#it's midnight and i'm sleepy. why am i sleepy i could be working on this (or on my college assignments [it's okay i've got a lot of time

[khufiya-khaufnak-antariksh]

So earlier today I introduced some of my WIPs to some new people, and I realised that many people might not be familiar with those two WIPs.

Kriya Petri: fantasy (with body horror & dystopian elements). Setting: A country called Fillor on a planet called Thuluke. In Fillor, to bind yourself to the one you love, you require a trinamate potion to seal the bond. 'Trinamate' is marriage (though that is a rather crude translation of the word). But to get a trinamate potion legally, the couple needs to be… acceptable. A man and a woman who plan to have at least one child. Yes, it's been 1000 years since the global apocalypse, but 'sufficient reproduction' is still a concern among the Filore people (plus it's a moral virtue for the Divine Monarchy, who reside on the cloudlands, with an iron grip on the institutes of Fillor). A potioneer wants to elope with their lover, but the pair is, let's just say, not acceptable. So what are they to do? The potioneer brews a trinamate potion on their own, finding the closely guarded methods & ingredients for the potion through who-knows-who, bunch of shady people. The potion explodes. The potioneer knows the punishment for something like this. They'll be condemned to Kaewoe (so will their lover, if anyone finds out), a realm so deep below the ground that it's close to the core of the planet. Kaewoe, where the mind & body are destroyed by the horribly high concentration of magic. Kaewoe, the names & lives & loves of all who enter it, all slowly turned to unknowledge. Good thing stealing identities is absurdly easy in Fillor! The potioneer wipes all memory of their crimes & love (or else the Thought magicians would know), flees to the city of Naebo. Their name is now Kriya Petri,

.

Welcome To The Real World: scifi, fantasy, surrealism, horror, tragedy

This one's in very early stages Inspired by Frankenstein Setting: The Great South Asian Rip in Reality, where physics (time & space both) is just completely twisted. The year is sometime in the 2070s. Sometimes it's the 2040s outside the Rip. Depends when/where you step out. Moh-maya, reality's very fabric & everything that keeps up the illusions that comprise reality, are very malleable in here. Main character: Kabir aka Moksh. A closeted Indian trans man who lives a double life, perhaps even a triple life. One in which he's a cis woman & a regular bright STEM student (STEM studies also include study of moh-maya). Another in which he's just some guy with good friends (the most authentic of his lives), where he goes by the name Kabir & uses moh-maya to present as his true self. If only temporarily. (it's painful, mentally & physically, whenever he has to revert to the female form). The third is some mad scientist bullshit, he's going by the name of Moksh among his fellow mad scientists & his main project is a moh-maya Frankenstein's monster that others can share their consciousness with, such that they can experience shape-shifting more easily & go where they physically aren't, do things they physically can't. Let's simply call it the 'entity'. Due to many reasons, creating this entity is pretty illegal. Hence the new name & collaboration with fellow shady people. the plot, put shortly: he starts doing vigilante justice w/the entity & then goes far & gets more & more consumed w/work & things go verrrrrrryyyyyy wrong despite starting with (dubious but) good intentions.

in this second one i neglected to mention the fact that you, as the reader, get front row tickets to the main character's spiral into madness & justifying murders thru the entity + the entity is a whole person & has opinions + a whole lot of other stuff, I DID mention that this WIP is in very early stages but holy fuck i could go on & on about it (just not in a way that can be packaged in a structured & sensible introduction)

[disgruntled-screaming]

As my rewatch of Voltron season 6 comes to a close, here are my thoughts on it. Mind you, as I'm writing this, it is past midnight. I took my medication, and one of the pills I take makes me a bit sleepy. I wholeheartedly apologize for any repeated sentences, nonsensical phrases, poor spelling of certain words, and poor grammar.

Keith and Krolia's adventure to the area where the other Alteans are should have been at least two episodes - there are moments that should have been more fleshed out, but were unfortunately cut short by production, and possibly absences of Steven Yuen since he is a popular actor in both America and South Korea

Season 6 was ordered, it started production with a certain number of episodes, then one of the suits decided to cut down on the number of episodes - that explains the weird montages

Monsters and Mana, while the best episode of the season (and I stand by it) was definitely written as either a needed filler episode (which is fine) or a special episode to release between season 6 and season 7

Anything that I said about Lotor, in terms of how he ruined Allura's character, is wrong. Allura is just not a good character in this season. I can understand that she needs that connection to her people, and Lotor is able to help her. But I genuinely stand with Lance when comes to not trusting Lotor, since he could not shut the ever loving fuck up about their fathers being friends. My brother in Christ, Lotor, we fucking get it. Your dad and her dad rubbed elbows.

The kiss shared between Lotor and Allura still makes me gag. Nothing against the shippers of this specific ship. I just hate Lotor and how he manipulated Allura. I've been through my own kind of manipulation, so I can't seem to like the character as a person.

I am still right in the theory that Lance and Shiro's relationship was supposed to be important. As much as I adore the fight that Keith has with Kuron, and he tries to being Shiro back and Keith says "I love you", shocking the clone enough for Keith to get the final blow... Lance was given the shaft once again. I could try to work with this in my fix it fic, despite sacrificing my favorite moment in the finale. I'm still outlining my fic, and still on chapter 1, so only time will tell.

That Galra robot that was programmed to have fun was amazing and the scene of it being tied to a rocket getting shot into space as Amazing Grace played in the background is iconic and I wish people talked about it more. Because it was insanely funny and I loved it too much. Fly high, random robot. I will always love you.

Despite me bashing Lotor for all that he is, I will still say that he is a well written character that I would love to punch in the face. Unfortunately he is like 7ft tall, and I am the same height as Krillin from DBZ. So I'm either going to have to learn how to do a Shoryuken a la Street Fighter.

As much as I love the finale of Season 6, I genuinely have to say that Keith's inclusion after being away from Team Voltron just seems convenient.

The Black Lion is the most disloyal bitch I have ever seen. I love the Black Lion's design, as I should. I'm a basic Voltron: Legendary Defender fan. But the Black Lion instantly took Keith back after leaving the team to be with the Blade of Marmora. Also the Black Lion had no problem with Kuron after a certain point, which is stupid. How dare it not be a continuous struggle for Kuron to gain its trust. Then again, this is the same lion that was still loyal to Zarkon despite the fact that Zarkon was evil. Never understood why Zarkon's bond with the Black Lion was so strong when Shiro proved himself to be the better paladin, but that's none of my business at this time.

I personally felt like the Blade of Marmora overstayed their welcome after a certain point. This could just be a me problem, and I am wholeheartedly willing to be the only person on this hill.

Coran is consistently amazing.

I don't know when the writers started making Hunk more of a tech savy character (I genuinely have no idea), but it's quite eye opening when you notice the change in archetypes.

Matt is still an okay character to me. When he was revealed, a good chunk of the fanbase was madly in love with him, which I understand, but I just look at him and shrug.

[leosficlist]

Johnlock Fluff List 5

Fluff 1, Fluff 2, Fluff 3, Fluff 4

Collections of Clues by ianavi

There was no sleeping that night. And not due to the awkward stammering in the stacks of the library. Or the phrasing of what felt as a sudden dismissal. All Sherlock could think about was John's gaze on his neck, lips, reddening cheeks. How heated he felt under that gaze, how alone when John left. He was itching with desperation to not just be looked at but also touched. It was juvenile fantasy. But he was alone in his bedroom, it was past midnight, and he could indulge. He imagined John's hand reaching to touch his cheek, his fingers brushing his lips. He buried his head into the pillow and groaned. Could John ever see him like that, ever want him?

notes: librarian!Sherlock, I don't usually read AUs but this one is so sweet and lovely, Sherlock sets up themed displays at work

The Unexpected Affair of the Injured Detective by marycrawford

Holmes comes home from work.

notes: watson stitches holmes back up, and comforts him after a nightmare. ACD

Darling by Artemis (Citrine)

Inspired by a very old prompt about Watson calling Holmes 'darling' by accident:

With my eyes closed and my head resting on the padded back of my armchair I let the haunting, lilting music of Holmes’ violin wash over me. The exquisite sounds he drew from the violin and the warmth of the fire lulled me into a gentle daydream. Even when the music drifted into silence I stayed still and quiet, basking in my cocoon of contentment.

notes: ACD/Victorian Holmes

Through the Clouds by Mazarin221b

Sherlock takes a remarkably early retirement at 47, and convinces John that a change of pace would do them both good. They buy an old cottage on the South Downs, and exchange their nonstop life in Baker Street for quiet contemplation, bee studies, and book writing.

They might go completely insane, but sometimes it takes stepping outside of the life you're living to find the life you want.

notes: the first retirementlock fic I ever read, have reread it many times when in need of some happy ending loveliness

In Dreams by orphan_account

Every once and a while, the dark makes it easier to see.

notes: sleepy bed sharing, sherlock being himself (irritating) while confessing his feelings

Bread and Wine and Curry Once a Week by cwb 8.7k

"I am not agitated. I'm just tired of it. The insinuations, the comments, that I have no... no interest in relationships, or sex."

"Oh. So you do, then?"

"Maybe."

"Which? Relationships, or sex, or both?"

notes: love letters, love confessions, first date, first time

Five Times John Noticed But Didn't Really by ScandalousMinds 6.3k words

5 times John (thought) he noticed something peculiar about his and Sherlock's relationship but really missed the obvious.

notes: fluff, getting together, misunderstandings, insecure sherlock

What Sweeter Music by englandwouldfalljohn 917 words

Mulled wine. That was the ticket.

After the 221B Christmas Party, a relaxed Sherlock takes one more request on his violin... and finds more than he hoped for under the mistletoe.

notes: Sherlock speaks without realizes, confessions, violin, first kiss

Notes On A Love Story by A_Candle_For_Sherlock 4k words

Watson finds a copy of The Picture of Dorian Gray in Holmes' room. Or: what happens when a queer novel upends Baker Street.

notes: lovely, honest and sweet, ACD getting together

Laundry Day by Tysolna  1.1k

Habitually, every Tuesday without fail, John goes and does his laundry. Sherlock had developed a habit of his own: He would put small handwritten notes into the pockets of John’s trousers. Notes containing small things, mundane things, calm little asides in the usually hectic and turbulent life in 221B.

notes: could be anywhere you want in canon, sweet, notes and love notes

4+1 (Four Times John Touched Sherlock's Hair, And 1 Time Sherlock Understood Why) by Stressed_Depressed_Lemonzest

Fact: John touched his hair Fact: It felt impossibly wonderful Fact: Sherlock had no idea what to do with this information Sherlock hated feelings. They were illogical, pointless and made no sense. Feelings about John were double that. But they were also pretty wonderful.

notes: set around S1/2, fluffy fluff, gen

But a Flesh Wound by scullyseviltwin 2.4k

John has an accident while making dinner and Sherlock... overreacts.

Five Times Sherlock Fell Asleep in John's Arms by Accident and the One Time He Did It – Accidentally – on Purpose by WillowGrove 7k

Sherlock notices that John keeps cuddling him to sleep and he rather likes it. But then John stops, and Sherlock has to result to schemes to make it happen again. Who falls asleep, who wakes up in who’s arms, and – most importantly – will there be a kiss in the end?

[bangchanisinmymind]

Channie when his partner overworks themselves with studying for days and now his job is to feed them and forfeit them to sleep or at least make them get up from that desk.

-A.

thank you for the request I hope it's close to what you wanted :) masterlist

[4:00 am]

pairing; bangchan x reader

"baby~~ I'm home" chris said happily after closing the front door of your shared apartment. "oh hi love" you said looking at him before returning to your work. "baby is everything okay?" he asked "yeah why has something happened?" you replied "no but it's monday 4 in the morning, you're working and we had a date yesterday which I forgot and you didn't get upset what's wrong" he pointed out almost everything.

"honey please it's friday it's not even midnight-" you stared at the clock on your screen; he was right. "babe tell me you've at least eaten the past two days and slept" he said worried and approached you carefully. you were tearing up; you did to yourself what you told him not to do again, but covered it up with a smile, he can't know you slept only 3 hours without leaving your desk, you haven't eaten nothing and arranged a date you didn't even care to remember about.

"everything is okay now go to bed and I'll join you" you kissed his cheek "turn off the computer " he ordered with a soft voice. "I'm not done-" "stop talking sweetie I'm trying to help you okay? now turn this thing off and come here" he said opening his arms to hug you. you did exactly what he said as tears started rolling down your face when he embraced you. "chris I'm so so sorry I shouldn't have done that you're right but I couldn't finish his project and i-" you tried to apologise between cries "shh princess it's okay now let's go take a shower okay?" he said kissing your forehead, you nodded.

he left you in the bathroom to wash yourself and gave you a hoodie and sweats to wear and made you dinner. after some time when you were ready he called you to the kitchen and ate that food with you. "it's good" you said to praise his cooking skills, "thanks love eat and we'll go sleep okay" "kay" you answered eating as fast as you could to sleep sooner. "drink your water too" he said drinking from his glass as well. "I'll clean up, go and lay down okay love?" he asked kissing your nose. you were about to collapse since you hadn't slept enough and just nodded.

you went to your shared bedroom and hugged his pillow tight inhaling his comforting scent while you waited for him. "angel, are you sleeping?" he whispered closing the door behind him. "no channie can we cuddle please?" you whispered back, voice already sleepy. he changed to his pyjamas, his shorts, and went under the sheets "come here love" he mumbled reaching for you.

© @/bangchanisinmymind on tumblr | do not translate or copy my work without permission {feedback is highly appreciated! comment/DM for requests!}

[chaeminnieya]

Midnight talks

Ft.Soyeon

Synopsis- you’ve had a hard time getting any sleep so you turned to Soyeon for help, only in the end she was the one with no sleep 🙁

Warnings- not much just swearing😈

“Soyeon..? Are you awake?” You whisper while softly pinching Soyeon’s cheek, you have had a-lot of trouble sleeping as of late so the best option for you was to spend the night at Soyeon's apartment.

“Soyeon…wake up.” You whined while rolling over and hanging off the bed, a muffled and quiet “go to sleep” was heard from Soyeon as she covered herself with blankets, trying to ignore your antics

A sigh was heard from you as you got back onto the bed and laid next to Soyeon, staring at her “thanks for letting me stay the night.” You whispered “huh?” Soyeon mumbled while still keeping her eyes closed “I'm just thankful for you.” You mumbled.

“For a while I just thought that I’d just work myself to death...Then I met you, you kind of gave my life more structure…probably because your constant nagging.”

Your words sort of stung Soyeon's heart but also warmed it, she loves her role as a leader and is so grateful she got the chance to meet the six girls of (G)-IDLE but sometimes she wonders if it was the right choice, I mean being a idol is hard and she doesn’t know if she’s got what it takes to get through that.

“I miss her.” You mumbled while admiring the small heart tattoo on the inside of your finger, the one that you and her got together

“I do too.” Soyeon muttered in response as she stared out the window, at the crescent moon trying not to let a tear slip out

“go to sleep.”

“I’m not sleepy.” You were.

“I am.”

“I’m bored.” You weren’t.

“Then sleep.”

“I can’t.” You probably could, if you felt like missing these precious moments that could be taken at any second.

“Why not…?”

“Because I'm bored!” You say while throwing your right arm around Soyeon and hugging her, being with Soyeon brought you peace..a sense of home, she was always waiting with open arms..there to catch you whenever you fall.

“I swear if you don't go to sleep I will make you sleep outside and have you use a leaf as a blanket.”

-

“You’re so annoying.”

Soyeon is currently wide awake, tracing the tattoo on your arm “But I'm thankful for you too.” Soyeon mumbled

“quit flirting with me”

“I am not!” Soyeon gasped while pushing your tattooed arm away “I wasn’t complaining geez” you said softly while staring holes into Soyeon’s side, watching her shoulders rise and fall slowly in all honesty Soyeon is in the top three girls you’d date…but no…or?

“Quit staring at me.” Soyeon scolded softly making you shudder in the process “cant help it, you’re so pretty” “you’re looking at the back of my head.” “Its pretty to me.”

“Take your ass to sleep.”

Not another word was spoken after that only the soft snores that came from you.

and as fast as the moon arrived, it left even faster as the sun arose and shed light to the dark city and peeked through the curtains Soyeon realized, that the Midnight Talk you both had shared made her miss her whole nights worth of sleep, but she wasn’t mad at that, because for all she knew this may be the last midnight talk the two of you ever have.

HINT!: put all the bold purple letters together

[salvy-deldroid]

Hi there! I am pretty new to this site so I dunno if I'm doing this currently or not. I've read some of your works on Wattpad and am a bit familiar with your writing. Can you write me a few fix headcannons for an ABO creepypasta idea? Alpha Jeff the killer and his Fem omega darling in the classic mansion AU? Darling isnt much of a combat and kill person, however due to being a product of two omega parents, shee does have a mutation in her genes leading to extra powerful pheromones on will. The pheromones can help assert her will on anyone, much like midnight's quirk in MHA. Person feels sleepy and couldn't process shit apart from what they're being told, and then end up complying to it. Slenderman uses it to it's full extent, sending the darling out in recruiting missions and using her to make sealed lips speak. I would love headcannons on how they met and how Jeff sees her! You can make it a bit of dark yandere! I don't have much preferences on clothing but I'll like it if darling's dressed in a beautiful dress with a half faced kitsune mask, it adds to her innocently mysterious aesthetic! It's okay if you can't tho, lots of love <333

Hi there Hon!! That's one specific request XD but it makes things easier imo. I really love the described environment (and the ABO is just the cherry topping the cake!) and am excited to see how this is gonna turn out to be!!! 

So let's start! I'll make it in headcanon format! 

Being a child born of an affair between two omegas didn't make your life any easier. However, it did make it a hell lot of interesting and adventurous. A teeny tiny Lil mutation in your DNA had granted you with something akin to a quirk, and you're grateful for it. The mutation causes you to secrete a special type of pheromone (that too on will, talk about winning the jackpot), which makes it easier for you to control and brainwash someone. Once inhaled, their brain fogs up and the person is temporarily moved to a little space kind of mindset, the only thing they're able to fully register being you and your demands. And hence, you could ask them or command them to do anything and they'll happily oblige. The effect of the pheromones stay as long as they're inhaling it, and a few differences in dosage can make large differences.

When it comes to recruiting, your pheromones are just used as a tranquiliser. You tell the now fogged up creep about the mansion, the advantages and the reasons why they should come with you. And in most cases, they agree and follow you like a lost puppy. In a rare few cases where they refuse, you have to command them to yield, because if you come back empty handed Slender would personally make sure you're punished accordingly.

And that's how you and the asshole of the household first met, on yet another one of your recruition missions. The fairly new creepypasta had been going on a bloody rampage each week, his kill streak enough to catch Slenderman's attention. And off you were dispatched, just 3 weeks after his debut, to find and recruit him.

Oh, it was bloody hell finding that crusty sewer rat. It took you a total of 4 days just tracking his position down. However, you finally found him lurking near the woods the mansion was in, a pretty convenient place. Following your usual set of actions, you start secreting the pheromones before approaching.

For Jeffrey however, the first time seeing you was something akin to witnessing an angel on earth. The previous week's had been rough, the police hot on his trail, laying low during the day and murdering in the night, along with the scarcity of food and water due to his current homelessness. In this subsistence crisis of a life, that beautiful aroma coming from the woods surely caught him off guard. His brain fogged up, all the reasonable thoughts and warning bells muffled as his only concern became to try and find the source of such heavenly smell. 

And as you waltzed out of the woods, wearing that beautifully crafted dress and the intricate kitsune mask hiding the upper half of your face, he was awestruck. He should've ran away, he should've attack and kill you, He should've demanded to know how you found him and what you wanted. But he didn't- he couldn't. At that moment, the only thing that existent to him was you, your offer about joining this mansion family shit where he would be kept safe and provided for and whatever, the beautiful scent, and this dark urge to own you. Something so fucking beautiful needed protection from all the horrors of the world. Something so soft needed someone to hold her close and keep her safe and secure. Something so mystical needed to be looked away and provided for.

You needed him and his protection, and he would gladly give it to you. 

He had absolutely no qualms about the mansion at all, ready to follow you to the depths of hell if it meant being in your mystic presence. He melted at the sight of you, making things times easier. He followed you back to the mansion, up the stairs and to Slenderman's office without any objections, not caring about neither the fact that there were other people looking at him with either curiosity or distaste, nor the giant faceless person in front of him going on and on about having to stamp some pact to join them and becoming a part of the pack completely. All he cared about the soft gaze on your face and the supportive, understanding smile on your soft lips. 

Finally, after being taken to his assigned room, did the fog clear after you closed the door and left. The reality crashed in on him, as he slid down into the floor questioning what, how and why.

This was only the start of the long spiral down the obsession lane for him. Those secret glances at you at the dining table would soon become hard glares at the other Alpha's you'd interact with. Before long he'd start tailing you during your missions, observing each and every interaction of yours. Soon small articles started going missing, nothing too much at first. Just a misplaced bracelet, lost earrings and forgotten scrunchies. Soon however, those little accesories turned into missing panties, lost bras and what not.

While this was going on behind the scenes, on the front stage Jeffrey had already started to get himself acquainted with you. Something out of your reach? Lemme geddit for ya shortie. Why so lonely? You can always play video games with me. He was everywhere, keeping an eye on you or straight up being the one hogging your attention. Oh, he just loved how your oblivious little self would squirm around, the queasiness of being watched. Those frightened little glaces you'd give while walking down the woods alone, your subconscious nagging at you about the presence of a viable alpha. Your jumpiness just added fuel to the fire, firming his belief that you needed someone to take care of you. You need him to take care of you.

A year or two passed by, the alpha within him getting more impatient as you went over to recruit more and more creeps. The thought that everyone here had smelt that sweet aroma of yours atleast once made his blood boil. He would need to act out soon, now that you had a fair amount of viable mates around you.

Soon, the time came. You had started to nest, getting ready for your bi monthly heats. Pillows, shirts and blankets thrown down into your little safe corner and molded into your fortress of fluff, your beautiful nest. This, coupled with your heat suppressants, would be enough for yet another heat without any trouble.

And as on que, our beloved yandere alpha started to put his plans to action. The minty suppressants in the bottle were replaced with mint candies, nothing too much for your oblivious self to notice. Sweet little omegas like you shouldn't use suppressants in that much amount, it would be bad for you. Soon little break in and sneaks into your room started to occur, all your stuff apart from your nest being lightly scented. Not enough for you to notice but prevalent enough for your hindbrain to go crazy. Most of the work had been done, now it's just about time….

Finally, the fateful day of your heart striked. Cramps times worse than what you've experienced in the last couple of years, your foggy brain not being coherent enough. The burning sensation throughout your entire body, you felt like crying. You had forgotten how painful heats can be. This was just one of the worse ones right? 

However, your world came crashing down as you opened your door, entering your room. The jar open door forgotten, all your attention got hogged by what has happened to your little den. 

The entire place just reeked of an alpha, from your bedding to your dresser and wardrobe. Taking low, dreadful steps into your defiled safe space, you should've felt bile rise up your throat. But your heart addled brain just added fuel to the fire, your subconscious screaming at you to go into your nest and wait for alpha instead of investigating. Taking slow, dreadful steps towards your nest, you held your breath in hoping for it all to be a dream 

But it wasn't. The scent of the foreign alpha was the most dense over your best, soon you found out why. Shirts, blankets and articles from your loved ones had been thrown out and replaced, as white hoodies, jackets, black shirts and unknown pillows and comforters lay in their place. All your stuffed toys now were aggressively scented and accompanied by larger toys you didn't recognise. Your nest, the safest place for an omega, had been thoroughly scented and 'perfected' by someone.

Your nest- your den had been marked by an Alpha. And as the realization dawned, you were broken out of your reverie by the sound of your door closing and locking. Snapping around, your eyes met with the figure of him, putting all the pieces together. You started backing away as he turned to meet you, the sickening smile on his face.

He'll make sure it would be a night you'll never forget. 

—------------------------------

Hope this is what you wanted! Sorry if I made any mistakes 😅

[bchanslvr]

New Year's Day [hp x gn!reader]

word count — 669

warnings — one kiss, sickly sweet fluff & not proof read.

summary — new year's day with harry.

a/n — yeah i know i'm late but i wanna start the year with my bf <3

Gosh Harry hated parties. Everyone was always staring, even when they thought they were slick with it, Harry could always see right through it.

He hated the people, the clothing, the intrusive conversations, the spotlight surrounding him, everything about it was stupid and he just wanted to go home.

But no you insisted on going to this New Year's Eve party, and that was the only reason he was here.

He was so goddamn lucky to have found you. An honest, and incredibly beautiful person from the inside out that loves him so much. Even through his flaws and scars.

He didn't know how he scored you but ever since he felt your unconditional love, nothing in the world mattered more than coming home to you dancing around the kitchen listening to a mainstream song as you cooked dinner.

You grounded him. From the distraction of all that outside of your home.

So that's why he willingly put aside every thought to be here with you on the floor tonight.

To be honest you were pretty neutral with parties. You only came tonight as an excuse to wear your most lavish clothes, and because some friends invited you and how could you say no?

And well, it gave you a chance to boast about your husband. Because who wouldn't when God gave him a beautiful face and the body of a prince.

Eventually came late night as people finally started leaving in their bougie cars and or lifts. You got the cue and managed to drag Harry home after 10 whole minutes of people saying goodbye to him.

Once you got home you rid yourself of any jewels and shoes before dashing for the bathroom to change into the comfort of your night clothes.

You wanted to shower but it was almost midnight and you were exhausted, so you opted for a morning shower once you woke up.

You swiftly did your night routine before collapsing onto your shared bed. Harry following a few minutes after.

You pulled the blanket over your bodies, and layed your head on his chest as he wrapped his arms around your waist. His face resting on your soft hair.

He kissed the crown of your head as you drifted off to sleep in his arms. Yet he still layed there, wide awake and staring at the ceiling.

Thinking.

"Love?" He asked softly as you let out a sleepy "mhm".

"I love you so much. I know I don't say it often but I really do. Do you know how lucky I am going into another year with you? The light of my life."

Your sleep faded as you kept listening to his words. Usually you would slap him on the arm telling him to go back to sleep if he woke you in the middle of night, but not this time.

You clang onto every word that left his lips. Soft in the heart as you pulled him closer to you in an embrace.

"Harry. You don't have to say 'I love you' because I know you do in your actions. Every single day I'm grateful to have a person like you to call as my husband. You're so selfless in everything you do. I don't know how I deserve you but God am I glad because I don't think I can let you go after everything that we've been through so far. "

"Y/N..." He whispered as tears pricked his eyes. Never ever in his life did he think he'd find someone so kind and loving like you.

All those nights as a kid as he stared out the window in his dorm wishing for love never went to waste.

He held you impossibly tighter as fireworks went off in the background as New Year's Day came.

You both lay there, lost in a trance of pure love.

"I love you Harry. Always will. I can't wait to spend another year with you." You say, turning around to gently kiss him on the lips.

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

harry taglist - again i have no one to tag right now except the people i already know like my works because i made a new taglist which is in my navigation so if you'd like to be tagged in future works check it out! anyways @ronsbadidea @ladyvesuvia @heythereangels @hmupotter @toms-diary

[torahoes]

(IDOLiSH7) Minami Natsume - An Idol's Daily Life Rabbit Chat: Part 2 - So that I don't keep him up late

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

Minami Natsume: Good work today, Takanashi-san. I'm sorry I was in the middle of my meal when you came to our green room earlier.

Tsumugi Takanashi: Good work today, Natsume-san. I'm the one who should be apologizing for visiting at an inconvenient time > <

Tsumugi Takanashi: There were a lot of dishes. Were you perhaps having a wrap-up party or something similar…?

Minami Natsume: Those were refreshments prepared by Isumi-san and the others for me. Since I have been busy with the final stages of composing lately, they were looking out for me.

Tsumugi Takanashi:

1) What did Isumi-san give you?

Minami Natsume: A mountain of fried chicken. He even prepared various flavors so I wouldn’t get tired of it. I especially liked the green perilla flavor that Isumi-san recommended, and the classic lemon juice flavor.

2) What did Inumaru-san give you?

Minami Natsume: Steak from Inumaru-san’s favorite restaurant. He said I'd feel happy if I ate plenty of delicious meat, so he encouraged me to eat a lot and gain strength.

3) What did Mido-san give you?

Minami Natsume: He figured I might want something sweet as well and brought me fruit sandwiches packed with seasonal fruits. It was a very considerate, Mido-san-like gesture. It made me happy.

Minami Natsume: Everything was so delicious that I couldn't help but eat it all up. Thanks to them, I feel motivated to work hard tonight as well.

Tsumugi Takanashi: But it's already so late. Are you going to start working now?

Minami Natsume: Just for a bit. Aren’t you still working as well, Takanashi-san?

Tsumugi Takanashi:

Tsumugi Takanashi: How did you know…!

Minami Natsume: So I was right.

Minami Natsume: When the IDOLiSH7 members came to our green room to greet us earlier today, Nikaido-san mentioned that you had been working until quite late recently.

Minami Natsume: He asked me if there was any way to make you rest using my divination. It was quite the unreasonable request.

Tsumugi Takanashi: Yamato-san… > <

Minami Natsume: I told them there was no such way to make you rest, but that yuzu could improve your health luck, so you might receive some yuzu-related treats.

Tsumugi Takanashi: So that’s why…! Actually, everyone at the office gave me yuzu candies and yuzu tea as gifts just now.

Tsumugi Takanashi: When I have a big task, I tend to stay up late until I reach a good stopping point... I’ll be more careful so as to not worry anyone again.

Minami Natsume: Please do. That said, I do understand how you feel.

Minami Natsume: If I leave something unfinished, it bothers me so much I can’t sleep.

Tsumugi Takanashi: Even if you try to sleep, that unfinished task just keeps coming to mind, doesn't it? > <

Minami Natsume: Are you perhaps the type that loses track of time when you concentrate on something?

Tsumugi Takanashi: Indeed, I am…! There have been times when before I knew it, it was already morning...!

Minami Natsume: It's the same for me. Especially when I’m composing. Knowing that, Isumi-san has been calling me before midnight lately to remind me to go to bed.

Tsumugi Takanashi:

Tsumugi Takanashi: That’s very kind of him. He must be worried about you overworking.

Minami Natsume: Yes. The other day, he called me sounding very sleepy. He was yawning while saying, "Go to bed already."

Tsumugi Takanashi: He must have stayed up just to call you…

Minami Natsume: He insisted it was because he lost track of time playing a game but hearing him yawn made me sleepy too, so I was able to go to bed early thanks to him.

Tsumugi Takanashi:

Tsumugi Takanashi: Perhaps he’ll call you tonight as well to check on you?

Minami Natsume: He might. I’ll let him know on Rabbit Chat that I’ll be going to bed early today so he doesn't end up staying up late for me.

Minami Natsume: Takanashi-san, please don’t overdo it and wrap up your work soon as well.

Tsumugi Takanashi: Thank you for your concern! I’ll finish up quickly with the help of the yuzu tea and yuzu candies.

Tsumugi Takanashi:

End of Part 2.

[vulpeskorsak]

Day 8 of Whumptober 2024: Forging a bond

No. 8: SLEEP DEPRIVATION Isolation Chamber | Forced to Stay Awake | “Leave the lights on.” (Coldplay, Midnight)

AO3 got banned in my country and VPNs have not been working well on my PC lately, so I am not going to post these there for now. But hopefully I can do that at some point.

Cyrus is a tiefling warlock whose rich parents made him hide his tiefling features since he was born, going as far as to removing most of his horns and forcing him to wear a magical disguise ring in order to hide their family's old deal with a demon.

I initially played him in BG3 and now I'm hoping to get to play him in a real DnD campaign some day.

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

Forging a bond

"I am sorry, my friend," Cyrus lets out a pained chuckle after being jerked awake from the edge of sleep by a sudden vibration in his brain. "I almost fell asleep. How long do I still have to endure?"

He does not get an answer. Not that he expected one. His new friend does not have a lot of ways to talk to him for now. He sighs looking at a lonely clock in a small empty room. This will be worth it, once he is done, he is sure. But he is not quite close to being done. He has been sitting naked in a cleaned-out closet on top of a magical circle for thirty-two hours and twenty-four minutes now, according to the clock. His new friend instructed him that it would take around two of his world's days to forge the contract. He needs to be isolated to avoid distractions and he has to chant the spell about every hour, or whenever the circle starts looking even a little dimmer, to finish the bonding ritual.

His new friend, soon to be his patron, should create an item for him that will serve as both proof of their contract and source of Cyrus' exciting new powers.

He looks down on his own body. He is not sure if he actually looks thinner than usual after only a day and a half without food or if it is just his imagination. He pokes at the vague outline of his lowest ribs with both of his index fingers, unsure what else to do with his time. Seeing his own naked body for such a prolonged period of time feels weird. He yearns to put something on even more than to eat at this point. Even a towel or some cloth to cover himself would be nice. But he needs to be bare before his new patron for some odd reason. Magic is so confusing.

Cyrus is no stranger to staying up for over a day. There have been times when he had to do so to keep the family business going. But he always had something interesting to do, so he has never gotten this sleepy before. And he has never used this much magic in his life for certain. His body seems to glow various colours from the inside in patches and veins. He is not sure what that means. He curses his parents once again for never letting him learn even an iota of magic. They said that could lead to his "unfortunate nature" as a tiefling being revealed if he was not careful.

Once this is done, he will show them. He will show the whole world his "unfortunate nature". He will… go on an adventure! Yes! His tail wags shyly in excitement. He has never been allowed to move it while they were alive, in case its outline would show under the cloth of his pant leg. But he is alone and naked and they are dead.

And he is tired. He yawns as the dream of upcoming travels overtakes him once again. No. No. He needs to stay awake… He promised.

He bites at his own thumb, drawing blood and a small gasp from himself. That was exactly what he needed. But now it hurts! Damn it!

Cyrus looks around for anything to wrap his finger with but immediately gets reminded that he has nothing but his own body, the clock, a jug of water and a lidded bucket, for obvious means. He does not know why he keeps trying to find something else, even though he was the one to prepare the room for the ritual. His tired but well-trained eyes note the slight fluctuation in the circle's brightness. He licks the blood from his finger and takes a deep breath, preparing to start the chant yet again.

[neko-naruto]

Aurora

Summary: Kyle underestimates how easy it is to just say whatever comes to mind when you're tired, so does Kenny.

Warnings: swearing, accidental confessions, check Ao3 port for full tags

Authors Note: the stargazing fluff won the poll, so I hope ya'll enjoy it. it took me a bit longer to write than expected, but I'd say the visualizations turned out pretty good. I was sort of going for a warm feeling, like, home cooked meals 'n fuzzy blankets, but in written form- it's just a soft and fluffy fic, with a very specific vibe I tried to emulate.

Kyle really wishes he was a heavy sleeper when the sound of his phone vibrating atop his desk wakes him up. He just listens for a brief moment, staring at the dull ceiling of the bedroom he's been trapped in for so many years. He reaches out to answer it and pulls it relatively close to his ear.

"Whoever's calling, you're going to get kicked in the nuts so hard your heart skips a beat," Kyle threatened, his grogginess counters it easily. For a second he thinks they hung up, then their voice comes across the receiver.

"Damn okay, never call the smartest guy I know ever again," Kenny said, a bit of a chuckle on his voice.

That hot-wires something in Kyle because he's sitting up and swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. Any previous sleepiness is easily stifled and snuffed out. He glances to his clock, "Your sleep medication wore off early again?"

Kenny gave a hum, "Yep, can't have anymore until two AM because it's a prescription, and I can't have it off schedule. And, and, and- you know how it is."

"Right, so you decide to call me at midnight because why?" Kyle asked as he stood up and made his way to his closet. It's not like he's falling asleep again anytime soon, might as well slip into something more practical. He grabs a jacket and his hat, pajama pants are perfectly practical.

"There's like, northern lights tonight man, they're supposed to start at twelve forty," Kenny explained, Kyle found euphoria on his voice. The McCormick gave a light sigh and Kyle could perfectly envision his expression, "It's kind of dumb, but, I think it's cool."

"It is cool," Kyle said defensively. He tugged on his jacket as he spoke, "Super cool. And I'm not just saying that either," He is. A little bit. But Kenny doesn't need to know that.

"Thanks," Kenny said quietly, "The other guys said it was lame when I brought it up earlier. I'm getting off track."

"You are," Kyle said as he reached for the door handle.

"Basically, I'm on my way to your house right now. Meet me out front so we can go to Starks Pond and look at the sky?" Kenny asked nervously.

Kyle can feel the heat rising to his face at the connotations of Starks Pond. He's stunned into silence as his mind races with the fact that Kenny's asking him to go to Starks Pond. The place where many confess, or go fishing, or confess, or kayak, or confess-

"So, that's a no?" Kenny asked, snapping Kyle from his thoughts with ease.

"Should I grab a blanket?" Kyle answered with.

"If you're too weak to handle a little bit of cold," Kenny said, a playful challenge to his words.

Kyle gives a pleased hum, "I'll meet you out front man."

"Yes! Thanks in advance! Love you bro!" Kenny exclaimed, words assaulting Kyle's ears at a slightly higher decibel than the rest.

"Love you too bro," Kyle said, hiding the crack in his voice as best as he could before Kenny hung up. He heaved a full body sigh as he grabbed a light, fuzzy blanket from his bed.

What has he gotten himself into?

Well, to start, a night outside with his best friend slash long time crush. Of course, no one knows about his absolutely debilitating crush on Kenny aside from his journals. So, he's roped himself into sitting around Starks Pond, fucking stargazing with Kenny. And he has to be normal that entire time? He just, he has to stay on his side of the line, and not, under any circumstance, cross over onto Kenny's. Which is a lot easier to do when Cartman is standing around, or if Stan is in the room. This time, there is no one to stifle him from getting a little bit too close to play off as 'just friends' and he knows, deep down, that he will fuck this up.

To reiterate, what has he gotten himself into?

-/-/-/-

"I never took you for a starry kind of guy," Kyle said as he tugged the blanket over his shoulders a little tighter.

Kenny shrugged, "I just think they look cool," He leaned his head back, hands rested behind it, "I don't know a whole lot, but, I know enough."

"Neat," Kyle answered with.

Snow crunched under their boots as they crossed from somewhat icy concrete to snowy grass. There's almost a serenity to it. The stillness of the air, the clouds only faintly spread across the sky, the deafening sound of his heartbeat ringing in his ears. It's silent, and for Kyle it isn't a comfortable one. Kenny looks rather fine with it, a hint of a smile on his face as they circle Starks Pond to the old gnarled tree that's long since lost it's last leaves.

"When are they starting?" Kyle asked, the abruptness caught Kenny off guard. He tilted his head to face Kyle so face he's sure it gave the blonde whiplash.

"What?" Kenny answered with, a perplexed look clear on his face. He shoved his hands a little deeper into the pockets of his parka.

"The northern lights. The reason we came out here. When does the light show start?" Kyle asked, he was laughing a bit, he didn't know why. He's pretty sure he's grinning, he can feel wisps of cold on his teeth. He shuffles his blanket a bit.

"Right! Northern lights, fuck man. Nearly forgot. Should be starting soon," Kenny said sheepishly. He brings the heel of his palm to his forehead in one brisk motion. He gives Kyle a bit of a smile, "Thanks for reminding me, I swear to god man, those sleep meds are messing with me."

"You're never this out of your mind man, never," Kyle said with a nod of agreement as tapped the steel tipped toe of his boot against the trunk of the tree. He did it until a chip of bark came off.

"It feels like those things are keeping me up at night, not down," Kenny rambled back as he paced around the tree. He was running out of things to say, "You don't mind getting wet?"

"What?" Kyle asked, bluntly at that. He just stared at Kenny.

"Like, sit on the snow. It melts. It's wet. We could lay out the blanket," Kenny offered, he gesticulated vaguely as he spoke. He clasped his hands in front of his chest, "I'm not standing up as we watch the light show."

Kyle leaned against the tree before sliding down, the blanket caught on the bark. He kept his knees hitched, he patted the spot beside him and Kenny dropped down. The snow crunched as it compacted under his weight, one leg outstretched and the other bent. He leaned against Kyle a bit, the redhead threw some blanket over his shoulders.

"Thanks," Kenny whispered out, and the cold biting at his face was the only excuse Kyle could form for the red rising to his cheeks.

He murmured back a soft, "You're welcome."

Kyle let his head rest on Kenny's, the blonde barely repressed a smile. He leaned his head atop the redhead's shoulder just a bit more, arms crossed over his chest to hold in the heat. The fabric was thin, worn down over many years of use, and restitched where it tore. He glanced up to the sky, the faintest wisps of green were starting to show amidst the inky ocean of stars.

He pointed to the part of the sky where the color was starting to waver, "Dude."

Kyle followed where he pointed, "Cool."

The green hues curled and splayed across the sky in rivulets of neon color. The headiest almost silvery greens lay at the bottom and faded up into a deep pink. The further out he looked, it almost turned to a golden haze, still distinct in striking patterns.

"I love you, Kyle," Kenny said, words coming out seamlessly as he pushed himself against Kyle a little bit more.

"Love you too, Kenny" Kyle echoed back, he barely registered what he saying until Kenny lifted his head up.

The blonde reared back on his knees, catching Kyle in eye contact, "Really?"

Kyle nodded, "Yeah," Why bother lying? He knew he'd fucked it up.

"Cool," Kenny said, there was a short circuit somewhere in his head as he wedged his way between Kyle's legs. He was on autopilot and Kyle wasn't shoving him off. He slumped back, Kyle's chest pressed flush against Kenny's back, "Cool."

Kyle paused to let the word soak in, "Cool?"

"Yeah, cool," Kenny echoed back, "It's pretty damn cool that you love me. Because I love you."

"Yeah, that is pretty cool," Kyle said quietly, he rested his hands at Kenny's abdomen. He pressed a kiss to the top of Kenny's head, "Pretty fucking cool."

[twistmusings]

i just finished reading all your character room analysis that have been posted so far and I gotta say- I know its obvious but I really admire the effort put into all of these- you're really really good with details and that's is amazing :D it takes a lot of focus to do that (at least for me :'^ )

oh and that part where you said Floyd's organization style reminds you of how ADHD people are that's so true! as someone with ADHD myself I can point out other things about this like the snack shelf over his bed: people with ADHD have frequent mood swings and suddenly want to do things so perhaps there are times that Floyd randomly wants a snack so he doesn't have to get up to get one or open up a container just to open another container to get his snack he can just sit up and get one from the shelf thing and get one which is why its just kept outside so its not too much of a hassle

or he could be bursting with energy and cant sleep so he could eat to make himself sleepy again

probably doesn't work because there's defo a lot of sugar in it which makes it even worse so he DEFO pesters Jade at 3 am- they defo brawl a lot in the middle of the night LOLLLL

and and the places where the snacks are kept look very quick to open like the cookie jar is so easy to open and the ones next to it are probably plastic bags that you can just fold over to close it so another thing to prevent the inconvenience

his hung up uniform could've probably done by him and since he has no trash around could also mean that he might have been in the mood to clean his room then gave up halfway to wander off and do something else or he got distracted

yaaa that's it I hope that wasn't too much yapping have a good day :'DD

Hey, this is a great addition to receive! While I'm in the process of being diagnosed, I suspect I am likely ADHD (or AuDHD, it's hard telling atp) and I can certainly say the hyperfixation helps when it comes to getting these posts out. Sometimes it's a blessing and sometimes it's a curse, as I'm sure most neurodiverse people can attest to.

That being said, I agree with pretty much all of this! I definitely go through fits of inspiration to clean but I rarely ever actually finish a project once I've started as my attention doesn't hold out that long. I have to actively remind myself of things as well as I go that I started and then stopped.

I also keep snacks close at hand when I can, so I can relate to Floyd with his midnight snacking. If he's anything like how I am, there are just straight up periods where I forget to eat for hours at a time and want to have something on hand once it gets bad enough that my funky brain worms decide it can't wait anymore.

Personally speaking, I think it's interesting because in the canon text, we seem to get hints that Jade may also be neurodiverse in a different way than Floyd. He certainly seems to have hyperfixations, even though those don't show up quite as much in his bedroom as much as they do in his actual canon text - largely only in his terrariums. (The fact that Jade can recognize obscure mushrooms from across the world in the Harveston event when he would normally live under the sea is something I find telling - this isn't a hobby that he does surface level studying in. Then you put him next to Idia and Sebek and like... listen that may well have just been the most Neurodiverse event we've ever gotten.) I may do another examination of the character down the line once this is done where I examine their Vignettes and their dialogue in events later down the line, as that's a lot of re-reading to dedicate myself to, so I suppose one step at a time. I definitely think that would be an interesting thing to tackle at some point, and so much of why Jade is one of my favorite characters actually comes from his dialogue. He's one of the few characters that we actually get so much of his characterization from his dialogue in random events that are easy to miss.

I love examining canon. Of course people with headcanon the twins however they may, but I think it's worth seeing how realistic of a portrayal some of these traits the characters have are wrt real-life neurodiverse people. I never want to say for certain that I think a character is 100% neurodiverse considering I'm not the original author of TWST, but I certainly do think there's a reason a lot of my Neurodiverse friends who also play latch onto certain characters and see themselves in certain characters too.

I'm definitely glad that you enjoyed my post! I love getting messages like this, it makes me feel so appreciated for the work I do put into considering these little details. Thank you!

[certifiedbitch777]

New Year, New Me?

Entry Date: 2/2/2024

I am currently 23 years old. The age I always hear carries the most tribulations for our early 20s, which has pretty much been my pain point as I have no idea what I'm doing in life.

Shocking, I know, right?

Before I got my current corporate job, I had so much passion. I want to try out everything in life. I wanted to be a writer, dancer, singer, actor, psychologist - Shit, I even tried to do IT because why the fuck not? I had so much energy and drive I felt like I could conquer the world. And yet, here I am now, and I have no passion, interest, or drive. I'm literally just floating in life right now, not knowing what the fuck to do next.

I'm in survival mode, to be honest. The only thing that is hardwired into my brain is the goal of getting this shmoney.

Despite all this, I still feel lazy since I have no ambition for anything outside of money. My mind is plagued by what I should and shouldn't do and all I can land on is 'I don't fucking know :|'. 

Regardless of this unclarity and lack of ambition, I only want a clear sense of direction. I want to get going already, but I don't know what steps to take. Again, I understand I'm only 23 years old, but still. I need that clarity to take action on a path I know I will be satisfied with, but once again IDFK.

There's no way around this phase at this point; It's inevitable. The only thing I guess I can implement is going on a deep assessment of my life (once again) and reviewing what is and isn't working for me. I've just been avoiding doing this because it is tiring and tedious.

Fuck, maybe I'm just being lazy.

I mean, tbh, it isn't fun; It just sounds like a load of work.

Damn, I think I'm lazy...

I mean, they say it takes 30 to 60 days to break a habit. I'll start looking into my bad habits and see what I can get out of that. 

Here's a list of my current shitty habits that I'll be challenging:

Sleeping before or at midnight: My sleep schedule is terrible for a variety of reasons, but I want to start sleeping before midnight to practice better sleeping habits. For reference, I typically stay up until 3am despite working in the morning.

Waking up before 8am: Okay, so this is mainly to be able to study for my permit (Yes, I'm 23 and don't know how to drive. Who's gonna check me??) and work out. This will also allow me downtime after work (5pm).

Consistent Oral Hygiene: Okay, before y'all supposedly clean freaks call me gross, I'm not saying I don't brush my teeth. I do, and twice a day at that, along with using my Therabreath mouthwash. I just need to be consistent with flossing, specifically at night. I've been getting better at it, but I want to implement it into my daily routine.

Taking Daily Medications: I suck at consistently taking my mood stabilizers, as it just makes me feel dreary and sleepy throughout the day. Since I stopped taking it consistently, my mood hasn't been the best. Needless to say, I'm not gonna do that anymore.

Working Out: I've been athletic for as long as I can remember. However, in recent years, I've been on and off and want to get back to having a snatched waist with a phat dumpy. I'm already comfortable with my current size, but to be back in shape wouldn't hurt. I think I'll be sharing my journey with pictures every so often so that you guys can have a realistic peek into my journey.

Eating Habits: I need to eat healthier, PERIOD. I don't have the worst eating, but it's terrible for me because I'm very impulsive with food and suffer from an eating disorder. I have toggled between binging and starving myself many times in the past, so I want to try to find that sweet spot where I can eat healthily and not feel deprived to the point where I binge.

Prioritize Health: Both physical and mental. I suck at this and, at times, can let work take a toll on my everything. Last year almost broke me, and I don't want this year to be the same. I need to be happy and healthy. No comprising at all.

So yeah, that's my list. Once again, I'm just going to point out I am a lazy girl and I have terrible habits, however, I do want to make a change because I'm really tired of this loop.

I want to reach all of my financial, personal, and career goals this year so badly. The good thing is I have some steps to outline what I need to change. The challenge is pushing through to get the end result :\

Anyway, I will most likely post my initial progress for my journey for working out and do bi-weekly check-ins to track my progress.

This may sound corny, but New Year, New Me?

[allthewriteplaces]

Magnolia in May ~ Chapter Twelve

Author's Note: Hey, everyone! I'm so happy to present another chapter of this story. I'm also glad to report that this week has been much better than last. We even watched the new Hunger Games movie, woohoo!

Chapter Summary: Jessie meets the rest of the Shelby clan, but will she earn the approval of the family's matriarch, Miss Polly Gray?

Chapter Warning(s): None

Word Count: 3515

Chapter Twelve

“How long is it gonna take for them to get here?” Ruby asked, tapping her fingers against her cheek impatiently while she and Charlie knelt on the couch in front of the window. Both of them were dressed in their best clothes and had their hair all brushed and styled, since Lizzie and I both wanted them to look nice for when their aunties and uncles and cousins came over.

They’d been awake since the crack of dawn, maybe even a little bit before that, because they were unable to contain their excitement and calm down long enough to try and go back to sleep. It’s a miracle they managed to sleep all week at all. But I was glad that instead of waking their mother and I up right away, they amused themselves quietly in the playroom until it was time to get ready.

The cooks were also hard at work making a delicious breakfast. I could smell the eggs and bacon from the living room and it made my stomach growl impatiently. It was easier for the adults to wait than the children, since they were eating breakfast a lot later than they usually did, hence why their patience was wearing thin.

Their first night at Lizzie’s went better than even she could have expected. It was common for them to be awake in the middle of the night because of nightmares or because they just weren’t comfortable enough to sleep no matter how hard she tried to make sure they had everything they needed. This time, they managed to sleep soundly, but of course they didn’t go to sleep right away, not until they talked with their father.

The living room had a telephone and his number was right at the top of a list of emergency contacts scribbled down on a notepad. She told me that they kept each other in the loop when it came to the children, letting each other know how they were, or if there was a situation that needed to be addressed in regards to them.

Turns out that was how Thomas found out about the old governess. Lizzie has called him one night and told him about what happened. She insisted that he fire her, that the children didn’t deserve to feel unsafe around someone they should have been able to trust.

Ruby told him about the race and Charlie added that it was a tie and that they’d both won since they were only pretend horses anyhow. He also mentioned how the stuffed animals had a brawl over the money and how the soldiers had to step in and make sure no one was hurt, which Thomas tried his hardest not to laugh at.

“They know too much,” I heard Lizzie say to Thomas once I had settled the kids in their beds and I gave them a moment to catch up with one another. She was smiling as she spoke, it was like the most painful part of her past was buried beneath the surface or never happened in the first place. As soon as I walked in, she held the phone out to me. “I am going to bed, leave the two of you alone for a bit.”

From there, we just talked. I told him how much the kids and I missed him, even though it had only been a few hours since we parted and that I was secretly nervous about meeting the rest of the family.

“Don’t worry,” he told me in his sleepy voice, “Everyone is going to love you, I mean, sure, my aunt Polly is not the easiest lady to please and she doesn’t trust people easily, for obvious reasons, but once she gets to know you, she’ll welcome you with open arms. I should mention, though, that I talk about you to her all the time, so she probably already does know you.”

We spoke until well past midnight and when we eventually said goodnight and I retired to bed, keeping the guest bedroom door open in case anyone needed me in the night, I said a short prayer in hopes that God would watch over Thomas and keep him safe whilst he was away.

“I wish Daddy was here.”

Ruby’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts. She came down from the couch and went over to her mother, who was seated next to me on the couch while we waited for the rest of the guests to arrive.

“I know, sweetheart,” she said, bringing her into a hug and stroking her hair in a tender way. Neither Ruby nor Charlie liked it when their father went away for long periods of time, and the fact that this was a family reunion and one of the most important members of said family wasn’t going to be there didn’t seem right or fair to them. “But this isn’t just any family reunion, remember? Your daddy’s birthday is coming up. We want to plan a very special party for him.”

Wait, his birthday? How did I not know this!?

“When exactly is it?” I asked.

“Not until next Saturday,” she assured me. “We have plenty of time to prepare.”

A knock at the door caught our attention.

“I wonder who that could be?” she said.

“Come on, Ruby, let’s go see who it is!” Charlie nearly jumped off the sofa and Ruby climbed off of her mother’s lap and they both rushed to the door. Charlie stood up on his tiptoes and looked through the little peephole in the door, but Ruby wasn’t quite tall enough yet, not even when she stood on her tiptoes or even tried jumping up to see if she might be able to see that way.

“Jessie, can you please help me?” she asked.

“Sure I can,” I said and then coming up behind her, I picked her up and then she was able to lean forward and peek through the hole. Then her whole face lit up as she turned her head back to look at me.

“It’s Auntie Ada!” she exclaimed.

“We should let her in, then, yeah?” I said, putting her back down on the ground so she and Charlie could open the door together.

“I haven’t seen you both in weeks!” she exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear and she enveloped both of the children in a hug. Then she looked over her shoulder at a boy, possibly her son, who was just coming in from outside, and brought a hand up to his forehead. “Are you feeling better now, love?”

“Yeah,” he said, sighing deeply.

“Feeling better?” Ruby echoed, sounding a little worried. “Karl, are you sick?”

“I got a little carsick on the way,” he nodded, “but I’m much better now.”

“If you need to stand outside for a little while, get some fresh air —” Ada began.

“Mum, relax. I’m alright,” he assured her, holding her hand.

Ada visibly relaxed and then letting go of her son’s hand, she smiled as a man carrying a little girl in one arm, and a bag in the other, wiped his boots on the mat outside the door and then crossed over the threshold. Both he and the daughter had beautiful golden eyes that shone in the pale light coming in from the window, and dark, curly hair.

“Wanna go see your cousins?” the man said, turning to her. He had a calm, soothing voice and a smile brighter than the stars so any child might feel at ease just looking at him. “Yeah? You want to walk?”

The little girl nodded and he gently set the girl down on the ground, allowing her to find her footing before letting her go. She couldn’t have been any younger than three years old, but once the man put her down on the ground, she was already taking off toward Lizzie, who opened her arms to welcome her.

“Look at you! You’re getting so tall already!” Lizzie exclaimed, running a hand across her cheek.

“She just woke up from a nap,” said Ada. She straightened up and then her eyes met mine and she offered a warm smile. “Hello, You must be Miss Bennett, the new governess.”

“Please, call me Jessie,” I answered, reciprocating her friendly greeting.

“This is Ben, my fiance,” she added and I shook the man’s hand, then placed one hand on the little girl’s back as Lizzie held her. “And Elizabeth, our pride and joy.”

“What am I, chopped liver?” Karl joked.

Ada shook her head, laughing and then brought her son in for a hug.

“And you’ve already met Karl, our other pride and joy.”

“Pleased to meet you,” I said and shook the boy’s hand as well.

“You as well,” he answered with a proud little smile. He then turned around to talk to Charlie. It was nice for him to have someone close enough to his age that he could interact with and relate to.

“Can you say ‘hello?’” asked Ben, maintaining his gentle tone.

“Hello,” she said, almost too softly for me to hear.

“Hello, Elizabeth,” I replied. I understood her shyness, especially with all of these other people around.

“Tommy has told us all about you,” Ada said.

“It’s all he ever talks about.” A man’s voice joins her and the kids go over and hug him, too. He bends down to pick Ruby up and just like the other Shelbys, his warm smile that reached all the way up to his eyes had the ability to put everyone in the room at ease, including me. “I just mean it feels like we already know ya.”

“Uncle Arthur, we’re planning Daddy’s party!” said Ruby.

“Really? I thought we were ‘ere to discuss business,” he said in a joking manner.

“It’s a business and party planning meeting, there’s a slash,” said Lizzie.

He hummed and then looked at the kids. “Will there be cake at this party?”

“We can’t have a party without cake!” Karl interjected.

“Chocolate cake!” Ruby piped in.

“Yes, everyone loves chocolate,” Arthur agreed.

“And what about your father? Does he love chocolate, too?” asked Ben.

“Maybe,” Charlie shrugged.

“Then perhaps the three of you can make it together,” said Ada.

Arthur reached up to rub the back of his neck and chuckled nervously. “Oh, well, Linda’s more of a baker than I am.”

“What’s this about me?” A pretty woman with short blonde hair and wearing a white sweater, walked through the door, holding a little boy by the hand. He didn’t look much older than Ruby, but was significantly younger than Charlie.

“I was just explainin’ to Lizzie that you’re a much better baker than I am,” he answered, then looked to the little boy. “Isn’t that right, Billy Boy?”

Billy looked up at his father and grinned, nodding. He had his father’s eyes and he had a head of light blond locks like his mother. It was easy to tell where he got his good looks from.

“Yeah. Mum makes good muffins.”

“Muffins aren’t cake,” said Ruby.

“Technically, they’re little cakes,” said Karl.

“Wait, aren’t those cupcakes?” asked Charlie.

“They’re made from the same stuff.”

“What’s this about cupcakes?” We all turned our heads to see two more boys walking in. In some ways, they looked alike. They were almost the same height, they both wore the signature Peaky Blinders hairstyle and they were dressed up in a fancy suit and tie. However, one boy had green eyes while the other had brown.

I was about to inquire as to who they were, until one of them strode over to me.

“You must be Tommy’s new girlfriend, eh?” he said, then leaned over to whisper to the boy next to him. “He was right, she is pretty.”

“I thought you said you wouldn’t be able to make it,” said Ada.

“Change of plans,” said the one with an impish grin and then gestured to the other boy. “Practically had to drag this one along by his toes.”

“I meant it when I said I’m not a morning person,” the other replied with a roll of his eyes. He hung up his hat and then turned to me. “Finn Shelby, and this is Isaiah.”

After I shook both of their hands, Charlie walked over to them.

“Isaiah, are muffins little cakes?”

“No, those are cupcakes,” he answered.

“That’s what I said.”

“Are you sure?” asked Finn.

“Any word from Esme?” asked Arthur, leaving the kids to settle the debate as to whether or not muffins could be classified as cakes.

Ada nodded. “I received a telegram yesterday. She will be catching the train with Polly.”

“And will our aunt be bringing a certain someone along with her?” he teased.

“Frankly, I wouldn’t be surprised if she didn’t,” Ada whispered back.

“If I didn’t, what?”

At the sound of another woman’s voice, both siblings froze in their tracks, and they slowly lifted their heads to meet her gaze. They weren’t proud of the fact that they’d been caught and this immediately took me back to when I was a kid, stealing cookies from the cookie jar and being spotted by Uncle Albert. Standing behind her was another woman, slightly younger, but just as pretty. The children wasted no time in wiping their feet and coming inside.

“Polly,” Arthur began, a little sheepishly, “we had no idea you were—”

“We didn’t know you were listening,” Ada finished.

“Oh, I’m always listening, dear girl. Always listening, always watching.” The words hung in the air for a moment and the sound of the children’s laughter floated and swirled around me.

When you hear the words ‘girl’ or ‘woman,’ you think of soft skin, soft lips, freckled-cheeks, long skirts and button-up shirts, but the tough-as-nails and sharp- as a-whip Shelby women were the sort that no one with a brain would dare mess with, and the one standing before me, her eyes locked on mine, had an air of authority about her and at first glance, I felt as though I were a walking target.

She also had the face of a leader, her posture rivalled that of any noble woman, queen, princess, or duchess. But at the same time, many people admired her for her strength and courage and her ability to step in and take charge of things when necessary. In short she was the true matriarch of the Shelby family and the sort of woman that many young girls would and should aspire to become when they grow up.

So as much as I feared her, I, too, admired her.

“You must be Miss Bennet,” Polly then said, after what felt like an eternity.

Should I acknowledge her with a ‘hello.’ or ‘it’s a pleasure to meet you?’ or should I merely nod politely and allow her to do the talking? Thomas told me that pleasing his aunt was no easy feat, and that she was wary of strangers upon first meeting. Making a bad impression on Polly Gray simply wasn’t in the cards.

In the end, I knew it would be rude to leave her inquiry unanswered, so I went with the second option, along with the classic. “Your nephew has told me all about you.”

“Seems he’s had a lot to say about the both of us then,” her gaze softened as did her posture, and mine became a bit less rigid as a result, but even among those closest to her, she carried herself with grace and dignity. She then turned to acknowledge her younger nieces and nephews, all of whom flocked around her like sheep and she was their shepherd.

It was only then that I noticed the man standing off to the side as he watched her interacting with the kids. I could only assume this was the ‘special someone’ that Ada and Arthur were speaking of a moment ago. His hair, which was perhaps lighter or darker in his youth, had grown silver with age, and somehow it suited him rather well.

“I don’t think I caught your name,” I said, moving a little closer, but keeping a respectful distance. He tore his gaze away from Polly and smiled the sort of smile that made his eyes crinkle.

“The name’s Gold. Aberama Gold,” the man answered, extending his hand in the typical greeting. My hand was small in comparison. When I lifted my gaze, I saw only kindness and warmth.

“Pleasure.” I smiled back, hoping to return that same warmth. I was about to say something else when a few of the kids stepped away from Polly and ran up to me and chanted who are you who are you who are you?

“I’m Jessie,” I answered. I could hear Aberama chuckling beside me.

“Uncle Tommy has a girlfriend,” one of the boys said, making them all giggle.

“Is that so? I wasn’t aware of that,” I tried not to laugh with them.

“Silly, she’s Charlie and Ruby’s nanny,” someone else said.

“Governess,” the oldest girl corrected him.

“Same thing,” the boy argued back.

“You’re really pretty,” the youngest boy said.

“Thank you,” I told him with a smile.

“Alright, why don’t we leave Jessie alone for a while, eh?” Esme said, a small smile on her own face as she lined up all of their boots and made sure none of them were touching the freshly mopped floor, then she remained in the hall for a moment, getting a good lay of the land, before looking over at Lizzie. “Shall we get everyone seated?”

“Cook said that breakfast should be ready soon,” she nodded.

“Good, I’m starving,” said Karl, going over to Ada.

Ben was holding Elizabeth’s hand and calmly encouraging her along.

Much like Thomas, he was a man who would go to great lengths to protect his children, and it showed in the way he stood next to her, watching her every step, ready to catch her if she were to stumble and fall.

There were enough chairs for everyone to sit in and everyone was free to sit wherever they liked. Both Ruby and Charlie wanted to sit beside me, so they waited for me to choose where I wanted to sit and then they both sat on either side of me; Ruby between me and her mother and Charlie between Karl and I.

Esme sat on the other side of me. I didn’t know much about her, though she was perhaps one of the most intriguing members of the Shelby family. According to Thomas, the marriage between her and John, his younger brother, was arranged in order to first of all, bring peace between the Shelby and Lee families and second and most importantly, provide a mother for John’s four children. Then the two of them welcomed two more children from the time they were married until the time of his death.

I could only imagine what it was like for her to raise six kids without the help of her husband, but apparently, she lived out in the countryside with a few of her family members, so at least she had help whenever she needed it. She also had little involvement within the family business or the Peaky Blinders, which was probably a good thing considering what she’s been through in the past few years.

Learning all their names was simple enough.

There was Katie, the eldest. Then there was Queenie, Matthew and Finn. After Finn was born, and John and Esme got married, Mercedes and little Birdie came along.

Once all of her children were settled in their seats and started eating, she looked my way and greeted me with a soft, almost worn out smile.

“Forgive me for not introducing myself sooner. Had to make sure the kids were settled, you know? They’re a little bit restless after the long drive.”

“I understand,” I said, keeping my tone warm and light-hearted in order to put her at ease a little. “I remember when I was their age, every time I went somewhere with my cousins, there’s the restlessness and the repetitive question of ‘Are we there yet?’”

She brought a hand to the side of her forehead and let out a groan of feigned irritation. “I can’t count the number of times they asked me, but I don’t blame ‘em, though. They’re just excited to see everyone, and with any luck, they’ll fall asleep on the way back home.”

“Here’s hoping,” I said in a joking way.

This must have been what all family gatherings were like, at least twenty people under the same roof, a flurry of activity, their footsteps, their voices, and their laughter all mixing and mingling together, but it was odd to have the whole family together except for their father, and it was even more obvious when I saw the empty chair. I don’t know why, but I suddenly felt a twinge of sadness and a familiar ache in my chest, but seeing how happy everyone else was, I pushed the feeling as far back as I could.

To be continued!

Taglist: @zablife @runnning-outof-time @sherbitdibdab

[authorangelita]

First Sentences Game

Tagged by @disappearinginq - thank you!!

Rules: share the first lines of ten of your most recent fanfics and tag ten people. If you have written less than ten, don’t be shy and share anyway.

Tagging: @impossiblepluto, @appalachianapologies, @bloodfromthethorn, @januarydivide, @rosieblogstuff, @lailuhhh, @erinsworld, @nativestarwrites, and anyone else who wants to play! I've been traveling today, so I'm behind on posts and hope I didn't double-tag anyone.

1. From: Foster Mac 2: Mac Moves In

Mac spent several days in an emergency foster home, and there were a lot of kids there, so Mac kept to himself.  He was polite with the adults and spent most of his time working through a Calculus textbook from the library or reading ahead in his homework. 

2. From: Out Is Through Part 2

The Phoenix jet had been upgraded at some point over the last five years.  The seats were incredibly comfortable, with a plush, soft brown leather that almost felt like a hug when you sat in it.  Plus, a few of them even reclined.  Jack had claimed a recliner toward the back of the plane and sat there [redacted because I'm not sure I'm keeping this tidbit] while he watched Mac and Riley. 

3. From: Mac Drugged Jack Saves Him

Jack was woken by his ringing phone.  He rolled over, grabbed his phone, and glanced at the alarm clock.  2:37 AM.  No one in the history of the world had ever gotten a good phone call in the middle of the night.

4. From: Febuwhump 2023 Panic

A scream startled Jack awake, and he was on his feet and moving before his brain registered what was happening. 

He dashed across the hallway and through Mac's open bedroom door to find his partner frantically fighting his way out of his twisted bedsheets.  Mac made panicked, distressed sounds as he tried to push the sheets away with his left arm in a cast. 

5. From: Mac kidnapped Texas

Janie Dalton was startled awake.  Her bedroom was dark, and the clock's bright blue numbers seared 3:13am into her retinas.  It was too damn early.  She had less than two hours before she had to get up to tend to the ranch, so why was she awake now?

6. From: Mac Throat Injury (for Bad Things Happen Bingo)

Jack found Mac in the last place he expected to find him: sitting quietly in an exam room in Phoenix Medical.

"Everything all right?" Jack asked as he moved to Mac's side and looked him up and down.  There was plenty of blood on his clothes, but Jack was pretty sure it had all come from Riley.  He himself also wore a fair amount of her blood. 

7. From: Mac Sole Survivor (for Bad Things Happen Bingo)

Mac's ears were ringing from the explosion that had sent him tumbling down the stairs he'd been taking two or three at a time to get out of the building.  There was so much dust in the air that he could barely see what was in front of his face, and it was clogging his nose and throat, causing him to cough painfully with aching ribs. 

8. From: maybe not today

~~! 2036 !~~

The sun was barely over the horizon when they started their horseback ride through the pastures and trails around the Dalton family ranch.  Jack had wisely suggested they start their ride early, because it was July 4th weekend, and it would be too hot during the day.  Even ten-year-old Jay agreed, but that might have been because it was one of his favorite ranch activities.  He'd been up and dressed and ready to saddle his black and white-spotted Appaloosa before half the adults had even had their first cup of coffee.

9. From: sleepy Mac debrief

This debrief was taking far too long in Jack's opinion.  He and Mac had landed just past midnight and immediately reported to Phoenix.  They'd filed their after action reports while in flight, so he wasn't sure why it was so important that they rehash everything right now when they were both running on very little, or no, sleep.

10. From: don't be dead

The explosion knocked Jack off his feet.  He scrambled back up quickly and ran for the burning building that Mac was still inside. 

"Jack!" Riley shouted, reaching for him but missing as he dodged around her and darted through an open doorway. 

[terrathetulpa]

Oh dear, I am awake

I know it's 9am and a totally normal time to be awake, but I didn't sleep last night at all. Which is definitely at least partly my own fault. I kind of gave in to my worst habits, but it's not like I planned to do that!

I mean I only stayed up until 4am playing Terraria because I thought it'd be a struggle to sleep if I tried sleeping earlier than that. The night before I tried to go to bed at midnight and didn't sleep until 5am. But this is actually the first strike, isn't it? Because the night before I did try to sleep at midnight, which was supposed to be my consistent bedtime. I guess the idea is you're supposed to try every night and eventually it just... starts working?

So anyway, I couldn't sleep and so I was up in the dead of night (Or early morning) eating toast with shitty un-melted butter on it, and I thought of this Twitch stream I like. There's this one streamer that kind of has a way of making me sleepy sometimes but only when they're playing this one specific game that they play. So I got on my phone in bed to watch them... play a different game-

But like- I hadn't seen them play this game before. Maybe it would also make me sleepy? Why would I gamble on that at 5am? I think it's because 5am is the breeding ground of poor decisions. (I wish I had a breeding ground...) Anyway, that was 2 because you're only supposed to use your bed for sleep and sex according to the mayonnaise website. (Oh, the bed is the breeding ground!)

Anyway, so I watched that until 8:30am because it was honestly really interesting. The game looks cool I might get it.

I guess strike 3 is that you're not supposed to have a TV or a clock in your sleeping area. I do have a clock but it faces away from the bed. I just got it last night as a matter of fact. An alarm clock to wake me up at the appropriate time. Unfortunately you need to be sleeping first or it doesn't do anything. It doubles as a white noise machine because I have horrible tinnitus. I figure it's fine because I definitely can't see it from the bed.

I also have a big projector. There's a large theater screen built into the wall over the bed. It's not like I can move the thing out. I guess I thought about moving all the consoles out and just not using it, but I'm not the only one who uses the room. The singlets might wonder why there's no games in the place where they play games during the day.

That's still two things I could improve on though... oh, I also neglected to exercise yesterday. That's strike... four?? hmm... To think my last post was so gung ho about putting my sleep schedule back together. Was it all just words Terra? No no. I'm cataloguing it all here because I really do want to do something about it. Well, that and I thought the Tumblr crowd would be able to relate to struggling to sleep. Maybe if I really could get back to sleeping peacefully through nights via the power of internet research and force of will I could inspire the sleepless to take their beds into their own hands- except you shouldn't do that because they're generally quiet heavy and require at least two people to lift them. You know what I meant.

That and I'm still missing the regular dreams I used to routinely record in my dream journal. They can be very pretty, and very pleasant too. How could I miss out on that for Terraria? Like it's a cool game but, jeez I really caught the dumb on this one.

The really horrible news for me is that in order to go back to following this advice I have to stay up all day after not sleeping all night. I'm not even sure I can do that. But I'm not exercising on no sleep, I'd rather eat a live bird.

[mrkerina]

Fated 𓍼 Mark Lee

— In which you two have a midnight talk.

Pairing — Lee Mark (nct) x fem!reader

Word count — 437 (drabble)

Content — You couldn’t sleep and started to let your mind wander while a sleepy Mark had to entertain your thoughts, coming up with a perfect reply as usual.

M.list + Author’s note — Just a drabble!! The latest 127 comeback has me on a chokehold btw.

[ 3:42 am ]

Sometimes on those sleepless nights, where the bright hue of the full bloomed moon illuminated ever so slightly into the room and onto the ceiling.

Your eyes would be wide opened as you stared up at it, wondering how far it travelled to be able to reach inside.

On nights like these you just felt a little bit more sentimental, as much as you hated people who were like that. The world was filled with wonders, and one that always whirled in your mind was how different life could be if we did one thing differently.

Like how we would meet different people if we went to a different school, how different it would be if we gained interests in things sooner.

The bed dipped slightly beside you from the movement of the boy.

Mark's vision was slightly hazy but he managed to make out the girl who was still wide awake, deep in her own thoughts. "Are you still awake?" He said lowly, voice laced with tiredness, barely keeping his eyes opened to look at you.

You hummed in response, "can't sleep," you mumbled. He nodded before swinging an arm around your waist, bringing you closer to him.

"You should sleep, you overwork yourself too much and now you can't even take a break," Mark muttered, being the caring boyfriend he was despite his sleepiness.

Even though you weren't thinking about your stress at work, you didn't say anything. Turning your body to face him, you buried your head into his chest in search for the familiar surge of tranquil warmth to embrace you.

"Do you think we would have met if one of us didn't go to the carnival on that day?" You quietly questioned, doubting that you would get a reply, assuming that he was already asleep.

"Yeah, of course we would, why wouldn't we?” he answered.

"Why not? we won't have seen each other and started to compete on every single game then."

Mark let out a light chuckle, his fingers subconsciously started to draw shapes on your back. "Even if we didn't meet each other then, i'm sure we would have met each other eventually. We are made for each other, I would search the whole world if it meant finding you again. It is always and will be you who I love, no one else."

And right then you understood, it was fate that brought everyone together. His words made your heart flutter just like the first time you had laid your eyes on him.