#is just. I get in the zone. I draw it. I move on wit my life until I get inspiration again

[16star]

how do you manage to draw so quickly and still have it look so nice. tell me your secrets oh great one

!!! Firstly thank you so much! The single biggest thing that's helped me with art is just...Caring less. It sounds a bit counter productive but instead of spending a lot of time fussing over little details, I work on just making it look "good enough" Being looser wit art an only going as far as you need to go to make summat recognizable, rather than fully polished, really goes a long way if you just want to get a project done rather than make your magnum opus. [Which in general helped me a lot, cos i'd always get frustrated when I'd spend a lot of time on a piece an not have it turn out how I wanted. if that makes sense!] And also just a general pro tip that has made drawing people really easy for me [if you're using lineart, does not work if you're rendering them in their entirety] Is i'll do one colour at a time, clip the layer so i can't draw outside what I coloured, an shade each part separately. This way I don't have to very carefully colour in the lines an can just go bam. shading done on this part an keep doing it until the whole girlie is shaded in. This sped up my process a lot. Example v

[gofu-kurself]

lmao i’m rotting in the head with this frat boy/drug dealer steddie au so here’s a continuation of this post:

—

steve is trying his best to focus on the biology textbook in front of him, he really is. but.

instead he’s just laying on his stomach atop eddie munson’s crumpled bedsheets sporting his tightest jeans and thinnest t-shirt, and trying to pop his ass out in a subtle but sorta obvious way.

he’s trying his absolute best to clue eddie into the fact that he’s very interested in the long haired man joining him on said bed. and perhaps also that he’s interested in shedding their clothes and fucking nasty because steve has been flirting with this boy for what feels like eons and he’s nearly at the end of his wits. his dick definitely is.

so steve is arching his back in hopes of highlighting his, ahem, assets, and chewing absently on the end of his pencil while eddie sits entirely too far away and decidedly not on top of steve naked.

he allows himself to heave a huge sigh, trying to draw attention to himself because eddie’s been messing around with his guitar for the past 20 minutes and even though steve’s caught him sneaking looks (hopefully at the way his jeans are stretched across his ass) a few times, the long haired boy keeps dragging his eyes back to the neck of his acoustic.

eddie either ignores steve’s sigh or is too preoccupied by his music to hear the way it exhales from steves mouth in a bitchy and huffy manner.

steve pouts to himself but lets his mind wander back to reality instead of zoning out and screaming internally “if you can read minds get over here and fuck me”

since eddie’s probably not a mind reader, seeing as steve is currently not being dicked down in his bed, steve try’s another tactic and turns his attention to the soft strumming of eddie’s hands and his little hums or whisperings of lyrics under his breath.

he continues to chew on his pencil, but lets his eyes slide away from the textbook and gives up the pretense of studying biology instead of eddie.

god he’s pretty. with big hands and dexterous fingers that fiddle with the strings of his guitar like he doesn’t even have to think about it. steve lets his gaze linger on the way eddie’s legs are spread and sock clad feet planted on the floor so he can perch the guitar on his lap. the black jeans he’s wearing are a little baggy and sport random holes and bleach stains, but they still hug the meat of his thighs in a delicious manner that kinda make steve want to crawl over there and bite new holes into them.

“who’s the cute guy with the wide, blue eyes and the big bad mmm?”

wait. what the fuck?

steve’s eyes fly up to eddie’s face where he finds his big brown eyes fluttered shut, his mouth lax, and lips moving around mumbled syllables as his fingers continue to stumble across strings while he sings half-memorized lyrics under his breath.

“holy shit are you singing sabrina?” steve blurts in a breathy question. who even thinks before speaking? not steve, that’s for sure.

eddie startles and nearly drops his guitar, the body making a hollow echo as he slaps his hand down to stop it from falling from his lap. he lets out a nervous sounding laugh. “shit stevie you startled me princess,” he grins a toothy bashful smile that makes steve wanna kiss him until hes memorized it.

“well is it?” steve pesters, because he’s a little shit and needs to know the answer like, yesterday.

“i mean, yeah, it’s from the album you showed me the other day—“

steve interrupts because that’s who he is as a person “yeah, Bed Chem, it’s my favorite one!” he smiles broadly, remembering how when it came on in the car he exclaimed the same thing before bopping his head along to the beat and singing along to every word.

eddie shifts awkwardly in his desk chair like he’s a kid in detention “exactly, it’s a good one. and, i mean, i know it’s your favorite so, i thought it’d be nice if i learned and played it for you sometime. ‘s stupid, not like i can be sabrina or anything, im like not five foot, first of all, and i mean—“

steve has to cut him off again because holy fuck he needs the man in front of him so badly it’s become a health hazard.

“eddie, you—mr. exclusively listens to 80s metal and like, machine girl—is learning my favorite sabrina carpenter song on the guitar to play for me?”

“i don’t exclusively listen to metal and also, im impressed remember who machine girl are—“

“eddie, you’re evading, answer the question.”

“i mean i said i was doing that. so your question is redundant. but yeah. i did. i said i know its stupid—“

“eddie. ohmygod please come here” steve scrambles into a seated position and pats a spot on the bed next to him.

the long haired man slowly sets down his guitar and approaches the bed like a nervous newborn horse. it’s adorable and steve needs to just be upfront about everything at this point because it turns out they both might be denser than he thought possible.

“i’m sorry,” eddie begins to apologize for something he likely has convinced himself he’s at fault for

“nono,” steve starts and runs a hand through his hair like an overworked dad, “ohmygod, eddie i don’t know how to make it more obvious that im obsessed with you and want you to make a move on me but you literally just played sabrina fucking carpenter in front of me and said you learned it for me so i need to know if this is like, a secret band kid maneuver of making a move that i was supposed to be picking up on—“

eddie’s brows are furrowed and his eyes are so wide that his shock would be comical if steve wasn’t so fuckin pent up “wait you want me—?”

steve continues his interruption streak “to fuck me seven ways to sideways. yes. eddie, i’ve been pulling out all the goddam stops and you’ve been exclusively like, friendly back. i don’t know what to think.”

“wait wait wait. is this happening?” he shakes his head like he’s trying to shake water from his mop of hair, “is this like, for real? not a joke?”

for fucks sake who hurt this guy? steve’s gonna unpack that later, but not right now. now he needs to know if eddie feels the same.

“not a joke, ed’s,” he says sincerely as possible, looking into his dark eyes, “i know im probably not like, your type or something, but i. i really like you,” steve’s getting more vulnerable than he thought he would this morning, but in for a penny and all that, “and i—i like the way i get to be around you, and i think you’re so hot it’s ridiculous” eddie lets out an aborted guffaw at that but steve persists “and you learned a sabrina song for me and i want that to mean you like me back and i want you to be able to read minds so you could have heard me trying to telepathically get you to fuck me earlier and i want to listen to machine girl with you even though it’s like, just noise so i don’t really get it but i like the way you bop your head to the music when it gets really fast—“ steve cuts himself off because he finally realizes he’s rambling and making a fool of himself.

eddie’s hands have a firm grip on steve’s own, he’s not sure when that happened, and eddie is staring at him like he hung the stars in the sky or some other stupid metaphor.

“mind reading?—whatever we’ll go back to that later.” he takes a deep breath and steve watches as a tuft of his bangs floats and lands back on his forehead at the action.

“i like you too, steve, fuck. i’ve liked you since the moment i met you and you blushed and laughed at my terrible jokes.”

steve unclenches and lets himself laugh and ride the buzz of omgomgomghelikesmeback. he catches his breath and laughs again before joking, “yeah, they were pretty terrible”

“you’re not supposed to agree!” eddie exclaims, moving his face to mirror steve’s, grinning like a fool.

“sorry sorry, they were great, dude.”

eddie’s grin gets impossibly wider, eyes rolling a little at the title, “stevie, don’t call me dude right before i kiss you”

steve feels his breath catch, “you’re gonna kiss me?” he knows he’s blushing from the neck up.

“yeah, dude” eddie says cheekily before leaning in and stealing the last bits of steve’s meager supply of breath.

[redhrs]

Sharp Edges, Part 3 - Sylus x Reader

synopsis— With 24 hours to steal his brooch, you're trapped in a battle of wit and temptation. But Sylus isn't just guarding the prize— he's breaking your resolve, one touch at a time. inspired by Midnight Stealth.

word count— 3.5k~

warnings— 18+, smut, angst, slow burn, nsfw, drunk sex, hate sex, enemies to lovers, rivalry, dom!sylus, making out, aphrodisiac wine, fem!reader, reader is confident, teasing, edging, dry humping, unprotected sex, thigh fucking, choking, sylus is needy asf, reader is horny and lowkey desperate, rough sex, porn with plot, voyeurism

minors don't interact!

🎧 The Zone - The Weeknd

Sylus pins you down, wrists above head, his weight pressing you into the mattress. There’s no space left between you—you feel everything. The frantic hammering of his heart, the heat of his body searing into yours, the hardness of his erection softly grinding against your clit.

"This is what you wanted, right? To see how far l'll go?", he pants, his swollen lips trailing down your jaw, your neck, your collarbone. Your wrists twist under his grip—you want to touch him so badly it aches.

“Sylus, please,” you whisper, the words spilling out like a plea. His fingers tighten around you as if he knows—knows how desperately you want to run your hands over him, to pull him closer, to feel him without restraint.

“Sylus, oh—Sylus,” he mocks your tone, his lips sucking at the sensitive skin of your collarbone. He’s getting on your nerves, and you’re really starting to hate him for it—but the burning anger tangles with the raw, insatiable desire boiling inside you, and it’s getting harder to tell one from the other.

“Fuck you,” you curse under your breath, your legs wrapping around his waist, desperate to feel more of him. He smirks, his voice low and taunting.

“I know you want to,” he mutters, one hand sneaking between your legs, his fingers teasing you through the fabric of your soaked panties. You whine, your back arching instinctively, but he doesn’t budge. Instead, he presses you down harder, his body heavy with intent.

“Say it. Tell me how badly you want it.” Sylus lips brush over yours, his voice rough with need.

“I need you to fuck me right now,” You bite on his lower lip, “To show me how good you can make me feel.”

The moment the words leave your lips, Sylus’s resolve shatters. He crashes his lips to yours, taking what you’ve begged for, as he pushes your underwear to the side, plunging his long digits into you. Your hands, free from his grip, instantly roam over him. One tangles in his soft hair, the other drags down his back, beneath his shirt, nails scraping against his skin. He grunts, a low chuckle escaping his lips.

“You’re so wet but I haven’t done anything yet,” You don’t even care anymore about the obscene moans and whimpers filling the room, “Are you sure you can take it? This is only the beginning, doll.” His fingers are moving at a faster pace, thrusting and curling inside you and all you can do is cry out his name in despair.

“Shut up and keep going” You bite on his Adam’s apple, sucking and teasing the sensitive skin of his neck. You never knew Sylus could be this vocal, and the sounds he’s making right now only fuel your hunger. You can’t wait to hear what other sweet, sinful noises you can draw from him.

“Such an impatient girl,” he adds a third finger and you arch, feeling the familiar heat building in your lower abdomen, your body responding to him with an intensity you didn’t know you were capable of.

“Sylus,” you breathe, gasping for air, the words spilling from you in a helpless whisper. “Don’t stop.”

“Look at you, fucking yourself on my fingers. I didn’t know you could be so bold.” He laughs.

“Wait until you see what I can do to you”, you cling to him as you feel your orgasm approaching.

Sylus moans as you seize his lips in a kiss so urgent and commanding, it leaves him dizzy. Your head tilts to deepen it, your tongue sliding against his, teeth biting his lip as he still fucks you with his fingers.

“What about you show me now?” Just when you’re about to come, Sylus removes his fingers, earning a cry of frustration from you.

“Why did you s—Mmffh” You couldn’t finish your sentence as he forcefully sinks his fingers in your mouth, making you taste yourself.

“I’d love to see what that pretty mouth of yours can do.”

Oh, you’ll show him. You’ll make him lose his sanity and leave him begging. “Is that so?” You push him hard enough for him to be completely on his back. “Strip.”

You watch him attentively, your eyes not missing the flex of his muscles as he moves to remove every piece of clothing. You’re dripping wet, the juices of your arousal slicking your thighs— you can’t believe he left you high like this.

You try not to gasp at the length and thickness of his member. You knew he was big when you felt it before, but now that you see it… It’s even bigger than what you imagined.

“Like what you see?” Sylus smirks, a proud smile on as he slowly strokes himself, his dark eyes never leaving yours. You bite your lip, your mouth watering at the view. You don’t answer, instead you slap his hand away and take his cock in your own. He lets out a soft whimper as your fingers wrap around him, your thumb teasing the tip where precum has already begun to bead. His lower abdomen flexes involuntarily at the sensation, a sharp intake of breath escaping him. You lean forward, ass perked up, not breaking eye contact.

Sylus props himself on his elbows, not wanting to miss a single second of the little show you’re putting on for him. “What’s the word?” You tease, his dick twitching as your breath mingle with the wetness of his tip.

“Fuck,” he moves his hips forward, urging you. You click your tongue.

“I fear that won’t work, Sylus. Use your words.” His face flushes, and you can tell he’s deciding whether to let go of that façade he wears so well—the one of the man always in control, knowing he has to drop it if he wants you.

Determined to make him break, you press wet kisses along his length, making sure he feels the way your tongue teasingly brushes over the vein beneath his skin. He shuts his eyes, one hand threading through his hair, tugging slightly in a vain attempt to keep his composure.

“Oh, God— Please, give it to me,” he groans, his voice trembling with desperation. You can almost feel the crack in his tone, a sound so satisfying it sends a thrill through you. Seeing him unravel, trembling under your touch, only makes you crave more.

“Good.” You smile against him, a mischievous glint in your eyes, before trailing slow, deliberate stripes with your tongue from the base of his cock to the tip, savoring the taste of him. Sylus is so sensitive you thought. You spit onto your hand, your fingers tight around his base as you begin to stroke him slowly. When your soft lips wrap over his tip, a broken whimper escapes him. His head falls back, lost in pure bliss, his breath shallow and uneven. One of his hands finds its way to the back of your head, holding you there as if he’s trying to ground himself in the overwhelming pleasure. You’re not sure if you’ll be able to take all of him, but you’re more than halfway there, bobbing your head, your cheeks hollowed as your tongue teases his most sensitive spots. One hand glides along the areas you can’t reach, while the other keeps your hair out of the way.

“You— Fuck, you feel too good” Sylus has completely drowned in lust, not even able to restrain himself. He tugs on your hair, his hips thrusting into your mouth as you take him deep in your throat, the sounds of your saliva mixing with his precum echoing in the room. Tears well in your eyes, and you find yourself clenching around nothing, your own moans sending waves of pleasure through him. “You’re so beautiful— your pretty mouth, taking me so well,” His thrusts become more erratic, messier, you can tell he’s close. You need to stop now if you want to leave him miserable like you were, but his grip on you is too tight and the way you gag around him is all it takes to send him over the edge.

“Oh, fuck I —” Sylus pulls out just in time as he spills over himself, thick white ropes coating his skin while he strokes himself through his climax. You sit there, completely stunned by the sight before you—Sylus pleasuring himself, eyes half-lidded, lips parted as he pants, looking at you like you’re the only one he wants in this world.

“Who would’ve thought the big boss from Onychinus would be such a needy mess in bed?” You finally speak, your voice slightly hoarse, as you lick the cum from his hand. He chuckles and pulls you into a kiss.

“Miss Hunter… I shall return the favor now. Let’s see who’s the most desperate between the two of us.” You don’t have a chance to respond before he pins you down again, his hands roaming with urgent need, pulling you closer as his lips trail down your neck, kissing and biting hungrily at every inch of your skin until he reaches your breasts. With effortless skill, he strips you of your dress, leaving you in nothing but your thong. Sylus pauses for a moment, taking in the sight of you, his gaze dark with appreciation.

“Stunning,” he murmurs, voice thick with desire. His mouth is everywhere, tongue teasing and nibbling at your nipple while his thumb circles the other, leaving you restless.

“That feels good,” you exhale sharply, urging him to keep going. You feel him smile against your skin as he continues his slow ascent, his hands reaching the hem of your panties. His hands grip your tights, forcing them wide open as he looks at you, his teasing expression returning.

“Looks like these are ruined,” he chuckles, tearing your underwear off. “I’ll get you new ones, don’t worry.”

Your back arches instinctively as his tongue slips between your folds, dragging up your slit in long, languid strokes. He kisses and sucks at your clit, the heat of his breath only heightening the sensation, sending jolts of pleasure through you with each movement. The sight of him between your thighs, devouring you completely, makes something snap inside you. Lost in the moment, you grind against his face, your legs instinctively closing around him.

“Sylus, right there,” you moan, your eyes nearly rolling back as he slides two fingers inside you.

“You’re so sweet,” He rasps, “Gosh, I can’t get enough of you.” You feel yourself edging closer to release as Sylus finds that sweet spot inside you, his tongue flicking expertly at your clit, sending waves of pleasure that make you dizzy with sensitivity. “Come for me, Angel.”

And you do—your orgasm hits you like a wave, your juices coating his lips, chin, and cheeks. He doesn’t stop, his fingers continuing to work you through your high as he licks up every drop of your arousal. Sylus was hungry, devouring you like a starved man. You could see the way he was working himself up too, grinding against the mattress in an attempt to relieve the throbbing ache of his need.

“Sylus,” you sit up, pulling him close by the neck, your lips just a breath away, “Take me. I want you.”

As soon as the words leave your lips, his mouth gently meets yours in a slow, deep kiss that feels full of unspoken words. His hands pull you closer, guiding you to straddle him as you both move together, bodies pressed against each other with an intensity that’s soft yet consuming. The kiss is tender, the rhythm slow, as if you’re savoring every second, completely immersed in the connection between you.

“I’ve been waiting so long, to be able to touch you like this.” Sylus whispers, his lips brushing softly against your cheek, your jaw, your neck. The atmosphere, once charged with control and dominance, has shifted into something unexpectedly intimate. A strange, familiar feeling stirs inside of you, one that you can’t quite place but know all too well, as if it’s something you’ve felt before and yet can’t fully understand. Your hand slips between your bodies, fingers wrapping around his length, giving it a few strokes. Your foreheads press together, eyes locked as Sylus lifts you, aligning himself with your entrance. Your breaths mingle, both of you panting in anticipation of the pleasure that is about to overtake you. After what feels like an eternity, he slowly sinks into you, his thickness stretching you in a way that has both of you moaning in unison.

“Mhm— so tight,” Sylus groans, throwing his head back, hoping he won’t reach the edge too soon. But with every inch of him disappearing into you, your soft walls gripping him just right, he knows he won’t last long.

“You feel so good,” you gasp, gripping onto him as you begin to ride him at a slow, deliberate pace, giving both of you time to adjust. Sylus meets you halfway, his hands gripping your hips to lift you up, his patience beginning to fade. He leans into a kiss, urgent and sloppy, his self-control slipping with every passing second. Your thrusts grow deeper, harder, fingers digging into each other’s skin, tongues clashing in a frenzy.

“You’re perfect,” Sylus groans between kisses, sinking deeper into you with each movement. “I want to ruin you,” he mutters, his arms wrapping tightly around your waist, his grip so strong you couldn’t escape him even if you tried.

“Ruin me,” you moan, your legs trembling as the frantic pace begins to take its toll. “Fuck me like you hate me— Sylus,” you struggle to form words, breath coming in ragged gasps.

“Do with me as you please.”

Sylus feels like he’s going insane. He pins you down, his body hovering over yours as he pulls you by your thighs, realigning himself. “Is that what you want, baby? Want me to be rough on you?” He wraps his hand around your throat, squeezing just enough to make you whimper.

“I want it,” you admit shamelessly, pulling him deeper into you. He chuckles at your boldness, the grip on your neck tightening until your words are nothing more than a breathless whisper. This time, he moves without hesitation, his other hand pressing against your lower abdomen. The lack of oxygen makes you dizzy, the sharpness of the pleasure and the ache blurring together until it feels like you’re seeing stars. As he thrusts into you—fast, almost desperate—the world around you fades away, leaving only the frantic rhythm of your bodies colliding. Each stroke is deeper, sharper, pulling you further into the abyss of need. “I want more,” you cry out, your voice dripping with desire, sounding far more erotic than you intended.

“Want more?” Sylus growls, a dark chuckle escaping him before he flips you onto your stomach. He presses you down against the mattress, his grip firm, then he’s back at pounding into you from behind like he’s completely lost himself. “How do you like it now?” Sylus growls, his palm coming down hard on your ass, the sharp sting making you cry out in pleasure. The impact is so intense you know you’ll be bruised by morning. “Are you satisfied? Answer me.” Another spank echoes through the room, leaving your skin burning.

“Yes—fuck,” you gasp, struggling to form a coherent sentence. The way he’s fucking you right now has you barely able to catch your breath. Sylus leans down, his chest pressing against your back as he continues his relentless pace.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t quite hear you,” he murmurs against your ear before sinking his teeth into your neck, leaving his mark. “Say it again for me, love.”

Your whole body trembles, your release creeping closer, tension coiling dangerously tight inside you. “Yes—yes, I’m so close—” Your words dissolve into a broken moan as you clench down around him, dragging a deep, sinful groan from Sylus, his own release chasing after yours.

You feel a shift in the rhythm—his thrusts growing messier, more desperate, his breath hot and uneven against your cheek. You wish you could see his face right now. As if reading your mind, Sylus flips you onto your back, pressing his body flush against yours. Your arms instinctively wrap around his neck, your legs locking around his waist, pulling him in deeper. Foreheads pressed together, you move in sync, chasing that intoxicating high. He’s beautiful, you think. His brows furrowed, eyes shut tight, lips parted as soft moans escape him—an expression of pure bliss you never thought you’d witness. Then it snaps. Pleasure crashes over you in relentless waves, so intense it borders on pain. All you can do is cry out his name, again and again, your body trembling beneath him. Sylus isn’t far behind—he comes just as hard, a deep, guttural moan escaping his lips before they find yours in a desperate, breathless kiss, the two of you clinging to each other as you ride out your high together.

You both remain like this in silence, panting, your chests rising and falling in a mismatched rhythm as you struggle to catch your breath. You’re certain Sylus can hear the frantic beating of your heart—just as you can hear his. A strange wave of sadness and nostalgia washes over you, unexplainable yet impossible to ignore. And before you can process it, you wrap your arms around him, holding him close, pressing his head into the crook of your neck. Your fingers comb gently through his hair, while your other hand traces absentminded patterns along his back, coming back to your senses in the warmth of his body.

“If this is how you hate,” he breaks the silence, his voice hushed and raspy, a stark contrast to the usual arrogance, “then hate me. With all your might.” He pulls you closer, holding you tighter as though the very idea of you slipping away terrifies him. Just as you’re about to speak, you feel his breath slow, his chest rising and falling in a deep, steady rhythm. He’s asleep. You linger for a few moments, watching the rise and fall of his body, before quietly slipping out of his arms and into the shower.

The hot water soothes your worn-out body, easing the tension as it cascades over your skin. You replay everything that has happened, the weight of it all settling deep within you. You’re not sure how you’ll face Sylus tomorrow, your heart stirring with both anxiety and a sense of vulnerability. You wash your body and hair slowly, lost in thought, until you suddenly feel the warmth of arms encircling you from behind. You jump, startled.

“Sylus?” you gasp, your heart racing. His grip is firm, unyielding, as he pulls you gently against his chest.

“Thought you left,” he whispers. You try to turn, but you’re unable to break free from his embrace. You pause, torn between words. The vulnerability in his touch stirs something deep inside you, making you question everything. “Please, stay,” he pleads, his eyes locking with yours, full of a raw, unspoken longing. You nod quietly, feeling a lump form in your throat, your own words escaping you.

You finish the shower together in silence, the quiet intimacy of the moment settling around you both. When you step out, Sylus hands you one of his shirts, his movements calm and steady. He slips into bed first, wearing silky pants that match the top you’re now in. You join him, the cool sheets brushing against your skin as you settle beside him, the room filled with an almost tangible awkwardness. The air between you is quiet, but the tension feels different now—an unspoken understanding, something neither of you has the words for. Sylus pulls you closer, his warmth comforting against your own. A few hours ago, you thought you hated him. But now… now you’re confused, lost in a swirl of emotions you can’t fully make sense of. You’re still searching for answers, knowing there’s something important you’re missing.

“Sylus, you—”

“Don’t worry, the brooch is under your pillow,” he interrupts, a playful hint of mockery in his voice. You let out a tired sigh, too exhausted to play his games any longer. He’s smart, you know he understands exactly what’s going through your mind. But tonight, you’re willing to let it go.

“You’ll get your answers eventually,” he murmurs, pressing a soft kiss to your lips, his forehead gently resting against yours. “But for now, just sleep in my arms, without a care in the world.”

You close your eyes, letting the soothing rhythm of his voice and the warmth of his embrace lull you to sleep. His cologne wraps around you, familiar and comforting, pulling you deeper into the calm. You rest your head in the crook of his neck, and before you know it, you’re drifting into a peaceful dream—one where it’s just the two of you lying together in a field of flowers, wrapped in each other’s arms, surrounded by nothing but love and serenity.

note— So, this was the last part of Sharp Edges. It was my first time writing, and i’m honestly very glad and thankful that some people enjoyed it. I’ll continue doing my best, take care<3

do not copy, steal or translate my work! reblogs, likes and feedback highly appreciated!

@itsnotmelo @zozoparsnips @niiines999

[sweetkpopmusings]

hyunjin coworker headcanons <3

a/n: i am determined!!! to finish this series of hcs asap asap asap...so hopefully that happens lol. truly obsessed with the idea of coworker!hyunjin, so i hope you are too :-) pics not mine <3

content: fluff, nonidol!au | wc: 0.9k | warnings: none really! | pairing: coworker!hyunjin x gn!reader | requests: open

office heartthrob!!!

who is a painfully huge dork <3

you learn this immediately. like so quickly that you get whiplash lol

on your first day you witness someone looking absolutely magnificent as they strut through the office

but, right before you can be properly intimidated, he trips on the carpet and acts as though he is having a heart attack even though he catches himself before he falls

who said being dramatic is unprofessional???

not hyunjin that's for sure 

you’re torn between laughing hysterically and asking whether he’s okay, and because of the first-day jitters, your brain manages to construct “you’re funny and okay?”

hyunjin just stares at you, and you’re ready to pack up your things, change your name, and move to a brand new city because why was THAT what i said?! 

then hyunjin cackles, managing to confirm that he’s okay once he wipes the tears from his eyes 

needless to say, 9:30-9:35 a.m. on your first day was quite eventful

from that very first interaction, hyunjin thinks you’re the funniest person on the planet 

the number of times he has fallen out of his chair after you made a joke has convinced the whole office of your comedic genius too :,-)

if hyunjin hears one of y’all’s coworkers repeating your joke, he’ll immediately step in and correct their delivery if it falls flat compared to yours which, in his opinion, it always does

you try to convince him to stop because people could get annoyed, but hyunjin stands firm in the fact that being the most annoying person in the office is worth it because he’s defending your honor :-(

like seriously he’s so dramatic for no reason but it’s his charm <333

it’s lowkey an office tradition for people to buy custom paintings from hyunjin around the holidays

he doesn’t mind the extra cash and he loves getting more practice, especially since people will request things outside his comfort zone

seeing as you’re special and “cooler than everyone else here, except for me, of course,” hyunjin gives you one as a surprise because he’s so thankful to have you at work and in his life <3333

hyunjin practically melts into the floor when he sees how excited you get after unwrapping it :’-)

you obviously display it proudly at your desk for everyone to see and be jealous of

and hyunjin blushes a bit and smiles really big (even if he tries to hide it) every single time he sees the artwork on your desk :,,,-) he’s simultaneously so proud and so honored

trust and believe that any gift you give him will be enshrined on his desk FOREVER

even if it’s a napkin with a drawing from a time you two went to a nearby coffee shop on your break, hyunjin cherishes it more than anything 

he gets it framed so it is protected from “the elements” whatever that means in an office lmao

sometimes he tries to correct you if you’re working on a project together and gets SOOOOO smug and then after fifteen minutes of gloating you look at him and quietly say “hyunjin…”

and he’s standing there like 🤨

when you tell him what the actual answer to the question is,  the man is CRUSHED to find out that he was wrong

almost every time he says, “there goes my dream of being the smartest person in the office”

as soon as you remind him he’s the most stylish and gorgeous person in the office, his pout disappears and he looks at you like 😁and boom! embarrassment at being a little dumb is gone forever

speaking of stylish

hyunjin loooooooooooves shopping with you for work clothes

weather’s changing?? hyunjin has sent you a calendar invite for a post-work shopping trip! work event coming up??? hyunjin has booked a conference room during the workday for you two to plan out your outfits!

he’s down to shop at any store you want, whether it’s high-end or thrifting

even if you can’t find clothes you like, there’s nothing more fun than putting together outfits for each other and cracking up during your fashion shows

any time hyunjin wears an outfit you helped him to create, he mentions it every 5-10 seconds

like so much so that people are coming up to compliment you for your fashion taste 

and you’re just sitting at your desk like ???? thank you ???

it all makes sense when you see hyunjin wearing the sweater vest with teddy bears you begged him to try on

if you’re wearing something he picked out for you, he will walk around to literally everybody and ask, “wow! doesn’t y/n look amazing today?”

he’ll also say to you “whoa! whoever told you to get that has impeccable taste”

you always tease him by saying you can’t remember who you bought it with LOL

he feels so proud to know you that he brags about you all. the. time. 

not just about your fashion–hyunjin thinks absolutely everything about you should be celebrated

there is a y/n fan club at your work and hyunjin is the founder, president, and outreach specialist <333

while he mostly expresses it by teasing you, he thinks you are incredibly smart, talented, kind, funny, beautiful, and perfect in every way

on the morning of your 1-year work anniversary, you find your favorite drink on your desk with a card next to it

in the card is a handwritten letter from hyunjin, outlining all the moments he has loved spending with you over the past year, as well as messages of encouragement and wishes for many more special, shared moments to come 

while you two met because he almost fell flat on his face, hyunjin can’t think of a better thing that has ever happened to him at work because, if he wasn’t so clumsy, he may never have bonded with his favorite person in the world (you <3333)

[jayceluvsu]

Happy Creations (Bloody Painter x reader fluff!)

summary: You decide to roam around his art room for a bit and make him paint the sun

little comment: AHHH I CANT BELIEVE IM WRITING AGAIN its been forever and guess whos into creepypastas again (me). anyways i couldn't much wit my beloved bloody painter so why not make one hehe

It's been a while since you went to your beloved boyfriend's art room to look around and see what's on his mind. You wandered down the halls looking over at the bright sun shining at you through the sheer white fabrics of the window covers. It was just a random thought you had waking up to visit the messy yet mesmerizing room full of creativity and ideas from him.

Luckily, it was early morning and everyone else within the mansion was probably asleep from the restless weeks of missions but you knew that Helen was probably awake since he wasn't next to you in bed earlier. You gazed at the doors before you peeped through the small gap of the opened door. As expected, you see him deeply in thought with a blank canvas and a few crumpled papers laying on his side. You can basically tell he was stuck on his piece as he held his chin with his index and thumb before messing his hair groaning.

Even with the door unlocked, you still decided to softly knock the door letting your presence be known to him. His head quickly turned to face you peaking your head through the door before giving you a nod gesturing you to come inside. You widely open the door walking in as the skylight hit your bright face in your pale babydoll nightgown once again.

He looked down as you walked closer taking a seat next to him and his canvas. "What has you so stumped?" You chuckle mentioning about his short tantrum earlier. He just hums looking to the side not knowing to really say even though it was clear to both of you that he didn't know what to even paint. You placed your hands on your knees leaning to his face taking a clean paint brush from his collection to hand it to him.

"You should draw the sun while it's still out!"

"...have you not been paying attention to my drawings?"

He slouched immediately shooting down the idea. He did have a point, all the drawing you've seen him create were obviously the opposite of sunshines and rainbows. But you decided to keep recommending it.

"Oh c'mon you get to at least paint something."

"What a ridiculous reason..."

"You get to try something new though!"

He looked down at the paint brush you were shoving to him before sighing and taking the brush out of your hands. You grin as he started to sketch out something in the blank canvas. It was definitely out of his comfort zone but it was possible. You leaned back against the chair starring up at the windows of the skylight that lightened his collection of paintings and sketches. Your eyes transfixed on the white rays shining down at the room with the light blue sky covered with a few fluffy clouds while humming a melody to yourself. Light brush strokes running against the rigid canvas from him can be heard.

"Hey the sun looks so bright today."

"...it always is."

He glanced up at the sky before staring at you with the same sleep deprived face. You couldn't tell if he was staring at you or the sunlight as you looked back at him facing the canvas quickly painting as if he finally had figured out what to draw.

"You seem to finally get a hang of it." You stifle a chuckle.

"I indeed did..."

"Well I'm sure the sun won't move that much now. I'll go make breakfast and feed Smiley Dog." You stood up was quick on your feet to run back to the halls of the mansion to the kitchen.

"But- the sun has moved..."

He cracked a small smile as you left swaying his head side to side in a small smile. His canvas halfway drawn of the sun, his sun. You.

(AGGGAGGG TYSM FOR READING THE ENTIRE THING IF YOU DID AND ILL TRY TO WRITE MORE FOR NOW ON)

[anubisandco]

Ghost and Rabbit. pt5

I didnt drink enough of my coffee last night so heres part five, still not proof read bc yuck anyway forgive me if soap talks funky here i wasnt abt to try and write his accent-

Soap would watch as Rabbit and Ghost show up to the briefings and then leave together afterward. His eyes followed like a hawk. 

He wanted to ask so bad it was like the words were burning his throat, anytime He saw Rabbit alone he wanted to just spit them out and get it over with. It wasn’t like it’d be an issue, well for him at least. If they were secretly dating Soap wouldn’t be the one to wreck things, Ghost was the happiest he’d ever seen the man when he was with her, wherever it might be. 

Med bay, his office, the mess hall, or in the middle of a war zone. 

Today Soap watched them during the brief, his eyes would flick back and forth. He watched as She’d trace a shape onto the back of his hand that rested on the table, Ghosts eyes wouldn’t move from their captain as she did so. He’d whisper a word to her and she’d shake her head yes or no, This wasn’t the first time Soap had witnessed this game between the two. The first time had been when they were out on a mission. 

It was late Soap had woken up in the middle of the night for no reason, His mouth was dry and his brain foggy. He looked around the dark room without sitting up, the safe house had no lights no sign of life. The cots set up around his had his fellow teammates resting on them, Movements from the two by the front door caught his eyes, he turned just enough to watch without being noticed. 

Ghost and Rabbit sat on his cot, legs folded nicely to make room for each other. She had his arm in her lap tracing lines on his forearm, she was smiling and laughing. After how the mission earlier went Soap was surprised she wasn’t still a wreck, simon had been clipped with a bullet which could have been a lot worse than it was if the team didn’t act as fast as they did. 

Soap could hear the rumble of Ghosts' reply and the laughter that followed. 

“ No try again, I’ll do it slower this time focus.” She whispered a little too loud considering. 

“It's hard to focus.” He snipped in good fun. 

“ C’mon Simon, just focus on the feeling, the lines I’m drawing.” She insisted, “ No don’t look at me close your eyes!” 

“ It’s too dark to see you proper anyway, it doesn’t matter.” 

Soap knew that was a lie, if he could see them, Ghost could see her perfectly fine from where he was sitting in front of her. Soap looked around the small cabin room at the others asleep, no one else stirred. He turned his back to them and shut his eyes. 

Now as he watched them in the daylight play this same game, it was almost more interesting. 

The way they would touch each other without hesitation, it has a fact that Ghost hated being touched, even if it was a friendly handshake he’d simply refuse. Rabbit was one of the most open to touch, anytime Soap saw her in the halls she’d insist on hugging him. After a fight, even if he was covered in blood and guts Rabbit would hug him. 

When Price dismissed them all he watched as they said their goodbyes, He was off to his office she was off to the med bay. Some loose ends to tie up before they all left that evening. Soap sat there for just a moment longer than usual debating, mulling it over in his head. He let the words burn his throat for just a second longer before he made up his mind, He stood and followed her down the brightly lit halls. 

“ Rabbit!” He called and she stopped, turning to him with that familiar warm smile. 

“ Soapy.” She greeted him “ What can I do for you?” 

“ I-” Soap hesitated, before continuing to walk, she followed now. Saying nothing the entire way down, she didn’t press and he couldn’t make himself ask quite yet. He wasn’t sure if he was prepared for what the answer would be. 

He held the heavy door open for her and they made their way inside the empty bay, all the sterile beds were clean and waiting for anything. Her desk sat in the corner of the room, piled high with files and medical supplies waiting to be put away, her kit for the field was sitting out and open full to the brim of anything she could stuff in there. Sure it might have been over the top to some, but she knew better. 

“ Lass, can I ask something of ya?” He speaks more to the ground than to her. She zips up her kit and nods. 

“ Of course, anything Soap.”

“ I’ve wondered for a while now s’all.” He was muttering “ About you an’ the Lt?” 

She stopped moving, her hands were still as they held onto a stack of papers she had left out for her medics to put away. She didn’t turn to face him, but he knew she heard him. 

“ What about Simon and I?” 

“ Y’know whats the deal there.” 

“ Soap, I-” She hesitated, “ That’s a longer story than we have time for right now, it’s complicated.” 

He sat on the edge of a metal chair, his arms crossed over his chest. 

“ Are you a thing, y’know?” 

She turned to look at him now her face some shade of pink. 

“ You have to go now.” 

Soap smiled and she could only shake her head at him, He’d get the story some day. She couldn’t say no to him forever, it’d only be a matter of time before she spilled the history of them. Waiting a little longer was something Soap could handle, he’d watch the two for now.

[acaciasmith8]

BLOSC Acacia's Adventures The First Chapter: Chapter 4

(Flashback)

On the day on Elementary School, Amber Smith (AKA Acacia's Mom) quickly go speed walking in the hallway and saw a random kid got blood on the head in the nurse's office passing by. When she pass by the nurse's office she went to the principal's office.

Principal: oh good your here.

Amber saw Acacia with her hair messed up, crying, and hugging her sketchbook tightly.

Amber: has Acacia done something wrong?

Principal: your daughter has hit one of the students with her lunch box.

Amber: she did what?

She looked at Acacia and she didn't say a word or looked at her mother.

Amber: is there a reason why she did it?

Principal: well we talk to some other kids who's the witness of this mess. And they said that this kid who's been snatching her sketchbook that she's been drawing in the middle of lunch.

Amber looks at Acacia again, and still notice she's hugging her sketchbook very tightly.

Principal: I think it's best if your daughter will be suspended for the week. You and your daughter can go now Mrs Smith, I hope you'll help her for the week.

Amber went to Acacia reached in to Acacia hand and slowly hold on to it. When they walked through the hallway Acacia saw the the injured student 's parents yelling at the nurse and saying horrible things to Acacia. Her eyes wided and Burst into tears when her eyes turn red and fade to hazel.

(Flashback ended)

Star command

Acacia got zoned out and think of memories that she remembered. She blinked a few times and look around, she didn't remember how she got in star command. But she did remember that she was saved by Buzz Lightyear and his Space Ranger team. She looked around and noticed she's rapped around a blanket, sitting down. She saw Buzz Lightyear talking to his Commander, she looked down for a minute thinking, closing her hazel eyes, and open to red eyes! Acacia got up, still had the blanket wrapped around her, and walk towards Buzz and the Commander.

Acacia: Mr Lightyear? I wanted you to thank you for saving me from Zurg, but........ I want you to take me back.........

Buzz got shocked of what she says and look at the Commander silent.

After several minutes Acacia's in the Star Command medical bay sitting on a examining table. She waited for a minute and notice a doctor shows up.

Dr Mercury: hello miss Smith I am Dr Mercury and I'll be your doctor in star command for a while.

Acacia: I didn't ask Mr Lightyear to take me to a doctor! I ask him to take me back to Zurg.

Dr Mercury: I know, Mr Lightyear just told me about it before I came in. He just wanted to make sure your ok first.

Acacia got silent, and confused.

Dr Mercury: now, let start with your systems.

She use the ear temperature to put in Acacia's ear. When it got beeped she checked the number temperature.

Dr Mercury: hmmm, no fever, that's good.

She use the stethoscope to check her heartbeat. When she listens, her heart rate is normal. She puts the stethoscope away and get the blood pressure monitor. She put it on Acacia's arm, and pushed the thing to make it squeeze her arm. When she stops, she removes it.

Dr Mercury: blood pressure, normal, that's good as well. But there is a question, has your eyes always red?

Acacia: what? No! My eyes are hazel, it's always been.

Dr Mercury: hmm, I don't think you look carefully in the mirror.

She pulls her makeup mirror out of her pocket, opened it, and shows it to her. Acacia got surprised!

Acacia: I don't get it? I never had red eyes in my entire life!

Dr Mercury: I believe you, but I'm afraid I should check the X-ray. Now take your suit off and wear this gown.

Acacia listen to her and takes off the uniform. And Dr Mercury notice the claw marks on her arms and the handprint bruise on her wrist! Her eyes wided with horror and took a deep breath.

Dr Mercury: alright! Let's go.

They Went to the X-ray, Acacia lay down, and Dr Mercury uses the controls of the X-ray. When she uses it, the machine moves, and scan her whole body. When they're finished, Dr Mercury told Acacia to get in bed to have some rest, so she did.

Dr Mercury got out the medical bay and found Buzz Lightyear and his team waiting.

Buzz Lightyear: how is she? Is she anything controlling?

Dr Mercury: don't worry! Miss Smith is looks healthy and there is not trackers or control chips inside, but...........

Booster: what? What's wrong with Acacia.

Dr Mercury: I'm afraid that Miss Smith has what we call, Stockholm Syndrome.

Buzz, Booster, and Mira got shocked!

XR: Stockholm Syndrome?

Mira: It means she's falling in love with someone who is her kidnapper.

Booster: but I don't get it? Why would she have that?

Dr Mercury: it just happens whenever someone like her gets kidnapped. It's an unhealthy thing.

Buzz Lightyear: is there a way to get her Stockholm Syndrome out of here?

Dr Mercury: there is! I have an old friend who had Stockholm Syndrome, but she didn't have that until at the age of 15.

Dr Mercury pulls the card out of her pocket, and hand it to Buzz.

Dr Mercury: here's her card. Give it to Miss Smith until we figure out what to do. And there is something else I haven't showed Miss Smith yet. I need Buzz Lightyear and Commander Nebula to the briefing room immediately.

Buzz Lightyear: alright! You three keep and eye on Acacia. Make sure she hasn't done anything, and try cheering her up.

As Buzz and Dr Mercury left, the three rookies went in the bay and say Acacia laying in bed. Acacia notice them here and sat up.

Acacia: Booster?

Booster: I see you remember me.

Acacia: I've seen you come to my job every month.

Booster: I know, I just wanted to be sure. You remember my friends, Mira and XR right?

Acacia: XR maybe, Mira yes. Didn't you accidentally hit through the door when you got distracted by something?

Mira turned red or embarrassment!

Mira: I tried not too.

Booster: Buzz just wanted us to keep an eye on you so you wouldn't do anything bad.

Acacia: why would he think that?

XR: because this Dr Mercury told us you have Stockholm Syndrome.

Mira: XR SHUT UP!!!

Acacia: Stockholm Syndrome?

XR: yeah! Stockholm Syndrome. It means you have fa-

Booster tries to cover XR so he wouldn't say anything!

Booster: I'm sorry. What XR is saying is--

Acacia: oh no. I know what Stockholm Syndrome is, and I shouldn't be surprised..... The way I ask Buzz Lightyear like that, is a type of sign.

Booster: hey, don't worry about it. Buzz will figure out what to do and stop Zurg once and for all.

Briefing Room

Dr Mercury: so this, is a typical human skeleton I had scanned a few months back. And this is her chart, definitely a human skeleton but her bones has something on that looks like red roots rapped around her entire skull and bones. And it looks like it's been growing very slowly, maybe that could be the reason her eyes have been red right now.

The Commander try not to say anything but got himself sweating, shaking and his hands turned to a fist.

Buzz Lightyear: that's bad? Right?

Dr Mercury: well, it doesn't look like this Zurg is responsible for this. It seems to me that she gets that to one of her family that she's probably born with it like they have. Mr Lightyear, have you told someone at her work that she has a parent or a legal guardian?

Buzz Lightyear: yes I do! She has parents name Amber and Eliot Smith. Do you want to call them for questions?

Dr Mercury: yes, but not yet you should find a hiding place for Miss Smith so Zurg might not find her.

Medical Bay

Acacia and Team Lightyear have been hanging out for a while. But then Buzz Lightyear showed up.

Mira: Buzz! What did Dr Mercury say?

Buzz Lightyear: no time for that Mira, we need to Acacia out of here, Star Command is to risky to stay here.

Booster: what do you mean? I thought this'll be safe for her.

Buzz Lightyear: you may think that, but Zurg thinks this'll be the first place he'll look. We need to find a place where he would not expect.

Mira: well I can't take her to Tangea, my father would not like that. 

XR: Rhizome would be fitting for her, but Zurg would know there's no weapons in this planet.

Mira: what about Tradeworld?

Buzz Lightyear: no, there could be backstabbers somewhere.

Buzz and his team kept thinking, and booster thought of an idea.

Booster: I know a place where she can stay for a while!

Acacia looked at booster confused.

Jo-Ad 

Booster uses the Star Command shuttle to bring Acacia with him to his home planet called Jo-Ad. Before they went for a landing Acacia looked at the side window and looked at this land that looks like a farm, a village, and a big field. The Star Command shuttle has finally landed.

Booster: wait here Acacia, I'll be right back.

Booster got out of the shuttle, rush to his old house, and knock on the door. Acacia lean back to the chair waited patiently, until she notice another Jo-Adian is using a tractor on the field. He looks almost like Booster but he's orange, not red. 

When the orange Jo-Adian is busy driving the tractor, he caught his eye on Acacia. But little did he not know, there's a rock in a middle of the field! The tractor got tripped by the big rock and the orange Jo-Adian falls off the tractor! Acacia got shocked and got out of the shuttle and run to him.

Acacia: oh my gosh are you ok?

Orange Jo-Adian: yeah it's my fault, I didn't even see it there.

Acacia: no it's my fault! I got you distracted.

Acacia helps the orange Jo-Adian, and Booster and his parents notice them and ran to them.

Booster: Buster! Are you okay?

Buster: yeah! Don't worry about me. I notice you brought a new friend with you?

Booster: Acacia this is my oldest friend Buster, and these two are my parents. Everyone, this is Acacia Smith.

Mrs Munchapper: well it's nice to meet ya Miss Acacia, Boosty has told us about you. And you look prettier then I imagine.

Acacia: ummm thanks

Mr Munchapper: so, Booster? What was it that you were gonna say?

Booster: oh yeah! Maybe we should talk inside.

While they were inside of Booster's old house. Acacia's sitting on a big couch and eating some Bunzel Dumplings, and Booster, his old friend, and his parents are in a middle of a conversation on the other room.

Mrs Munchapper: oh my! That is awful! No wonder I notice a bruise on her wrist. 

Mr Munchapper: and I can't believe a monster like Zurg would do something terrible to an innocent person like Acacia.

Buster: is that you you bring her here?

Booster: yeah, this is all I can think of. I mean I could take her to Roswell, but I don't think Acacia's ready to know about those guys yet, even Becky.

Mrs Munchapper: oh we understand Boosty. We have the best hiding place for her in this house, and she is welcome to stay at our home.

Buster looks at Acacia, and notice she had a sad look.

Booster: thanks you guys! I better get back to Star Command, I gotta let Buzz know. And I'll call you tomorrow to check on ya to see how's she's doing.

Later that night

Buster left to go to his home. And Mrs Munchapper setting up the big couch as a bed for her.

Mrs Munchapper: it's not much, but I hope you'll be comfortable.

Acacia smiled

Acacia: I will ma'am! And thank you for letting me stay here.

Mrs Munchapper: oh sure, it's not a problem. I will see ya in the morning.

As Mrs Munchapper shut the lights out, and left. Acacia's smiles faded out, and lay down with a sigh. She looked at the ceiling and thinking about the red sky. She hates to think that she misses it.

And she misses him too.......

[thatonesakudere]

"What did I do that filled you with so much hate?" // mac for mayu

@badtrigger

The light flickers, letting the deep shadows of the night consume it all, her face, the desk, the walls; like a hungry beast that can never be sated. Then, it is cast back into the very corners of the room, squeezed between and under the furniture, banished from this temporary kingdom of hers — an office, larger than most, without a spec of dust and little warmth to it — and everything is harshly bright once more. Mayu's eyes squint at the change, slender fingers reflexively brought up to her face and under the red-rimmed glasses to rub out the black spots dotting her vision. Whether it's the lightbulb or the wiring, she'll have to bring someone to look at it-- Preferably sooner than later, lest the electronics give out on her during one of these work-filled nights. Lately, it feels there's been too many of them to count...

She doesn't bother to anymore.

His presence is hard to miss; a lumbering mass so out of place, drawing her eyes like a lamppost does a swarm of moths. He barely fits through the door, and only because the admin zone has been built with avatars and recoms in mind, soaring ceilings and wide corridors. The tiny flicker of hope that he's here on official business (regardless of the late hour) gets snuffed out as soon as Mays opens his mouth.

"What did I do that filled you with so much hate?"

"What didn't you do?" A humorless laugh slips from her lips, a mix of bile and venom coating her tongue. "You left me. You went out there and died, and I had to live with it. Grieve the death of a man I knew and learn to move on, only to find you here sixteen-fucking-years later. Truly, I cannot comprehend why do you find this simple concept so hard to understand--? Have you lost your wits along with your life?" Mayu's expression could almost be mistaken for one of coy amusement, had her eyes not been cold and hard, akin to shards of black ice. "The thing about my hate, boy, is that until you've walked a mile in my shoes, you won't know anything about it." About the pain it's been born from. For how can she not hate him, when feeling anything else other than contempt will only serve to bring more of it?

And yet, there still seems to be a place in her twice-rotten heart carved out just for him; pity floods it, a cruel sibling of 'compassion', and all that Mayu is capable of feeling at the moment... Nevertheless, it's more than most would have gotten from her; she must have gone soft after Masa's birth. "Go back to your duties, Mac. Or to bed. It's late," she chides him, suddenly drained, and gets up from the desk herself. It's comical, their height (size?) difference, further emphasized by most everything else in the room being human-sized. Perfect for her. Too small for him.

It makes her want to cry.

She doesn't — instead, she makes herself a cup of coffee.

[talenlee]

Game Pile: Marvel United (Core)

CMON raised two million dollars to make a cooperative Marvel game that absolutely did not need miniatures, but got them anyway, and made them really kickass looking big-headed chibi miniatures. The game is fine. The game is perfectly tolerable. You can make a better game looking at it. Let’s look at it.

Stripped to the studs, I cannot help but like Marvel United. If I’m going to talk about it in a purely mechanical system, it’s a clock and line builder, which I mean, that feels like a different joke I’m too classy to make at the moment. Locationally, the players are moving around a clock, with six points that represent locations where things can go wrong, each having a thing that is going wrong on it, and once it’s done going wrong, you get a special ability from that place. There can be civilians needing rescues or thugs needing unrescuing on either of these, and sometimes special abilities, and then the villains’ plans make this location trickier to clean up as well, like they may have a subordinate villain or a special plot in action here. The players are playing cards into a line, which means over time your cards leave your deck and you don’t get to recycle them (per se). You get to use abilities on your cards, and the symbols on your cards, but also the symbols on the previous cards, so you can coordinate for big turns with other players, allowing for big, dramatic shifts in the flow of the game play.

Each player has their own deck of cards, those cards have the character on them, and you can play open or closed handed, depending on how much alpha gaming you’re concerned about going on at your tabletop. The villain has a little deck of their own and is doing things on their turn between your turns. The game starts with a bunch of things on fire, then gives you too few buckets, and leaves an arsonist running loose. Good stuff, it’s engaging out of the gate and you can get started and have fun once you’re done with the setup.

Which is fiddly.

The setup is full of little tokens and pieces that are meant to be for memory, and everyone has a unique deck and the player zones need to orient around a radial point and then the villain needs a deck and then you need a space for the ‘storyline’ that represents the totality of all the actions taken in the game and a villain board, and it all sits together on the table with the low key lurking mention of you’re going to have sort a lot of these when you want to put it back in the box. Not a deal breaker by any means but gosh it makes setting it up for the first time feel tricky. Like, did I miss a step? What are these little doohickeys for?

My defining feeling about Marvel United is not that it is, in any way, a bad game. It’s a pretty good game, honestly one I’d want in my collection if I didn’t have games that filled the same role and offered me more. The Marvel branding and the iconic miniatures are definitely draws with their own currency to them. The fact that the miniatures are miniatures is a big deal too, since it means you’re looking at objects you can handle and paint and engage with. If you like what this game is offering there is a truly staggering amount of it to go collect — from just twenty-dollar pickups of a new handful of heroes and villains to the eyewatering kickstarter promo set that runs up to three hundred dollars before shipping jammed full of licensed figures.

In every way this game is rolled out conveniently as a product with an accessible price, convenient store locations, online support and familiar branding. It’s a little frustrating then that this game is not as convenient, not as accessible as a game experience.

The game recommends you start with The Red Skull as your villain for your first game. So far so good, and it’s a pretty good place to start. It then tells players to ‘pick heroes,’ which is good but doesn’t quite prepare players for realising that the heroes’ special abilities can be extremely useful in concert with one another or fail to overlap at all. Another thing is that, due to the game being built around random card draw, it’s entirely possible for the villain to have a runaway opening to the game that new players should address immediately, but not recognise as such and then have no idea how to develop tools to dig themselves out of problems.

If you can’t tell, this happened to me.

It isn’t even like I don’t think games like this should be hard – but I do think losing a cooperative game on the third or fourth turn of playing directly asks how hard the game is to set up. For a game with a fast setup, yeah I guess that’s okay, just shove everything back into place and go go go again. In Marvel United’s case, though, the reset is cumbersome enough with the little pieces and the shuffling of all the decks that I feel like maybe, at least for the first player experience, there should be a little extra. Knowing more about the game meant in hindsight I could see what we were doing wrong. In our first turns, we were learning how cards worked and what they could do – we weren’t setting each other up in the same way. Plus, the idea of clearing civilians off a square with the Hulk’s attack felt like a ‘bad’ thing? We ‘shouldn’t’ do that? But then learning through the play experience that that was a thing our Hulk should be doing regularly to keep that space from getting overcrowded by the Red Skull’s sleeper agents, that didn’t come to our attention until after the whole thing was over and I was piecing together our failures.

There’s a mastery challenge here, one of those problems where playing the game makes you better at the game, and I feel like there’s a failure in this game of motivation, where the first time experience of the game wants you to just, you know, work it out and the way to do that is by failing. But I also think that I’m a big nerd for this kind of thing and that if the child and grandparent who played this game lost the game, they’d probably both shrug and either say ‘this game sucks’ or worse ‘I suck at this game.’ There’s no responsive feedback to it, there’s no clear indication of what they misidentified as important, because all the things that got swept into this happened early on.

I’ve talked about this when I talked about playing with your food or when scrabble ends, where sometimes a game can end before the game ends. If you lost the game on turn three, but the game doesn’t end until turn seven, you’re presented with a difficulty just tracking that. That’s the biggest weakness, I think, of Marvel United.

I am really glad I got this game for who I got it for. I wish for their sake that the game had built itself a little better for players who were going to be playing it the first time. This game raised two point six million dollars on kickstarter which says to me that it was made for the invested purchaser first and foremost.

Coulda just done more for the people who weren’t already fans though.

Check it out on PRESS.exe to see it with images and links!

[wilanserulia]

I have some considerations about shipping, if you'd entertain me.

I usually stick to my OCs, but lately I've been trying to lean more into drawing fanart. But when a friend asked me if I was going to draw something for FF7, since I've been playing Rebirth this last month, I said no. Final Fantasy VII is an incredibly popular game, I didn't feel like I needed to add my own little fanart to the thousands of thousands already out there.

But then, about 120 hours deep into the game, I got to this scene, and I changed my mind.

I'd like to ramble about it under the cut. Spoilers, of course.

Having played the original Final Fantasy VII back on PlayStation 1 means I've been able to witness the shipping wars for over 25 years. Countless fans facing off in online battlefields, fighting over whether Tifa or Aerith was the "correct" choice for Cloud.

My feelings on the matter are... complicated.

I usually avoid weighing in, because the whole discourse feels flawed in its premise. Granted, maybe my mindset is probably why I could never quite get behind the idea of shipping in general. The conversation is always so... narrow, so close-minded. Human beings are complex individuals, they're complicated and illogical on the best of days, let alone on matters as complex as affection and feelings.

But the way you hear people talk online, you'd think there is only one moment in time, only one true love, only one singular experience, and everything else is invalid, a red herring, a mistake.

Case in point, I believe that for many reasons Aerith and Cloud make a pretty cute couple. And Tifa and Cloud also make a pretty nice couple. Aerith and Zack? Lovely couple. And I believe the breath of FFVII's story is wide enough to allow for all of these to be true, for neither of these to contradict the others.

Because the world is complicated and life is short, and we all bumble through it trying to set aside as much happiness as we can for ourselves, trying to find love in a world where no one is specifically made for another.

Cloud and Tifa have history together. They eventually end up with one another and I think they're a good couple, they complement each other, they look out for each other, they understand each other on a level that others can't.

But dear god, not for a lot of the story they aren't.

They each have their own problems, their own troubles, their own ghosts, neither of them is in the right headspace to commit to a relationship. If we consider the events covered by Remake and Rebirth, they have as much trouble approaching one another as they find it easy to feel familiarity. Had they tried anything at this point it would have been a mess.

I never played Crisis Core so I never had a chance to see their dynamic firsthand, but from everything I've seen of Zack and Aerith in the main game they'd probably look adorable together. They're both very optimistic and energetic and they'd likely easily bounce off each other. They look like they have a similar and very compatible love language. The relationship clearly meant a lot to Aerith, and it's easy to tell from the way she reminisces about it during the game.

And yet she hasn't seen him in... what? Over five years?

At this point of the story, no matter what chemistry they might have had, whether Zack has died or is just ghosting her for whatever reason, Aerith is probably just trying to move on.

Granted it's a bit unbalanced, Aerith is taking the most of the burden to make this relationship work, but once she gets things going Cloud is a surprisingly caring and affectionate person. He has severe trouble displaying it, but he looks after her in many understated ways and he always finds himself humoring Aerith's many requests, allowing himself to be pushed way outside his comfort zone to a degree that he doesn't reserve for anybody else, letting her drag him onto date after date, making a show to be too cool for it all but nonetheless enjoying the warmth of her company.

While a vague resemblance is what sparks Aerith's interest for Cloud, what she really latches on is her intuition that there's another Cloud, a "real" Cloud, hidden somewhere deep down. Whether it's due to her connection to the Lifestream or by virtue of being a very empathetic person, Aerith has made it her mission to pull out this more innocent, more genuine, easygoing, caring, and even goofier Cloud out of the depth of his psyche where he's been locked away.

She is relentless and doesn't take no for an answer.

And even though Cloud keeps up his tough boy charade with everyone (with the occasional hiccup), Aerith is the only one who succeeds in pulling him out of his shell.

Of course it won't last between them. It can't. Maybe in another life, maybe at another time, but in this it was never meant to work.

Their final moments together are melancholic, and the consequences will be scarring, but their time together is precious, for the both of them. And Rebirth captures it all in such a beautiful way. After playing through that one last date, in that surreal dreamscape, I was so touched that I felt like I simply had to draw it.

One Last Date

[rubywithin]

Zone Gate Part 4

-Noella went to a festival to take her mind of her recent battle- I walked around a bunch of different stall's and performer's but nothing seemed to cheer me up. Why did I let my pride get to me like that, I..I wish I could of done things differently. UGH I threw my deck on the ground....and stormed off, I tried a few more activities to try and forget about Zonelle for good. But all I saw was people having Zonelle battles....then a memory kicked in (???) "I attack with Spirit of Bird" (Noella) "I block that one with Bush Tiger". -Sigh- I remember when I used to battle with my best friend....why did she have to leave? (???) "Um excuse me mam I think you dropped these!" suddenly a guy walked up to me and gave me back my cards. (???) "Are you sure you should give them back? she betrayed her cards when she threw them down!" Ugh who was this guy? before I knew it the one giving me the deck back had retracted them.

(???) "If you beat me in a battle you can have them back full time, do you accept Eugene's challenge?". Ugh....I guess that's the guy's name his outfit was um very unique, (Noella) "I accep...." (??? "I will fight on her behalf, my name is Ziro!" (Noella) "What the heck I can fight my own battle....plus you were against him giving me my deck back!". (Ziro) "Do you think you are in the right frame of mind to battle after throwing away your cards so easily?" Ugh....I guess he was right the two then stood opposite each other. (Eugene) "I will start, I draw then summon a monster in the defence line and place 2 effect cards." (Ziro) "I see hiding your deck type smart move, I draw then summon Fire-Ball Mage!" -gulp- a fire deck. "I then activate Burning Passion which double my monsters strength and he attacks your defender!" Hmm I guess good move but that boost only lasts one turn, "I then place an effect card and call it a turn!". (Enrique) "I summon Moss Golem and he will attack your Mage" (Ziro) "I activate Ranged FIre-Ball and destroy an effect card. I then evolve my Mage into Magician of Flames"

(Eugene) "Smart move but I will activate Revival Leaf to bring back my Golem!". He got to keep his monster....but Ziro pulling off an evolution on his opponents turn was an amazing counter though. (Ziro) "Is that a bit of enjoyment I see?" I just nodded. "I summon a second Magician of Flames and both of my monsters attack you directly and I place an effect card!" (Eugene) "I activate Temple Guarding to bring out 2 more golem's in the defence line. I then activate All out Assault to push them into the offense line and all 3 monsters attack you. All out Assault destroys all attacking monsters but I didn't use my summon so I summon a new defence monster!" Wow so if he can pull off that combo again he could potentially win....(Ziro) "I draw, then I summon Sorcerer of Dark Flames! His ability destroys my other monster's" (Noella) "WHAT....that's limiting your own attack power" then it hit me....he had two monsters. (Ziro) "This is my special combo where I evolve my Sorcerer into Eternal-Flame Sage. His ability gives him a bonus attack for each of magician card I discarded this turn!"

(Eugene) "And that just happens to be enough too take out my defence monster and my remaining lives. -Gulp- guess I bit off more than I could chew" (Ziro) "Eternal-Flame Sage hit him with the grand finale spell!" and with that attack he won the battle! The two then shook hands, (Eugene) "It was an honour to witness such an incredible combo but next time I will have one of my own. Let's just say I'm in the developmental stage" (Ziro) "Haha yeah it took me a while to figure out my end game combo". Eugene then handed Ziro the deck...um (Noella) "Can I have my cards back now?". He handed them to me....(Ziro) "Now face me in a battle!" (Noella) "But why....I promise I won't toss away my cards away again". (Ziro) "I believe you but you need to remember why Zonelle is important to you and an all out battle is the key to that!" I guess he was right but I don't stand a chance against him....especially without my gate card.

[willowser]

my guilty pleasure trope is like. trash reality dating show au LOL

like you and bakugou on love island ??? HELLO ???? he is 100% the show-stopper that comes in as a twist at the very end, after everyone is already coupled up. thinking they're happy in their pair. ready to move forward and get to know one another. AND THEN BAM. bakugou katsuki. huge and tan and toned. probably a firefighter or something, been single for a long time because he finds it hard to put himself out there — and coming on live, national television was the perfect way to get himself out of his comfort zone LOL

let's say. you're coupled up with denki and you love it ! he's great and funny and charming and will make someone happy — but that someone is just not you. from the get-go, your relationship feels more friendly than anything, but he doesn't try to cop a feel on you in bed and he's a good snuggler and maybe you kiss him once, just to see how it feels, and that's not so bad either. but there are no sparks, no fireworks. you'd be content to even ride out the rest of the challenge in a couple, because he's comfortable, but that's not what either of you came on the show for.

after the first week, bakugou couples up with jirou. her sharp wit and dry humor draws him in enough (and he's always kind of liked that edgy look that she has) — but he very quickly realizes that she's really not that into him POOR GUY. bakugou really isn't her type; besides finding his attitude funny every now and again, they really don't have much in common. don't do much of the same things, share hobbies or interests, so it's a little bit of a bust.

i like to think you're just friends for a week or two. another guy comes in, two new girls come in, but nothing really changes for either of you. keeping your respective couples, just because no one else has really caught your interest — and it's not until a challenge has you kissing him square on the mouth that either of you start to take a second glance across the villa.

you watch him work out in the mornings, make a second cup of tea for when he's done. somehow, you both always end up in the same section, leaning back in the lawn chairs or sitting side-by-side on the beanbags as you chat about how the challenge has been going so far for either of you.

the part of this trope that is so funny to me is that — bakugou really is not the kind of guy that should be on this show LOL he's hard to approach and intimidating and if you don't understand his attitude, then you won't like him. and what little game he has isn't played like this: approaching someone in front of everyone else, nabbing you from your couple, having to put himself out there so that he doesn't get sent home. all while on live television.

but — it's not until you admit, casually one day, that you and denki are just friends that he decides to do anything about it. the two of you have gotten along so well in your couple that bakugou didn't think he stood a chance but after talking to you, he's awkwardly telling kaminari in the kitchen, alone, that he's planning on pursuing you. and denki thinks that's great ! thinks you deserve it !

the week continues on much the same: you and bakugou chat here and there, eat breakfast together away from everyone else, he makes you laugh and you make him smile his crooked little smile at the floor, embarrassed, as he tucks his face and pulls his hat further over his eyes. it's cute and you're having fun with him, but the recoupling is surprising, still.

when he has to stand up there, in front of everyone, red-faced, and grit out that you've caught his eye, that he's enjoyed his time with you, that he'd like to get to know you better — and you're floored. ecstatic, but floored. because he is certainly intimidating, and regardless of the fact that you were with kaminari for so long, you might not have ever approached bakugou, because he's just. so huge and handsome and striking.

and then you're settling in for the night, crawling in to your shared bed for this first time. and he's not like denki, not a cuddler, but you still make a point to wiggle around to him, wait until the lights are off and even breathing sounds throughout the room — and then you tell him, quietly, grinning in the dark:

"i'm really glad you picked me."

you feel bakugou sigh, a bit heavy, and you wonder if you're going in to strong — but then his hand skates over your arm, rests carefully against your hip, and he murmurs, "'m really glad, too."

i wrote this a lil bit ago and have since been made aware of luna's love island bkg !! 🥺 it's so detailed !! there's a whole show for the two of them !!

[annaraebananawriter]

For the angst drabbles (idk if you're still doing them) maybe Passive Nighty's ghost following Dream around? Sorry I don't really have any cool ideas...

Hey! Don't say that! I love this idea, and I know you have many other cool ideas. This idea is definitely one I've thought of before, and I even have a couple fanfic plot ideas lying down somewhere using it.

One involved Palette and him being the only one to see Passive Nightmare's spirit, and he decides to somehow give his uncle his body back and reunite him with his papa (Dream).

The other is similar, but involves the Bad Sanses and then finding Nightmare's crown, and Passive's ghost is attached to the crown, and so they have to catch this ghost up on things and keep it a secret from their boss and figure out how to take Passive to Dream without being killed along the way.

But that's enough about me (though if you want to hear more about these ideas, feel free to ask!). I did this prompt a little bit differently, but still the same type of deal. Also, Nightmare tells Dream a story in this one, which is The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde, just so you know ahead of time.

Happy reading!!

~oOo~

It was raining again. It came down in sheets, the sky rumbling angrily and streaks of white light glowed for a second before fading back to black. Wind made the few trees left bend, a few of the weaker ones snapping in half and flying away to a better place.

Nightmare shifted away from the drops, more of a habit than anything else. In his transparent state, everything around him treated him like he was dead and buried, slipping straight through him.

He wasn't sure how long it had been since the incident. No matter how many times it snowed or rained or the sun shone, nothing changed. Nothing new grew. The land Mother was on was dead, frozen in time. The village was no better. He preferred to look the other way, however; you could only look at corpses and rubble for so long before you felt sick. Physically, he couldn't move very far, so the most he could do was stare at Mother's remains and mourn what could've been.

He looked away. Dream's pained expression, gray stone weathered overtop, bore into him, accusingly. Well, probably not accusing him, his brother was too kind for that, but he knew when he was at fault for something and since no one else was around, it was up to him to hold himself accountable.

It wasn't your fault, Dream would insist if he wasn't a statue. Stop blaming yourself, Nighty.

Nightmare shook his head. "It is my fault, though, Dream," he said, responding like his brother could hear him. "If I hadn't eaten that apple, none of this would've happened. The villagers would still be alive. You wouldn't be petrified. That...monster in my body wouldn't be doing who knows what to people."

If you hadn't, how long would it have been until you broke completely? Imaginary Dream murmured. Things might've been worse.

Nightmare frowned, drawing his knees close to his chest. No, that was too harsh. Too fast. Dream would've made sure he knew it wasn't his fault before suggesting alternative ways things could've happened. Wouldn't he?

If he's honest with himself, he'll admit that he didn't really know what Dream was thinking anymore, not recently, and that's including before the incident. He stopped being able to read his brother the longer he kept his secret of abuse. It's hard to pinpoint when exactly, but he remembered when he realized it, a horrid moment of clarity as he watched Dream talk about his day before going to bed.

He had watched his brother's smile and couldn't tell anymore whether it was real or not, if his tone was genuine. Zoning out, a voice whispered at the back of his head, furthering his distress.

When had Dream gotten so good at lying?

Another round of thunder shook things. Nightmare flinched, glancing up, feeling guilty as he looked back to Dream, remembering the first night they witnessed the sky get angry. Scared at first, he had quickly gotten used to it, curiosity over something new taking over, being replaced soon by worry as he looked over and saw how his brother cowered in fright, eyes wide.

Helpless, he tried to comfort him, but Dream stayed that way, fear coating him more than their blanket did. He had started telling a story to fill the silence as he thought, just a silly story of something that happened to him a couple days ago--exploring the forest and encountering a frog, examing it and noting his observations, only to eventually startle as the frog jumped on his skull, making him tip backward and fall in the river. He had been pulled out of his thoughts by a giggle, abruptly realizing his story had helped Dream forget about the storm for a bit.

The thunder had sounded again and Dream jumped, quieting. Nightmare had smiled, tugging him close. "Don't worry," he had said. "I'm right here. Nothing will happen as long as I'm here. Want to hear some more stories? I have lots of embarrassing moments I never told you about."

Dream had nodded, but quickly spoke before Nightmare could start another story. "And you'll be here forever?"

Nightmare blinked. "Of course! What brother would I be if I wasn't?"

"Promise?"

"I swear it." Nightmare had held up a pinky finger and hooked it around his brother's. "Now, as for a story...well, another time I was exploring the forest and..."

Since then, whenever there was a storm, Nightmare would cuddle Dream and tell him story after story until they both fell asleep. In the morning, the rain would be gone, dew lingering in the air, and they would splash in the puddles together and laugh. It was fun.

This should be no different.

But Dream was a statue right now. Nightmare had no physical form. He wasn't even sure if his brother would be able to see him. There's no way a silly story could help things. Still, he couldn't help imaging his brother cowering again, this time unable to move an inch, eyes trained on the sky. He couldn't even cover his ears to block out the sound.

Nightmare had to do something about that. He couldn't let his brother, imaginary or not, be scared like that.

He shifted until he was leaning against his brother's legs. "It's okay," he said, patting Dream's statue, hovering uncertainly over the hairline cracks around his waist. "I'm right here. I told you I wouldn't ever leave you and I intend to keep that promise. Tonight's story is a bit different than usual. I only read it recently myself. I thought it fit, though."

He might just be talking to himself. Maybe this was the first sign that he was cracking from being alone for so long. Maybe this was a bad idea, a waste of time. His brother was a statue, after all, and statues can't hear or talk or react in any way.

And yet, didn't the statue in the story had a conscious? Wasn't he alive?

"Our story starts in a kingdom. In this kingdom, a beautiful statue of a prince stands on a pedestal, gazing over his subjects. He's made of gold plating, shining jewels for eyes, and his sword. Everyone admires him. One day, the birds are meant to be migrating, winter fast approaching. One sparrow, however, seeks shelter at the prince's feet. He notices the prince is crying. He asks why and the prince explains that he is sad because of the suffering his poor subjects face."

If the Prince in the story was alive even though he was a statue, then why couldn't Dream be alive? Or, well, conscious, anyway. He knew his brother was alive. He wouldn't be here if he was dead.

If that was true, though, then he could imagine his brother relaxing as the story unfolded, calming down. He could imagine him closing his eyes and trying to sleep, focusing on his voice and letting the images free in his mind for his dreams to shape as they please.

"The prince asks the sparrow for a favor. He asks the bird to take the ruby from his statue and give it to a poor mother and child. And although the bird needs to fly south, already late, he agrees to help. The next night, the prince asks another favor. One of his sapphire eyes needs delivering to a poor writer. The sparrow is upset, not wanting to blind his new friend, but he agrees after the prince insists. The next night, the prince asks for his other eye to be delivered as well, this time to a poor girl."

He made a promise, after all. Nightmare will keep it, invisible or not. And if he can only provide stories for his brother to sleep to during thunderstorms, then...that's what he will do.

"The prince asks for the sparrow to take his gold plating and give it to the poor as well. Feeling sorrow for his prince, the sparrow cancels his plans to fly away and stays with his friend, being his eyes for him, and delivering his gold as instructed. The prince is blind. Seeing his riches are gone, the people of the kingdom call the prince ugly. Only the sparrow knows otherwise, that the prince's heart is pure. Unfortunately, not being meant for the cold, the sparrow dies from the cold, and shortly after the prince dies as well from a broken heart."

Because what else are brothers for?

[coltrainbat]

soulmate au where when your soulmate draws something on their body it also appears on yours. please do andy barber x reader

Sparks Fly

A/N: Short but cute. I'm not super good at fantasy AU (first time) but I hope this is sort of what you wanted. It was fun to write but definitely a good challenge. Thanks for breaking me out of my comfort zone! I want go back! 🤠💕

Andy fiddled with his pen during witness interviews, half listening to the third person account and half letting Neal have a moment to feel like he was the big man; asking and responding to the witness. Andy was supposed to be taking notes, but he found himself doodling, on the notepad in front of him. What started off with random squiggles and unreadable shorthand, slowly turned into more intricate patterns as he realised the pressure he applied allowed for contrast in the strokes.

  After filling in most of the page, he needed a new canvas, eyeing up his hand he moved the pen ever so slightly to the skin between his thumb and his pointer, enjoying the feeling of the pen tip of his skin as he drew a small heart. Smiling down at his creation, small enough you wouldn’t be able to notice it as he went about his day to day, but big enough that he could enjoy the small joy he got from it. He admired his work, thinking about how good it would look like a tattoo on a more feminine hand. 

  You woke up, late as per usual and with 20 minutes before you had to leave to your job at the coffee shop you instantly sprinted out of bed, gathering your clothes from off the floor. 

  Reaching down to grab a clean pair of panties from the basket with your left hand you noticed the small, hand drawn heart that had appeared while you slept.

  The heart sat like ink on your skin, brushing it off as a mindless action from yesterday or a weirdly sweet prank by your roommate while you slept you made your way to the bathroom.

  Lathering your hands with soap you went to scrub away the scribble yet after 5 minutes of mindless palming frothy soap in your hands and attempting to scratch away the heart with your fingernails to no avail you were starting to get frustrated. Permanent marker you thought or maybe some weird temporary tattoo pen. 

  You quickly googled ways to remove a permanent drawing on your hand but all you got was tattoo removal in your area. But it wasn’t a tattoo, you’d never stepped foot in a shop and were petrified on needles. It sat on your skin so well, like it came up from your bloodstream and sat below the skin rather a minor attack from the outside. It wasn’t itchy or scabbing or bruised like most fresh tattoos. It just… was. Like a freckle or an inconspicuous mole. 

  Deciding that were already late and since the doodle wasn’t offensive, on your face or overtly obvious you went about getting yourself ready for work. Making your way out the door, keys in mouth while mid ponytail with minutes to spare. 

  Your day went on as usual, serving coffee to the local businessmen and women during their pursuit of caffeine. Ever so often you’d glance down at the minimalist “tattoo” while counting cash or handing over coffees. While you were still keen to get whatever toxic formula was used to create the inerasable mark you appreciated the joy that ignited in you whenever you looked at it. It released an intoxicating feeling, a strange mix of happy nostalgia and content. But it was just a little heart, right? By afternoon, you had settled that if you couldn’t get rid of it you wouldn’t mind the hand drawn ode to love on your hand. 

  But you would still have a go at your roommate about drawing on you while you slept. 

  “Hi gorgeous.” You internally groaned at the tall, cocky man who had appeared in front of you. Forcing a smile for the man.

  “What can I get you?” 

  “I’ll have a black coffee and um…” He turned around to meet the man who entered in closely behind him. 

  “Andy what do you want?”

  “Just a coffee please.” His acquaintance’s smile at you was softer and less creepily threatening. He was clearly tired but that couldn’t overshadow his handsomeness. His button up shirt fitted snugly against his arms and chest. His slight scruff on his chin was well kept. The man clearly took care of himself, and you couldn’t help but notice the intoxicating smell of his cologne as he approached the counter. 

  “Great two coffees, one black coming up.” You smiled back.

  “Your coffee.” You gestured to the handsome lawyer. 

  “Thank you so much.” He walked over to you holding out his hand as you held out his takeaway cup and there it was.

  An identical heart on the very same hand as yours. In the very same position. And in the very same style.

  You both paused when you noticed each other’s relative markings. 

  “Is that a tattoo?” He gestured to yours, breaking the silence first.

  “Umm no I woke up with it this morning, it’s weird it won’t come off. Is yours?”

  “No, I just drew mine on me this morning while I was distracted.” His nervousness present in his voice as he ran his hand through his hair.

  “That’s… odd.” Your head running with plausible reasoning, confusion present on your face.

  “Really odd.” His eyes honed into your hand. 

  “I’m Andy by the way.” He held out his decorated hand. 

  “Y/N.” You shook his hand back, with your decorated hand. 

  A sudden zap between the contact caused you both to startle. You made eye contact, both breathing out a laugh.

[landinoandco]

An Unlikely Grand Prix

Daniel Ricciardo x reader

Warnings: flufffff

Word count: 2.1k

Requests are open :)

The Belgium Grand Prix was one that was highly anticipated - not only did it mark the end of the summer break and start to the second part of the season but it also promised some quality racing with its high speed corners.

You and Daniel were sitting in your hotel room on Sunday morning, a drink of coffee in your hand and a vitamin smoothie in his, your laptop open in front of you as you made some edits to the latest version of your book. You were an author and about to finish the final edit of your new novel.

“Have you seen the weather forecast for today?” He asked, leaning onto his forearms. You looked over your laptop lid and nodded, taking off your glasses.

“I have, you better be careful. It was bad enough in qualifying yesterday - “ You paused, saving your work and closing your laptop down. “I don’t care what people say - wet races always make me nervous. They shouldn’t have sent you out in Q3, it was hard to watch.”

A silence fell between the both of you, Daniel watched with a softness in his eyes. He knew exactly how you felt and he loved how supportive you were of him. You were his biggest fan and he could not be more thankful for it - you were there for him every weekend through rain and sunshine and through good races and bad races. You knew him better than anyone.

“I will be as careful as I can -” He reached across the table and took your hand in his. “I really feel like I’m getting somewhere though - P4.” He exclaimed, a smile flashing across his handsome features. You brushed your thumb over his hand.

“It was a really good lap - especially given the weather.” You agreed.

You moved your gaze to the window - the steady sound of rain hitting the hotel window filled the room.

“It’s definitely going to be a tense one.” Daniel muttered, pushing his chair back and getting up. You followed and made your way to the door, shrugging on your coat as you went.

The rain was pouring down as though the heavens above had opened - Daniel held an umbrella above both of you, sheltering you from the downpour. Members from different teams raced around the paddock to dry shelter - the buzz of conversation could already be heard from the grandstand in front of the pitlane. You admired the dedication of the fans; it was far from just a shower and for those exposed without even the slightest of cover would be drenched to the bone even by now and the grand prix was far from starting.

You looked over to Dan, his eyes twinkling and a spring in his step told you that he was looking forward to today’s race. His eyes flickered down to meet your gaze, bumping his shoulder into yours causing you to chuckle.

It was incredible to think about all of the things you two had managed to fit into 3 (going on 4) years. You met each other on the top of Table Mountain in Cape Town, you were there plotting for your next novel and Daniel was there hiking with his friends…

You were sat on a rock, looking out to the city of Cape Town tucked away under the mountain range - you were out in South Africa on an escape from the cramped conditions of London. You had a deadline quickly approaching to come up with a plot for your next book and as of that moment you still weren’t any closer to coming up with the next bestseller. Sure, you had ideas but they were yet to set a light a fire of motivation in you.

You had zoned out, your gaze attached to a bird soaring across the landscape ahead of you when a sudden voice pulled you swiftly out.

“Whatchu’ writing about?” The man asked, his tone was bright and as you looked over at him you saw the beaming smile stretched across his features. His eyes showed a confident but kind manner, brown curls stuck to his forehead and the beginnings of a beard covered the bottom half of his face.

“If I knew, I would tell you.” You quipped back, turning to face the man in order to see him properly. He had a muscular physique, no doubt a sportsman - you had thought at the time - an explosion of colour seeping out from his shorts caught your eye as you clocked the tattoos; they weren’t the only ones either as little drawings were littered over his hands and arms.

“Nice tattoos.” You complimented, nodding over to him. If it was at all possible, his smile grew larger and he put his fist out.

“I’m Daniel, by the way, Daniel Ricciardo.”

The rest was history - an adventure packed history. One filled with enough adrenaline to last you for the rest of your existence. The introductions had also prompted your next plot idea so the following week when you had returned to London you turned it into your agent - who had immediately loved the outline you had presented.

A few hours later and the start of the Belgium grand prix was approaching but still the track was resembling more of a spa - ironically - than a safe and functional track. Dan walked in from the drivers parade and shivered - his coat having provided no cover.

Frowning, you got up and handed him a towel, “What are the conditions like?” Nerves laced your tone. Dan sat down, shrugging, “They’re what we expected them to be like but it’s really rough. If we can even see 6 feet ahead it would be a miracle.”

A miracle was something they were all desperate for and before they knew it the race had been red flagged - deemed too dangerous to race so all of the teams were in their garages coming up with ways to entertain themselves.

You had made your way out of the McLaren garage to join Daniel who was wandering up and down the pitlane looking for a way to cause havoc.

You crept up to him and grabbed his shoulders and shouted: “boo,” in his ear causing him to jump up in shock and scream. You and many witnesses were doubled over in laughter as the Australian held his hand to his chest.

“I just came to say -” You started, “That you looked like you were about to do something mischievous and I wanted in on whatever your plan was.”

Dan looked at you with complete adoration in his eyes, a lopsided grin formed on his face. At that moment, he had never loved you more. It was a strange feeling that he couldn’t quite describe - it was just one he felt warming up his entire body. One thing he had always adored about you was the way you understood him - at the beginning of the relationship he knew you had found it hard to deal with his childish, devil may care attitude. As soon as you relaxed more around him, you two became more comfortable with one another - you decided to try his way of living. Letting fate take you to your next adventure and enjoying the unpredictability of it all. From your first adrenaline seeking adventure Dan had managed to persuade you to join him in - he knew he had found his partner in crime. Most importantly, Dan had taught you a way of living that was more enjoyable, a way of living that allowed you to get more out of life and push your comfort zone right to the limit.

“I have a few ideas.” He smirked, then grabbed your hand twirling you around as though you were ballroom dancing.

“What are you doing?” You giggled, the corners of your eyes crinkled as he pulled you into his chest, guiding one of your hands to rest on his shoulder as he grasped the other in his and held them up as though you were dancing the waltz; finally placing his hand on your waist.

“I don’t suppose you would have seen it but in 2015, the American qualifying was cancelled due to rain and to pass the time I danced with my teammate. I figured I would make a tradition of it.” He explained, twirling you around again.

“Did Lando not want to dance with you?” You questioned, the corners of your lips quirked up. Daniel stopped and took a step back. For a moment you thought you had said something wrong but then a spray of water splashed up the front of your coat. Gasping, you wiped the water from your face and Daniel’s smug smile came into focus. You looked down to where he was standing and saw a gaping hole that had now filled up with water.

“You little-” You had begun, a smile betraying you entirely as it crept upon your features. You wanted to pretend to be angry but he had caught you off guard.

“I thought that you would be a nicer dance partner - but apparently not.” He retorted, biting down on his lip in an attempt to stifle his laughter at your facial expressions. You looked at him and then down at the puddle, back at Daniel and then decided what your next move would be; before you could however he had picked you up over his shoulder, spinning around happily.

“Daniel-” You protested, having to close your eyes to avoid feeling motion sick. You heard him chortle then give in as you felt your two feet touch the ground once again. You pouted at him, strands of hair now stuck to your forehead - it was a sight to behold. Daniel’s heart skipped a beat, his breath becoming shallower as he brushed the loose strands of hair from your face. He had decided at that moment that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with you, he was ready to start the next chapter of his life with you. It would be a brand new adventure and probably the scariest yet.

“Marry me.” He mumbled, brushing his thumb over your cheek. He froze, an idea sparked, turning on his heel he fled in the direction of the McLaren garage.

Your eyebrows drew together in confusion, your heart thumping against your ribs. Drawing your lower lip between your teeth, you glanced around you only to realise the whole of the pitlane and grandstand of fans had fallen silent - watching on in anticipation. Had they heard what he had said? How could they have, Daniel had muttered so quietly even you had struggled to hear the words that tumbled from his lips. Little did you know, a camera had caught every moment and you were now the sole focus as you waited for Daniel to come back.

Moments later and he was running out of the McLaren garage, something in his left hand. You squinted to get a better look, from where you were standing all you could see was a flash of blue - but as he came closer you realised what he was holding was in fact a Haribo packet.

Your hands flew to cover your mouth, you knew exactly what he was about to do. You were fighting back tears of joy as he opened the haribo packet and pulled out a gummy ring, got down on one knee and said: “Marry me. Our new adventure, just you and me. My partner in crime.”

Tears ran down your cheeks as you nodded fervently, words appearing to fail you. You flung your arms around his neck. There was an eruption of cheer from around you, as fans whistled and clapped and fellow teams called out in congratulations.

You placed a hand either side of Daniel’s face, tears shone in his eyes. To most a gummy ring would seem immature - laughable even but to you, it confirmed to you how much you loved the man standing in front of you. The gummy ring he had presented to you meant so much more than being a Haribo. It represented you both as a couple. A love that was unconditional and would never get old and yet whilst you both would age - the love you had for one another would stay youthful, unpredictable and exciting.

You were more than ready to start the next chapter of your adventure with the man you loved most.

[lunapwrites]

Favorite Lines, Snippet Smonday, etc...

Okay, I was tagged in MANY things recently, and I'm going to probably kill many birds with a single post. Thank you to @femme--de--lettres, @spindrifters, @greenvlvetcouch, @bluestringpudding, and @bluesundaycake for the tags over the last week or two (and others who I am probably forgetting but appreciate just as much!)

This whole section absolutely tickles me. Just... Remus being 100% in the zone and only vaguely aware of Problems occurring around him while he's doing nerd boy shit. XD

Downstairs, the front door slammed open. (“FILTH! BEAST! MUGGLE-LOVING WHORE—” “INCENDIO — oh, bugger all!”) “Can you check that?” Remus muttered, prodding a bind rune to shift it ever so slightly to the left.  Seven degrees, maybe? No, too much —  five should suffice. Sirius huffed, his footsteps carrying him out of the drawing room and into the hall. “Hullo Annie, nice to see you Annie, thank you for setting fire to the drapery again Annie—” “Not now — is Nymphadora here?” Sod it. Quicker to just rebuild the whole bloody thing from the ground up at this point. And if he took it piece by piece, it shouldn’t come crashing down on him — that was the tricky bit. One wrong move and he could wind up blowing them all to kingdom come. Or he could wind up giving someone a duckbill or something. Magic was funny like that. “No? We haven’t seen her since she left for work. I thought she was having dinner with you tonight.” But he could use Orion and Sirius’ work as a foundation and just… make something that made a little more sense based on that. Wards for detection, protection, alarms, maybe even slipping in an apotropaic talisman because, quite frankly, Remus was at his wit's end, so he might as well get creative with it. “She was supposed to, yes, but she never came home.” If he worked from the outside in and just… replaced wards as he went, that would be the most sensible approach. But then he’d probably need to go back and adjust them again after he’d replaced the central bind rune, and he really didn’t want to keep fucking around with it. That was just asking for trouble, it was. “Well, she’s probably just been kept late at the office—” “That was my first thought, but we already asked Kingsley, and he said she left at her usual time. She’s not there.” If he was quick and careful about it — and he typically was — he could hot-swap a new core in and then build the rest out before it all backfired. Take a little planning, but he could get there. Probably.

Remus. Remus, no.

Anyway, this is extremely rough draft but I do like how it's turning out as of right now.

I'd tag someone else but honestly idk what I'm even tagging for at this point hahaha.