#it’s amazing to me how well the first half connects with the second

[lucky-clover-gazette]

re-reading corruption but it’s unchill, and wow this niche fanfic is easily the best thing i’ve written in my entire life

[teaandspite]

The Great Goodreads Diss List (Part 1)

Context: For many years now, I have been collecting funny lines from Goodreads reviews to share with my coworkers. (I do collection development, reader's advisory, and weeding at a public library, so I read a LOT of reviews)

Are some of these, perhaps, rather mean? Yes, but they are also very funny, and come from a place of honest frustration. In the tradition of Bargepole threads and lists everywhere, names and titles have been censored.

"First, I want to say that I understand how hard it is to write a book and how amazing it is when it is actually published. Congrats to the author for that accomplishment. That said--"

"Warning: This review will be lengthy due to pure hatred."

"I found myself feeling really, really annoyed with the world that this book is allowed to exist. We live in a universe where the passenger pigeon is extinct but this book goes along merrily being read by unsuspecting lovers of words and ideas and stories? It just seems like too much, you know?"

"Don't do it. Don't spring the cash for the hardcover. Instead, eat an entire bag of Twizzlers, spend some money you don't have at a high-end department store, look up on Facebook the shady college boyfriend that made you cry, research the current value of your home or 401K and then read all about how the big hedge fund managers are faring during the economic crisis. You'll feel about the same stomach pain if you waste your time reading this book."

"This wretched novel begins with the mugging of an old lady and it appears I may be in the process of repeating that loathsome crime as [author] was 78 when she wrote it. It is not nice to put the boot into such a poor defenseless old creature lying there with only a damehood, a Booker Prize and a few million quid. It’s a nasty job but somebody has to do it."

"I think this is the way dead people would write, if they could."

"I am considering setting up SPABB: Society for the Protection of Accurate Book Blurb. This blurb appears to have been written by someone from the publishers who met [the author] the night before, got very drunk, lost his notes and then constructed something in a fug of hangover the next morning."

"I congratulate [the author] on the early half of his book, which was thoroughly fun and made me laugh and think. I congratulate [the author] on the second half of his book, for finishing it. It reads like that was difficult."

"…a woman whose taste in contemporary literature has roughly the same batting average as a pitcher in the National League."

"The author is a pompous windbag."

"Recommends it for: No one. Recommended to me by: A friend who apparently wished to cause me great suffering."

"Makes me wonder: is it possible to obtain similes at a volume discount?"

"The repeated phrases made me want to mail a thesaurus to the author."

"I'm disappointed in myself for finishing this book."

"if the author described [character's] eyes as "obsidian" one more time I was tempted to write her and ask if her thesaurus broke."

"They say that an infinite number of monkeys with an infinite number of typewriters would, if given infinite time, eventually produce the complete works of William Shakespeare. [This book], on the other hand, would probably take the average monkey just under two hours."

"I can't imagine what the author had to do to get this nadir of Western literature printed on innocent trees, but he does seem to know a LOT about being well-connected in New York."

"This book is so bad it is almost worth reading just to make you appreciate the other books you are reading."

"Reads like it was written by a brilliant author, the night before it was due."

"raises interesting questions, like: can a book be so bad as to constitute an act of terrorism"

"has this author ever spoken to a human woman"

"This acorn has fallen so far from the tree that it can’t even see the forest."

"I’m guessing they are touted as ‘beach reads’ because no one will care if they get dropped into the ocean."

"This book begins with all the energy of a hand vacuum near the end of its battery life, and the pace doesn't quicken much from there."

"At least everybody’s eyes stayed the same color this time around.”

Part 2

Part 3

[lovifie]

Back Home

To my lovely anon 🙊.

Johnny "Soap" Mactavish x SisterFriend!Reader

Fluff | Smut | 2761 words | Back to Masterlist

When Johnny finally comes back home, only to find his sister's best friend living in his house.

Soap got injured on the last mission. A bullet too close, well, not close, through. And not a bullet, a knife to the shoulder which left him in a sling. And now he needed almost absolute rest for a month until he was re-evaluated to see how it was healing.

It was Price's idea to go back home, it's been years since he saw his family and when Price mentioned it, guilt started to pool in his stomach.

So he took the first plane home and flew back. Reaching land in the middle of the night, he picked up a cab and went home. The humidity and coldness of his beloved Scotland made his shoulder hurt more; he couldn't wait to get home. 

Once there, he picked up the key from under the mat that he so often told his mum to put away and entered the house. Making a beeline to his room, silent so as to not wake up anyone. And as soon as he took off his shoes, he threw himself into his bed. And the bed talked back.

“Bitch, I told you to go to your bed, I don't want a fucking sleepover.” A girl's voice erupted from under the cover, a hand pushing him off the bed. Well, he stood up, there is no way you would move him with just a hand while half asleep.

“Excuse me?” Soap asks, more offended than surprised he was pushed off his bed. The man's voice woke you up fast, whipping your head around at it and turning on the bedside lamp to see anything in the dark. 

It only takes you a second to recognise your best friend’s brother, the mohawk recognisable everywhere. “Johnny?” You asked.

He asked your name back just as surprised. “What are you doing here?” He asks

“It's… it's a long story actually, I-I’ll go to your sister's room.” You say standing up, leaving his bed for him. “What happened to your shoulder?”

He peels his eyes away from you, suddenly remembering the one thing outside of his family that he always thought about. 

His sister is just a couple of years younger than him, and they always went to the same school, and later on, high school. His sister and you met in kindergarten, and ever since you were joined by the hip. Monkey 1 and Monkey 2, his mother would joke about how she didn't know she birthed twins. 

When the three of you were younger, you were just another annoying brat like his little sister. But once he reached puberty, he started to look at you differently. You were still an annoying brat, but he started to like the way you annoyed him. 

Johnny loved to be in his room, but whenever he knew you were coming he would insist on being in the living room; even if it was just to catch a glimpse as you walked up to your sister's room. 

The thing he hated the most about you? Your boyfriend. The fucking stupid boyfriend that couldn't see how amazing you were, the fucking stupid boyfriend that you cried about so much, the fucking stupid boyfriend that he would fight with so much. 

The last thing he knew about him before he enlisted, was that he had proposed to you and that you had said yes. 

But know, until just a moment ago, you were sleeping on his bed, with an old sweatshirt of his on. He was smiling to himself, the “long story” suddenly short when he connected the dots. 

He wanted to tell you to stay and sleep with him. But he was exhausted and cold, and his shoulder only hurt more and more. And if you hit it on your sleep, he wouldn't forgive you, no matter how much you were the love of his life. 

You were still looking at him, waiting for his answer. Even pointing at his shoulder so he would remember. “Oh.” He said looking at his shoulder. “It's classified.”

You rolled your eyes at his answer and started to walk out of the room; and just when you were almost out you turned to look at him.

“I'm glad you are back, Johnny.”

And in that moment, he knew he had a chance.

The next morning he woke up incredibly late in comparison with his usual time to wake up. But to the rest of the mortals, it was still early. In fact, only his mom was awake when he walked into the kitchen. 

Giving her a warm hug that the both of them so desperately needed after being away for so long. With a cup of coffee in between, they talked on the kitchen table until his sister woke up as well and after you told her he was back she flew downstairs hugging his brother in a crushing hug. 

You went downstairs too after stretching out and when you saw the image you remained at the doorway, not wanting to intrude on their reunion. 

“Say hi to Johnny, you cunt.” Your best friend lovely said. 

“I already did last night.” You say, before thinking of the double meaning. Johnny catches immediately, a mischievous grin on his face. He wishes you had welcomed him that way. “I thought it was you, crying about wanting to sleep together again.” 

“Whatever, who came to my bed last night at the end?” She answers, smiling proudly. 

You scoff at her. “Well, I'm sorry that I let the wounded soldier that came home after three years to sleep on HIS bed.” You say chuckling, you turn to him. “You are allowed to make arrests, right? According to your sister, seems this is my fate.”

You put your hands together, extending them before you for him to put handcuffs around your wrists. He'll put them soon, he still needs to choose if he wants to tie you to the bed or to him. 

His sister slaps your arm, calling you dramatic, before working on making breakfast with your help. Something about the way you fit in just right with the people he loves the most, still wearing his sweatshirt truly warms him inside. 

“So… how's Adam?” Johnny asks, he needs to know if the coast is clear. But the way both his mom and sister look at him the moment he talks makes it regretted. And the way the knife you were using falls from your hand on the counter, lets him know everything he needs.

“He's fine.” You answer quietly, and Johnny can almost see the walls building around you. Shit, shit, shit. 

You wipe your hands on the tablecloth, turning around. “I think we are out of milk, I'll go buy some.” You say, walking out of the kitchen. Johnny is quick on his feet walking behind you. “I'll go with you.” 

You look up to him as you tie your shoes, nodding without saying anything more. He puts his boots on as well, trying to tie the laces with just a hand. “Let me do it.” You say, no room to argue and you tie his boots quickly. 

Once on the street, you walk next to each other. The shop is not far, but you walk slowly. Johnny knows you want to talk but he doesn't push it. Leaving you to choose the moment. “I actually don't know how he is doing.” You admit, looking at him. “Adam, I mean. I haven't heard from him since the wedding.”

“You got married?” Johnny asks, frankly surprised. He didn't get the invite.

“No. Thank god, I didn't.” You answer quickly, disgust clear on your face. “Almost, but I didn't.”

“What happened?” 

“He cheated. With one of my bridesmaid, during the rehearsal dinner.” You laugh, but without a bit of humour on it. “I was talking with his mom about what we would name the first grandkid, and he was getting another girl pregnant in the bathroom.”

As you talk, your voice breaks, tears flooding your eyes as you cover your face.

“Hey, hey, c’mere.” He motions, hugging you with his nice arm. Good thing he wasn't invited, or else you'll know perfectly fine where the asshole was. Buried six feet under.

“I'm sorry, I'm sorry.” You say, but still burying your face on his chest. “I should get over it, I know. It's been months now, but…”

“No apologies, bonnie. That's a perfectly acceptable reaction.” He says, cupping your face to look at your face. Fuck, are breathtakingly stunning when crying. “Fuck him, all right? You were always too good for him anyway.”

He knows he is exposing himself like this, and that it is obviously not fair to you. But his eyes land on your parted lips, and fuck does he wants to bite. Something must click inside your head, because you suddenly turn around, walking again and wiping the tears from your face. 

“Yeah, you are right, Johnny. Fuck him.” You say, smiling at him but sadness is still in your eyes.

It isn't until a couple of days later that he doesn't get to talk to you alone again. He is lying on his bed, scrolling through his phone before going to sleep. A knock on his door disrupts him.

“C’mon in.” He says, looking at the door waiting to see who is it. Happiness floods his senses when he sees it's you.

“Are you busy?” You ask, only your head poking in. Soap quickly shakes his head, patting the bed next to him. You walk inside the room and sit cross-legged next to him. “Is it okay if I sleep here tonight? Your sister is beating me up on his sleep. At least I hope she's asleep.” 

He simply peels the covers back, letting you get inside. He lets his phone on the bedside table, focusing only on you, and lays on his side, grateful the wounded shoulder in on the left side. 

“How's your shoulder?” You ask, grabbing a finger from the hand resting on his chest.

“It's better, glad it's not my right one. I wouldn't be able to do anything.” He says

You smile at him, your hand moving to play with the name tags on his chest. “Do you know that Adam was deadly jealous of you?”

“What? He had you, what could I have to make him jealous?” He asks, not even realising his declaration of love.

“My attention.” You answer, looking at his face. “He always said that he didn't know why I was marrying him if it was clear I was in love with you.” 

He looks at your face, catching you looking at his lips. “Were you?”

“Hm?”

“In love with me, were you?”

“To the bone.”

And that's all he needs before he's crushing his lips on yours. He hates he can't move his arm, needing to push you closer. But lucky for him, you do it yourself. Moving your arms around his neck, getting as close as you can.

He rolls, moving you along to lay on top of him, finally moving the arm he was propping himself on to pull you closer. Butterflies on his stomach going nuts at his lifelong crush kissing him, taking the breath from his lungs.

You straddle his hips, leaning down to keep kissing him as his hand finds its way to the back of your head. “I love you, bonnie. I have loved you for years.” He whispers against your lips, making you whimper. 

“Show it to me, Johnny. Show me how much.” You whisper against his lips, moaning when he grinds his hips around your clothed cunt.

His hand pulls his sweatshirt off of you, you help him take it off, and it leaves you bare from hips up. He groans at the sight, his hand moving to your arse to push you forward so he can kiss your boob. 

You sit at his chest, his hand getting under your pants and underwear, him grunting when he feels your wetness on his fingertips. You arch your back when his finger easily slips inside because of how slick your entrance is, him moaning around your chest; sucking and licking at your nipple making you moan. 

“Johnny.” You moan, him shushing you quickly.

“I ken, bonnie. But I need to get this tight pussy ready, right? Make you feel good.” He moans when he feels your hand palm his crotch. “Fuck, press it harder, love.”

A second finger enters your cunt, stretching you as he scissors them. You pull his pants and underwear down, enough for his dick to spring free. You marvel your eyes on the thick, veiny, heavy piece of meat between his legs, wondering about the taste of the oozing precum from his tip; a sharp pain on your nipple pulling you away when Soap bites down. 

“Don't even think about it, bonnie. Not today.” He says, his fingers pulling out of you and tugging the pants down. “Take them off, love. And lay on your side.”

You quickly do as he says, hating that you need to stand away from him to do it. You lay next to him, his eyes glued on your body. He grunts, managing to keep his arm under you, pulling you against him. 

This one is officially his most hated injury up to date, needing to push you closer. He latches at your neck, tasting, sucking and biting your skin. Wanting more, needing more. 

“You need a hand, Johnny?” You ask, heavy breathing when you feel his hard dick probe around your pussy but not being able to enter you without a hand around it.

Johnny chuckles in your ear. “Bonnie, I'll rip my arm off to do it if you don't help me right now.”

You laugh back at him, lowering a hand between your legs parting them and fisting his dick making him moan as you align it with your entrance.

Your laugh turns into a moan when he slowly starts to sink in. When he finally bottoms out, he stays still for a minute, hugging you, pulling you close. You turn your head back and kiss him deeply, he starts to move his hips, catching with his mouth every moan that slips from yours. 

It is such a chaotic situation, one of his arms is trapped inside of the sling, the other is trapped under your body, he is still wearing all his clothes, and you are having sex on his childhood bedroom with his mom and sister just on the other side of the hall. 

Still, it's the best sex of your life. His dick is stretching you as no other dick has ever, he is reaching places inside of you that have never been touched before and that now will need to be touched forever, he keeps kissing you like you were an oxygen tank in the depths of the ocean and you wish you would stay like this forever. 

But with the way his hips are thrusting into you and the hand under your body finds its way to your clit, you know there is not much left.

“I love you, bonnie. I fucking love you so much.” He says between moans. “I'm gonna marry you and I'm gonna love you forever. Gonna make a family with you, bonnie. I love you, I can't wait to fucking marry you. Marry me, please, bonnie.”

“Yes, fuck” you moan back, nails sinking into the skin of his ass when you grab him urging him to fuck you harder. 

Johnny thinks is the longest couple of minutes until you finally cum, wanting to hold on just to feel you clench around him; milking him dry when you do with his name in your mouth. 

The two of you stay panting, still in each other embrace. Johnny's dick still softening inside of you with no urge to get it out. 

“Did you mean it?” You ask him.

“Did you?” He asks back, suddenly too aware of what he just said.

“I meant it if you did.” You say childishly, turning your head around.

“I did.” He says, looking at your eyes. “We should probably date before getting married, right?”

“Maybe not.” You say, still looking at his eyes.

You stay looking at each other eyes, looking for any kind of doubt in them. You speak first; “The courthouse opens at 9.”

“We can have breakfast after.” He says, as if that's the correct answer.

“I'd love to have breakfast with you tomorrow, Johnny.” You answer, because to you it is the right answer. 

[princemick]

THE KING’S HONOUR

16+, Released August 4 2024, 2h 11m, Action/Adventure/Romance/Comedy/Fantasy

Commander of the Kingsguard, Aonghus (Michael Schumacher) finds himself as Acting Regent when King Conall (Mika Häkkinen) falls to a curse in battle. Unable to search for a cure himself as the kingdom threatens to fall to outside threats and inner political schemes, he sends out his second in command, Fiachra (Lewis Hamilton) to find a way to save his king.

Where To Watch:

Rent The King’s Honour on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV, or buy it on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV.

Critics Consensus

Once you get past the horrendously unrealistic costuming, The King’s Honour becomes an admittedly predictable, but humorous, effortless evening watch.

Read Critics Reviews.

Critics Reviews View All (132)

Damon Hill TOP CRITIC

Newsweek

There are worse crimes than fan service but at least do it with a bit more effort and skill than this. 

Rated 1.5/5 | Aug 2 2024 Full Review

Will Buxton TOP CRITIC

Common Sense Media

To save the king, you must first break the curse. A very compact and concise film, but weak on the soundtrack and dialogue. Too many unnecessary monologues.

Rated 3/5 | Aug 4 2024 Full Review

Jenson Button TOP CRITIC

Vogue

Knocked off half a star because no one took their shirts off. Unrealistic. Some of those shirts were far too flowy not to have an ‘accidental’ nip slip.

Rated 4.5/5 | Aug 6 2024 Full Review

Audience Reviews View All (1500+)

Alexanderrr

new comfort movie unlocked i think

Rated 4.5/5 | Aug 23 2024

Prost

My husband spent half our date night bitching abaout every single thing he hated about this film. He always fucks better when he is angry so thank you.

Rated 4/5 | Aug 19 2024

George Russell

Well, that was truly delightful! The cast has amazing chemistry. Both between the lead mains and all the side characters! This is a film that knows what it is (and is not ashamed about it!): a light-hearted film that never takes itself too seriously, but manages not to become a satirical parod…

Rated 5/5 | Sep 5 2024 Full Review

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

The King’s Honour

16+ | Magical Realism, Historical Fiction, Romance | Directed by Niki Lauda

This is a truly a soulless and uninspired chickenshit explotation of queerness and the use of fantastical elements in a desperate attempt to prop up a flailing script that falls flat. Calling this ‘magical realism’ is an insult to Gabriel García Márquez’s memory.

Every single element of this film is subpar at best, lacking in colour and substance and a solid foundation of existence. While one would think the landscape the film is shot in, the Scotland highlands, would improve the viewing, but somehow the cinematography is so terrible, it is just another way everything and everyone gets lost. It is a backdrop of breathtaking opportunity and they don’t simply drop the ball but not even bother to pick it up. There is little to no directional awareness in the camera work and the script and the honestly incoherent cinematic flow of this piece. There is not even a NOD to authenticity of any kind, even on a satirical level as that would require a modiqum of thought not seen here.

I could not call this a categorical fail at hubris because I truly can not fathom what Lauda was aiming for here in this production. If someone held a gun to by head and told me to guess the director of this film correctly, my husband would be receiving my life insurance payout in the morning. How the mighty have fallen.

Everyone is a take away from a cigarette break, a sudden career exit, or at some points, a cliff’s face. And in knowing this, it is the only way I feel even remotely connected to what I see on screen.

By ARYTON SENNA

Sort By (BEST)       COMMENTS

James Hunt | 3 days ago

I feel fucking exhausted just reading this review. Chill the fuck out and smell the flowers, mate.

Esteban | 5 days ago

Woah.

Sebastian Vettel | 1 week ago

Framing this and putting it up on my fridge. Thank you!

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POPULAR REVIEWS MORE

Review by oscar ★★★★★ ♡ 🗨21

loved it yeah. schumacher’s pussy was OUT OUT so you know. cheers. and i Respect häkkinen’s dedication to serving face even while comatose. but like. it wasn’t very realistic because how in the fuck did no one shove the guy coulthard plays off a tower he was soooo annoying. took me out of the movie a bit can’t lie

❤ 5,581 likes

Review by Mick ★★★ 🗨19

A very funny film! Makes me want to go to Scotland! And I’m not just saying that because my Dad’s in it haha. :) Not his best work though :( 

❤ 1,647 likes

Review by Alonso ★ 🗨14

Schumacher ran over my dog and didn’t even stop. If any of you even care.

❤ 1,400 likes

@hypersoft-fest Week 1 Collab with @milflewis: Movie review + Historical Regency and Magical Realism

[bitchlessdino]

hello perhaps morning after sex with mingyu + wonwoo ?? like you wake up in bed with both of them after a drunken threesome and go again… maybe one of the boys wakes up first and you start hooking up with him right there only for the other to wake up and get pouty before joining in

Pairing: (Mingyu x afab!reader x Wonwoo)

Genre: smut

Word count: 1.8k

tags: Tags: poly, established friendship, brief enemies to lovers, unprotected sex, spanking, double penetration, degradation, brief hole slapping?, mean wonwoo, sweet mingyu

Summary: Mingyu being the common denominator for the strained acquaintanceship of both you and Wonwoo, he's determined to make this friendship work.

author note: can yall believe this is my first minwon fic, i mean theres a million ones out there that arent mine, but its interesting it took this long. thank you kaili my love for the request, i hope you like it

Mingyu and Wonwoo were and have been inseparable, that is until you came into the picture. You met Mingyu first and clicked immediately with him, taking him everywhere you went like schoolmates. You were self-claiming that he was your best friend, despite how many people telling you he’d be a better boyfriend (he is insanely hot), and that Wonwoo was second best to you.

Wonwoo didn’t like that about you. You just popped out of nowhere with your pretty face and can-do attitude, attaching yourself to Mingyu’s hip like a clingy fanny pack. He was there first and clearly had a stronger connection with Mingyu and he wasn’t going to let some ‘nobody’ steal his friend away from him, no matter how cute that smile was or how nice you smelled.

Mingyu being the ‘empath’ he is, starting to use the word unironically at this point, he could sense the hostility between the two and how things never seemed to align when you were together. It was like a dark cloud peering over everyone when they were in the same room. It made social gatherings suffocating at times and that was unfortunate since he enjoyed both their companies equally, so he set off a plan in motion.

The next gathering would just be the three of them, close and intimate. Drinks would be involved, maybe some food, have it all set up in his apartment, and before you know it, they’d all be besties. This was going to go great.

“Mmh, Wonwoo…”

Mingyu realized things went too well when he found out what he was waking up to the following morning. His eyes couldn’t process it initially, but through his strained eyes he can make out you grinding your wet entrance up against his best friend’s raging boner, moaning obscenities that he hardly ever imagined coming out of your lips.

Wonwoo’s deep chuckles were as dark as chocolate, running his hands all over your body in delight, looking up in amazement to see how needy you already were. “So whiny, you’re so annoying. You want me that bad?”

You nod back at him incessantly, tweaking your stuff buds between your fingers, “I…want…you in me…”

A corner of his lips quirks up, he forces your hips to ride his torso harder, “Yeah? You want my cock inside you?”

Your lips contort anxiously, dragging your hands over his toned, muscular build, “Mm, yes, I want it…”

“I’m gonna need to hear you beg for it. Beg for me, whore,” He taps his length on your stomach, having you mewl over him desperately.

Your core throb, practically hearing the echo from its vacancy, screaming at you to be filled, “Wonwoo please…”

He arches a brow, “Please what? Be specific.”

You’re clenching over nothing, whining in his ear as you leaned towards him, “Please put your cock in me…I need you…”

Mingyu was half asleep when this was all occurring. Tossing and turning, he was wondering what was happening in the background, and why the hell was he so tired for. He soon notices the instability of the bed slightly rocking in its spot, the pure stench of sex that coated the inside of his nostrils, and then your breathy moan, rhythmically dancing in the air. The images then all rush back to him, blood flowing to his lower half, finding enough for his shaft to stand on, and the feeling of neglect wash over him.

“Seriously? You guys couldn’t wait?”

You immediately collect the sounds of Mingyu's pretty whines and turn your head to his side of the bed. “Baby, you’re—ah—up.”

“Hey Gyu.” Wonwoo nods at the younger man.

Mingyu juts out his bottom lip childishly, lightly throwing a pillow back at his friends, and sees it make no effect on the situation. He shifts from the bed, the blanket falling from his body and exposing stiff length, rubbing his eyes in slight frustration. “I can’t believe you two. Without me.”

Your eyes latch on his size, pulling him by his shaft, giggling. “It’s not too late for you to join in.”

“Well, now I gotta catch up,” his hand catches the back of your head and claims your lips.

Your hips moved more slowly this time, focusing on savoring the taste of his lips while entertaining, but the man underneath you wasn’t so patient. Distracted with Mingyu, Wonwoo grips your hips and ruts you faster, bouncing you in his lap. As the sounds of skin slapping together in perfect harmony, you moan in soft, staccato breaths in Mingyu's mouth, allowing your lips to part and have his tongue explore. His hands start playing a part when they fell to your chest, teasing your nipples lightly.

With the endearing way you feel apart to his touch, he can’t help but pull away from the kiss to just have them in his mouth, sucking your tender skin and mouthing flesh around it. “You’re so fucking beautiful...”

His eyes gaze back at you like he was in heat, his hips, and cock twitching to be inside you, your eyes telling him the same. He embraces you as you ride Wonwoo, drawing circles with his tongue, clenching your flesh in his hands, drunk on your pretty voice calling out to him. He could do this all day if he could, but there was one thing he wanted to do a smidge more.

“Come on, Gyu, you know you want to,” Wonwoo takes his hand to your ass cheeks, have you whimper upon impact.

Mingyu knew all too well what his best friend meant and pushed you down to reunite your lips with Wonwoo’s in a frenzy. Mingyu made himself comfortable behind you, legs bordering Wonwoo and parallel to yours. He runs a slick finger over your moisture, and squeezes it between the older man’s cock and your walls, testing your limits.

“So fucking tight…has Wonwoo treating you well?”

You hardly mumble a yes as Wonwoo thrusts deep inside you, feeling the tension up your body and ramming repeatedly inside you, his hands clapping over your ass every few seconds or so. 

“We’re gonna stretch you nice and wide for us okay?” Mingyu warns with a playful tinge.

You moan against Wonwoo’s lips, feeling the heat of his cocky chuckle on your neck. “I think that means yes, Gyu.”

Mingyu held your hips in place, rubbing the tip at the edge of your entry before gradually pushing his length in. With blown-out eyes, you try to quickly adjust to the strain of two cocks plunged inside you, feeling their slick griths rub against each other and fill up your vacancy past its limit, “Oh, fuck…”

It's when Mingyu finds his place that you realize it's only begun. Your hips stationary and nails digging into a pillow, they moved on polar pacing, but fucking you with a similar depth. The euphoria of fullness had overcome you and you try backtracking to the moment when you felt a sensation similar, but none comes in mind. You felt used in the most heavenly way possible.

“So…tight…Fuck, you feel good…” Wonwoo growls out between his grunts, “Stupid slut, perfect fucking body, perfect fucking hole, you’re just perfect everything, aren’t you?”

“So good for us…you’re taking us so good, baby.” Mingyu agrees.

Your eyes keep rolling back in your skull, taking deep breaths, restraining your own orgasm, and at some point the sweat of you three fuse together, becoming one living and breathing system, hot to the touch and unstoppable. Wonwoo eventually encourages you to sit up, pressing your back against Mingyu’s chest, having the image of you being spoiled giving him a sense of purpose and bliss.

“That’s a pretty picture,” he comments, watching as Mingyu grabs your chest again, rolling your nipples and abusing them to his liking.

“I’m c-c-cumming…” you stutter.

Mingyu smugly grins against your skin. “But we’ve only started, baby.”

“I-I know I’m…try–fuck–shit, Mingyu!” You react to the love tap he makes to your hole, his laughter flooding your ears.

Wonwoo laughs along with him, his nails running over your chest and stomach. “Listen to him, slut. Don’t make us have to make you wait…”

“Y-yes, sir…”

Wonwoo was pleased to see your chest heave up and down breathlessly, sweat beading down your body, and the helplessness on your face while Mingyu took advantage. The power running through his veins was immaculate; he made you grind faster, Mingyu pound you harder, all of his present senses were being fulfilled to their maximum. Despite being underneath you, Wonwoo clearly had the upper hand. 

There was a point you couldn’t help yourself anyway, your arousal seeps out of you like oozing honey, dripping the side of your legs and down Wonwoo’s lap, clutching the man behind you desperately for reassurance. “S-shit…I’m sorry.”

“You better be. Mingyu, get on top of them.”

Mingyu follows orders well, your body flat on the mattress in mere seconds with him toppled over you, his smile staring back at you, “Hey, there.”

You get no chance to greet him back as he smothers you with his lips, his full length pushing back in you, and your body aches from the sensitivity. Wonwoo is just a step behind, pulling your legs just slightly more in his direction, he steps off the bed. He plants his feet on the ground and fills up your core to its brim, not caring about the mess you make, only thinking of the bigger mess he plans to make.

“S-so full…”

“You should’ve listened to Wonwoo, baby.” Mingyu strokes the side of your head, pressing his lips against your skin and sucking them until he sees the pigment rise to the surface. 

The room could hardly contain any of the sounds happening, no doubt interrupting a fourth party’s day, and none of you had a care in the world. You were a sweating mess beneath the both of them, used up like their personal toy, and being bruised left and right, all worth it to meet another climax, this time both men joining you.

Mingyu was still kissing your flushed skin when it was happening and Wonwoo, having already poured thick ribbons of his nectar inside you, was pushing it back inside of you, a trail of his and Mingyu’s essence seeping out of you into the sheets. Doing it once, twice, and three times before, you’d do it again and again until your hunger presents itself.

Although both men knew how to make you full, they couldn’t distract or fulfill you from the absence of food. Knowing how exhausted you’ve become, Mingyu laid your body to rest, cleaning out any and all the remnants from your body, while Wonwoo called ahead for some breakfast.

“Anything specific you both want?”

Mingyu cuddles up next to you when he’s finished, throwing a blanket over bare bodies, “Yeah maybe a breakfast sandwich? How about you, baby?”

“That sounds perfect,” you grin, kissing the top of his nose.

Wonwoo smiles to himself, reciting it over the phone before joining them back in bed. He holds you from behind nuzzling to the crook of your neck, and you laugh, wondering why he ever bothered you in the first place. It felt complete with you three together, like a breakfast sandwich.

[lokideservesahug]

Undescribed Avoidance

-°•°•°•°•--•°•°•°•°--°•°•°•°•--•°•°•°•°-

Pairing: Jenson Button x reader, Mark Webber x reader (implied)

Warnings: None that I can see?

Notes: Thank you so much for the support on this, I'm so glad you like it! Still not the big one but I think that'll come fairly soon... I really quite like the ending of this and please let me know what you think!

Summary: You just can't seem to get Mark's attention in the way you want... But poor Jenson is trying his hardest to just have a conversation with you.

Part 1

-°•°•°•°•--•°•°•°•°--°•°•°•°•--•°•°•°•°-

You're quite surprised with how different your rookie season is to your second season. Despite there still being low murmurs of doubt, you certainly proved to most that you are worthy of being here.

You walk into the paddock, head held high, ready for media day. You chose to coordinate your outfit with the car, half wanting to feel a connection to the team and half wanting to show everyone just how focused you are on the end goal this year; winning that world championship. Many would say that wearing white shoes and a white shirt is a recipe for disaster but you (and later the media agree with you) think that it not only creates a good tone for this year but also makes you look damn good.

You've ignored Jenson since the start of the season. Not deliberately per se but more so in an attempt to focus. You've fallen back into a routine not dissimilar to the one you had last year and Jenson wasn't in that routine last season, simple as. One person who was however was Mark. He was always there to congratulate you, looking out for you etc yet you cant help but notice that he seems a bit... distant? You shake your head. It's probably because of how busy the start of the season is. Ross manages his team very differently to how Frank did and goodness knows all eyes are on you. On all of you; Michael, Ross, the team and especially yourself. There have been a good number of articles stating how confident they are that you'll win the world championship this year... Not that you've looked (especially if your PR officer asks, she does not want you to read any articles about the team, something about being detrimental for your mental health or something like that...) You usualy space out during PR meetings so it should be no surprise that you don't remember every word said...

You break out from your thoughts as you hear a familiar laugh. Your head whips around and you see Mark stood outside of the red bull hospitality, talking to another red bull worker. You contemplate whether to approach him but all doubtful thoughts are pushed down as you approach him with a grin. "Hi Mark." He smiles back at you as your eyes meet and it feels as if you hadn't had any worries about growing distant. He appears to be the same old Mark that looked out for you at every turn last year. "Heya Y/L/N, how are you today?" You smile and continue to make small talk. And so what if you're a tiny bit late to hospitality, Mark is finally talking to you again so nothing else matters.

☆-☆-☆-☆-☆

The first race comes and goes in a flash of champagne, confetti and celebrations that follows into the second race as well. And now, you've currently started a winning streak by winning at Australia for the second year in a row.

A slightly overeager fan even approached you when you were walking with Michael and said in an excited voice "Gosh if you win next year, we might have to call you the Queen of Australia." You all just laughed at the awful pun, both signed their cap and continued walking. Which brings you to now, and once again, you can't seem to find Mark.

You laugh at the thought. If you weren't weren't busy you'd almost thing he was avoiding you... Yet before you can continue that thought, a flash of motion catches your attention. You look to your right with an unimpressed grin. "What if I was cooking up some amazing strategy and you just distracted me?" Michael throws his head back in laughter and pats you on the back. "Good one. Ross said he wanted a team meeting in a few minutes." You roll your eyes and stand up, your knees cracking beneath you. "He always wants a meeting. You'd think it's the only reason he does this." Michael just tilts his head and you give him a funny look. "Well he hasn't changed much since his Ferrari days." You exhale slightly as the two of you continue to walk in step. "Gosh, you've been dealing with this for years?" The German just gives you a small nod and you grin at his misfortune.

☆-☆-☆-☆-☆

Honestly, you blink for a moment and then suddenly Mark is racing away. It's the third race in the season and you can now confidently say, Mark Webber is in fact ignoring you. You place down the empty bottle down on the top step of the podium where you were standing moments ago and turn to race after a charging Mark. "Y/N?" You whip your head to meet Jenson's eyes as you finally reach the edge of the podium. "Sorry I've just got to chase something. Is it alright if I catch you later?" You leave Jenson no time to awnser as you're already walking off, desperate to find Mark, unknowingly also leaving a deflated looking Jenson behind you.

☆-☆-☆-☆-☆

You fall back on the sofa with a groan. When Michael invited you to have dinner with his family, you assume that he expected to moan about your problems. Well regardless, you're doing it. Your teammate just chuckles and sits at the armchair as his children scatter through the door. You move your legs slightly and Gina sits at your side and Mick at his father's and your feat on a precariously placed cushion on the floor.

Gina holds out her hairbrush and bobble and you take it in a wordless gesture, the routine coming naturally to you at this point. You continue to talk to Michael as you begin to brush Gina's hair. "I just don't get what I've done wrong. I've been friendly, kept in touch over the break, all of the normal things until he still ignores me. I thought that he was better than being bitter over someone else winning." Michael laughs as you begin to separate Gina's hair into three sections. "It's not that." You look up at him, briefly pausing from plaiting his daughter's hair. You groan "I hate when you get all cryptic." Michael just grins as you feel Gina's head shake slightly in a giggle, clearly used to her father's antics. "You'll understand eventually." You tie the end of the plait as you roll your eyes and see Corrina enter the room in your peripherals. She places a tender hand on her husband's shoulder and gives you a knowing look, clearly agreeing with Michael.

Gosh, you wish you could be so in love and in sync with someone like they are, one day.

Gina mutters a small thanks and she leans her head on your shoulder. "Well don't get too comfy because otherwise dessert will get cold." At Corinna's words, Mick bolts up and starts running towards with a happy exclamation. You all breathe out laughs and follow after him, but at a much more sensible pace.

☆-☆-☆-☆-☆

Silverstone. The heart of British Motorsport and one of the most iconic circuits in history. You take a deep breath, taking in the smells and sights of Thursday. A track untouched this weekend with a clear scent onto to be tarnished with burnt rubber and oil by the end of the weekend.

You meet the eyes of a young girl.

Her eyes dart around as if scared and you watch as the familiar back of Mark bends down to speak to her. You walk towards them to see if you can help the situation in any way (and you feel very thankful that you might finally be able to interact with Mark for the first time in what feels like forever). The girl backs up slightly but as you get closer, she looks up at you and meets your eyes. The girl looks to be about six and you wave at her now awestruck figure. Her mouth splits into a toothy grin and you slowly walk towards her. "Hi, I'm Y/N what's your name?" The girl giggles "I know you. I'm Charlotte." You give the small girl a smile. "That's a lovely name Charlotte. Is this your first time at Silverstone?" She nods her head and then furrows her brows as if suddenly coming to a realisation. "Yeah... my daddy wanted to take me." You smile at the girl. "Oh yeah. Is your daddy around here somewhere?" You lift your eyes and scan the surroundings. No sign of a spectator or even a frantic parent looking for a missing child.

Charlotte shakes her head and shrinks in on herself. You stand up and hold your hand out for the younger girl. "Well, shall we try and find him?" Charlotte just nods timidly and the two of you begin to look around for her father. "Can you tell me what your daddy looks like?"

You turn to Mark to ask of he'd seen the girl's father only for Charlotte to hide her face in your side and mutter something into your shirt. You gently lean away from the girl slightly and ask he to repeat myself. "My daddy said to not speak to strangers." She casts Mark a wary, almost scared look. You think for a moment and can't help but blurt out "But I'm a stranger?" Charlotte's eyes meet yours again and she shakes her head. "No you're not. You're Y/N from the racing at the weekend. I know you!" You give a soft smile at Charlotte, who is very quickly melting your heart. "Oh that's lovely. Charlotte but you can't always trust everyone you see even if they're on the telly." Charlotte pouts "But I want to be like you when I'm older. And my daddy has posters of you and that man in red in his office."

You're confused for a moment as to what she means by the 'man in red' until you draw the conclusion that she must be talking about Michael. So Charlotte's father must be a Mercedes fan then... At least that somewhat narrows it down you think?

You look around and hold your hand out again for Charlotte to take. "Well Miss Charlotte, what better way to find your father than give you a V.I.P tour of the paddock?" Charlotte's jaw drops in shock and you give a small nod to Mark who stands up and walks with the pair of you, keeping his distance to scan the surroundings for Charlotte's father. He just gives a small smile back and you feel your heart flutter at the small exchange. Charlotte clears her throat slightly and speaks in a quiet voice. "Who's that?" You tilt your head and point to Mark. "Who, him?" Charlotte nods and you can't stop yourself from smiling at the thought of the man. "That's Mark Webber, he drives for Red Bull."

Charlotte's lips form a tiny 'o' in realisation and she let's out a small exhale. She glances at Mark again and turns to you in a loud whisper (that probably seems quiet to a six year old). "Is he your boyfriend?" You feel your cheeks warm at the question and both you and Mark freeze for a moment. You refuse to meet his eyes and just the both of you splutter for a moment. You force out a small "No... no he's not." You try and shield your face from the red bull driver and you see Charlotte cast a wary glance at Mark again. She whispers to you again "My daddy said all Australians are upside down? Is he ok?" This time, Mark clearly overhears her and chuckles. You shake your head and when Charlotte catches sight of a food cart tucked to the side of the McLaren hospitality, she races towards it, pulling you along with her.

Mark trails behind and unbeknownst to you, stares at the two of you with a look of longing. A dream future suddenly flashing before his eyes, hitting him with yet another harsh realisation of his feelings. Mark continues to look ahead at the two of you. He can't help himself from grinning yet the domestic moment is quickly broken by a man's frantic shouts.

"Charlotte!" The younger girl, now with a muffin in hand turns and widens her eyes. "Daddy!" The man runs towards his daughter and scoops her up in a protective hug, hand resting on the back of your head. His eyes are shut in sheer happiness to have his daughter back and he finally meets your eyes. "Thank you so much..." He pauses, the weight of who exactly finally found his daughter finally sinking in. You just give him a smile. "Hey, no worries. It was a pleasure to have her." The man looks down at his daughter and grins. "I'm impressed by how quickly she found the two of you. I've heen looking all morning and haven't found a single driver." You chuckle at the man, understanding exactly how little most drivers want to stop and converse with fans so early in the morning.

"Well, Charlotte here was more than exemplar at seeking us out." You reach out and rub a hand over the top of her head, making her giggle. The interaction brings you such joy and as you come to the realisation that your little moment with her and Mark is coming to an end, an idea strikes you. "Hey, how would you like to come and sit in my garage for the weekend!" Charlotte's father's jaw just drops as the girl nods happily at you. "Please, please, please!" She tugs on her father's hand "Please daddy can we?" This clearly wakes the man from his shock and still speechless, he nods franticly and you. You laugh at the grown man, who is now reduced to simple cognitive behaviour and turn towards the Williams garage. You expect to see Mark at your side and at some point in the conversation you must have failed to see him leave as the Aussie is no longer at your side. You try and ignore the pang of emotion you feel as you begin to lead the father and daughter duo to the Williams hospitality.

☆-☆-☆-☆-☆

Silverstone brings yet another win and a healthy few points to add to your championship lead. And yes Sebastian Vettel is going to be a pain in your ass but when is he not...

But now is nit the time.to worry about that as you sit alone in a pub. The team had insisted on coming out and at first you'd enjoyed the evening, celebrating, singing along to your favourite songs etc. But now, you're sat alone in the corner of a dark room all alone. Your mind briefly flashes to last year at the end of the season and you try and push away the memory. At least then you were on civil terms with Mark. Now it seems like he can barely look at you. A cough makes you look up and you meet the familiar eyes of Jenson Button.

"We need to stop meeting like this." You roll your eyes at the cliché. And tilt your head "Well maybe you need to stop following me then." And for once in your life, Jenson Button makes you laugh because his dumbfounded look deserves to be placed in a museum. He grins at your laugher and quickly recovers, holding out a hand. "Well, we can't have our winner sulking in a corner. You need to celebrate!" You roll your eyes and take Jenson's hand, shaking your head as you speak "Just to clarify, this is because I have nothing beeter to do not because I want to spend the evening with you." Jenson grins. "Sure love, keep telling yourself that." And as you let Jenson lead to to the dance floor, you try and distract yourself from Mark and his recent behaviour and instead focus on Jenson. Someone who has tried to put in effort to cheer you up and be friendly towards you.

☆-☆-☆-☆-☆

You meet Jenson's lips in a sultry kiss. "Don't think this means anything Button." You pull aways lightly and are met with the sight of Jenson's signature grin. "Of course not love." You just shake your head and snake your arm around his shoulders. Jenson carries on kissing you as if it would win him the world championship a hundred times over. And depsite the fact that yourself a year ago would have a fit at the thought, you must admit. Jenson Button is a damn good kisser. The sound of a distant knock sounds and the two of you pull away, your lower lip dragging between Jenson's own as you distance your faces. "Who is it?"

A second passes until you hear the familiar sound of your teammate. "Just me, Hase. Is everything alright in there?" You hum in agreeance and push Jenson oit of sight from the door. You pull down the handle and stick the top half of your body out of the door and are careful to shield Jenson from sight. You give Michael a smile and he furrows his brows before giving you a grin back. "Ah." You tilt your head at his clear realisation. "What?" The German shakes his head and grins. "Nothing Hase, just glad to see that you're alright. Are you going to go to sleep soon then?" You nod your head. "Here abouts. The race was pretty tiring and you know and just want to be ready for all of the practise Ross will no doubt make us do." Michael laughs at your repsonse, clearly used to his Ross and his intensity. Jenson also snorts at your remark but fortunately enough, Michael must not hear him over his laugher. You walk the Brit slightly, makinghim quietly grunt at the impact. "Well keep youreslf rested. And see you tomorrow." You give the older man that has become not only your mentor, but near family a soft smile. "Night, Schumi and tell Corinna and the kids I said hi." Michael smiles and walks a few steps and then lingers. "Y/N?" "Yeah?" "Don't stay up too late hm?" You sharply inhale. "What do yo-" You cut yourself off ad you see Michael's knowing look. You go to string together a coherent thought to respond but he beats you to it. "I've been there once too. Just make sure you get some rest, it's the most important thing. The both of you." You feel your cheeks warm and you look down in embarrassment as the German bids you goodnight once more and finally leaves.

You step back and gently click the door closed. Suddenly, you feel warmth around your waist. Jenson enveloped you in his arms and you hum. "He's a perceptive one." You chuckle slightly and Jenson begins to leave open mouthed kisses on the expanse of your neck. "Yeah- well I suppose you don't get 7 world championships for nothing." Jenson pauses and meets your eyes with yet another grin. "Yeah, well I'd be well on my way if there wasn't such a gorgeous distraction on track." You roll your eyes but let yourself grin this time. "Don't be rude Jense, there are far nicer ways to talk about Fernando."

-°•°•°•°•--•°•°•°•°--°•°•°•°•--•°•°•°•°-

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed!

As always, likes, reblogs and especially feedback is always welcome!

Taglist: @nikfigueiredo @mysoulispainted @leclercings @d3kstar @hiireadstuff @a-beaverhausen @nichmeddar @lozzamez3 @stinkyjax @marymustdie @littlesatanicassholebitch @mehrmonga @insanedeathwish @ems-alexandra @a-disturbing-self-reflection @cherry-piee @thatgirlmj

[janovavalen]

✧SOMETHIN STUPID. || percy jackson x fem!reader

summary: percy jackson’s first days on camp were hell to say the least—fist day and he got bullied, but when he sneaks away to be alone he finds an interesting girl in the forest.

part one.

part two.

part three.

part four.

part five.

word count:

warnings: small curses (literally like one word and it’s not really a curse but it’s considered one) reader is daughter of athena, sister of annabeth, horrid flirting, reader lowkey not felling percy for the first half’s of this story line.

taglist: @pleasingregulus

@alidearest @leovaldezluvr

when the next morning rolled in, percy was ready for his day to say the least. not even. he thinks for the first time in his entire life he was actually ready and happy to wake up in the morning with the sun shining in his face.

wiping a bit of drool off the corner of his mouth he sat up and stretched. his arms raised up into the sky above his head while he groaned loudly. happy he was the only one in his cabin to do so but not as happy at the fact some people outside probably heard him.

not caring at the moment he bounced up and got on his clothes. his regular shoes and jeans with his curls ready to go thanks to a bit of water, he made his way outside and inhaled the fresh air.

some campers had been with their siblings or just friends as always. when percy walked down the steps of his cabin he heard—‘hey percy!’. looking over to see grover who had a wide smile on his face.

‘hey grover’ he waved back while waking up to him.

‘so; what’s the move for today?’ grover asked as they started to walk.

‘the move…? dude—i don’t want to think about it more than i am already, if i go i will literally go insane because i don’t know how to even speak to her…let alone look cool’ percy helplessly sighed while walking.

‘that’s because your not every cool’ grover teased as percy looked at him with wide eyes before pushing him with a laugh.

‘no but seriously dude, just be yourself! y/n is probably one of the coolest people here, she’s so nice, chill, and funny. just be yourself—‘

‘my awkward, non-funny and embarrassing self? yeah sure we can do that’ percy rolled his eyes as grover stopped walking along with percy as he placed a hand on percy’s shoulder.

‘percy, your not like that at all—well maybe a little bit that’s besides the point. like i said, just open up, be yourself and y/n will totally connect. if anything , the two of you are actually more similar than you think you are. she’s just as corny and weird as you are—‘

‘i’m not corny and weird—‘

‘uhm…well?’

percy let his jaw drop as he laughed a bit along with grover who stayed quiet but nonetheless percy understood what he was saying and he understood what to do.

‘i get it…i just need confidence’ percy shamefully admitted while looking off to the side. grover let the little him in his mind scrape the edges of all his brain before an idea came into mind.

‘percy…i know who we can ask. i know who will help you all that way’ grover confidently admitted with a smile.

ʚ 🌊 ɞ

‘wait…you and y/n are hanging out later tonight and you need my left on what to say and how to act?’ luke asked with frowned eyebrows as percy nodded.

yeah, grover’s amazing idea was to ask luke castellan one of the more wanted boys in camp, not only that but he had seemed to know what to say to y/n to make her laugh. so maybe if percy could pick up some things from him, he could get y/n to laugh too.

‘hm..man i really don’t know—‘

‘luke please! i need this, i need you to know how important this is!—‘

‘okay! okay, let me think’ luke rushed out as he stood up from the chair he was once in. percy tried to calm down a bit as grover stood against the wall with his arms crossed over his figure.

luke had been staring at the wall for a second before he snapped his fingers together—‘i got it’ luke got the two’s attention as they were all ears.

‘when you see her start it smooth, talk to her, walk a bit close but not to close, she doesn’t really like being close to new people but be close enough to where you can feel her, speak smooth, soft—not to jumpy and not to nervous, she will definitely think about that and make fun of you later to me or annabeth. be sarcastic, she is super sarcastic so be sure you know when she’s being serious’ luke listed.

‘okay okay, what do i do about how i act..what do i wear? what would you wear…’ percy asked as he looked luke up and down.

‘what would i wear? dose that matter—‘

‘just tell him’ grover groaned while holding his face.

‘well…if i were you going with y/n i’d totally wear sweats and her f/c jacket with the shoes you have now. make sure your hair is kind of messy but neat at the same time. also make sure your shoes are tied. if you trip in front of her, dude your done for’ luke warned as he looked down at percy’s slightly untied shoe which percy was quick to tie back up.

‘lastly? use some of that poseidon power, maybe make some water move and all and it will be so cool. she will totally dig that, she even likes swimming’ luke told him as percy stood back up and nodded.

‘dude, this is totally it, your going to do so well!’ grover ran over to percy who had been in deep deep thought the whole time.

what would he even talk about? what if he calms up, freezes mid sentence or what if he does end up falling in front of her? he didn’t know, he would have to find out in the next twenty minutes.

in these remaining moments luke and grover did their hardest to boost his confidence. percy would occasionally feel like he had it then remembered how much of a clutz he actually was and how awfully bad he was at speaking to y/n.

‘percy! it’s time, dude don’t be late you can’t be late she hates late—‘

‘well, sometimes she’s late but she doesn't like it when other people are’ grover corrected as luke rolled his eyes at the remembrance on how many times y/n would go off on him for being late to practice to only show up late the next day.

‘i can’t—she will think i’m weird, look what im wearing! my pants don’t even fit over my ankles and my hair is all dried out—‘

‘dude, you look good! you look awesome and your going to kill it’ luke calmed percy down who would have continued to rant for the next thirty minutes if given the chance.

percy sighed and closed his eyes a bit before combing out his hair and dusting his fit. turning to look at grover who gave him a wide smile and thumbs up for good luck.

‘okay…i’m onto my most important quest of my life, see you guys later if i don’t die from embarrassment and rejection’ percy told them as they rolled their eyes whilst percy walked out of the cabin.

looking around to the open view of the camp around this. it wasn’t very dark, the sun was still up and the sky was dimming with a faint color of pink. clouds were moving in small groups as they moved to other places around the world.

percy always found it interesting how the sky looked. let alone how it could change colors every other day. it could look so bright and beautiful with the colors and clouds and when the night fell it showed the stars that aligned with each other and the moon that shined.

getting a bit destructed as he walked slowly but kept his gaze looking at the sky every so often as he walked only to make a grunt as he felt a body hit his own.

‘oh—i’m sorry. i wasn’t paying attention and i didn’t see—‘ looking down to see y/n who had her hands in her pockets and her mouth closed in silence she shook her head lightly giving him a small—very small smile.

‘percy it’s okay, i wasn’t looking either’ she admitted as she pulled her hands out of her pockets to fix the three rings that sat on her fingers, shining in the reflection of the sun that set above the lake.

‘o—oh, okay. okay so i guess we have something in common after all’ he smiled lightly while looking at y/n who tilted her head to the side.

‘and that is…?’ she wondered. percy shrugged as if it was the most simple question asked.

‘not being able to stay in the real world without getting distracted’ he admitted. y/n let herself think about it for a bit before scoffing and looking away before back at him.

‘well, you can say that but i know when to bring myself back to reality’ y/n teased at how percy could stare at a wall and imagine anything and everything for three hours without moving. he scoffed and rolled his eyes.

‘no way you said that, i can do that any day, i can also read a book and finish only one without going into the next that same moment’ he teased back at y/n who rolled her eyes and shook her head.

‘hm, i’m not saying you win but im not saying anything else on this topic as of right now’ y/n said as she walked down the steps to lead to the dock of which was followed with the lake.

‘well then i guess i do win for right now and if you can think of something please do tell and share’ percy walked close next to y/n who shook her head once more.

the two of them walked down to the woody dock with the lake across them as the sun had been setting.

‘so…i kinda don’t know what to talk about—‘

‘i can tell—‘

‘but we can totally make some things up, how was training today?’ percy ignored her insult and kept speaking which y/n noticed.

‘it was okay. i need more training from luke tomorrow i slipped up on my sword today and it was embarrassing’ she revealed as the two of them made it down to the lake.

‘i’m sure it wasn’t as bad as mine’ percy tried to help only for y/n to say—‘it definitely wasn’t but i could’ve done better’ percy decided to keep quiet on the insult once again with a smile as he looked at her as she looked into the distance.

percy faced the water in front of them as he squinted his eyes ever so slightly with the yellow and orange light from the sunset his his eyes making it brighter than ever. turning his head to look at y/n who had her gaze set at the sky he examined her face. he found himself doing this quite often which he didn’t really know why.

he found it calming? interesting, fun, comforting and sweet to watch and draw out her facial features which she probably didn’t even know existed. the small beauty marks that were peppered over her face. the way her hair sat along her shoulders and neck, her face which shined in the light of the sun.

smiling to himself ever so slightly he sighed and found a small idea.

‘wanna swim?’ he casually asked. y/n looked over at him with frowned eyebrows and scoffed a laugh.

‘swim? in this lake? yeah no thanks—‘

‘don’t be lame! come on, when’s the last time you had fun?’ he turned his body to face her own as she did the same with hers to him.

‘the last time i had fun? maybe when i beat you in training the other day?’ she reminded leaving him to roll his eyes and cross his arms over his body.

‘no not that, i mean actual harmless fun? laughing and just hanging out.’ he asked leaving her to sigh and shrug.

‘i don’t know, i’m not a fun person—‘

‘that changes today then, come on!’ grabbing her hand as he tugged she yelped unexpectedly and pulled her arm back before he could jump with her leaving him to be the only one in water.

covering her mouth with both hands cupped she laughed aloud as he moved his way through the warm water around him.

‘percy!’ she yelled out with a smile as he made his way to the top of the water, his hair falling down onto his face and the curls being prominent. scoffing as he looked up at her, y/n had been drying with laughter.

this is the most he’d ever seen her do any emotion other than being cold stone serious.

‘are you serious!?’ he yelled as she laughed more—‘you're just a scary cat, really! the water isn’t even that bad’ he bragged while swimming up to the dock.

‘says the son of poseidon’ she hinted at leaving him to flick some water into her face which she responded with a gasp too.

‘percy jackson!’ she yelled while whipping her face.

‘you don’t need to be a kid of poseidon to have fun in the water, anyone can, that just shows how much fun you can have.’ he teased while moving his arms around in the water.

laughing a bit y/n slowly sat down with her legs beneath her as her arms held her body so she could lean forward.

percy had now been looking up at her as his own body fell hidden under the water. his arms moving to keep him floating.

‘having fun in there?’ she asked with a lifted brow.

‘you could be too your just so lame’ he exaggerated while rolling his eyes leaving her to laugh and shake her head.

‘i’m not getting into the water with you percy, you can have that all to yourself’ she replied with a grin of which he replied with his own smile. noticing the way her face looked with the shimmers of the water and how it shined around her, he smiled and looked over her face once more.

y/n noticed but froze, not knowing what to do, trying to see what he’d do himself. but at the same time she felt herself examining his face.

placing his arms on the low dock to lift himself up the two of them sat face to face which she was nervous about. the water dripping from his face and down his pointed nose. the curls dripping onto the dock below him, the once dry wood absorbing the water from his hair.

looking at her face once more he helplessly admitted—‘your so beautiful.’ his eyebrows frowning as she looked into his eyes she scoffed a bit and shook her head trying to leave only for him to jump into action and take her hand in his.

‘i mean it…i’ve been thinking this since the first time i saw you…your just, different—‘

‘percy…’ she nervously mumbled while her hand became wet with his own.

‘and i’m not afraid to admit that i’ve been waiting to tell you that. it’s like the more i see you the more i want to know? the more i need to know about you. i can’t really explain it but…’

as he stopped talking y/n nervously looked at him with her breath becoming shortened and her lungs screaming. her heart was beating faster than ever right now and she didn’t know what to do at all.

‘percy…please—‘

‘y/n…i like you.’ he admitted. she felt her heart drop down to hades castle .

‘i mean…i think i do? i don’t really know. there’s not much i can say because i don’t even know what the work like is i mean i can say i like blueberry pancakes or i like blueberries and the ocean but that a different type of like…the type i feel for you is different than blueberry pancakes, do you understand—‘

‘i cant…’ she said. his heart stopped.

nervously laughing with his hand slowly gripping and letting go her own he looked into her eyes and over her face—‘you can’t..understand? or you can’t…reciprocate…’

‘i don’t know? i just can’t—i have to go’ she snatched her hand back before leaving percy to stand by himself on the dock. wet, heartbroken and so so confused. was he just rejected?

the worst she could say is no? yeah well the worst she could say is ‘i can’t’

ʚ 🌊 ɞ

‘what’s do you mean she said she can’t—‘

‘that’s all she said! that’s literally all she said before leaving me standing there as i stupidly watched her leave! i thought i had this. i thought we had something going!’ percy embarrassingly whined into his hands as he sat with grover and luke who watched their friend handle the rejection.

‘oh dude…i mean it’s not bad—‘

‘she literally left me there alone and didn’t turn back!’

‘oh..well, there’s always other fish in the sea’ grover tried to calm but only making it worse.

‘but i wanted that fish!’ he exaggerated as luke looked at grover who held his hand over his head while picking his horns.

‘okay…listen we can’t let you act like that—that was far—‘

‘what is far was my heart that was ripped out of my chest and thrown into that lake.’ percy leaned back into the bed while he looked at the wood above him.

luke and grover watched as percy stared into the ceiling while replaying one of the most embarrassing moments of his life. groaning at the replay luke stood up heroically.

‘okay! okay…we can fix this…y/n is not one to leave a question unanswered…we will fix this percy. just give me some time, give me until tomorrow when i train her, i can bring it up and maybe she’ll tell me something i can tell you—‘

‘really! you’ll do that?’ percy jumped up from his sadness and excitingly looked at luke who nodded.

‘i’m ninety-three percent sure she’ll tell me something anyway. while i’m way it, grover can give you a signal when to walk by and you do not look at her okay? don’t look our way so she will turn around and see you and that’s when she’ll tell me’ luke planned as grover nodded and percy as well.

‘dude…you guys are amazing…but if i get rejected again i think im going to take my chances out in the real world and see what monsters come out for me.’ percy told them as they scoffed.

and yet again another plan had been formed.

percy didn’t think to keep a scoreboard anymore but let’s just say embarrassment one and percy zero.

[astrologicalsstuff]

explaining aspects through my synastry with my boyfriend

18+ MDNI - please don’t copy my work

Hey guys I’m back again it’s been a while

I have a new boyfriend well it’s actually been a few months but I just want to show off our synastry

💛Our synastry💛

His Sun conjunct my mercury

Our relationship is strongly based on communication. He has been very helpful in encouraging me in my communication (I have Saturn in gemini).

This is everything from using solid information. Giving me resources to use in school. Helping me with my homework, to communicating my feelings and needs in our relationship. He has also has connected me a lot more with technology.

Moon conjunct moon

Our moons are out of sign but my Venus is conjunct my moon so I thought it might be worth mentioning

His Moon conjunct my Venus

We stay in all the time and we stay up at night talking about any and everything. We’re mercurials, but this aspect just allows us to unpack everything together. We always go out just to end up talking to each other in a quiet corner somewhere.

His moon in my 5th house

Yeah there’s romance. We go on dates everyday on the weekends or we find anew recipe and cook for each other all the time. We go out to art shows and analyze art together. And movies. I think this also has to do with our 2nd house synastry, but I always give him things to decorate (Venus) his house (moon). And I know how to deal with his feelings, but he also gets mine (most of the time)

My NN directly conjunct his ascendant

SN on the descendant I’ve heard this can indicate knowing eachother in a past life and everytime I end up talking to someone with these aspects it’s never a new introduction it’s always I’ve seen you somewhere. Or we’ve met before, I’ve even had lots of people have dreams about me before meaeting them. Southbode aspects always start of in the middle of something for me.

We also have a very cute story which I feel like has to also do with our Venus synastry, but when we first met He said he saw me in San Francisco and that we went to school together, and I knew I never went to school in San Francisco but then he said last winter and I knew I went there to check out colleges last minute almost a year ago, and he said he remembered seeing me and always wanted to talk to me but never saw me again. We ran into eachother at a party randomly in a city 6 hours away.

My side was I saw him at a party and thought he was cute so I was being very flirty with like smiles and staring. I really wasn’t looking for anyone but when he came in I was like he’s cuteee.

My neptune trine his ascendant

With my north node also making its place there, I think it also added to the fantasy that was our first meeting. He definitely has unrealistic ideas about me though. I don’t see what he sees but he makes me out to be this amazing angel despite it all.

His Venus in my first house

He says I’m his dream girl and he really makes me feel like I’m the hottest person he’s ever seen, sometimes it can be a bit much but I don’t mind. He also makes me feel valuable but that can also have to do with our 2nd house synastry.

My stellium (sun mars Jupiter) in his second

I love giving him things🫣 I make him art, and help him find things to decorate his house.

My Saturn in his first house

I do think due to other aspects we have a few power dynamics, and I think he thinks he’s the more mature one, but I think we just view these things in different ways. this has been my longest relationship

His mars (sag) in my 8th house

Yeah… you probably already know. This placement is categorized as sexual and intense. It is, we argue all the time, but the sex… I’ve never had sex like this he figured out all my secret spots

My Pluto conjunct his mars

Even though he can be pretty intense I feel like I do well with intensity. He probes but I want to be better about being honest.

His mars opposite my Saturn

It’s exactly what it sounds like we can’t have sex half the time because of a personal condition, it also took us a bit of time before we actually did start having sex. It’s hard to have sex at my place but he lives so far. Plus I always have responsibilities (Saturn) that he helps me with. We make a good team though he brings the action and drive to get things done and I bring… the things we have to get done lol.

His Saturn square my moon

I never thought it would manifest this way, but we have entirely different parenting styles and because of this we basically agreed we won’t work in the long run which is a contrast to the I want you forever he was giving me before. But it’s still a pretty reasonable and mature conversation and we agree that’s not something we have to think about for a while but that’s in the air.

I also believe in astrology which he doesn’t at all and tries to belittle me sometimes about it and sometimes it feels like he makes light of all my personal beliefs. He would never say this but he acts like all the things that matter to me are unrealistic and I don’t think he notices.

His Saturn square my venus

This one is actually very interesting this aspect gets characterized as “right person wrong time” it has the ability to keep two people apart through differences in responsibilities and values.

This can mean anything from age difference, infidelity, or

Saturns reputation of being cold and restrained dampens Venus and starts to weigh her down over time

I always thought this placement would be very intense and I see it slowly creeping over us, but for me as Venus I feel as though I can be very … indulgent and he tends to live life with more discipline. He often tries to encourage me to set rules, and standards to live by. We are fundamentally different and it can be quite difficult sometimes.

The timing in this relationship is also quite intriguing, he has a very steady semi fast pace for us dating. We do all the things exactly how we are supposed to and while it’s not particularly fast I think I’m more open to seeing the possibility of where we go where as he is planning for the long term.

That’s all for now 🤍

[fearful-quartet]

So I've been listening to The Magnus Protocol, and managed to get my dad into TMA last year so he's now listening to Mag Protocol too. So last night we were listening in the car to the latest statement, and I was half-jokingly saying which fear the statement sounded like mostly, to which my dad starts talking about how he doesn't think these statements and the O.A.I.R are connected to the Fears at all. I'm gonna try to put a cut for anyone not caught up but here's how this led to a theory of mine:

So Lena said to Gwen that there's good and bad forces that need to be balanced, but she never said which side of that the O.A.I.R. is part of, if any. I was noting this when it hit me.

Every single Magnus Protocol Statement so far has been about misfortune coming around due to perceived fortune or a fortunate opportunity becoming misfortune.

Let's break this down ep by ep so you see what I mean.

Episode One: It's a little hard to figure out what the fortune is to the misfortune, especially since it's mostly getting us used to the characters and the overall setup of the show, but for the first statement I think it's not the statement giver, but the husband. Harriet (the one emailing) says he sounded excited in an unsettling way (I am assuming the "he" she is talking about is her husband since she doesn't mention anyone else). When she meets him, or what has him, she describes that he laughed and laughed. Her misfortune was his fortune, his joy.

The second statement in that episode of course is about the Institute, but by way of a bunch of spelunkers looking for something intriguing to discuss. I haven't quite figured out the connection here but I am sure there is one, even if it's through the characters (aka Sam) finding something within it.

Two: A lot easier to connect to this. Daria is finding joy through getting this tattoo that allows her to change how she looks and alter her appearance immensely (and grotesquely). Enough said.

Three: This statement is one that overall I just don't understand tbh, but I think it shows the opposite? As in the victim is experiencing fear and discomfort the entire time, but towards the end you'll notice he gets much more happy and calm about the situation.

Four: This is again easy, it's about a violin that needs blood but will give you amazing talent if you pay that price, and horrible bloodshed if you don't. Self-explanatory.

Five: The guy is trying to make a living off watching and reviewing horror movies, gets excited at a live showing of one just for him, then realizes it's not what it seems and posts everyone should see it. Easy enough. (Very Grifter's Bone in energy)

Six: The introduction to infamous new tumblr sexyman, Needles. I shouldn't have to spell out how he gets pleasure from others in pain by needles.

Seven: All I gotta say is it's "all for a good cause" and you should get the picture.

Eight: Utilizes that uncanny fear of false hospitality if you ask me, but either way this statement is clearly taking something associated often as comforting and twisting it.

Nine: The dice literally affect fortune and misfortune and likely make the statement giver into the embodiment of fortune. 'Nuff said.

Ten: Bonzo needs no explanation for this in his introductory episode so let's move on.

Eleven: This one goes more into obsession territory than anything, which is another running theme of the show and another theory, but it also talks about how the sea brings comfort so that could be part of it. (Also I noticed the sneaky possibly Dr. David reference in there lol)

Twelve: Now I know what you're gonna say, "How is this one connected to fortune at all, Cal? It's about some woman being traumatized at a strip club!" Well think about this: what if it wasn't supposed to end in Bonzo? Gwen gave Bonzo an "assignment," didn't she? And Lena pretty much outright says that this statement was that assignment. So it's possible this is what happened after stopping the initial outcome.

Thirteen: The latest episode as of typing this, and the most clear with evidence. The man literally gains a fortune from his own misfortune, so ya know it's right there.

So every statement is a good thing turned bad or a bad thing turned good. So what? Magnus Archives had plenty of statements similarly framed, so why am I focusing on it here?

Because what is the tagline for Magnus Protocol again?

Fear takes many forms.

[dreamwritesimagines]

Garden of Secrets [17] - Moonflower

A.N: Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback and support my loves, it made my whole week, you’re amazing!❤ I hope you’ll like this chapter as well, and please don’t forget to tell me what you think, thank you! ❤

Thanks so much to @theskytraveler​ for helping me with the chapter!

Summary: Some nights are full of surprises.

Warnings: Regency era society and social rules, some gender specific language and terms, mentions of sex, mentions of explicit scenes, slow burn.

Word Count: 7500

Series Masterlist

The very first thing you noticed through the fuzzy fog of sleep was warmth.

Warmth and perfect comfort.

The sound of the birds chirping outside the window was like a soft melody in your ears, the sunlight spilling through the curtains falling on your skin making you feel all snug. You heaved a mellow sigh, shifting a little in bed but—

Oh.

You weren’t alone in the bed.

The memory of last night where you had come to Benedict’s room to sleep shot through your mind, making your eyes open. You were quite certain you had put multiple pillows between the two of you -most of which were thrown to the floor sometime at night, as you could see- and you waited for the discomfort to hit you especially considering the position you were in, but somehow it did not.

Benedict’s arm was curled around your stomach, keeping you safe from falling off the very edge of the bed you had apparently curled up on in your sleep. You two still had a pillow between you and the cover he had pushed off of him was bunched up between you two but as it turned out, even that wasn’t enough for him to roll to the other side. His nose was buried into your hair, his calm breathing moving his hard chest you were leaning your back against, his pleasant scent all over you, tickling your nostrils.

This wasn’t uncomfortable at all.

You shifted a little so that you could subtly get closer to him but as soon as you did, the cover bunched up between you and him moved a bit and you heard him inhale behind you. You instantly closed your eyes, pretending to have moved in your sleep and his arm around you tightened while he nuzzled his nose into your hair. You could almost feel him slowly waking up and for a couple of seconds he did nothing, but then you felt his body tense up behind you. A soft cuss left his lips in a whisper and he gently pulled back from you before getting up from the bed then you heard him walk out of the room, making you open your eyes and sit up in bed. You bit inside your cheek, perking your ears up for any noise of him coming back but there seemed to be none.

“Alright then…” you muttered and made your way to your own room to get ready for the day, trying to ignore how fast your heart was still beating.

By the time you heard Benedict coming back to his room, your maid was almost finished with helping you get dressed and was tying up the laces of your dress. The knock on the door connecting your room to Benedict’s made you turn your head as your maid finished tying up the laces and pulled back.

“You may leave Paula, thank you,” you said and she curtsied, then walked out of the room. You made your way to the connecting door and opened it.

Oh God damn it.

He was still half naked, the sunlight falling over his chest that made him look like he was pulled out of your very specific dreams. You swallowed thickly, forcing yourself to keep your eyes on his handsome face but that wasn’t exactly helping either.

“Good morning,” he gave you a lopsided grin and you smiled back.

“Hello.”

“I thought you’d be…” he motioned back at his room and you shook your head.

“Oh you weren’t there when I woke up and I was already awake so I figured I could just get ready.”

He paused for a moment.

“Yeah I—” he paused, a faint pinkness appearing on his cheeks and the tips of his ears. “I thought you’d sleep a bit more.”

You shrugged your shoulders quietly and his blue eyes searched your face.

“And are you alright?” he asked. “Nightmares last night?”

“I didn’t have them after going to sleep again,” you said, purposely leaving out the part about sleeping in his bed. “And um…thank you. You know.”

He shook his head vigorously. “You don’t need to thank me at all, really.”

“No I do, and I don’t know what got into me last night but I can assure you I won’t make it a habit or anything.”

He gulped down and stared at you for a moment before taking a deep breath.

“I wouldn’t mind it,” he said, his voice soft. “If it became a habit.”

Your heart skipped a beat and you tilted your head to the side, pulling your brows together.

“Not the nightmares, obviously!” he added in a haste. “Just afterwards. Whenever—whenever you want.”

Your eyes snapped up to his, that warmth spreading through your system again but before you could say anything, you heard the butler approach so you turned your head.

“Sir,” he said as he handed Benedict an envelope, “This came for you. And ma’am, Miss Harlowe is here.”

Benedict looked up from the envelope. “Charlie?”

“Oh I’ll go and welcome her,” you said while Benedict pulled out a card from the envelope that looked like an invitation of the sort, then looked over his shoulder into his room.

“I’ll be right there,” he said and you walked past the butler to make your way downstairs, then approached the drawing room.

“Lottie,” you said, a smile curling your lips as soon as you saw her and she let out a giggle before coming to hug you.

“I know it is quite early but I simply couldn’t wait any longer,” she said. “I missed you and Benny! I’m aware it’s your honeymoon but—”

“Oh don’t be silly,” you said. “I am very glad you’re here. I was going to invite you to the park today if you didn’t.”

“Perhaps after you give me a tour?” she asked and bounced on the balls of her feet. “It looks so beautiful here! And the garden, absolutely gorgeous!”

Your stomach did a small flip.

“Our gardener is amazing.”

“Have you had the chance to work on it as well?”

“The garden?” you asked and shook your head. “I um…haven’t got the time.”

She snapped her fingers. “Of course. My mama said you’d be quite busy while you’re on your honeymoon.”

Great, now even Charlotte’s mother was making assumptions about you and Benedict’s nightly activities.

“Right,” you said. “Maybe later I might. Did you have breakfast yet?”

“I did but I could get some tea,” she said. “In the garden? I saw the gazebo, we must simply enjoy it!”

“Sounds like a wonderful idea.”

“And then the house tour, then the park.”

“Hello Charlie,” you heard Benedict’s voice and Charlotte’s whole face lit up and she wrapped her arms around his neck as he went to hug her, lifting her off the floor as he did, making her squeal. For a moment you wondered how on earth the ton thought they were courting before your wedding, because they were close yes but even the tiniest gestures had no sign of romance in them.

It was the comfort of a friend, not a lover.

“Did we make plans today?” he asked her as he put her down and you crossed your arms.

“She’s here to see me.”

Benedict tilted his head like a confused puppy. “But she’s my best friend.”

“No, she’s my best friend. Your best friend is Anthony.”

“Anthony is my brother.”

“That sounds like your issue, not mine,” you deadpanned, biting down a smile and Charlotte giggled.

“I brought you work I’m afraid,” she said and grabbed the paper stack neatly bound in a leather case off the table, then handed it to Benedict. “I’m here to have tea with your beloved, then go to the park with her.”

Benedict clutched at his heart dramatically, making you grin.

“Told you,” you said. “What work?”

“Oh I can tell you later on,” Charlotte said as she pulled you by the hand to the door. “Come on! Let’s go to the garden!”

                                      *   *  *

After taking your tea in the gazebo and a house tour, you and Charlotte decided you could go outside for the afternoon. You had sent Josie a short letter so that she, Bess and Andrew could join you at the part if they wanted and about half an hour after getting there, Josie and Bess joined you at the park, while Andrew apparently was already outside with his friends.

“I didn’t know you were a writer!” Bess told Charlotte and you nodded.

“Me neither!”

Charlotte let out a laugh.

“Oh I’m not a writer,” she said. “I just write some stories to entertain my little siblings. I’m trying to have my own collection, and Benny is doing the illustrations for me.”

“Will you publish your stories?” you asked and Charlotte thought for a moment.

“Benny encourages me that I should,” she said. “So does Tony but…I don’t know. Perhaps one day in the future.”

“Can I read them before they are published?” you asked. “I’d love to read them to Teddy, he loves stories.”

“Of course!” Charlotte said. “I can bring you the completed ones the next time. There’s one with a dragon, I think Teddy would like it.”

“Speaking of him,” Josie said. “Did I tell you Andrew bought a pony for him? An actual pony!”

“Auntie told me,” you said with a laugh. “He’s delighted I’m sure. I wish I were there to see it.”

“At least he doesn’t pout for not being able to see you everyday anymore,” Bess said. “It was making me sad.”

Charlotte heaved a sigh. “Was he very upset?”

You could feel your own heart breaking as you cleared your throat.

“He’s just not used to me being anywhere else,” you said. “It’s always been the two of us—well three of us,” you motioned at Josie who shook her head.

“I was just there when he was a baby,” she said. “It’s been only you and him for a while.”

“And your mama and papa?” Charlotte asked, making you and Josie exchange glances. “I’m sure they miss Teddy and you both! I know they couldn’t come to the wedding, but…”

A shiver ran down your spine and you clicked your tongue.

“They cannot travel,” you ended up saying as Bess reached out to squeeze Josie’s hand as if trying to assure her that she was there. Charlotte thought for a moment.

“Will you and Benedict visit them then?”

Even the thought was enough to make your jaw clench but you reminded yourself to keep a calm façade and shrugged your shoulders.

“Maybe after the season ends,” you lied through your teeth. “I don’t wish to miss anything, this is my first season.”

Bess stole a look at Josie who looked way too tense and smiled, sitting up straighter.

“And how is marriage going for you, Y/N?” she asked. “Are you getting used to running your household?”

“I went to auntie with a list the other day,” you admitted, making them laugh. “No I’m serious. It’s a bit confusing but I think I’m starting to understand.”

“I can always help you,” Bess said and Charlotte grinned.

“So can I! I know I’m not married yet but I know some stuff about it, my mama taught me a lot.”

“I appreciate it, both of you.”

“In return, you can give me some clues about how to take care of plants.”

You pulled your brows together. “Bess, you have a gardener.”

“Well yes but I’m trying to grow this rose in a vase because I saw this journal talking about it,” Bess said. “In every window a red rose—anyway, I cannot exactly ask my gardener because I feel like killing five roses in two weeks is going to personally upset him.”

You blinked a couple of times. “That’s not even supposed to be possible.”

“Mm hm,” Josie said. “Ask her how often she waters the roses.”

“How often?”

Bess shrugged her shoulders. “Three times a day.”

“You’re doing what?” you exclaimed, making Josie let out a laugh.

“Yeah. Told you.”

“Why are you not stopping her?”

“She doesn’t listen to me!”

Bess flailed her hands. “I get hungry three times a day, it’s only fair.”

You let out a whine, burying your face into your palms and then lowered your hands.

“Bess,” you said. “I will visit your house today and write you a schedule just for that, how does that sound?”

“Perfect, thank you.” Bess said with her nose up in the air. “I’ve always thought we should leave the work to experts anyway.”

                                       *  *  *

You had to admit, over the last week you had missed taking care of your garden so much that taking care of Bess’s roses felt like itching a scratch. After getting home around dinner time -because neither Bess nor Andrew were willing to let you go any time earlier- you had learned from the butler that Benedict was in his studio. Though you really wanted to see him, you decided otherwise and after a quick dinner, you went outside to the gazebo with an oil lamp and a book under your arm.

If you couldn’t take care of your garden and grow flowers, you were just going to read about them instead.

You were quite certain that this book was rather new, and you had a feeling Benedict had stacked up multiple shelves in the library with whatever book he could find on plants and flowers without telling you. The hardcover was so smooth that for a second you just ran your fingertips over the engraving over it, then made yourself comfortable by resting your feet on the other side of the bench, leaning your back to the arm of the bench. You placed the book on your legs, the peaceful sound of the water fountain in the evening surrounding you, making you heave a sigh. Your eyes stole a quick glance at the lit-up window of Benedict’s study but then you frowned and opened the book, ready to lose yourself in the illustrations and the information about flowers.

You were so engrossed by the book that after hours you still hadn’t even looked up once, and it was only when you heard someone clear their throat that your head shot up. Benedict shot you that crooked smile, crossing his arms and leaning sideways to the entrance of gazebo.

“Riveting read?”

“Quite so,” you said as you held up the book so that he could see the title, then motioned at the window of his study. “Have you already finished Charlotte’s illustrations?”

“Oh she told you?”

“Mm hm,” you said. “She even said I could read some of her completed stories.”

Benedict raised his brows. “She must really like you,” he said. “I had to beg her all those years ago just to read one of them.”

You shot him a grin. “Perhaps I’m stealing your best friend.”

“Looks like it,” he played along. “How was the park?”

You thought for a moment, Charlotte’s question about your parents echoing in your ears before you cleared your throat.

“It was fine,” you said. “Less so when I heard Bess is the Locusta of plants.”

“She poisons her plants?”

“In a way yes,” you said. “Apparently she watered her roses three times a day.”

“I’m guessing from the tone of your voice and the appalled look on your face that it’s the wrong thing to do?”

You shot him a lighthearted glare. “Good guess.”

Benedict chuckled and nodded in the direction of the house. “Are you coming or?”

You hesitated for a second, then shook your head.

“You go ahead,” you said. “I have a feeling that sleep will evade me tonight.”

“Why?”

You tried to ignore the shiver shooting through you upon remembering your nightmare, and after today’s conversation with Charlotte about your parents, you just knew you would not be getting a good night’s sleep tonight.

And it wasn’t as if you could just keep waking Benedict up, that had to be annoying for him you were sure.

“Just a feeling,” you shrugged your shoulders. “You should go to sleep though. I heard you barely left your studio the whole day, you must be exhausted.”

Benedict pulled his brows together. “Who told you that?”

You narrowed your eyes at him, then grinned.

“The housekeeper likes me better than she likes you I suppose.”

His jaw dropped. “Mrs. Alton…” he said with a shake of his head. “There I thought we had something special.”

You scoffed a laugh and his eyes searched your face, his smile slightly fading.

“Are you alright though?”

You bit inside your cheek and nodded.

“Sure,” you lied. “I’ll just um—I just need some distraction I guess. I mean here is peaceful but…” you trailed off. “Inside my head is not, sometimes.”

“I could tell,” he said softly and you took a deep breath.

“One of those nights,” you said. “I’ll be fine.”  

He thought for a moment, his gaze on you as if he was trying to decide on something, then he cleared his throat.

“A distraction, you say?”

You nodded your head and he tilted his head, that mischievous smile curling his lips again.

“Do you want to go to a party?”

                                   *  *  *

“This is insane,” you heard yourself say as Benedict led you through the crowd, his hand resting on the small of your back. “Is this…is this real?”

He shot you a wink, clearly pleased with your reaction and nodded at someone who shouted his name cheerfully while you tried to soak in the environment as much as you could.

This was beyond your wildest dreams.

The house itself was huge and if you had seen it any other time, you would have assumed it was just some other house that belonged to a yet another member of the ton but apparently, you would have been wrong. Though you had never been to a party before, you had heard about them, yet nothing you heard had described you this.

Everyone looked just…

Free.

There was music coming from one of the rooms in the hallway, some people drinking and smoking and your eyes caught the sight of a couple that were kissing by the corner, where people could see them. Even the mere thought was enough to send a fire through your cheeks but you forced yourself to look around the rest of the room so as not to stare, as difficult as it felt. As you and Benedict walked through the hallway, you could see a couple of closed doors, the chatter of the crowd and the laughter echoing through the walls. You walked past a room with multiple canvases and a couple of people sketching, and a room where someone seemed to be giving a talk about a book to a crowd, making you think that most of the people attending were artists and writers. The party seemed to be going on in multiple floors of the house and when you got closer to the main room where the music was coming from, Benedict stopped you.

“Y/N.”

You took a peek inside the room, already impatient to go in there and turned to him. “Hm?”

“I’d like to start by saying, this might not be like any party you’ve attended before.”

“I haven’t attended any parties before,” you pointed out and a look of realization dawned on his face as if he hadn’t thought about it before.

“Right,” he said. “So here’s the thing, you might see certain things that…”

“What?”

“That you might consider as scandalous, but I can assure you—”

“Oh no, something scandalous,” you deadpanned, then shot him a look. “What am I going to do, faint?”

He raised his brows. “I know you think you’re making a point but you did faint before.”

You pushed at his arm slightly, making him chuckle.

“Not because of a scandal!” you insisted and lowered your voice. “I would have fainted at our scandal if I were to do such a thing, that one ended up with us getting married!”

Benedict nodded his head. “True. But still, we’re only here to have fun, and we will go home whenever you want—”

“Are you jesting?” you asked. “I’m not going home! Come on, look at this place, I’ve never… I’ve never seen anything like this.”

Benedict smiled softly.

“Alright,” he said. “As you wish.”

You narrowed your eyes at him and let out a giddy giggle, then stepped into the room. There was a crowd but Benedict seemed to know almost everyone, greeting people while you made your way through the room and Benedict grabbed two glasses of drinks, then gave one to you as you sat down on one of the sofas.

“Is this where Lady Whistledown said you were going all this time?” you asked, looking up at him, still in a daze and he shrugged his shoulders.

“I doubt Lady Whistledown knows of this.”

“But was it?”

“Mm hm.”

“How do people—” you paused. “How does no one know about here?”

“Well, parties take place in different places, it’s not just one house,” he said. “Some of them even downtown.”

“I’ve never been downtown before,” you said quickly, your head almost buzzing with the promise of a new world and Benedict smiled at your enthusiasm.

“We can go there the next time.”

“Wait, seriously?” you asked and he nodded.

“Of course. If you want to—”

“I do want to,” you cut him off. “But my aunt would always say it’s incredibly dangerous.”

“If you were going by yourself yes,” he said. “But you’ll be with me so no. Not dangerous.”

You smiled brightly, watching the people in the room while Benedict kept his gaze on you, a soft smile warming his face. You saw a lady sipping her drink and looked down at your glass, then took a sip but as soon as the liquid burned your throat you coughed.

“Wow,” you cleared your throat. “What is this?”

“It’s called Warm Heart,” he said. “Lemon, rum, brandy, wine and sugar. Go easy on that one alright?”

You nodded and took another sip.

“Benedict, how come no one knows?” you asked. “I read about it on Whistledown or hear about it from multiple people if someone so much as breathes wrong and in here…”

He clicked his tongue. “No one will spread the word because everyone you see here are likeminded individuals.”

“Artists?”

“Artists, writers, sculptors… And some just admirers. Essentially just people who see the stifling expectations and rules of the ton as they are; complete nonsense.”

You let out a breath, trying to wrap your mind around it. “You’re all friends then? You seem to know everyone.”

He gave you a smirk. “It’s a small circle.”

You swirled the drink in the glass and looked around again, curiosity and excitement making your heart beat faster. To be in a place where one could do whatever they wanted was such an unfamiliar thing that it made your mind fuzzy, your ears muffled because of the blood rushing through them.

You could even kiss Benedict right here in front of all these people and no one would say anything.

…Not that-

Not that you would do that, ever. But it was a lovely thought to even imagine.

“Well I know who you are,” a voice snapped you out of your daze and you lifted your head to see someone clasping Benedict by the shoulder, making him chuckle. “But I have no idea who this exquisite vision is supposed to be.”

The man was older than you and Benedict, seemed to be absolutely delighted to see Benedict and there was a playful glimmer in his eyes as his gaze fell on you. You smiled at him.

“Hello.”

“Sir Henry Granville,” Benedict introduced him, making you raise your brows. “My wife, Y/N.”

Your heart skipped a beat upon him calling you such. You knew you two were married but you were beginning to think you would never get used to your new title, and how it filled you with giddiness though you tried to not let it show on your expression.

“The painter?” you asked as you forced yourself to focus and he bowed.

“Proudly so,” he said. “And I gather you’re the infamous beauty that made our handsome and bright artist change his ways.”

You let out a small laugh. “You’re very kind, Sir Granville.”

“Trust me, I am merely sincere,” he said. “My apologies for not being able to attend your wedding breakfast by the way. I have…” he motioned with his hand. “Complicated feelings about weddings.”

“Don’t we all?” you asked back and he chuckled.

“I must introduce you to my wife Lucy, she will love you. Perhaps a house tour hm?”

Benedict cleared his throat and reached out to hold your hand.

“That’s not going to happen Henry,” he said, making you frown slightly and look between them as he squeezed at your hand. “We’re just here to drink, nothing more. Ever.”

Well, that was a very definite stance against a house tour.

Sir Granville’s smile widened and he held up his hands.

“Understood,” he said. “Love. It makes one quite possessive, I would know.”

Alright, you were getting quite confused now but before you could ask what he meant, he had already clapped his hands together.

“Your wife might be here to drink but you my friend, are not,” he said. “I have some friends I must introduce you to. I may have shown them a sketch of yours and now they don’t shut up about your talent.”

Benedict tilted his head. “What sketch?”

“The one from the last party.”

Benedict groaned. “Henry, I was half drunk—”

“Well they loved it anyway, so come on!” he slapped his arm. “Come with me, promising artist. They are quite excited to meet you.”

Benedict turned to look at you and you shook your head fervently.

“Oh you go ahead,” you said. “I will stay. It sounds like an artists only environment and I’d rather enjoy my drink here.”

“I don’t think…” Benedict trailed off and you tilted your head.

“Go!” you said with a laugh. “I survive balls with members of the ton nightly, I think I can handle being left alone for a while in a crowd.”

“She will be fine Ben,” Sir Granville said. “Come on.”

Benedict heaved a sigh and stood up. “Y/N just don’t go anywhere, alright?”

“Mm hm.”

“And if somebody wants to take you somewhere—”

“I will just ignore you if you stay here any longer,” you said and sipped your drink, “Besides, you know I can take care of myself. Or did you forget about your own gift?”

His eyes lingered down to your cleavage before snapping up to your face again and you shot him a bright smile.

“Have fun!” you said and Sir Granville bowed, then they both walked out of the room.

Wow.

This was more freedom than you had gotten ever since you had arrived in London—or your whole life, really. The fact that Benedict trusted you enough to actually leave you be in such an environment made a smile pull at your lips, then you sipped your drink, leaning back.

You hadn’t even read about such gatherings before, which you assumed wasn’t so surprising. The high society of London did not even let unmarried ladies smell certain flowers, let alone knowing about such parties. Every unmarried lady had to be perfect in the eyes of the ton and her suitors, and it didn’t really change when it came to being married, just with more responsibilities. You were quite certain that if you had married anyone else but Benedict -even the thought made your stomach churn- you would have never known about the existence of such events; you would be left in the dark because of this nonsense belief that you were to be sheltered and coddled, even if it was the last thing you wanted.

That was simply condescending.

By the time you finished your drink, you were already itching to see more of the house. You shifted a little in your spot, biting at your nail and casted a glance at the door before leaning back again.

No.

You had said you would stay put.

But wasn’t that against the whole point of tonight? Everyone did whatever they wanted with no one to judge them, and surely a quick look around wasn’t going to hurt anyone. You were sure Benedict wouldn’t even be back by the time you saw the rest of the house and returned here.

You nibbled on your lip and took a deep breath, then pushed yourself off the sofa and walked out of the room before you could change your mind.

The house was absolutely enormous. Whoever planned the party must have made sure there was some sort of entertainment in each part of the house even though some hallways were definitely less crowded than others. You walked away from the chatter and the crowd and looked up at the stairs before you quickly climbed them only to find yourself in another hallway. There were considerably fewer people in here and the music was only faint, coming from downstairs where you had just left so you tilted your head, then turned the corner to take a look at the paintings all over the walls.

Paintings of flowers.

You smiled to yourself as you walked deeper into the hallway, looking up at the dimly lit paintings by the oil lamps mounted on the walls, but a faint moan made you turn your head. You pulled your brows together and looked around, then stepped closer to the half closed door, taking a peek into the room through the crack.

And as soon as you did, your breath got caught in your throat.

Inside the room there were three people, one man and two women. The man had his shirt off, one of the women running her fingertips down his muscles while he kissed her and then he pulled back to help the other woman out of her corset, nimbly pulling at the laces. Her corset slipped off and she smirked before pulling him into a kiss as well while the other lady’s hand slipped lower until—

You gasped and pulled back from the door, your heart pacing against your ribcage. Your head was spinning so much and you took a step back, then rushed out of the hallway as if someone was chasing you.

How did that—

How did that even work?

You were under the impression that you knew everything that took place in marital bed so to speak, -though you were more than aware that people did not exactly stay loyal to their spouses or wait for marriage- and as far as you knew, it was just…

It was simple. Josie’s married friends had explained the act and it was unpleasant and simple, husband and wife joining…down there and then it was to be over.

Three people?

That was impossible, surely. In terms of physical means, though you had never seen a man naked, you had heard the whispers and saw the sketches that Josie’s friends had found in a book, giggling the whole time.  

You were so confused and lost in your thoughts that you didn’t even notice someone calling out, not that you would have paid attention to the unfamiliar voice through the chatter of the crowd. You turned another corner, your feet leading you what you hoped was the stairs but before you could take another step, someone grabbed you by the wrist.

It was like a bucket of cold water. Your body reacted before your mind had any chance to even think it through as you snapped out of your chaos of thoughts and turned to grab the person by the neck to slam them against the wall, your other hand quickly pulling your pocket knife from your cleavage in the process so that you could rest the blade against his neck.

“Sorry! Sorry, that was very rude I know—”

“Do not touch me,” your voice came out as a growl and the man nodded fervently.

“Yeah! Yeah absolutely, no I know! I apologize, I normally introduce myself to people before grabbing at them—not that I grab at people!” he added in a haste. “I don’t grab at people but you…I swear I’m not going to hurt you.”

“I’m not making the same promise,” you said and he swallowed thickly.

“God, you have a terrifying glare.”

“It’s been said.”

“Yes and— please calm down.”

“I’m calm.”

“No I’m talking to myself,” he said, his voice coming out breathless. “It was addressed to me because I am not calm at all right now.”

You narrowed your eyes, tilting your head to actually pay attention to him. He had to be around your age and he looked rather cute with his curly hair and light brown eyes. He wasn’t as tall as Benedict but still taller than you and he took another trembling breath, making you look up at him.

“That’s a very sharp knife,” he said. “Where—where did you get it?”

“My husband gave it to me.”

A small whine escaped from his lips and he cleared his throat.

“You have a—of course you have a husband,” he said. “How about we start from the beginning? I’m Felix.”

“What am I supposed to do with that information?” you asked, your voice completely deadpan and his eyes searched yours.

“What’s your name?”

You raised your brows, still glaring at him and he licked his lips.

“Alright so even though I may have given off the wrong impression, I’m not…my intention is not to seduce you.”

You tried to repress the laugh bubbling at your throat as you scoffed.

“Seduce me?” you repeated and he nodded.

“I saw you walk by and I thought—my interest in you is completely artistic,” he stammered. “I promise. It’s just that, I’m a painter and you are very beautiful and I thought you were a figment of my drunk state, I didn’t even think about it and tried to stop you before you left forever so that I could…so that I could paint you from mind later on.”

Your eyes searched his face as you tried to see whether he was lying or not, but he looked completely genuine, albeit a bit intimidated. You rolled your eyes and pulled back from him, tucking the knife back into your cleavage.

“Jesus Christ,” you muttered and he let out a breath.

“So may I know your name?” he asked and you eyed him up and down.

“Y/N Bridgerton.”

His head shot up. “Bridgerton as in Benedict Bridgerton?”

“Yes.”

“Benedict is your husband? I know Benedict!” he said, suddenly cheerful. “We’re frie—wait a moment. You’re Y/N Bridgerton?”

“That’s what I said.”

“The Venus Flytrap?” he asked. “The diamond in the rough? The Ice Queen?”

You rolled your eyes and turned around without so much as another look at him, then started walking down the hallway but he quickly caught up.

“I’ve heard people talk about you.”

“Shocking,” you said as you turned another corner and started going downstairs with Felix who seemed rather excited judging by the happy glimmer in his eyes.

“Can you really intimidate any lord with a glare?”

“If only,” you said curtly and entered the room you had left earlier. Your spot was still empty so you grabbed a glass from the tray and made your way there, Felix following you.

“As I said, I merely wish to paint you so if you would—”

“That is not going to happen,” you said, shaking your head and Felix opened his mouth but then got distracted when another man entered the room. He walked to the crowd by the corner and you tilted your head, looking between Felix who looked almost dazed and the man who stole a look at him, making Felix avert his eyes and clear his throat.

Oh.

You were quite familiar with that look, you had seen it in Andrew’s eyes a couple of times.

As it turned out, Felix was indeed only interested in you artistically.

You smiled slightly and raised your brows at Felix, then nodded at the armchair across from yours. He fixed his hair and sat down immediately.

“Ignore him,” you said with a nod of your head. “It tends to work.”

Felix blinked a couple of times. “Oh I don’t know what you mean—”

“Yes you do.”

He offered you a small smile, getting a glass of drink as well and you leaned back.

“So you’re an artist?”

“Trying to be one, actually,” he said. “But I do not know if I have the talent for it. I hope I do.”

“Well, all the actually talented artists that I’ve met have that terrible self-doubt so I have a feeling you probably do have the talent for it,” you pointed out and he sat up straighter.

“Thank you,” he said. “So you’re married to Benedict?”

“Mm hm.”

“Is it true you were rude and cold to all your suitors until Benedict?”

You made a face. “That is not true at all,” you said. “I was also rude and cold to Benedict.”

He stared at you and let out a laugh. “Really?”

“Yes. Why are you surprised?”

“Well, ladies are always sweet with him whenever he so much as looks at them,” he said, waving a hand in the air. “Handsome and talented and all that.”

Jealousy spread through your throat but you managed to shrug your shoulders. “I’m well aware of that.”

“Not to mention, everyone keeps saying he will be a great artist,” Felix said and that was when it dawned on you.

This right there was exactly why Benedict had that self-doubt. This was why he was so hesitant on accepting any genuine compliments, if everyone thought and expected that of him, of course he was his own worst critic.

That had to have put some pressure on him.

“I’m sure he will be,” you said, barely aware of the proud tone of your voice and Felix nodded.

“Exactly.”

“What about you?”

“Me?”

“Do you think you will be a great artist?” you asked Felix and he gave you a happy grin.

“If only,” he said, his eyes glimmering with hope. “I dream of being one. Is that not the ultimate goal?”

“To be an artist?”

“To be immortal.”

You scrunched up your nose, then shook your head. “Not for me, no.”

“You wouldn’t want to be immortal?” he asked. “All the fame and glory?”

You thought for a moment, then shook your head again.

“Not at all.”

He gawked at you. “What is it that you want then?” he asked. “Your greatest desire? If you could have anything in the world.”

You took a sip of your drink and looked down at it, deep in thought. The image of your greatest desire used to be just you as a widow but apparently somewhere along the way that image had changed. For some reason, now that you were imagining yourself happy and having everything you wanted, you had a simple picture in your mind.

And this time, to your surprise, you weren’t alone.

You took a deep breath and frowned at the drink in your hand, then raised your head to look at Felix better.

“I want…” you trailed off. “I want a beautiful garden of my own and I want to be happy.”

Felix looked at you as if he was waiting for you to continue but when you didn’t, he pulled his brows together.

“Is that all?” he asked. “Surely there must be something else?”

“No,” you said. “That is all I want actually.”

“That simple?”

You let out a laugh and nodded.

“That simple,” you repeated. “Some of us don’t want fame and glory. That’s what we have the artists for.”

He looked at you as if he was waiting for you to say you were jesting but before he could say anything, you were already distracted. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Benedict walk into the room and he directly made his way to you, a smile curling your lips without you even noticing it.

“Benedict, your wife does not like the idea of becoming immortal.”

“My wife doesn’t like a lot of things Felix,” Benedict said with a warm smile and pressed a kiss on top of your head, making your heart skip a beat. You knew it was to sell the idea of you two being completely in love even here because though it was a private party, you could never be too careful. “Hello darling.”

You could swear your heart was melting inside your chest and you looked up at him, still smiling.

“Hello.”

“Are you alright?”

“Mm hm,” you nodded as he sat beside you and put his drink on the table. “I’m having fun. Look, I even made a friend.”

Felix gave Benedict a proud grin and Benedict chuckled.

“Is that right?”

“Right after she threatened me, yes.”

“Threatened?” Benedict asked and you waved a hand in the air, trying your hardest to keep the thought of what exactly you had seen before that out of your mind.

“A misunderstanding,” you said and Felix looked from Benedict to you, a smile pulling at his lips, then cleared his throat.

“Well, I’d better excuse myself and leave the lovers to their peace,” he said and stood up. “Benedict.”

“Felix.”

“Mrs. Bridgerton.”

“Y/N,” you corrected him. “That’s the least I could do after accidentally threatening you.”

Felix let out a laugh, then shifted his weight. “But are you sure—”

“I am,” you answered before he could ask whether he could paint you. “I appreciate it though.”

Felix bowed and downed his drink, then walked away from you while Benedict turned to look at you better.

“What was that about?”

“Oh nothing,” you said. “We were just discussing something before you arrived. So how was your talk with Sir Granville’s friends?”

He rubbed the back of his neck and licked his lips.

“It was alright,” he said. “They were all very nice. All of them say I should apply for the Academy this season and not the next like I planned.”

Your eyes searched his handsome face and you took another sip of your drink, then sat up straighter.

“I am going to ask you something.”

He nodded. “You can ask me anything, you know that.”

“And you will answer truthfully?”

“Always.”

“Does it bother you when I say…” you paused for a moment and looked up at the ceiling, trying to find the right words. “Hearing it all the time ought to make you feel sort of pressured, no? When everyone says you’ll be a great artist?”

He thought for a moment, reaching out to grab his glass on the table to swirl the drink inside the glass before he took a big sip, and cleared his throat.

“Sometimes,” he admitted. “But with you it’s different.”

“How?”

Benedict swallowed thickly and took a deep breath.

“It gives me peace when you say it,” the confession left his lips in such a soft whisper that if you weren’t sitting close to him, you wouldn’t have been able to hear. You felt your stomach do a happy flip and smiled slightly.

“Good, because I do believe it.” You paused for a moment, your eyes snapping up to his. “Wholeheartedly.”

That soft light glimmered in his eyes again and you found yourself admiring his beautiful face before you cleared your throat and pointed back with your thumb.

“And also I just turned down another artist’s offer to paint me, so…”

He let out a chuckle. “Felix?”

“Mm hm.”

“I knew it,” he said, shaking his head. “I had a feeling—wait, is that why you threatened him?”

“Not directly but sort of,” you said as you downed your drink, then glanced around but there was no sign of any footmen carrying a tray. Benedict took a look around the room as well and turned to you.

“Do you want another?”

You tilted your head. “One would assume you’re a bad influence, Mr. Bridgerton.”

He had the audacity to look quite offended.

“Me? A bad influence?” he asked, feigning surprise. “I have no idea what you mean, Mrs. Bridgerton. I’m simply asking if my wife would like another glass.”

You shot him a grin, that warmth spreading through your veins. “Yes please.”

He got up from the sofa and bowed his head in an exaggerated manner, making you giggle before he walked to the other side of the room to find you another glass. You kept your eyes on him, barely aware of the giddy smile on your face and you bit on your lip then leaned back on the sofa, heaving a sigh.

Chapter 18

[bl33df0rm3]

✎"So that's what you're into? I see." Afab!reader x Genshin men's favorite kinks (Smut, 2nd Pov) This is the second part in this series click here for part one.

-‘๑’-Note; This is meant to be inclusive for all readers including black readers so things like "Easy to bruise skin." and "You feel your face turn red (As a black person my face does feel hot but I don't get red). Along with easy to go through hair won't be added, if you need those details in fanfic's then this blog is not for you<3. This can be the same for Chubby readers<3

✎Author's note; I'm not doing this in any order these are just what came to mind, if you have any character you want me to cover (Max of 5 at a time), I gotcha. Also this is afab reader but the readers gender isn't specified. If you wish to translate my works please dm me&lt;3 (MDNI BANNER CREDIT CLICK HERE)

Cyno; Choking

The look on your face was, to say the least perfect to think that the same lips that smiled at him bit down in pleasure. The same mouth that has laughed at all his jokes before hand, being grabbed and clenched down on the side as it gasped for air. Cyno found it mesmerizing to say the least, usually while you two became one he was watching where you connected over and over again. Though this time he couldn't break his eyes away from where his hands met your throat, a smile dancing on his face. His brows eyes meeting yours in the midst of things, sure it didn't show on your face but he knew you well enough to know you were embarrassed darting your eyes away from him. He didn't understand what was the best part, that you gus got to spice up your love life? Or the face that you gave him control over you as his grip got tighter, maybe that's what it was. Regardless before he could finish himself, he knew better to have you finish before him what kind of man would he be if not?

His mind went of the rails as you lunged your finger into his arms, those same pretty fingers that begged to touch him.

Ayato; Oral(receiving)

Being married to Ayato wasn't all sunshine and rainbows all the time, more then you'd like your husband was out doing work it was annoying but you too still adored each other. Usually when you did get to spend a private evening with each other he felt like making it up to you was his main priority. Tonight was different it was his birthday the first one you were sharing with him as a wedded couple. His eyes were half lidded as you made sure none of your hair was in the way, no matter how short or long it was, the groan that was pulled out of him almost filled the room. He attempted to sway you against this activity before, seeming weak in front of anyone was always a no. Your head bobbing down in almost a melodic like pace as you looked up at him from time to time, letting the sweet sounds coming from him pour out. The deep, labored breathing from him was almost hypnotizing, your hands gripped his thighs as he pushed you down. Sure this was the first time, but it sure as hell wasn't going to be the last one.

Xiao; Praise

The bed creaked under the weight of both of you, he groaned through his teeth you felt, warm, tight comfortable to him it made his worries seemingly disappear from his mind for the time. Matter of fact it was the fact when he did visit you, the pleasant vibe that beamed over you when you made his a snack and told him you were proud of him. Which was the way you two ended up here, you riding him with him being displeased with your speed leading him to start buck his hips into you deeper. It wasn't the sex that made him travel to cloud nine it was the words that were pouring out of your mouth, spewing profanities combined with you telling him how good you felt. It made Xiao's mind spin, every time you told him he felt amazing, he was pleasing you, the light of his life. His hands trailed to your waist if his force before was rough this was unbearable he was practically drilling into you at this point. You could only mumble those sweet words to him but they were clear as day, a blessing on his ears.

If this keeps up he might have to come visit you more often.

Thoma; over-stimulation

Your body trembled in his grasp now matter how hard you tried to stay still, to stop shaking your body gave him that reaction he was craving four times over and he hadn't even taken his clothes off. His eyes glanced down at your bare body before his hands went back to work pinching your nipples as the other worked on your clit. Your nails leaving crescent moons on his shoulders digging into them, he didn't even flinch his eyes were fixated on you. The pants and moans that turned into please from time to time were perfect, your body bending to his will trying to keep up. Don't get it twisted he wanted to just slip right into and pound you until the sun came up, but that was worth the wait. For the meantime he began to grind against you before he readjusted his hand so his thumb could still be placed on your clit as two fingers slipped into you. The gasp that came from you brought a smile to his face.

Tonight was going to be a long night, but sex was more enjoyable when you played with each other till you couldn't take it anymore.

-‘๑’-Note; The end? I need more idea's for them lmao, i was scraping my brain for the rest of these.! If you want this series to continue please give me suggestions. I'm on my way to work on other prompts(if you have those please go in my ask box)

[synnamonroll666]

Closer

Prompt 6: Knotting/Frottage Pairing: Syzoth X Fem!Reader Description: A lot of surprises come out of dating a Zaterran. But when you have sex in Syzoth's natural form for the first time, you are astonished to learn that the end isn't necessarily the end... Warnings: Knotting, Overstimulation, Half-Monster Fucking, Needy!Reader, Shy!Syzoth (As Usual 🤭), HandJob (Female Receiving), Frottage??? Word Count: 1.2k A/N: So I looked up the meaning of frottage—because I wasn't too sure on what it meant—only to find several goddamn definitions for it! But basically, just rubbing against someone to get sexual friction or getting sexually aroused by getting rubbed on by another person were the main definitions that came up, so I'm just going with that. I hope I got it right and I hope you enjoy it! 😂💚 Main MasterList: 🖤 Kinktober MasterList: 🖤 Synny's Angels: @lorebite, @mornandil, @queenkhepri.

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I screamed out as my orgasm tore through my body. I always knew that sex with Syzoth in his Zaterran form would be amazing, but I never expected it to be like this. Well, he wasn't fully in his Zaterran form—he was only transformed from the waist down. It wasn't that I didn't trust him not to hurt me—it was that he didn't trust himself. Fucking me while half in his natural form was the only way he would at all.

But it wasn't nearly what I had expected. Two dicks came to quite the surprise, but when I felt them both swell within me after he released, that was a whole new level of shock that I felt.

"W-What?" I squeaked out beneath him as I grew to feel more full than ever before. The sudden stretching made both of my holes sting with overstimulation as I clung on to my lover to stay grounded to reality.

"I-I am sorry." He muttered between deep, uneven breaths as he lifted his head from my shoulder to look down upon me. "I should have told you before..."

"Told me what?" I raised a brow in confusion, and he swallowed nervously while hesitating to speak for a moment.

"I... I tend to..." He let out a sigh, as if he were embarrassed to explain to me what was going on.

"Syzoth, you just fucked me in both holes at once. How can you be too embarrassed to talk to me about anything?"

My brutally honest question made him blush deep green due to embarrassment, and for a split second, I felt a small pang of guilt for humiliating my lover.

"I-I-I... You're right... After sexual intercourse, I tend to... Knot..." He stammered out awkwardly and then quickly averted his emerald eyes away from my own as the pine tint on his cheeks deepened with shame.

"Knot?" I repeated, confused by this term I had never heard before.

"To stay close to my mate. Physically, it's to trap my seed inside of you to ensure that I impregnate you. But spiritually—how I see it—it is a way to feel closer and connected to you." His gaze softened while his lips curled into a sweet smile. "It is quite special, really."

"Oh... So, how long does this usually last?"

"Thirty minutes... To an hour..."

"An hour?!" I shrieked loudly, completely stunned by this new information that my mind could barely comprehend.

"Yeah," he smiled sheepishly as he spoke. Then he let out a nervous chuckle, clearly hoping to lighten the mood. "But at least we can stay close for awhile, right?"

"That's true." The corners of my lips lifted to form a loving smile as I gazed up at my currently fuckdrunk mate. I shifted my body slightly to get more comfortable, but winced as both of his knots sent an overwhelming feeling of overstimulated pleasure up my core.

Syzoth noticed this reaction and simply smirked as his eyes studied my features. Judging by the stinging heat in my cheeks, I was sure that I was as red as a tomato; he always loved it when I would blush for him.

"Best not to move, my sweet. I am currently pressed against every bit of you inside. There is no way to move without me pressing deeper into one of your most sensitive spots, causing more overstimulation." He chuckled amusingly as he brought up a hand to gently graze the backs of his knuckles against my cheek.

I let out a shaky breath and slowly nodded my head, agreeing that staying completely still was definitely for the better, before whispering a breathy "Y-Yeah..."

"We can just lay together and wait it out."

"I'm good with that."

He smiled down at me and kissed my forehead, and then laid himself down on top of me. Letting out a deep breath and relaxing his body, his weight pressed down fully on me and almost made it hard to breathe. But that wasn't the biggest problem I had. 

The way his chest pressed against me as he laid his weight upon me didn't help at all to dull the aching feeling for more, which was burning between my legs. In fact, it made it worse! Without realizing it, I flexed my nails into his back and cut little angry crescents into his soft skin.

"Oh!" He gasped in shock at my behavior and raised himself just a tiny bit to look down at me with a puzzled expression etched into his features. "Are you ok, love?"

"Syzoth," my voice unintentionally came out in a strained whine as I peered up at my lover with pleading eyes. "I need more."

"Are you sure, sunshine? You've already taken so much toni—"

"I don't care!" I interrupted him with a needy cry. "I need more!"

"O-Ok..." He whispered with a hint of uncertainty in his voice. "I-I can barely move inside of you at the moment, but perhaps I could satisfy you by rubbing you?"

His suggestion sent chills down my spine, and I nodded my head eagerly to get him to proceed. He then slipped a hand down between our tightly pressed bodies to place a finger against my swollen clit. I responded with a strained whimper as I squeezed his shoulders. As soon as he began moving his digit in a circular motion, my head lolled back into the pillows as I moaned out for more.

Both of my holes clenched his knotted cocks tightly as I went hurdling towards my second orgasm of the night. I instinctively writhed beneath him due to the pleasure becoming more than I could bear, but my movements were restricted under his weight, which was holding me down.

I buried my face into his shoulder as I cried through the stinging pleasure of overstimulation, and he responded with a low hum emitting from his chest as both his cocks twitched within me. Finally—as his fingers picked up speed awhile they rubbed furious circles around my sensitive mound—I came completely undone as I was thrown into an earth-shattering orgasm that had me seeing white. 

My body trembled violently beneath him as I screamed and cried through it, while he whispered sweet praises in my ear that I unfortunately could not comprehend at the time. Once my orgasm came to an end, my whole body fell limp. I still felt so damn full and satisfied, and in that moment, it dawned on me that I had never had such a pleasurable experience in all my life; Syzoth truly was something special.

Despite still being filled to the brim and the overstimulation still nipping at my now-numb holes, I could barely stay awake for another second. My eyes slowly fell shut as I let out a pleased sigh. 

"Good girl; you did so well." Syzoth whispered as he raised a hand to gently caress my hair. I responded by slowly lifting the corners of my lips into a tired smile and although I could not see him, I knew that he most likely mirrored my expression on his own. "Have a rest, my little sunshine. I'll be here when you wake."

And I did, knowing that I would be safe in his arms—that he would be there for me when I would wake. I let myself finally drift off to sleep, feeling his gentle caresses and knots still keeping us connected. 

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[ckret2]

Chapter 18 of Mabel has made the questionable decision to befriend human Bill (real title TBD), and the first chapter with an actual title!

After the emotional rollercoaster of the last chapter, this one's pretty lighthearted. Featuring: food poisoning, anti-intellectualist propaganda, ritual sacrifice, arson, burns, injury, cannibalism, and children almost dying. And friendship!

####

One of the things that came with immortality—mature, cosmic-scale immortality, not baby immortality like you found in vampires with a few measly centuries under their belts—was an expertise at meditation.

And it had nothing to do with being particularly wise, or serene, or enlightened (although Bill would argue he himself happened to be all those things). Even the most rambunctious, cantankerous, petty, spiteful, impatient, silly immortal in the multiverse could drop into a thoughtless trance deeper than the Mariana Trench with nothing but five seconds' notice that he had some time to kill and there was nothing interesting on TV. 

Most mortals struggled with this idea, the same way fish struggled to understand how it was so easy for land mammals to hold their breath underwater. They didn't understand that it was a necessary survival skill.

Some millennia were boring. "You've had every conversation you can imagine with every person you know, you won't see a fresh planet for an eon, you're floating in the void of space, and your only company is the glitter thrown off of dead stars" boring. So boring the only way to get through them was by holding your breath until they were over. And in those times, the only way to endure the soul-crushing mind-shredding suicide-inducing boredom of those long, slow, dull millennia was knowing how to productively dissociate for the next five thousand years without so much as needing a snack break.

Bill was very old. Bill was very good at meditating.

It wasn't doing him a bit of good.

He'd lost count of how many hours he'd spent meditating since his capture: sitting in the dark, legs crossed, hands on his knees, eyes shut, trying—trying—trying to do anything. Trying to astral project out of this prison. Trying to see into the mindscape. Trying to connect to the countless windows through which he could see all over Earth. 

Trying to feel the vast stores of pure energy that made up the core of his being.

He couldn't feel it.

And he was not terrified, he wasn't he wasn't he wasn't.

Surely the Axolotl hadn't taken that energy away—that would be infinitely cruel—but he'd done an amazing job of sealing it away. Bill was psychically dead when he was awake, helpless prisoner when he was dreaming. Here he'd thought the Ax was gonna help him avoid punishment.

Well, what do you do when you're in a cage and you aren't strong enough to break the bars? You pick the lock. Where could Bill find a psychic lock pick?

Someone knocked on the bathroom's doorframe. "Hey Bill?"

He snapped out of his futile meditative state. "Yeah?"

"Are you using the toilet or just lurking creepily?"

"Lurking creepily!"

Mabel pulled aside the curtain and turned on the light. "Do you wanna help me make a video on—"

"More than anything." Bill got to his feet and—ow—cracked his sore back. Meditating could keep you sane when you were in the deepest depths of sensory-deprivation boredom, but it didn't actually offer you any entertainment. Mabel, on the other hand, did.

He'd find a lock pick later. Something would come up. It always did.

####

The weaving camera only revealed a blurry patch of carpet and upholstery back before it managed to focus on its target: half a hot dog lying between the back of the sofa and the living room wall. "There it is!" Mabel said. "I knew I smelled something in here."

"Wow, look at the colors on this thing! The green splotches kinda look like tie-dye," Bill said. "Hey, nobody's had hot dogs since you locked me up, have they?" There was a moment of silence as they tried to figure out how long that hot dog had lain, cold and forgotten, behind the couch.

Then the camera jostled as Mabel tried to reach past it to the food. "I'm gonna eat it."

"I'm gonna eat it."

"Hey!"

Bill's arm stretched past Mabel's, snatched up the hot dog, and disappeared. 

"Biiill! I wanted to try it!"

"No way, it's mine now! You snooze, you lose, kid!"

Mabel whipped the camera around to focus on Bill's grinning face as he inspected his prize. "Hey, this thing's growing mushrooms! It's provided its own condiments!" He held Mabel back at arm's length as he shoved the hotdog in his mouth, chewed quickly, and swallowed.

"Jerk," Mabel said. "How did it taste?"

Bill looked thoughtful. "Kinda sour and vinegary," he said. "Probably from the mold."

"Gross! Do you think it was safe to eat?"

Cheerfully, Bill said, "We'll know in a few hours, won't we?"

####

Mabel sat outside the downstairs bathroom with the camera turned toward the curtained doorway. A radio on the floor playing a Sev'ral Timez song unsuccessfully drowned out the sound of Bill heaving into the toilet.

One trembling arm reached out of the bathroom toward the radio. Bill croaked, "You're my only proof that time is still passing." He feebly patted the radio. "Tell me the universe keeps moving forward. Songs play. Moments end. I'll be free again." He made a choking noise and the arm quickly withdrew.

Mabel turned the camera toward herself. "And that concludes Mabel's Guide to Indoor Foraging! Tune in next time for... I don't know, how about animals?"

Bill replied with a deathly wheeze as he inverted his stomach.

"Animals it is!"

####

Mabel's Guide to Animals

####

The camera opened on a shot of the living room sofa, where Bill sat cross-legged and grinning next to a large easel pad. The first page of the pad was covered in drawings of cute animal faces, birds, fish, and (closer to Bill's side) skulls, lightning, and triangles.

From behind the camera, Mabel said, "Welcome to Mabel's Guide to Local Animals—"

"I'm helping," Bill said.

"—featuring Bill Cipher as my cohost!"

"That's me!"

"Yes it is. Lots of different systems have been proposed to help categorize animals—"

"These are called 'taxonomies,'" Bill said.

"—but together, we've picked out some of the best, most useful ways to categorize the animals of Gravity Falls. Such as: size!"

Bill flipped the first page of the easel pad, revealing a page covered in drawings of a couple dozen creatures ranked in size from mosquito up to lake whale.

"Color!"

Bill revealed a page with animals arranged in rainbow order. (Several of the overwhelmingly brown population had been circled in various hues of blue, purple, green, and pink, as Bill made mental notes to himself on how he'd recolor some of Gravity Fall's more visually boring creatures. Mabel had stuck star stickers beside the ideas she liked the best.)

"Friendliness!"

Another flip, and four columns capped by faces ranging in emotion from smiley to angry. The angry column was very long, but several creatures had been scratched out and hopefully moved to the sorta-smiley column.

"How good they taste!"

Bill turned another page to reveal a list of animals ranked by flavor, and said, "And a very important follow-up..." He turned another page to reveal one titled "How Many Times You Can Survive Eating It." There was a lot of overlap between the previous page's "Delicious!" column and this one's "Only Once" column.

"Super important," Mabel agreed.

Bill said, "You can also sort animals by..." Flip. "Quantity of bones!" Bill's handwriting utterly filled the page. It was unnervingly thorough. He'd listed "humans," "human babies," and "toothless humans" as three separate species.

Flip. "Planet of origin!" There were twelve different headings, only one of which was in English. One heading titled "?????" simply had a doodle of Bill underneath.

Flip, revealing a pie chart. "Percentage of known timelines in which a species has conquered the Earth!" Bill pointed at a slice that took up almost a quarter of the chart. "Humans are in the lead!"

"Yes!" The camera jiggled as Mabel pumped her fist in the air. "USA! USA!" Her chanting petered out. "Hey—what's that bit next to it—?"

"Don't worry about it." Bill smacked his hand over the pie sliver labeled "Bill" and quickly turned the page.

Mabel said, "Anyway, after several rounds of rigorous scientific debate, we've determined the most efficient and useful way to categorize the various creatures in Gravity Falls: the Fuzziness Scale!"

Bill gestured proudly at the heading on the final page, and then pointed at each category as Mabel listed them off.

"Starting with hard animals—"

Bill said, "Such as turtles and rocks."

"—then crunchy ones—"

"Roly-polies, ants, and baby turtles."

"—then smooth and firm—"

"Snakes and fish."

"—smooth and squishy—"

"Slugs, pigs, and Soos."

"—part fluffy, part bald—"

"Humans and winged snakes."

"—regular fluffy—

"Cats, dogs, and bears."

"—extra fluffy—"

"Alpacas and baby chicks."

"—and super deluxe MAXIMUM fluffy!"

"Tarantulas!"

Mabel said, "Our primary goal is to offer the scientific community a new, more accessible taxonomy that everybody can enjoy!"

Bill said, "And our secondary goal is to remind humanity of the inherent futility and cruelty of categorization! Reject boxes, embrace irregularity, and destroy the tenuous connections between concepts and synapses that you call 'knowledge'!" He pointed directly at the camera. "Return to the times of Icarus when humans could fly because no one had taught them they couldn't! Raze your universities, turn your libraries into origami, and execute your teachers as witches! Burn it all down!"

"Burn it down!" Mabel cheered. "Burn it DOWN, burn it DOWN—"

####

From atop the kitchen table, the camera recorded the stove, upon which the easel pad lay engulfed in flames. Mabel and Bill watched the mini-inferno silently.

Mabel turned to Bill. "I'm gonna get some sticks so we can roast marshmallows."

"Good idea. I'll watch the fire and not make it worse."

Mabel shot him a skeptical look.

"I promise."

"I'm holding you to that!" Mabel jogged from the room.

Bill glanced out the kitchen doorway to make sure she was gone, turned toward the stove, and slowly, ever so slowly, stuck one finger into the flames. "A—"

####

Mabel smiled at the camera. "Welcome back! My co-host has been banned from the rest of this episode so he can reflect on his behavior."

Behind her, Bill, one hand bandaged and face covered by a paper bag that read "PLAYED WITH FIRE," said, "It was worth it!" He'd persuaded Mabel to draw his triangle face over the text.

"So, now that you know several ways to categorize the creatures of Gravity Falls, you can go meet them! And hopefully befriend them!" Mabel said. "Now, meeting animals is difficult, but there's several ways you can make it easier! Such as fishing, going to a petting zoo, sneaking into your friends' homes to talk to their pets, disguising yourself as an animal—"

Bill threw in, "Using a spell to summon them."

"Using a spell to su— Doing what?" Mabel stared at him. "Do you know a spell to summon animals?"

"Oh yeah, it's easy!"

"What kinds of animals."

"Any animals in hearing range," he said.

Mabel gasped. "Can you teach me?!"

"Sure! It's easy. You've gotta be a girl, put on the fanciest dress you own, stand somewhere in the open, sing a song—"

"What song?"

"You make it up on the spot. It's one of those 'sing from your heart' deals."

"Oooh, Mabel likey."

"The most important part is keeping your mind focused as you sacrifice a..." Bill hesitated, glancing toward the camera, and said, "Well, the whole world doesn't need to know this trick, do they?" He covered the camera lens with his hand, and the screen went black.

####

Bill shot from the attic window as Mabel stood on the picnic table in a frilly lime green dress and a dozen multicolor bead necklaces and held up a cardboard sign for the camera that read, "Summoning animals with magic: ATTEMPT ONE!" She gave Bill a thumbs up. Visible from the edge of the camera's shot, Bill gave one back.

She tossed the sign aside, turned toward the trees around the shack, and started singing into a megaphone loudly enough that the camera faintly picked it up: "My name is Mabel, queen of the animals! I want all creatures to be my pals! La-la-la—um—la-la, la—be my best friends foreveeer!"

"Hey, she's not bad at this," Bill muttered. "Even got a rhyme in." He panned the camera around the scene as squirrels, rabbits, gnomes, and other small critters curiously emerged from the tree line. A couple of deer watched thoughtfully.

"To animals everywhere, small and huge—come to me and I'll give you a hug—aaAAAH!" Mabel jerked up the hem of her skirt and hopped from foot to foot. "Bugs, that's so many bugs! Ack!" She shakily resumed singing, "Um—The queen of the animals is friends with bugs too... but it'd be cool if you didn't... climb on my shoe...?" She started. "YEEK!"

The camera wiggled as Bill flinched. "Oh, uh-oh, M—Mabel, watch out—!" He banged on the window. Mabel evidently didn't hear. Under his breath, he muttered a word not designed for human tongues but that probably should have warranted washing his mouth out with soap. And then a giant hand with fingers like tree trunks reached from the woods and snatched up Mabel.

The world blurred and bounced past the camera as Bill tore across the attic, screaming, "WHATCHERNAME-MABEL'S-BROTHER YOUR SISTER'S GETTING STOLEN IT'S NOT MY FAULT—"

####

Bill aimed the camera through the tiny window in the front door to watch as Dipper and Mabel limped back to the shack—weary, dirty, clothing torn, sticks and leaves in their hair, arms slung over each other for support. Bill stepped back as they opened the door. Brightly, he said, "Hi, kids! Have fun?"

Dipper gave him a murderous look. Exhausted, Mabel looked at the camera and said, "This has been Mabel's guide to... how not to befriend the local animals." She slithered out of Dipper's grip and lay on the floor. "I'm gonna take a nap here."

Dipper looked tiredly at Mabel, then glared again at Bill, then just sighed and muttered, "Bill, take that stupid bag off." He trudge up the stairs. "This is all your fault."

"Is not!" Bill called; but the camera picked up his quiet chuckle.

The view dropped to the floor as Bill decided his amateur cameraman duties had been completed, recording his feet as he walked into the kitchen to leave the camera on a counter. He didn't turn it off.

It caught the scene through the kitchen doorway as Bill tossed his paper bag mask aside and surveyed Mabel on the floor, hands on his hips. He crouched in front of her and loudly whispered, "Hey. Shooting Star. Can you hear me?"

She didn't respond.

"Out like a light," Bill murmured. He studied her face; and then gently placed a fingertip on her forehead. The camera recorded his lips moving as he murmured, too quietly to pick up: videntis omnium, magister mentium...

He finished his chant. Nothing of any note happened. Bill frowned, stood, and sighed.

And then, after a moment of shifting his weight as though debating what to do next, he knelt back down, awkwardly picked Mabel up, and carried her upstairs. He paused cautiously on each stair step to ensure he didn't trip. A few minutes later, the camera watched him stumble back downstairs, trudge into the living room, and turn on the TV.

Half an hour later, Waddles wandered into the entryway and Bill went into the kitchen, came back with a stick of dry chorizo, ripped off chunks with his fingernails, and tossed them to Waddles while singing a song he'd made up about cannibalism. And then he returned to the living room and Waddles wandered upstairs.

Nothing else of interest happened. The camera kept on recording, forgotten, until the battery died.

####

[lizsos]

Birthday sex

Genre : smut

Tatter x reader

After finally waiting for a year , the day has finally arrived. My 20th birthday, I'm usually never this excited when it comes but this time is different cuz I'm celebrating it with my amazing girlfriend Tatter . We've been together for almost a year now this is my first birthday that I'm spending it with her . Right now I'm at my apartment getting ready to go out on a surprise party with Tatter . As I was getting ready , I received a text .

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Tata 😸 :

Hey sweetheart , are you almost ready ?

Pretty girl 💕

Hey tata , yes I'm almost ready . Can you wait to see you later ! :)

Tata 😸 :

Hehe me too sweetheart ! But the thing is I won't be able to pick you but I sent Lusher unnie to pick you up okay ? I'm very sorry :(

Pretty girl 💕

Aww ! Its alright tata see you later ! Love you 🤍

Tata 😸

Love you too sweetheart , see ya !

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As soon as I finished getting ready . I heard a honk coming from Lusher unnie's car

I quickly ran outside ,got onto her car and she greeted me with a tight hug. "Happy birthday y/neee " I giggled and hugged her back , "hehe thank you unnie "I connected my kpop playlist to Luhser unnie's car and we began to make our way for the party! Half an hour later ,we finally arrived to our destination. A night club that Tatter reserved just for me to have a party ! When Lusher unnie and I entered the club , to my surprise it was empty ,I was confused at first and turned to Luhser unnie and asked " where is everyone ?" She just giggled at me . At that split second everyone including my friends, family , my team and most importantly Tatter apeard yelling "SURPRISE"

Tatter POV :

I was doing the finishing touches to y/ns party when I got a call from Luhser unnie saying that she's already picked up y/n and they're on their way . I immediately gathered all the guest and told them to hide so we can could surprise y/n . After a few minutes , we heard y/ns voice from the other side of the bar and on the count of three , we all came out of our hiding spot and yelled out " SURPRISE" .

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I was so excited that I couldn't barley stay still . I was about to go greet everyone when suddenly I felt a pair of hands wrapping around my waist. I turned around and saw my girlfriend looking dressed up with most sexiset suit ive ever seen . I threw my arms around her neck and brought her into a passionate kiss . After a good minute or so , she pulled back and brought her forhead to mine . "Happy 20th birthday sweetheart"

I smiled with tears in my eyes "thank you so much love!" She quickly gave me another peck on the lips and ragged me around to greet the quests . After greeting all the guests , we had a cake cutting ceremony and right now everyone's on the dancer floor dancing .

Tatter POV:

Right now everyone was drunk dancing on each other . While I'm at the bar having a drink . Everyone was having fun especially the birthday girl. Speaking of y/n I can't even deny how sexy she looks right now in her birtheday dress that hugged her figure .Ugh! I'm so horny right now ! I just want to rip her dress off and fuck her senseless. My pussy was throbbing and my panties were soaked . I gusse y/n realised that I've been staring at her deeply so she came over to me and grabbed my arm and dragged me into the bathroom , she made sure to lock the door after her .

You immediately lock the door and pinned Tatter to it . Tatter looked into your eyes and they were filled with nothing but lust and hunger . Tatter switches the position's and pins you to the bathroom wall , her eyes were growing dark with lust and hunger as well . Tatter whisper seductively into your ear "is someone needy" you whisper back " yes mommy ever since I saw you with that suit I just couldn't handle myself ." Tatter smirked and replied " looks like were on the same page then" without any hesitation, Tatter kisses you harshly . Tatter bites on your bottom lip asking for entrance which you gladly accepts. Both of your tongues fighting for dominance and obviously Tatter won . Without breaking the kiss , Tatter carries you up and places you on the counter . Feeling a little playful , you break the kiss and do a strip show for Tatter . Tatters eyes turned a shade darker and she started to untighten her tie . As soon as you removed her suit , leaving her undergarments, Tatter grabbed you by the hips and kissed you .

Tatter moves down to your neck ; kissing , sucking and licking making you moan uncontrollably. Tatter moves to your chest and unhooks your bra and immediately starts to devour on your chest . Tatter grabs your left breast and starts licking it while fondling with her own breast . You started to moan . as you grab a lock of Tatters blonde hair and push Tatters mouth into your breast . Tatter starts gropping her other breast harder and starts to go lower and lower ....

Tatter spreads your legs and abruptly rips your undies . You gasped but you were also turned on even more . Tatter began to kiss your thigh leaving marks everywhere. You began to grow impatient and started to whine "p-pleass " Tatter smirked knowing the effect it has on you . "Please what sweetheart?" Tatter said . "Please fuck me mommy , I cant take it anymore , I need your tongue and fingers in me please" Tatter moaned at your dirty talk and immediately dived into your pussy sucking it hard and kicking it roughly . You arched your back due to the amount of pleasure your feeling "oh f-fuck mommy!" You were moaning a mess and you couldn't control yourself anymore . Tatter moaned at your moans sending vibrations making you arch you back even more .

The pleasure you were feeling was amazing and everything around you seemed to disappear . Within minutes , your stomach was coilling up and you knew you were gonna release soon . You moaned out , " ugh mommy, I'm so close don't stop" as soon as Tatter heard that she stopped . You became frustrated and whined at Tatter . "Why did you stop?!" Tatter smirked within seconds you went back to moaning a mess . Why you ask? Cuz now Tatter was grinding her pussy along with yours . You eyes rolled to the back your head and you immediately falled back into the world of pleasure .

Tatter humps you wildly and both of your moans and the sound of your pussies rubbing against one another were the only sound that could be heard . Both you and Tatter were reaching your climaxes . " ahh~ mommy I'm cumming ! " " me to sweetheart" and with that they both came . Tatter continued to grind on you and to help you ride out her high . Tatter quickly cleaned you up and helped you back into your clothes while Tater gets in hers . You bring Tatter into another passionate kiss . " best birthday sex ever !" Tatter chuckled and replied " glad you liked it sweetheart cuz there's more for you when we get back home " Tatter winked and walked out of the bathroom leaving you feeling excited to go home .

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Taglist : @pinkyqil @badasgirlfriend @badaleesbish @badaspebble @badaleeswifey @ssivinee @mikachacha @mikaleialt @bebeyue @galletitalunaa @badaleewifeyyyeah @badaleewifeyyyeah

[bakvrue]

leopold vermillion x reader || something short and sweet for my first time writing him, im so happy i was able to write this for him, divider by @/saradika-graphics

A familiar tink on glass draws your attention from your vanity mirror. You look at the window, the stars shine brightly against the deep midnight of the nights sky, and smile.

That tink against the glass has been happening for years and it only means one thing. You look back to the mirror quickly, the happy glow radiating from you giving you more confidence than you need.

You walk across your room, across the floors that you took your first steps on, and spot the small pebble from your mothers garden sitting on the sill of your window. Your fingers fumble with the lock on the window as you try to catch a glimpse of that vermillion hair.

The chill of the spring air sends a shiver up your spine.

“Leopold,” you call down to him, your voice more breathless than you were intending.

He spins on his heels, gravel crunching beneath his boots, and his eyes meet yours. The tension in his face immediately relaxes and you take a mental snapshot of him, just like this.

His hair is shorter than the first time he threw a rock at your window, and he isn't wearing his full Crimson Lion Kings uniform. Instead choosing for a simple grey pant and white shirt.

You remember the way you poked fun at him that first night, sneaking into your family's garden in his full uniform. What if someone saw him jump the wall, what would that do to the Prestigious Lion King name! That jest led to him picking you up over his shoulder and running through your mother’s garden, spinning you around until the two of you were doubled over laughing.

Leo’s eyes shine in the moonlight, and he says your name like a prayer.

“I’m getting married tomorrow, Leo. You shouldn’t be here.”

He puts his hands on his hips and looks down at his feet, shaking his head.

“Who’s the lucky guy?”

His hand reaches out and grabs ahold of the trellis that was reinstalled after you joined the Golden Dawn a few years ago.

You purse your lips as he begins to climb, “Well he’s very handsome,” you exaggerate each syllable, “smart too, he has amazing battle sense.” Leo is half way up the trellis and you continue, “He handles the men under him with such respect and care, it’s impossible not to fall for him.”

Leo pulls himself in your window and his boots aren't on the floor for one second before he’s reaching for you, pulling you into his arms, holding onto you so tightly that you know his fingertips are engraved into your soul. Your heart rate quickens as he lowers his face to yours.

“He sounds like a nice guy, but what about how he makes you feel?” His hushed tone pulls you closer and your lips part. His gaze searches your face as your hand moves to rest upon his chest.

All the warmth that Leo has given you rises up in your heart, every declaration of love, every kiss that has lasted longer than it should have, every time he’s looked at you as if you were the reason the stars were hung in the sky, and every laugh that you've shared mixes together and creates a beautiful tapestry of your life with him. A life that’s only getting started.

“He makes me feel like the sun.”

His lips meet yours, hungrily. His nose bumping against yours as he changes angles, the taste of him on your lips something that you'll never get tired of. His hands pull you closer and then readjust, never satisfied with the space between you. Needing and wanting every cell in your body to be connected to his, his kiss and strength pushing you backwards and his lips continue chasing, kissing you passionately until your lips are swollen and your body burns.

“I missed you,” Leopold murmurs against your lips.

It has only been a few hours since the rehearsal dinner, but you’d be lying if you didn't feel the same way.

“I missed you too.”

His eyes crinkle and he caresses your cheek, running a thumb against your swollen lips. “I can’t wait to spend every night with you, just like this. Can we start tonight? Let me stay.”

You laugh, “Leo, you're not supposed to see me on the wedding day until the ceremony.”

“I’ll leave before sun up, then it won't count.”

You squint your eyes at him, pondering for exactly one millisecond.

“Okay, stay.” You wrap your arms around his neck, “But you have to be out by sun up!”

“Deal,” he leans down and wraps his arms under your ass, lifting you up to his chest, and delighting in the way you cling onto him as he walks across your room towards your bed.

[chronicangel]

be cute, be dumb, be wise, be young

Link to this fic on AO3. Words: 3009 Date posted: October 20, 2024 Summary:

“Pacifica, tell me you didn’t get a tattoo just to seduce me,” he groans. “I didn’t,” she says, extremely matter-of-factly. “I got a tattoo, and now I’m seducing you.”

This is based on @flxnce's tattoo artist/barista AU, which is so so good and you should check it out!!

“Are you sure you want to put this on your body forever?”

“Oh shut up. You and Mabel have practically been harassing me to get a tattoo for the last six months and now the first idea I come to you with, you try to change my mind?” Pacifica glares at him, and it’s not quite as intimidating as it was when she had black hair, but he holds his hands up in surrender anyway.

“Not trying to talk you out of it!” He says, and his face flushes at how fast it peeps out of him. So it’s still a bit intimidating. “I just don’t want you to regret it and get mad at me or anything.”

She rolls her eyes and blows a cloud of smoke in his face in what he guesses is supposed to be a retort, but it’s hard for him to be anything but mildly annoyed about it because that was his cigarette a few minutes ago. “Look, I’m not gonna get into the whole tragic backstory or whatever to make this make sense to you. I thought it was a cool idea.”

Dipper wonders if there is a tragic backstory or if she’s just speaking metaphorically. He’s noticed that she doesn’t talk about her family. He figured they just weren’t close and didn’t think prying much further would be polite, but now that he’s been presented with the possibility that there’s something messed up about it, it connects some dots.

Before he can ask, she holds the cigarette back out to him, half-gone with the filter covered in her lip gloss. “I thought you were quitting,” he grumbles, taking a long drag while she just smirks at him. There’s not much left after that, and he puts it out on the railing. There’s no ashtray and he doesn’t want to litter, so he stuffs the butt in his pocket, where he’ll probably forget about it until it’s time for laundry and Mabel yells at him. “Why do you want me to do it, anyway? Wouldn’t Mabel be better for that sort of thing?”

“I’ve seen the tattoos you guys do. Mabel’s art is amazing, but your lettering is better.” Somehow, she manages to say it like none of that was a compliment, though she doesn’t make it sound like an outright insult either, so it’s at least better than it would have been a few months ago. He knows that she thinks his art is good, anyway, because he’s seen the way that she stares at his arms when he’s in short sleeves and he can’t think of any other reason she’d do that. “Do you not want to do it?”

She looks vulnerable in a way he’s never seen. She’s not making eye contact with him, and she picks at a loose thread in her ripped jeans, threatening to make them look a little less intentional and a little more ruined.

“Yeah,” he says somewhat absentmindedly. Then, realizing that that’s the wrong answer to the question she actually asked him, he adds, “I mean, yeah, let’s do it. Why not? I think my book is a little tight this week, but—”

“Oh, there is no way you’re getting me on that table during daylight hours for this,” she says, and he stares at her for a second.

“Uh, what?”

“I am not doing this in front of Leo, let alone a bunch of strangers. Don’t you have a tattoo gun at home or something?”

“Well, yeah, but my apartment isn’t exactly up to code for—”

“Don’t care, didn’t ask.”

He snaps his mouth shut, cutting off his lecture about sanitization and how he could lose his license if anybody heard about this. It’s not like he didn’t do his own tattoos in his bathroom when he was 18 years old and thought he knew better than the health department, and it’s not like his apartment is some sort of crack den or anything. Mostly, though, he just doesn’t want to have this argument with Pacifica when she’s clearly determined to do it no matter what he says.

It turns out that his apartment is within walking distance of hers. He shouldn’t be shocked, since most of Gravity Falls is within walking distance of most of the rest of it, but he is, a little. It feels like they should have met sooner.

Mabel isn’t home, which is a blessing. There is no way that she could be normal about this. He doesn’t know where she is, though, or when she’ll be back, so he gestures for Pacifica to follow him to his room.

This is the first time in his life that he’s ever regretted not listening to Mabel when she lectures him about tidying up his room. There’s all sorts of papers and soda cans at varying degrees of fullness littering the surfaces of his desk and his dresser, and he’s got various articles of clothing strewn about the floor.

“Wow, you live like this?”

His embarrassment immediately gives way to annoyance, and he shoots her a glare over his shoulder. “Okay, I don’t have to give you a tattoo just because you’re in my apartment.” Still, he picks up a few pieces of laundry and tosses them into his hamper as they pass. He knows the gun is on his desk somewhere amongst all of the mess.

It takes a few minutes of digging, but he manages to find the tattoo gun his great uncle had bought for him to practice with when he was 17 and decided that he wanted to go into the profession. His parents had not approved, but since when did his parents approve of anything Grunkle Stan did? And it worked out in the end, didn’t it?

Of course, he almost drops it when he turns around to see that Pacifica has taken her jeans off, standing in his room in a t-shirt, underwear, and a flannel she’d stolen from him about two hours ago like it’s the most natural thing in the world for her to be doing. Fortunately,  he’s fumbled a lot of things in his life, so he’s able to catch it before it hits the floor and breaks.

“Um,” he says, his voice at least an octave higher and his face so red it burns. “I guess you can lay on my bed?”

If he wasn’t prepared for the sight of Pacifica half-naked, he’s definitely not prepared for the sight of Pacifica half-naked and laying on her stomach on his bed, her arms folded under her cheek, face turned so she can look at him over her shoulder. “Is the staring a part of the tattoo?” She asks, with a raised eyebrow and a tone that says she definitely knows it is not.

“I’m mapping it out,” he bluffs. He keeps that excuse in the back of his mind as he runs his eyes up and down her legs. Pacifica is not especially tall, but her legs are proportionately long. He can understand the appeal of the tattoo she’s asking for, at least in an abstract sense. If he was her, he’d want to draw attention to his legs, too. And it’s definitely going to draw attention.

He grabs her ankle and pulls her leg into his lap, or at least, he tries to, but she lets out a single snorting laugh and jerks her leg away from him. He raises his eyebrows at her, and she turns her head to hide in her arms and his pillows. “Sorry. Ticklish.”

“Are you sure you wanna do this?” She doesn’t answer him out loud, just nods against her arms and settles her leg in his lap. When he grabs her ankle this time, her muscle barely flexes under his fingers. “This isn’t going to feel great,” he warns.

To Pacifica’s credit, she doesn’t seem to react to the pain very much. When the needle first makes contact with her skin, he hears her hiss through her teeth, but after that she lays as still as anyone who’d gone under the gun a thousand times. The other thing he’ll credit her with is that the design she’s chosen for her first tattoo is extremely simple, all lines and letters. She didn’t give him a specific font, so he writes it in his own handwriting, and he tries not to think about the fact that his handwriting is going to be on Pacifica’s body forever.

When he gets up to the back of her knee, he offers her a break, but he’s a little surprised when she takes it. “Can you get me a glass of water?” She asks, and when he stands, she adds, “Or maybe a beer?” He laughs, which he knows is what she really wanted. Pacifica knows him and Mabel both too well to think there’s beer in their apartment. Mike’s Hard, maybe.

She sits up to drink her water, bending her leg so her calf isn’t against his sheets. He appreciates it, though mostly because he doesn’t know what kinds of germs are on his sheets to cause some sort of infection. When was the last time he washed them?

“Maybe you should let me wash and wrap those before we get started on the second half?” He suggests.

“You’re the expert,” she says with a shrug, and something about it strikes him as odd. It’s only when he gets back with the stuff for it that he realizes she hasn’t made a snarky comment since she took her clothes off.

“Are you doing okay?”

She tilts her head at him, flexing her leg like she’s testing out the muscles. “Yep, everything seems to be working fine,” she confirms. He just stares at her for another second, and he’s not sure if her face falling is because she realizes what he means or she realizes that she can’t pretend she doesn’t know what he means. “I’m okay,” she says.

“But?” He asks. There’s something about her tone… He doesn’t have the words for it, but he can hear it. There’s something wrong.

She heaves a dramatic sigh. “Well fuck, Dipper, can I just say I don’t want to talk about it?”

“Of course you can,” he says, faster than he means to. She doesn’t have to tell him anything that she doesn’t want to. But he’d like her to talk to him.

She stares at him for another second, and then her eyes drift over to his desk, and he feels another surge of embarrassment. He should have tidied it up after he found the tattoo gun, but he was so eager to get back to her, and then she wasn’t wearing any pants and he kind of forgot about everything else. “I still don’t want to get into the whole tragic backstory,” she says with a warning tone, and he holds his hands up in surrender as if he’d asked. “But my parents were—are the worst. And I guess this kinda feels like taking my body back from them. It’s… cathartic. It’s weird.” She laughs.

“I think a lot of people feel that way,” he says. Of course there are always the people who never thought that hard about it, the people who come in on impulse, but more often than not, he sees people who are very conscious of their bodies.

She looks down at the marks on her leg, twisting it around experimentally. “Is this the worst of it?”

“I can’t lie to you, the back of the knee is gonna suck. Like, one of the worst parts of the whole body to get tattooed suck. But it’s all uphill from there.”

“Guess we’d better get it over with then, huh?”

“No going back now,” he agrees. She sets the glass of water down on his end table, still half-full with marks from her lip gloss on the rim.

He holds her leg down against the bed while he works on the back of her knee, and he can feel her push up against it a couple of times. The only thing that keeps him from fucking the tattoo up is his own expertise, but he’s not about to scold her about it, not until it becomes a real issue anyway. That’s the reason that she asked him to do it, anyway, isn’t it? Well, this and his handwriting, he guesses.

He gets so absorbed in the work that he almost doesn’t notice the fact that he’s working his way up Pacifica’s leg, his fingers sinking into the flesh of her thigh. The room is quiet—just the soft buzzing of the tattoo gun and their breathing. Well, mostly Pacifica’s breathing. Dipper’s breathing is never more steady than when he’s working on someone, but his ears catch on every sharp breath and gasp she makes.

“Almost done,” he says in a way that he hopes is reassuring as he works on the last of the lettering under the swell of her ass. He doesn’t know how long they’ve been here—he thinks it can only have been an hour or two. All lines and letters, it seems impossible that it could have taken any time at all. He knows the only reason it feels like any time has passed is that it’s Pacifica he’s working on.

When he pulls away and immediately sets about getting it cleaned and wrapped, he glances up at her face to check in on her again. “Still doing good?”

“Do you worry this much about all of your clients, or is it just because we’re friends?”

“You know, I think that might be the first time you’ve ever admitted out loud that we’re friends,” he teases.

She gives him a curious look—not curious as in she looks curious, but curious as in he has no idea why the fuck she’s looking at him like that. “We’re friends,” she says, voice soft. Something catches in his chest. His breath? His heart? He’s not sure. “Of course we’re friends,” she adds, and he’s suddenly very aware of his hand against the back of her thigh.

He clears his throat and pulls away from her. “I think that’s, um, pretty much all taken care of,” he says, looking anywhere but at her while his cheeks burn. “You can remove the bandage after 24 hours, but make sure to moisturize it whenever you wash it and—” She reaches out to rest a hand on his arm, and his eyes flick over to her.

“Dipper.” She’s sitting up now, her leg bent up again to keep it off his sheets again even though the tattoo is all bandaged up.

He watches her leg slide around so she’s on a knee instead, and he barely has time to look up at her face before it’s right up against his and oh. She’s kissing him. She tastes like coffee and cigarettes and lip gloss, which are all flavors he’s extremely familiar with—some moreso than others. After a second of hesitation, he slides a hand up to cup her jaw while he kisses her back, and she doesn’t waste any time in climbing over him.

“Mnh… Mabel. I didn’t hear Mabel get home, but I don’t know when she’s—”

“She’s not coming home tonight,” Pacifica says hurriedly, her mouth hardly an inch away from his, and he blinks a few times.

He pulls away even though she whines about it. “Pacifica, tell me you didn’t get a tattoo just to seduce me,” he groans.

“I didn’t,” she says, extremely matter-of-factly. “I got a tattoo, and now I’m seducing you.”

“Then how do you know that Mabel isn’t coming home tonight?”

“Because I texted her while you were getting me water. Will you stop talking?” And, well, she doesn’t exactly give him a lot of room to argue. He doesn’t especially want to argue about it, anyway.

When he wakes up in the morning, closer to noon than usual, he hears the shower running in his ensuite bathroom, and it takes him just half a second to figure out who’s in it before he remembers, shit. Oh, shit. He gets up and scrambles to start putting his clothes on, whatever’s closest to the bed regardless of how dirty or clean it might be. He’s got boxers and one leg of jeans on before the bathroom door opens and steam comes rolling out of it.

She’s wrapped up in one of his towels, and that visual alone is enough to make his cheeks flush. (It shouldn’t be. He’s seen her naked, now. He’s done things to her. But it is.) “I was starting to think I killed you,” she teases, and he blinks a few times.

“Huh?” He says dumbly. Then, “Oh. Right. Because I…” He gestures vaguely at the bed behind him, but trails off. He’s staring. He should stop. He doesn’t.

She just stands in the doorway of his bathroom for a long minute, and he wonders if he’s supposed to be doing something here. He doesn’t… It’s not like he’s got no experience here, but he doesn’t have an abundance of it. “Do you like it?” He eventually manages to ask.

She looks confused for a second, and then her eyes drop down to her leg. “Oh.” She turns to let him see it, and the whole thing is visible with the length of the towel. She already took the bandages off, but he can’t find it in him to scold her.

Trailing up her leg are a series of lines with labels like “prude,” “flirty,” and “slut.” When she had told him about the idea, she explained this picture she’d seen circulated on social media a decade ago that had stuck somewhere in the back of her mind since. It was like a reclamation, she’d said. He’s not sure he gets it, but it’s hard not to let his eyes trail up her legs.

“Yeah,” she says eventually. His eyes snap back up to her face guiltily. “Yeah, I think I like it.”