surely he wasn't actually going to kiss me, we'd only just met, that would be ridiculous. Wouldn't it?

********

I spent most of class daydreaming about my tall handsome stranger and the way he looked at me but most of all how I didn't even get his name. Or his number.

Now I was feeling sorry for myself because it would just be my luck to meet the man of my dreams and then never see him again. So I'd moped about all day and avoided the invitations for drinks after class. Instead I'd

gotten home early, changed into some sweats and settled myself in front of the TV for the night.

"What's up with your face?" My roommate, Ellie said as she walked into our room, throwing her bags onto her bed.

"What're you talking about?" 

"Your face. Looks like you're chewing on a wasp."

"Feeling sorry for myself." I pout pathetically.

"Why, what've you done now?" She rolled her eyes, kicking off her shoes and throwing her legs up onto the bed. I felt so lucky to have a roommate like Ellie, during our freshman year she'd become my best friend practically straight away and now after two years together we were practically sisters.

I sat up in bed cross legged and faced Ellie, getting myself ready to spill my misfortunes of the day with her.

"Well, I went to Impresso's this morning to get my morning coffee before class." She nodded, showing her enthusiasm by also sitting cross legged on her own bed, facing me. "And it was packed full of students, there was only one table left. So I went to grab it as soon as I could." She raised her eyebrow at me, wondering where I was going with the story. "And I kid you not, the most attractive man I have ever seen, pulls out the chair opposite me." 

"Oh my god! No way. Did you talk? Oh my god, this is like the perfect chick flick. Carry on." I smiled at her excitement.

"I told him I didn't mind if he sat there, I mean of course I didn't mind, you should've seen him El. Oh, oh, oh I almost forgot" I flapped my hands, bouncing on the spot. "He was fucking Australian."

"Fuck off, you're lying. Drop dead gorgeous with the sexiest accent ever. How is this even real? Now remind me why you're sat there with a face like a slapped arse?" 

"I panicked when I had to leave, didn't want to be late for class and I didn't get his number, didn't even give him chance to ask for mine." 

"Wow! Ok, now I understand. What were you thinking?"

"I wasn't thinking, I was panicking and you know what I'm like when I panic." You sulk.

"It's ok, maybe you'll bump into him again."

"Yeah, right. I should be so lucky."

"Cheer up." she says throwing a cushion at me. "There's a party at Alpha Kappa this weekend, I'm sure we can find you someone to help get over your mystery man. Or under should I say?" She raised her eyebrow at me, smiling slyly and making me laugh. She always did know how to cheer me up and maybe a party is what I needed.

There must be some good looking boys around campus that could make me forget about my Australian hunk. Surely? I thought about the guys I'd seen around campus, the guys I'd seen at frat parties and that's definitely not what I wanted. How could a twenty year old boy match to the masculine, experienced man I met this morning. My mind was set, I'd dipped my feet ever slightly into the mature pool and that's what I wanted more than anything. There was always something missing with previous boyfriends and I was tired of all the game playing. I wanted someone who knew what they wanted and wasn't afraid to get it.

The only thing was, he didn't know I was only twenty and I had no way of finding him again. If fate did bring us back together, would he mind that I was still a student? That I couldn't even drink when we went on dates? 

Who am I kidding? Of course he would mind, he could get any woman he wanted, why would he want me?

[edupunkn00b]

Perennials: Orchid (Elegance)

Word count: 1748 - G - [ AO3 ] - Canon(ish), Post-POF - Overture May Flowers Event Day 28: Orchid for Elegance Note: A seven-year old spoiler for Doctor Who is narrowly avoided below.

"Elegance is elimination." - Cristóbal Balenciaga ---

Thomas was standing in front of the refrigerator, propping the door open with his hip, reaching deep inside, searching. "What about this? I think it's that garlic-infused butter from -" he popped off the lid and sniffed, then gagged. "Nope! Nope, nope, that's not gonna work. Here, Virge," he said, stretching his arm over the top of the refrigerator door to where Virgil sat on the counter. Thomas handed him the rancid butter concoction. "Can you toss this?"

Virgil wrinkled his nose and gingerly accepted the plastic container, toeing open the cabinet that held Thomas' garbage can and threw it in the bin. Roman looked up from where he was chopping tomatoes and grinned. "Nice shot, Emo!" Virgil blushed and slouched a bit, hiding his face.

Thomas didn't notice, too busy hunting for something to substitute for garlic. He'd promised Nico homemade spaghetti when he'd convinced him to come over for dinner tonight instead of going out. But he was completely out of garlic. "Roman, I think we're outta luck. I'm gonna need you to get ... creative." Virgil groaned but smiled.

"Patton's not here so you've decided to cover the dad jokes, huh, Sanders?," he drawled. Roman chuckled, laying the knife on the cutting board and rooting through Thomas' cabinets, looking for anything besides salt to add some flavor to the dish.

"Ah, I think even Patton would have groaned at that one," Roman said, looking over his shoulder at Thomas.

"Hey!," Thomas protested, laughing, "It wasn't that bad!"

Suddenly his phone started playing Nico's ringtone, Sunday Morning. Virgil's eyes grew wide. "He's cancelling. I knew it. Either that or he's early and already on his way and there's no way we'll be ready in time. He's gonna find out you're a disaster and break up with you! God, I hope he's not driving and calling at the same time. What if he got in an accident when he was on the phone with us? Get him off the phone! Remember Dark Water, he wouldn't have -"

"Virgil, it's ok," Thomas placed one hand on the Anxious Side's shoulder. "Let me see what Nico is calling about first, alright?," Despite Virgil's - and, therefore, his own - nervousness about why Nico might be calling just a few hours before their date was set to start, Thomas smiled when he saw Nico's contact picture pop up on his phone screen. He swiped up to answer the call, "Well, hello there, Neek ..."

Roman scraped the diced tomatoes into a bowl and then brought the dirty knife and cutting board to the sink. He would need it again in a moment to chop up the basil, but he was pretty sure that Thomas didn't know that. This gave the Princely Side an opportunity to get a little closer to Virgil and give him a reassuring bump against his knees. "Hey, you ok there, Hot Topic?," he whispered. Virgil's eyes were on Thomas, focused on the conversation. He nodded, giving Roman a quick glance and a smile as thanks.

"Oh ... sure, Neek," Thomas said into the phone, looking down at his feet, "That's no problem, we can totally move this to another day."

"Are you sure? I hope you haven't gone to a lot of trouble ...," Nico sounded distracted on the phone. Yes, he was almost definitely driving. Virgil's warning dancing through his head, Thomas thought he should probably try to get him off the phone as quickly as possible.

"No, no, no, it's totally fine. No trouble at all ... it - it was going to be a simple dinner ... I've hardly even started ... Yes, yes, it's fine. No, ... no of course I'm not mad. I understand you have to get your story in."

Thomas flashed a look to Roman and Virgil, shaking his head. Roman hung his head, leaning against the sink. Virgil gave his shoulder a little squeeze.

Thomas' doorbell rang and he swore under his breath. "No, no, that wasn't because of you, Nico. Sorry. It's probably my new neighbor. I must have breathed too loudly and now he's coming over to complain about the noise. Just a second." Thomas left the kitchen, heading to the front door. Roman suddenly grinned, lifting his head and peering through the kitchen window.

Virgil nudged him, "Hey, Princey, what are you looking for?," he whispered.

"It's the classic rom com move, my Dark Knight," Virgil blushed at the nickname, but Roman was too preoccupied with looking for Nico or his car outside to catch it. "You call your date, say you have to cancel," Roman whispered back quickly, bouncing with excitement. "But then you show up on his doorstep, a big bouquet or a box of chocolates or an engagement ring in hand ...,"

"Oh, Ro, I don't think that's - "

Thomas took a deep breath and opened the door, "Oh, hi. Hailey, is it?," Thomas was a little fuzzy on some of his neighbors' names. "Can help you?" Roman and Virgil met each other's eyes in the kitchen.

"Sorry, Princey," Virgil whispered. Roman just sighed and resumed wrapping up the chopped tomatoes. They were already cooked, so if Thomas used them tomorrow, they'd still be good.

"Yeah, it's Hailey. Hey, Mr. Sanders," she frowned and twisted her fingers together, looking up and down the row of apartments. "Have you, um, seen my cat?"

"No, honey, I'm afraid not, I haven't. What does your cat look like?"

"She's black and white and has a white collar. Her name's Minty."

"I'll keep my eyes out for her. You're two doors down, right?" She nodded. "I'll let you know if I see her, ok?" Thomas glanced down at the phone in his hand, checking that his call with Nico was still active.

"Thanks, Mr. Sanders!" Hailey started to back away from the door, smiling brightly. Thomas shook his head, a rueful smile painting his face. To have the emotional resilience of a kid again. "Oh, yeah," she turned back, "I'll come back and let you know if I find her, too!"

"Ok, thanks, Hailey. I hope you find her soon!" Thomas waved and closed the door. "Hi, Neek, sorry. That was the kid a couple doors down."

Nico laughed gently, "So I heard ... You were so sweet with her." Thomas blushed.

“Hey, you’re no slouch in the charming department, yourself there Mister." Thomas heard Nico chuckle over the line. “Hailey's the same little girl whose mom you helped out last time you came by.”

“Oh, right ... Nice family.” Thomas shook his head in quiet amazement. Nico was so effortlessly friendly and helpful. The last time Nico had come over, just as he’d parked, he noticed Thomas’ neighbor struggling to unload some packages from Sam's Club. Nico had leapt right in, carrying boxes and chatting about the traffic, the neighborhood, his writing. People just gravitated to him. Thomas supposed that was a big part of how they had ended up together, too. Nico was kind and unafraid to help a stranger, easily turning strangers into friends and, well ...

“What’s Hailey’s mom’s name again?,” Thomas asked, feeling a little bad that he couldn’t remember, but confident that Nico would know.

“Kate.” Nico laughed gently, “I’m glad I could help you get to know your neighbors … ,”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, every couple needs a charming one to make friends with the neighbors.” As soon as the words left his mouth, Virgil’s eyes grew wide at the implication hiding in his flirting and he stared at Thomas. The actor turned around, wincing. Virgil just shook his head, mouthing “Shut up shut up shut up shut up shut up shut up shut up,”, then he raised his hoodie, pulling the strings down to completely hide his face. Roman rubbed his back and whispered in his ear.

“It might not be that bad, let’s see what he says …”

“And every couple needs a hopelessly hot one, so I guess we’ve got that all worked out, don’t we, Tommy?,” Nico murmured back. Thomas’ blush was iridescent.

"You know you're the only one who's allowed to call me that, right?," Thomas turned to face the Sides again, grinning, not noticing how Roman quickly stepped away from Virgil, lowering his hand.

Nico laughed, "Darn right, I know I'm the only one!" Thomas pressed the phone against his ear, again soaking in the sweet sound of his boyfriend's laughter. "Listen, I need to go. Can I call you later?"

"Sure, Neek. Talk to you later, bye." Thomas stared at the screen for a moment before pocketing his phone and turning to the Sides watching him. He shrugged, "Nico's got a deadline." He sighed and started to help Roman clean up. "I don't love it, but I get it."

Virgil fiddled with the strings on his hoodie, pressing his lips together. They hadn't been dating for that long, but they knew each other well enough to know that Nico wasn't the type to procrastinate or to forget a due date. He wouldn't have agreed on a date night when he on deadline, either. Virgil didn't want to say anything, he really didn't, but he was sure there was something else going on. He pulled his hood back up and shoved his hands in his pockets. That, Thomas noticed.

"Virge, what's going on, Bud?" Roman looked up at Thomas' words. Virgil just shook his head. As Roman and Thomas both moved closer to the Anxious Side, the doorbell rang again.

"Oh, maybe that's Hailey with her cat. Hopefully somebody's having some luck tonight." Thomas sighed again.

"We'll make ourselves scarce, Thomas, but maybe not leave altogether?" Roman tilted his head toward Virgil. If Virgil went back to the Mindscape in this state, he would likely just send Thomas into a panic attack. It would be better to stay close but out of sight until the feeling passed.

Thomas nodded and approached the door again. "Hey, Hailey, did you find Minty?," he called, opening the door without looking and craning his neck, checking that Virgil and Roman couldn't be seen from where they sat on the stairs. When she didn't respond, Thomas frowned, "No luck?" He finally turned toward the now-open door, and his jaw dropped as he faced Nico standing on his doorstep, a huge, beautiful potted orchid in his hands.

Nico grinned, leaning in to kiss a shocked Thomas. "I wouldn't say that, Tommy. I'd say it's pretty lucky our little ploy to surprise you actually worked." Thomas looked over Nico's shoulder to see Hailey and her mom, grinning and waving. Thomas waved at both of them, feeling a flush growing on his face. "Not bad acting for a ten-year-old, huh?," he laughed, pulling Thomas closer for another hello kiss.

@tsshipmonth2020​ @psychedelicships​

[kenmas-consoles]

HAIKYUU!! CRUSH SERIES

(YAKU X READER) EDITION

(KUROO X READER) EDITION

(KENMA X READER) EDITION

"Thanks for walking me to school again Yakkun." (Y/n) said.

"It's no problem love, anything for our precious manager." he replied with a smile then proceeded to make his way to the back of the room to where his assigned seat was.

(Y/n) has always been grateful to have Yaku around because he was really really helpful and kind towards her. They've known eachother since they were first years, and met during the entrance ceremony and their friendship has been nothing but smooth sailing ahead since then.

Although their first encounter was absolutely by pure accident the boy however believed that it was nothing short of fate.

Yaku was on his way to the gymnasium for the opening ceremony, something all new first years must attend to commemorate the new school year, and he had found himself quite late. No, he didn't sleep in, in fact he had came in quite early. Although, coming in early meant that he had more time to explore the school, the young boy had missed track of time and as well as find himself lost in the ever enormous school.

He entered the gymnasium to see the batch's student representative up on stage giving his speech to the whole student body meaning he had already missed a third of the ceremony. A teacher who had noticed his presence ushered him to have a seat and listen in like all the other students. Seeing as there was an awful lot of first years this year there weren't really much vacant and unoccupied seats.

Save for one available seat that was by the middle row of students on the far left corner. He spared no time in walking over there and claiming the seat as he had no other option unless he wanted to stand for the whole ceremony.

As he had sat down, the person to his left had felt a presence and turned their head to face the boy who had took a seat next to them.

He swears the breathe he had was knocked off his lungs the first time he had laid eyes on her.

"The seat's not taken is it?", he had asked nervously.

The female shook her head as a no, somewhat amused he came in late for this kind of thing.

the (h/c)-ette female looked him in the eye and said to him, "They say it's bad luck to be late for opening ceremonies.", then giggling quite a bit.

And Yaku has never seen someone as pretty as you were that day.

Another thing he considered as fate was ending up in the same class as you. What were the odds, the cutie he met during the entrance ceremony was going to be his classmate, luck was definitely on his side.

He remembered it like it was only yesterday, Yaku hadn't caught your name during your exchange from the entrance ceremony and you were quick to vanish into the crowd of students right when the ceremony had ended. He made his way to the bulletin where he would see his name posted to determine which class he was in, class 1-5.

When he entered the door it felt like a rush of fresh air had hit him as he saw your glowing figure talking to one of your classmates.

After a month or so It would be a lie to say he hadn't grown very fond of her as he risked asking her to join the Nekoma boy's volleyball team as a manager, to which the latter had agreed which surprised the boy to no end.

★彡★彡★彡

The first two periods had ended so it was free period. Kuroo, Kai, Fujiwara and Nakamura and a couple of his other classroom squad were assembling at the back as they pushed tables together.

Yaku was going to come over them when (Y/n) asked if he wanted anything from the cafeteria since she and her friends were spending free period there. He shook his head and exchanged a few 'see-you-laters'

As (Y/n) and her friends left the room his friends in the back woof whistled and whooped. Nakamura, a sandy blonde haired boy was laughing his ass of and dragged Yaku to the group of boys.

"You sure you and (L/n)-san aren't dating?"

"No, and you very well know that, so why do you even ask?"

"I dunno, it's just. . . It looks like it though." the boy said inbetween fits of laughter as he and Kuroo imitate the exchange the two had earlier.

"I'm just being nice and we're friends so. . ."

Nakamura and Kuroo shared a look before bursting out snorting.

"Pfft, nice?"

"Pfft, friends?"

"Why do I even bother with you guys?", Yaku sighed pinching the bridge of his nose.

It's not like he was lying anyway, you two weren't dating and it was only fit that Yaku had to treat you like the angel you were because you guys had a strong relationship, well friendship but he rather much call it a relationship.

Yaku knows very well of his feelings for his (h/c) classmate and he wasn't exactly the type to keep his feelings to himself so he made it his mission to get the point across to you somehow. Yaku didn't want to rush you though that's why he never directly and outright told you he had liked you but third year was ending so soon that he couldn't help but feel like If you didn't know the feelings he had harboured for you he would have exploded.

So for the past few days he does what he sormally does, escort you to school, carries your books and walk you home after practice (sometimes slipping his hand into yours).

Except today he had found it quite odd when you told him last night that someone offered to walk you to school. Exactly, who was walking you to school, he didn't know, but when he walked inside class today his blood boiled.

There you were sat on your usual seat except the only thing he wished he didn't see was one of your male classmates leaning on the desk opposite to you very obviously flirting.

"Ohohoho looks like someone has got competition." Kuroo says as he passes to enter the room whilst Yaku was still idly standing by the door.

Yaku knew he had to step up his game.

★彡★彡★彡

The following day Yaku had walked you to school and sat by your desk the whole day in a somewhat territorial way almost to say 'back of she's mine'.

(Y/n) had found his recent behavior generally sweet and cute. Whether she knew how he felt or not it, it was driving him crazy. She was smiling, humming, allowing him to hold his hand without a care, it was almost like you were trying to test him.

This was his final gamble today, he heaved up a breath to sike himself up and carried the treats he was supposed to surprise you with.

(Y/n) was sitting next to (f/n) giggling about some story (f/n) had said.

Yaku then brushed past her table and placed a carton of strawberry yogurt and proceeded to the back along with his classroom friends. His friends were all cheering at the back and it brought a scarlet blush bloom on Yaku's face.

(F/n) had nudged (Y/n) with her elbow as Yaku once again passed and this time dropped a melon pan on her desk. This made the girl shyly bow her head down a little and smile while she teied to cover her now red ears.

Kuroo wolf whistled at the back which only worsened (Y/n)'s flustered state.

★彡★彡★彡

The day progressed quite slowly and Yaku although he didn't show it, felt like a nervous wreck.

Kuroo had suggested that Yaku and (Y/n) should head of to the gym first because he and Kai had to stay behind since they were on cleaning duty today.

The two wordlessly walked to the gym but (Y/n) had stopped grabbing onto Yaku's blazer sleeves.

"Yakkun, I just wanted to thank you for the snacks today."

"Ah, that? that's no problem." He replied scratching the back of his head.

"Well. . . I really appreciated it so," she leaned in and pecked the boy on his cheeks, "As a thank you."

She had said before skipping into the gym, leaving the boy frozen in his spot.

OMAKE:

"Oi, YAKU YOU'RE BLOCKING THE WAY."

Kuroo had yelled out as he and Kai saw a frozen Yaku infront of the gym doors.

"I think he's finally cracked." Kai said.

"Ah, young love."

"Kuroo, you aren't any older. . ."

[heyyyharry]

can you make a blurb when the flatmates aren't together yet then y/n didn't come home without any texts and harry is super worrie thank youuuu!! LOOOOVE UR STORIES AND THE IG POSTS TOO!! ❤❤

THANK YOU FOR LOVING THESE STORIES!

Another anon: Can you do A pre- relationship angst flatmate blurb and ending it with fluff pls? 🥺🥺

Yes, yes I can.

.

“Jesus Christ!” Y/N screamed as she turned away from the naked couple on the couch, who hurriedly covered themselves up with the first things they could reach. “Oh God! Please just—God! Have sex in your room next time please!“

“What are you doing here?!” 

“I live here, asshole!” Y/N cried out. With her eyes closed, she slowly turned back to them and only dared to peek through the gap between her fingers when Harry told her it was safe to look.

Her flatmate and the girl she’d never met before were now sitting on two ends of the couch, as if they hadn’t been fucking like rabbits just a minute ago.

“I thought you were babysitting,” Harry mumbled, his face, neck and chest were flushed. And Y/N was trying her best not to pay too much attention to the pillow he was using to cover up his—God, she couldn’t even think of the word without blushing!

“Jamie’s mum got home early,” she said, eyes on the girl who didn’t seem to give a damn that she’d just been caught having sex. The gorgeous brunette casually leaned back, sitting with her long legs crossed while wearing Harry’s oversized t-shirt. Just like all the girls Harry had brought back to their place, this one was beautiful. Y/N assumed she knew she was beautiful, so she started sizing Y/N up and cracked a condescending smirk as if ‘ugly and insecure’ was carved on Y/N’s forehead. She made Y/N feel guilty. But why? Y/N wondered. She shouldn't be feeling guilty for walking into the place she paid to live in!

Taking a deep breath, she calmly told Harry, “you know what? Just...continue. I'll be in my room with my headphones on.”

And then, without waiting for a response, knowing she wouldn’t get one anyway, Y/N rushed into the kitchen to grab some snacks so she could just hide on her room and skip dinner to avoid awkward conversations.

The girl thought Y/N had gone into her room and couldn't hear her so she ‘whispered’ to Harry, “can we just lock her out next time?”

“Just...ignore her,” was his replied.

Y/N didn’t expect Harry Styles of all people to say something nice about her, but...”ignore her”?! Really?!

Ignore me?! In my flat?! While you’re fucking someone on my couch?!

Infuriated, Y/N stormed out of the kitchen, straight to her room and slammed the door to make sure those two knew she'd overheard them. Jokes on them, she thought, I’ll be the one to ignore them!

Though Y/N kept telling herself that, she ended up crying anyway.

.

.

.

Harry felt guilty.

Very guilty.

He wasn’t sure if Y/N had heard what he’d said, but he assumed she had because she had skipped dinner and been giving him the silent treatment. He thought he kind of deserved it, but that didn’t mean he could live with it.

What was worse was that, she didn’t even want to sit near him in class and continued to not acknowledge his existence for the rest of the day on campus. At first he’d told himself that it was no big deal and she would talk to him again that night. He had deliberately forgotten to take out the trash and she would definitely yell at him when she saw the trash bag lying by the kitchen door. It was stupid. But he’d rather have her yell at him and call him names than have her ignore him this way.

And so he sat on the couch, switching his eyes between the clock on the wall and the front door. Soon two hours had gone by. His flatmate should’ve returned already for she’d never been out this late without telling him.

Harry told himself to stay calm, but he was gripping his knees and tapping his foot uncontrollably. The last time he’d been like this was during the exam season and he’d consumed too much caffeine to stay energized, which kind of backfired. Now his stomach was on fire, and the next thing he knew, he was pacing back and forth in the living room, staring at his phone. Should he text her? Would that give away how worried he was? Maybe he should wait five minutes more. But what if something bad had happened to his Y/N? Oh God, a lot of things could happen in the next five minutes. He would regret for the rest of his life if something bad happened to his Y/N.

What was more concerning than the fact that his inner voice was referring to her as ‘his’, was these negative thoughts making him feel like dying. He gripped the phone with both hands, his breath was shaky. Okay, maybe just one text. With trembling fingers, he started typing.

Hey, where are you?

Sent.

Now, he waited.

And waited...

And—

Y/N, this isn’t funny. Where are you?

Sent.

When are you coming back?

Sent.

Hey, text me back.

Sent.

I’m sorry.

Sent.

I’ve learned my lesson. Please come back...

Deleting...

I’ve learned my lesson.

Sent.

After about...ten more messages without a single reply, he collapsed on the couch, breathing heavily as if he’d just come back from a long run. He kneaded his forehead and reread all the texts he’d sent and his heart was pounding as he waited for the word read to pop up.

But he got nothing.

Frustrated, tired, angry. He called her phone, only to get more frustrated, more tired and angrier as he found out she’d put it on airplane mode again. “To save battery,” she had said.

Well, goddamn it, Y/N! How am I supposed to rescue you now?!

Just as he felt like he would scream, the doorbell shot him up on his feet. In a flash, he got to the door and pulled it open, face lit up with joy.

But then his smile fell.

It wasn’t her.

It was the girl he’d hooked up with yesterday.

“Hey, I was visiting a friend near here and thought I should come over,” she said and instantly noticed his frown. “Um...you’re not happy to see me?”

“This is not a good time, actually.”

“Is your annoying flatmate bothering you again?”

“You’re bothering me.”

The girl chuckled as she thought she’d misheard him, or at least he’d said it by accident. However, the stern look on his face let her know he was serious. She crossed her arms, her jaw dropped. “Excuse me?”

Harry didn’t even bother to come up with an excuse to not let her in. At the moment, he was so mad he could punch a hole through this door. He just wanted Y/N here and make him feel better.

“Sorry. You shouldn’t be here when Y/N comes back. And do not call her annoying.”

“Wait, what?”

“Goodbye,” was all he said before slamming the door. He stood with his back against the door, panting, and waiting for the sound of footsteps to fade away.

“Okay, calm the fuck down, asshole,” he told himself with a harsh breath, shaking his head. “If you were Y/N, where would you g—“

A strong force pushed the door open, nearly knocking him to the ground, but a hand pulled him back just in time.

“Jesus Christ! Are you okay?” Y/N asked as she held his arms and steadied him on his feet. “Why were you standing at the door I—“

Not letting her finish, he grabbed her face and squeezed it so her lips puckered up like a fish. She tried to push him away, but he didn’t budge. His brows were snapped together as he turned her head to the left and then to the right, up and down. “Are you hurt? Who took you home? Where were you?!”

“What’s wrong with you?!” She smacked him on the arm and he released her instantly. “God, I just ran into Jamie’s mum on the way home and she took me shopping!”

“So you’re okay?”

“I’m here, aren’t I?” Chuckling, she raised an eyebrow at him. “Wait...Did you think something bad happen to me?”

“No! I was just—“

“Let me check my phone.”

“No—“ Harry tried to snatch the device from Y/N’s hand but she was quick to push his face away and dashed toward the couch. Not giving up, he chased after her, seized her elbow and they fell down onto the couch, fighting for the phone.

“Fifteen messages from The Most Obnoxious Human Being.”

“Hey, stop it! Do not read those!”

“Oh my god, you’re obsessed with me!” Y/N burst out laughing and flopped down on her back,squinting her eyes to read the texts but he was making it so difficult by holding both of her wrists, pinning her down. When the phone slipped through her fingers and dropped onto the floor, neither of them reached for it. They both stilled, eyes locked, lips just inches apart. Harry was lying right on top of her and time was frozen for that one moment until...

“Ouch! Fuck!”

...she pushed him off the couch.

“What is wrong with you?!” He groaned, rubbing the sore spot on his back and pushing himself up on the floor.

“What is wrong with you?” Y/N snapped. “What do you want? You want me gone or not? Make up your mind!”

“Why would I want you gone?!”

“So you could fuck whoever you want on this—“ She cringed at the couch and stood up quickly. So did he. Once again, they were face to face, both gasping for air.

Y/N held his gaze for a while and then lowered her voice, “am I annoying you?”

“No, of course not...” he said, frowning. “I was...Look, I’m not very smart—“

“You are though.”

“No, I’m not.” He chuckled, thinking it was cute how in the middle of their fight she still felt the need to reassure him. “I’m not talking about school...I just...um I say stupid things all the time. I didn’t...didn’t mean what I said yesterday. I’m sorry.”

She batted her lashes at him but didn’t say a word. So he went on, “I was very worried. I almost went out to look for you.”

“Sorry...” Y/N sighed as she looked at her feet. “I should’ve told you.”

“It’s okay...just...don’t do that to me again. It was scary.”

“What was?” she asked innocently.

“I thought I lost you or something.”

Harry only realized he’d said that aloud when he saw her reaction. She was startled and speechless and she was...blushing. He thought he would feel embarrassed for letting those words slip, but she looked so cute right now that he could only smile.

And so he took a step back, if he hadn’t, he might have done something even stupider, like grab her face and...kiss her.

“I’m just gonna—“ he blurted, pointing his thumb over his shoulder. “I’m gonna take out the trash.”

“Wait, you haven’t taken out the trash?”

Oh shit, here we go again.

“I’ve reminded you to take out the trash since Monday and now it’s Friday and you still—“

Would it be better if he just shut her up with a kiss?

Smirking at the thought, Harry shook his head as if to answer his own question.

“—you’re lucky you’re living with me! If you were living alone then you’d be swimming in trash right now! Will you ever be a responsible adult?!”

“Okay, okay, I get it. I’m doing it now.” He snorted, rolled his eyes and walked away, leaving the girl, once again, flustered and annoyed.