#it's part of the joke ofc but it definitely shows that people in every part of the underworld doubt taiyo's capabilities
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sage-reads-things · 5 months ago
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HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE MAN.
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cheeseceli · 8 months ago
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Their s/o is a songwriter
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Pairing: idol Ot8!skz × songwriter Gn!reader (individually)
Genre: fluff, headcanon, idol!au
Request: so what if skz finding out their partner is a song writer / composer? bonus points if the skz members also found out that they wrote their favourite song :>
Warnings: reader is implied to write for Kpop most of the time, not proofread.
A/n: as a songwriter, I appreciate this request a whole lot lmao. Thank you for requesting, I hope you like it!
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Bang Chan
Honestly, I think this is something he would find out before dating you
Man knows everyone in the whole entertainment industry
Ofc he knows who you are
If anything, the way you both got to know each other more was through working together to make a stray kids song
Overall, I think he would love to have a partner in the industry
Even if you never get to be on stage
Simply because you understand him more than other people do
You know how music is essential and demanding at the same time
Your job probably makes him feel more connected to you
He likes to joke that you're the newest member of 3Racha
Always sends you songs he made your you to listen
And wants you to do the same
You can send him an audio at 1AM and bro will listen to it right away, ready to give you his opinion and advice (and praise)
Lee Know
Poor stray kids and stay
They will be listening to the songs you worked on nonstop
He just happens to be your biggest supporter 🤷🏻‍♀️
Has a whole 10 hours playlist with all of your work
Knows every lyric even if they aren't Korean
And he also enjoys dancing to it very much
Even if the song doesn't have a choreo, he likes to make up his own by listening to what you did
Probably invented a few trends with your songs because of it lmao
He also listens to it a lot when he's on tour
Even if it's not your voice that he's listening to, it's still you somewhat
He just wants to feel close to you
Asks you to sing or play the songs you produced
Might or might not have a small compilation of audios of you singing when he's way too homesick
(And if you wrote his favourite song, he would definitely have an audio of you singing it)
Changbin
Sees you as a very big inspiration
The amount of times he listened to one of your songs so he could get out of creative block is crazy
If anything, he probably already saw you as a role model before even getting to personally know you
Imagine the seo changbin fan boying you
If you write for other K-pop groups/soloists, he's probably trying to make references of what you wrote in his own rap
Fans always think he's talking about a certain idol or something but he really is just trying to include you in his work😭
And he would beg to have at least one stray kids song cowrote by you
Like literally begging
He needs to have one small Collab with you at least once
And will get a little pouty every time you can't work with skz because you're with another group at the moment
Hyunjin
Loves to have songwriting dates with you
Usually releases the songs you both write (with your permission ofc) as a skz-recorder
Stays are starting to wonder who is that composer/songwriter who is behind every single song Hyunjin is in lmao
I remember he said that one of his goals for 2024 was to produce more
So he will 100% seek your advice and even ask for some particular lessons at times
And he is always a little bit shy when he's about to show you what he's been working on
Because he feels like you are THE songwriter
And you're also his partner so like
Your opinion is a very big deal
And he's also so excited when you let him listen to a preview of your newest work
Is always awestruck
(Any song of yours would be his favourite lmao, and the best part of it is that he means it)
Han
He would LOVE to have a partner in the industry
Or just connected to art somehow, even if it's just a hobbie
I mean, look at his lyrics
Bro inhales and exhales art
The fact that you understand this side of him and even share this interest is so what he needed
He's also very very helpful when you need to write songs
I see late night dates in the studio
Even when any of you is far away for whatever reason
It can be 2am in Korea, he will be on his phone more than willing to listen to you brainstorm
Brainstorming with Han would be very fun overall lmao
It's either going to be the most sentimental thing to ever exist or it's going to be complete nonsense lmao
Oh and he would also make a lot of references to things you wrote
And would be so so so so happy if you ever made a reference to a work of his
Felix
I remember he said once that if he wasn't an idol, he would like to be a professional songwriter
So the fact that YOU are a songwriter/producer
He kinda loves you a little bit too much
One thing he loves is to understand your thought process
If you ever let him see your notes,he will try his best to understand every little thing
Even if it's only words with no correlation all over the page
He loves to know how your mind works
And he wants to know where the inspiration comes from!
(If it's from him he will never shut up about it)
Loves to know the stories behind each one of your works
He feels like he gets to know you a little more every time he listens to something that is yours
Is always covering one of your songs on lives
Seungmin
Literally everything you could've asked for, both in the dating aspects and in professional aspects
He makes sure you never overwork but will never restrain you from your work
Like, he knows that sometimes the inspiration comes at 2AM. He won't shut off your notebook, he'll be up with you and guarantee you don't stress
And he's your most honest critic
If you need help with rhymes, structure, chords or whatever, he is there
(After dating him you rarely browse anything at Google anymore, seungmin always understands the specific vibes you want)
And if you are a songwriter/ composer who doesn't know how to sing (that's me criticising myself) he always volunteers to make the demo for your songs
As I said, everything you could've ever asked for in a partner and coworker
I.N
Now this one
The moment he discovered he was begging to see some of your work
It's crazy how many of your songs were included in the playlist he has of songs that remind him of you😭
Talk about soulmates
I also believe that he would love to help you with songs
Give him one chance and this man is already with a notebook open trying to come up with the best verse ever
But he really likes to hear you brainstorm as well
Just you in your comfort zone really makes him admire you
And he loves how he can feel closer to you
Just reading the lyrics you wrote ou listening to the beat you produced makes him feel like he is meeting you for the first time again
Always having a new impression of you
Will also sing any demos you want him to!
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Masterlist | you'll probably like: if skz wrote a song for you
Reblogs and feedback are always appreciated!
Dividers by @firefly-graphics
Taglist: @yuyubeans
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brianlesshetaliawritings · 4 months ago
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if you're still doing requests- nsfw alphabet with switzerland 👉👈
i am my motivation just doesn't agree if that makes sense and most of my requests i'm either far too ambitious with and keep re-writing or are just not something i'm interested in rn. thank u for handing me an excuse to write about the guy. was an easy and fun write. might have minor errors. very sorry this took a bit ! (also- should i redo the yandere alphabet with him? i feel its REALLY ooc now that i re-read it..)
Switzerland NSFW Alphabet
warnings : nsfw ofc, nothing intense otherwise though. made him dominant here, request again if you want him submissive.
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A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)
Not the most extra individual, but it's definitely not non-existent or anything. he will be ensuring you're not in pain, not thirsty, not uncomfortable.. He'll probably want to clean up and whatnot though once confirmed that you're all good.
B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)
He likes his own eyes, they're always useful and a lot of his activities frequently require good eyesight, which he has. Definitely enjoys his hands too though, he's pretty used to work that requires physical labor so they're helpful too.
He's never said it, but it's easy to tell your thighs and hips are a favorite of his regarding activities such as these. His hands frequently drift there, and so does his line of sight when he thinks you're not looking.
C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)
He prefers it inside, just more convenient in his opinion. He'll understand if you want it outside though, then it'll usually just end up somewhere else on your body, no particular areas of interest really.
D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)
Although he feels really creepy for doing it, if you gave him literally any shirts, pants, or anything along those lines as a gift, he likely smelt it while jerking off. It just really gets him going, and he hates it (loves it, just won't admit it to himself).
Also, side note, has thought about fucking in the forest. He usually doesn't like risks, but he feels really in his element when out in the woods and his mind can't help but drift to such thoughts.
E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)
Unexperienced, but not really dumb to what he should do and the alike. Might secretly read a bit to learn what all he should look out for, or do. Keeps looking away every ten seconds though throughout his research because he's sort of a prude.
F = Favorite position (this goes without saying)
Usually goes for Missionary. He's a very simple man, and doesn't like to get too weird when it's up to positions, so it just fits him. Would also be willing to do some other ones though, as long as they aren't too squished or require too much flexibility. It's not like he can't handle either of those, it's just very distracting to him and this is definitely something he likes to focus on.
G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)
Not a silly guy in general, even less lighthearted when having sex. Finds it awkward if you make any jokes, but wouldn't mind if you laughed at any accidents or anything like one of you slipping.
H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)
Doesn't see the point to shaving that which very few people will ever see, but he also doesn't like being overly hairy. He keeps it trimmed to a shorter length, just seems like a waste of time to do anything more. It's the same colour as his hair too, not even like the slightest difference.
I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)
Not overly romantic, but it's the small things he does that shows his affection. Always keeps an eye out to make sure you're comfortable, has a tendency to adjust you without asking just to be sure you're in a nice spot. Still embarrased to kiss you, by the way.
J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)
Only when he finds it neccessary. Switzy is a rather prudent man, and sexual activity doesn't really land on his mind that often. Sometimes though, he does have those straying thoughts. Ones he has to handle himself. Ones he internally punishes himself for, but exist nevertheless.
K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)
Sorta likes the idea of outdoor sex. Just scared of getting caught, is all. He's very much a fan of nature, and he's spent lots of time in it. He largely prefers it there over cities any day of the week. So maybe on some of his property, further out, after he's scoped the whole area and put a million "no trespassing" signs up. (And likely brought a gun.. Just incaese.)
L = Location (favorite places to do the do)
Bedroom, usually. Bathroom, occasionally. Elsewhere, in your dreams. Too horrified at the idea of his sister coming to visit him just to get scarred for life. Hates to do anything outside his/your own home, ignoring the above section of course (when he gets brave enough to test that out).
M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)
As I might've mentioned earlier, he loves your thighs and hips. Size doesn't matter, scarring doesn't matter.. HE JUST LOVES THEM! If visible, they instantly catch his attention, and sort of distract him. Only a teensy bit though, he's not gawking at you or anything.. Also likes it if you give him lots of big kisses while you rub him up. Anywhere on his body too, really, it's his favorite thing. (Even more- he loves if you squeeze his butt. He might huff a bit if you do, but trust, he secretely adores it.)
N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)
Anything that risky. In any way you can think of. Literally all forms of risks are a major no for him. Physically risky, reputation risky.. All of them.
Also, anything gross. Won't go along with watersports, emetophilia.. Anything along those lines are a no-no for him. Would completely wreck his mood.
O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)
Sort of nervous on recieving oral? Not really for himself too, he just doesn't want you to feel physical discomfort or choke or anything.. It's not really his thing. Totally up for giving, though. You might not expect it, but he's actually rather big on giving. Would honestly be satisfied if that's all you two do for the night.
P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)
He tends to gear towards a happy medium pace most of the time (exceptions can be made..). Sensual isn't really a word to describe it, nor is it rough. Not harsh, but not fluid. He feels if he goes rough he'll hurt you, and that's really not something he wants. But if he goes slow it just makes him feel shy, if that makes sense. It gives you the opportunity to really focus in on him, and he isn't exactly talkative in sex either outside simple questions and the alike, so it makes him feel awkard. A speed that's gentle but not too calm.
Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)
He's not a fan, and he'll rarely ever agree to go along with them. If he does though, then those are the times that the exceptions mentioned above happen. Though, admittedly, even though he isn't neccessarily a fan, he doesn't hate them.
R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)
Okay, unlike above, he's actually a real hater of risks. And there's really no elaborating on it either, as it's pretty much already been covered. Will not agree to risks.
S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)
While usually he tends to try and keep it at one to three rounds, he can do more. He's a physically abled man, and has quite a bit of stamina due to all the training he does and the alike. If he really wanted to he could go for.. Five? Probably could do seven, but he's just not that much of a sex fanatic, so that won't really happen.
T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)
Would never buy any. Why get such a thing if he's already equipped with parts for this activity? Might be willing to try some simpler things though, if you get it. Don't expect him to go for any BDSM stuff though, that's just really not his thing.
U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)
Not at all. He simply doesn't have the patience for it. Teasing him does get you somewhere though, if you're interested. Just don't expect him to humor you for too long.
V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)
Tries to be as silent as possible. Naturally, he isn't that noisy anyways, but it still embarrasess him. Panting, grunting. Maybe lower-sounding very muffled whimpering (only if you work to get it out of him).
W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)
Has considered jealousy sex.. On multiple occassions. Only racked up the courage for it once. Just finds it too silly and stupid to do it any other time.
X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)
Uncut, six inches. His pubic hair is a slightly darker blond, but similar to his hair. Only keeps it trimmed since he just doesn't get the point to shaving. Too much drama for something that doesn't really cause any difference besides aesthetics.
Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)
Not high. It's non-existant, supposedly. It's mostly just due to the fact he chooses to ignore it instead of actually indulging himself in sexual pleasure though! Realistically, it's likely just a bit below average.
Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)
If he does go to sleep afterwards, it's likely after a couple of hours. He has a few things to do beforehand so he won't get to it immediately. Would definitely stick with you for a bit after you fall asleep though, even if he himself decides to not rest.
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ananke-xiii · 6 months ago
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"The Born-Again Identity" is one of those SPN ep that I like despite the fact that there are so many things in it that drive me a little bit insane (truth be told, in part it's only my fault cause I can never completely turn up the "suspension of disbelief" volume and I go to a default "but why?" mindset everytime I see something on screen, so okay it's a *just me* problem). However, I do think that S7 was not that bad and it had some quite intriguing and original ideas while the execution was... well, let's say clunky. So, all in all, I think this episode is kinda cool.
the things that drive me a little bit insane:
the imagery of sam desperately running alone in the night along some tracks in a supposedly dangerous part of town. The "derailing" and "going off the tracks" symbolism was a bit on the nose; him buying drugs from the "tweaker" and sleeping with the guy in his car: mmm I feel like that was, like. a lot. to be just thrown away like that.
sam being admitted to the hospital with no mention of said drugs use and the whole scene with the doctor telling dean that they had to put sam in the locked psychiatric floor. I don't know, it also feels like.a lot. and.all of a sudden. they could ease into that way better, it's too ham-fisted as in: we have to find a way to put sam in an horror asylum-like facility in less than 5 minutes for the ep to make sense. so that what feels like to me.
daphne. everything about her drives me insane. I have a whole story where she has to clean up the mess dean has made and hide the body of the demon or something. she'll later start her own private hero's journey to find emmanuel and bring him back to their white picket fence life so perfect and so based on manipulation and stockholm syndrome.
the demons showing up at the grocery store. like what? it was established just a few scenes before when dean told the demon that he was "hands-off" or something and that the demon was actually looking for emmanuel. so why oh why would the other demons look for dean when there's emmanuel.alone.in.the.car. nonsense.
that one demon torturing sam with the electroshock. what was the point? why were demons there anyway? weren't the brothers hands off? maybe i missed something here but to me just felt like "asylum ep= electroshock scene is a must" and meh.
sam leaving the hospital.just.like.that and "swapping place" with cas. i'm sorry, what? i won't even comment on meg being suddenly hired as a nurse cause okay i want to give the writers that, but wtf? oh okay, this guy that has just showed up here (and has definitely possibly murdered 4 or 5 people at the entrance) is maybe not okay, let's not call his wife or someone, let's just lock him up. whaaaaat?
the quite intriguing and original ideas:
the cas/sam parallel: they are both evidently mentally unstable for very different reasons. cas has, in a way, "left the life" and dean, of all people!!!, is not 100% cool with him regaining his memories because what if he leaves???? sam is quite literally very close to leave life in general because the trauma is affecting his body in an irreversible way. they are both "born" again identities at the beginning and at the end of the episode. Very cooooool.
sam and lucifer interactions: the actors really did their job well in this ep cause everytime I watch it I'm exhausted, like I can't bear to hear Lucifer talk and talk and taunt and I definitely feel worn out like sam. I think Jared works very well with Mark Pellegrino, too bad that the whole Lucifer storyline was a mess in later seasons cause the actors had great chemistry.
meg. every scene with meg is just joy for me. and her storyline? left alone looking for "friends"? sure, she totally plans to use cas as her ally but what's new? (jokes aside, there's a whole pattern of women manipulating and using cas, am i the only one seeing it???).
marin. first of all, hello abigail????? (hannibal memories flooding in). second of all, cool MoTW-Not-So-Much-MoTW story. ofc she's a sam's mirror used to basically explain what happened to sam but the ghost who's tormenting her is also her brother and he must die-die-die because he won't let her go. hello??? paralleling sam's hallucinations with sam's issues with dean was super intriguing and too bad that the MoTW was Not-So-Much-MoTW cause marin's story was maybe not even 8 minute long.
bonus: "Peace of Mind" from S14 echoes this ep brillianty, they even cast one of the same actors (the doctor/the mayor) and they used the same surname for sam (sam smith/justin smith). cool cool cool (although unrelated to s7).
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cassxro · 10 months ago
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Cassian NSFW Alphabet
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✨ Characters - Cassian x reader
✨ Rating - Explicit (minors do not interact please)
✨ Trigger warnings - Mentions of non-consensual sex under N
✨ Genders/Pronouns - There are some gendered (AFAB) parts under B and O and a little in C
✨ Based off this template
✨ Character belongs to SJM
A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)
We all know this man is BIG. He’s asking you every minute on the minute if you’re okay and making sure he didn’t hurt you. He would make sure to clean you up himself, dress you, make sure you’re hydrated and not let you lift a finger. Only after all that and you assuring him a few dozen times that you’re okay will he finally lay with you and cuddle you to sleep.
B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)
Not sure if this counts as a body part, but his is definitely his hair. He for sure has a 10 step hair care routine he does twice a day. He takes pride in his hair and stands in front of the mirror for at least 30 minutes trying to get that perfect messy, “just thrown up” bun.
As for you he’s definitely a boob man. Ofc he shows your entire body love but I think your tits take the cake.  
C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)
We’ve all read ACOSF, we all know he has a breeding kink. Seeing his cum dripping out of you and you covered in his cum does it for him. All he can think of is cumming inside you and on you. 
D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)
Cassian. Is. A. Primal. Dom. I feel it in my bones. At first he holds back a lot with you, he doesn’t know if you’d be into it and he doesn’t want to scare you off. You notice  this and one night as you’re laying in bed, you ask him about his turn ons and turn offs and he’s honest with you. If you’re into it he’d be all too eager to get started (aka he takes you right then and there). He’d definitely ease you into it though and if it’s not your cup of tea, that’s okay too. I think he takes sexual boundaries very seriously in general.
E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)
A lot of people say it’s not about size but it’s what you do with it, and Cassian not only has the size but he knows what he’s doing. He’s spent centuries turning his body into a weapon, he knows how to use it. 
F = Favorite position (this goes without saying)
He is a doggy man through and through. Also loves when you’re on top, it’s a close second. If he’s feeling more romantic he’ll put you in missionary so he can hold you and kiss you and look into your eyes as he fucks you. He also changes positions a lot, makes you cum in one position and then moves you into another, etc. 
G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)
The second you two get started he is on a mission to you make cum as many times as possible and lose your mind. The most humour you’re getting is teasing and dirty talk. I think if you’re a little nervous he might crack a joke or two to help relax you though.  
H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)
I can’t see him doing too much. He just lets it go natural but doesn’t let it get out of hand or anything. 
I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)
Like I said before, it depends on his mood. But even when he’s fucking you like he hates you he still finds ways to love up on you and remind you of how much he loves you.
J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)
Before he met you it was maybe once every day or two. After he meets you and is courting you, you are the only thing on his mind. He needs to jack off multiple times a day to keep himself calm. Once you’re actually together he doesn’t do it anymore unless you’re away. And if that’s the case he’s definitely sending you it all through the bond.
K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)
Buckle in ladies, gents, and other gendered individuals. Cassian definitely has a size kink, breeding kink, exhibition kink and praise kink. Also enjoys primal play, bondage, dirty talk, impact play, orgasm control, nipple play, dominance (him being the dominant) and brat-taming just to name a few. I firmly believe he’s a “don’t knock til you try it” kind of person when it comes to sex so he’d definitely be willing to indulge in any of your kinks as well. 
L = Location (favorite places to do the do)
His bed for sure. Just seeing you naked in HIS bed does things to him, it brings out his possessive side. But will definitely fuck you anywhere anytime. 
M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)
If you act like a brat you can really rev him up, it gets him going like no other. Also likes if you’re extra submissive or initiate primal play. 
N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)
I think anything non-con would be an absolute no for him. Even consensual non-con. I don’t think he’d be a big fan of degradation, he’d call you his slut and humiliate you a little if it were a kink of yours but he would draw the line at anything more.
He also wouldn’t want to share you with anyone if you were his mate. You are for his eyes and cock only. He’s very firm on that.
O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)
He spends HOURS going down on you. It’s his favourite place in the whole wide universe. “Gotta get this tight little pussy ready to take me.”
P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)
Again, depends on his mood. I think Cassian either fucks you or makes love to you. When he’s fucking you he’s very rough but when he’s making love to you he’s very romantic and slow. 
Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)
Anytime he can have you, he is having you. Anytime, anywhere. In the shower, in between training sessions, In between meetings, I mean in between battles for gods sake. 
R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)
Like I said before, he’s a don’t knock it til you try it kind of guy. As long as it’s within both of your boundaries he’s more than happy to give something a go at least one.
S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)
He cums and his dick is back up and standing at full attention ready to go again. Just being in your presence is enough to get him going. When you two first have sex he cums within a few minutes, he just can’t help it. Makes it up to you over the next 5 rounds though. 
T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)
Before you he didn’t own any toys. Rhys and Azriel definitely got him a fleshlight one year for Solstice. “You need to loosen up” they had said, having had enough of the moody general. Cassian for sure gave it go before throwing it out though. Once you two are together you have a shopping spree and pick up some things to try.
U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)
He’s is ALWAYS teasing. He’s a total dick about it too. “Uh uh, be good for me or you don’t get my cock.”
V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)
He growls and grunts… a lot. He just can’t help it. Definitely gets louder when he’s about to/does cum. 
W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)
He LOVES nipple piercings. When you tell him you want yours done he would drag you to the piercing salon. Would also stab the piercer in the eye with the needle if it were a male though. 
X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)
He has been training for centuries, he is a wall of muscle. I hc him to be about 7 feet tall, he is big and muscular everywhere. Speaking of being big, his cock would have to be at least 12 inches long and about 6 inches in girth. He’s a BIG boy. 
Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)
I think he’s fucking you at least once a day. Ideally twice with a few quickies throughout the day when possible. VERY high sex drive. 
Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)
Once he knows that you’re settled and doing okay after sex I think he waits for you to nod off first and then goes to sleep. He wants to be awake in case you change your mind and need anything. 
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melis-writes · 2 years ago
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In my opinion, Al's portrayal of michael corleone is good, but I can't take him seriously in some parts of the first 2 movies, because al (for me) just stares and speaks, like he's staring like this : 😐, without any emotion, idk if that's supposed to be part of Michael's character or that's al just staring, and that annoys me, I never ever liked michael in the movies and ofc I'm not gonna like him in the book, the only time i like michael is when you're writing him, I hate michael and the things he did, i only find him hot because that's al pacino, because who wouldn't like him?, I find his portrayal of michael is pt 3 is better, because he finally shows emotion (or maybe that's what I think he did), i always liked his late 80s - 90's movies more, because he (again) shows emotion, when he's sad, you see it, when he's angry you see it, when he's happy, he smiles with all his heart, the only 70's movies I liked were panic in needle park, dog day afternoon and and justice for all, didn't like the rest because he's just staring, he deserved the oscar for his acting in scent of a woman, but I'm not sure about his acting in the godfather movies.
What makes me sad, is the al pacino Fandom are stuck in his 70's movies, if you realized
I never hear anyone talk about his recent movies except the irishman, movies like Danny collins, Hangman, Marchant of Venice and two for the money deserve more attention, I do hear people talk about the 80s movies, but it's just scarface, i do hear people talk about his 90's movies but they're just heat and Tgf pt3
I do love Al's 70's movies, but they're a bit overrated now
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The silent, emotional stares and sitting is 100% in Godfather 2 Michael Corleone's personality, sorry to say. 😂😅 The only other time I saw Michael like that in the first film was during Vito's funeral and well, you kinda have to sit there and stare during a funeral but my man was showing zero emotions despite his father having just died. 😶
It's because Michael's become such a hardened man with little to no humanity left in him. His own choices and actions have torn apart his family and essentially left him soulless in return. He took things too far, he seemed to have no intention of making the Corleone family completely legitimate after seven years (and has the audacity to say "just when I thought I was out..." uhhh, no. You liked being in!) and of course, the final nail on the coffin was finding out Fredo was the traitor. You can't really blame Michael in a way because of everything he's been through (survived an assassination and brother was the reason why he and his wife almost died, Kay got an abortion, growing more distant from Tom whom he only trusts, his mother died). 😢
If you didn't like film Michael though, trust me, you'd love book Michael! 😂❤ Book Michael laughs and smiles a lot, even cracks jokes and is a lot more emotional. He definitely doesn't sit there quietly and emotionless--he's extremely different from film Michael which baffled me when I read the book. He's actually a sweetheart if you ask me, and more family oriented. 💕
I don't think being stuck in Al's 70's filmography is a bad thing! Al made so many amazing films back to back in the 70s! It was his era! That was his decade!! ❤❤❤ He also didn't make a film for every single year in the 80s either, so we didn't have any films from him in 1984, 1986, 1987 or 1988! I think because Al is so phenomenally talented at playing action packed characters and gangster films, that a lot of us prefer and love his films in that genre. That's also why I think Heat and Carlito's Way are really loved too. That's not to say Al hasn't made other good films, he has! I for one love, love, love, The Panic in Needle Park, Scarecrow, ...And Justice for All and Bobby Deerfield too. 🥰
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saucy-sassy-sparkly · 2 years ago
Text
Pursuit of Happiness 3: Three's Company
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Pairing: Chris Evans x Kat Littleman (OFC)
Summary: New England political daughter Kat Littleman is constantly showing up for her mother’s campaigns, playing the part of the perfect daughter in the perfect, American family.  When her paths cross with Chris Evans while he canvases DC to build out ASP, she’s forced to face some truths about herself, her family, and her future.  
Word Count: ~5.9k
Series Masterlist
3: Three’s Company
It had been four days since Chris stormed away from her backyard, and Kat hadn’t stopped feeling guilty. At the grocery store on Thursday afternoon, she thought she’d seen him down the cereal aisle and had taken a deep breath and started to walk towards him, mentally preparing her apology, before the man stood up and turned out to be very much not Chris. She’d scampered away before he noticed her.
She was pretty sure she’d pegged him incorrectly and with time to process, she realized she’d definitely jumped to conclusions about his appearances this week. Kat managed to get “review the company website” onto their Wednesday team meeting agenda and found that her face was not very visible; you had to click through several links to get to the founder's page and even then, it was the very last item on that page.
And her house backed up to public property. She couldn’t very well be angry with him for walking on a lakefront trail. Lots of people did that. Chris had been right, it was a public park and a public area; just because her backyard was on the trail didn’t mean she owned it, nor did it mean he’d intentionally come to her home.
None of her guilt had stopped her from feeling anxious about Chris and his sudden reappearance. She was so protective of her personal life; she’d grown up under her mother’s watchful, critical eye and then gotten dragged into every single one of said mother’s campaigns from the time she was in high school. It had started easy, just a little appearance now and then at a town event but suddenly Mallory’s sights kept getting bigger and bigger and she wanted her family with her. She threw them into interviews and photo ops and every opportunity to parade them around. One of Mallory’s favorite things to do was to deflect from a personal comment about her by offering up a personal tidbit about Kat instead.
So, the flutter in her stomach at the sight of Chris and the itch to feel his touch again made Kat more than a little apprehensive. She hadn’t been joking when she said she was suspicious of his motives. Important, wealthy guys like him could get whatever and whoever’s attention they wanted with a few phone calls- she’d watched most of the guys she went to high school with do it even then, but with Daddy’s name as their bait. Even if their run-ins this week had truly been coincidental, she couldn’t help feeling a little cynical at the idea of it all being entirely by chance.
Chris confused her and enticed her and made her head foggy for the whole week while she tried to navigate her feelings and hopefully push him entirely out of her mind. Alas, he was still on her mind Saturday morning while she got up, let Amelia out, and sat reading with her first cup of coffee from one of her HopeLives mugs– just like the ones she’d set out for everyone at the foundation. He popped into her mind as she pushed through the gate at the back of her yard and onto the path around the lake; she was picturing him stalking away from her. He was still on her mind when she planted herself on the park bench and sipped the warm coffee in her travel mug, before yanking her beanie tighter over her ears.
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The November weather had turned from crisp to brisk in a matter of days. Every few minutes, a gust of seemingly Arctic wind would whip across the lake and chill Kat through her big red jacket, jeans, gloves, hat, and the ancient, crusty Uggs she refused to get rid of. They ruined almost every outfit at this point because they were so old and dirty, but she didn’t care. Every year she’d order a new set of fresh, cozy insoles and wear them all winter long to walk Amelia or do a quick run to the mailbox.
It was almost noon; she’d been sitting here for almost an hour while the sun occasionally poked out from behind the clouds. Kat killed the time making a mental list of items to pick up at the grocery store later, too cold to get out her phone and make a real one– that would require taking off her gloves. She was grateful the coffee was still warm and that Amelia was laying with her head in Kat’s lap on the park bench. It wasn’t quite freezing yet but it was cold enough with the ominous clouds lingering overhead and the air off the water.
You’d never know it was almost freezing based on Ollie.
He sat in the sandbox adjacent to the lake’s playground, digging with a tiny yellow shovel and carefully pouring his collection into a blue pail. His little brow furrowed in concentration as he moved in slow motion, reaching across his body with the shovel and dumping it with care. When he’d successfully added to the growing pile of sand in the bucket, he’d pause, look up at Kat with a proud grin, she’d return a thumbs up or a ‘great job!’ and then he’d do it all again.
If he was in charge, he’d sit out here all day, rain or shine or snow, and dig in this sandbox. He could pour sand into that bucket without interruption– it was essentially the only time he was still so Kat embraced the moment to sit down, even if it meant doing it outside on a November day in Massachusetts. She was convinced Amelia had some husky in her as she seemed to luxuriate in the cold rather than shiver as Kat was.
Kat forced herself off the bench, her bones creaking from sitting on the cold, hard surface for so long, and knelt on the edge of the sandbox. Amelia stared at her from her perch, entirely confused as to why the snuggling had ended, and then begrudgingly got down and sat dutifully next to Kat. Kat ran a gloved hand through the sand, making note of the way Ollie’s little fingers were bright red from the cold– he’d refused the mittens she brought with him and she’d decided that allowing him full dexterity was a sacrifice she’d make. “Hey bubs,” she leaned down to catch his attention, “five-minute warning, okay?”
When he nodded at her, she sat back on her haunches, continuing to watch his slow, careful activity. He’d been to the beach both of the last two summers– Mallory and Tim had a house on the Cape and had allowed Kat access to it whenever she wanted. She’d taken him once alone when he was hardly one, and then again last summer when her parents were also at the house, but he didn’t seem to remember. It wasn’t until about a month ago that they’d been on a walk around the lake with Amelia and he’d seen the sandbox as if it was the most incredible thing in the world.
His sweet little face lit up and he’d tottle towards it, crawling in without warning and dropping on his bum to run his hands through the course sand, grinning up at Kat. They’ve visited every weekend since then. Each time they came, they brought his yellow shove, his blue pail, and nothing else. He needed nothing else to get literally hours of enjoyment and Kat was not about to stop him.
Except she was about to stop him because the timer would go off any minute and she needed to start the fireplace at home and restore some feeling to her appendages. She didn’t know how she was going to explain to Ollie that the sandbox wasn’t a four-season activity in Massachusetts; at some point, she’d have to cut him off and she knew it would be devastating. Two-year-old tantrums are no joke. Not quite old enough to get it, but old enough to be pissed.
Miraculously, Ollie left the sandbox gracefully, holding his small shovel and pail in one hand and Kat’s hand in the other as they started towards the path back home. Kat kept up a running conversation with her son, babbling to him and engaging in his toddler talk– some of which was coherent, but much of which wasn’t– as Amelia tracked the path for other dogs to greet, wild animals to hunt, or new human friends to play with.
“Should we go to the grocery store before or after lunch,” Kat asked him, looking down at her favorite human and listening to him ramble off a string of words, several of which she could comprehend but many were still garbled. “Okay then, let’s go home and play, and then we can have lunch, take a nap, and go to the grocery store, sound good?”
Ollie was babbling again when Kat looked up, tugging on Amelia’s leash to get her attention and reign her back in. She was waggling frantically; Kat followed her line of vision and her eyes first hit a happy, fluffy, tan, and white pup looking equally frantic to get to Amelia. Kat’s heart thudded harder in her chest when her eyes trailed up the red leash the dog was on, up the arm of the unassuming owner, and into the eyes of Chris.
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He was in tan boots, jeans, and a huge, black winter coat, and on his head was a Red Sox cap. He didn’t notice her at first, he was staring straight ahead watching his dog and trying to keep control of him just as Kat was with Amelia. When he looked around to figure out what had captured Dodger’s attention, he saw Amelia’s joyful face first. Quickly, his memory kicked in of that day almost a week ago when he’d been standing at a white picket fence, petting a sweet dog… that sweet dog… Kat Littleman’s sweet dog. His eyes moved slowly from the dog, up the leash, the arm, the shoulder, and up to Kat’s face. He was about to give Kat a curt nod when he noticed the third figure with them.
The small boy in a navy blue dinosaur winter coat and an aviator hat lined with sherpa fleece was clutching Kat’s hand and staring up at her adoringly. Kat had come to a stop on the path, looking like a deer in headlights while she stared at Chris. Amelia was entirely out of her control, stretching to the end of her leash and straining her wiggling body towards Dodger.
While Kat was still in a trance staring at Chris, her thoughts went immediately to the day at the fence and how bad she’d ended up feeling about it. In all honesty, if she’d had his number, she probably would’ve called him to apologize. Or at least sent a text. People walked by the house all the time. It was not uncommon to run into a client from the foundation, a friend from yoga, or even someone she’d been on a date with before.
She’d been a little taken aback at his comment about not being memorable– she’d thought the evening was pretty memorable. Kat had the image of herself coming undone on his hand and his cock burned into her memory. She’d also been wearing out the batteries of her vibrator trying to achieve the same intense climax she’d gotten with Chris that night.
Standing in the middle of the path, gazing right back at Kat, Chris was reminding himself of all the ways she had made it clear she wasn’t interested. He’d stalked back around the lake and to his car after leaving her yard last week and brooded about her attitude, and her bitchy demeanor, and tried to place blame. He also realized that, from her perspective, it was awfully strange that he’d shown up twice in one day seemingly by accident.
Truth be told, if he wanted to, he could’ve gotten access to her workplace or address. A few calls from his assistant to the right people, name drop in the right place, and people fell at his feet. He tried not to flex that too often, but occasionally it was helpful. So yeah, if he’d wanted to find her, he could’ve tried harder and dug deeper and actually planned to run into her. But he hadn’t done that! He’d been trying to work! He’d been trying to go for a goddamn walk with his dog! He’d just happened to stumble upon her workplace and then her home…
But no, she’d made it clear she wasn’t interested in him, so he was not about to give her the satisfaction of looking flustered. It didn’t matter that his heart was in his throat. It didn’t matter that he could still hear the pretty noises she’d made as he’d made her come. It. Didn’t. Matter.
And… there was a child with her.
Could she have a child? Was she married or had a boyfriend and that was why she was so desperate to leave what happened in DC behind?
“Chris, hi,” Kat’s breathy, nervous voice pulled at his heartstrings and made him want to move closer to her. He resisted.
“Am I allowed to walk here?” Her face looked startled at his brash response and just as quickly her face flushed and she averted her eyes. He immediately felt guilty; he was letting his emotions get the best of him. Fuck, Chris, why would you say that? “Sorry,” he mumbled.
“I probably deserved that,” she played with the dog’s leash in her hand and took a step toward Chris and Dodger. She raised her eyebrows at Chris, looking between the dogs and then back at him and he nodded, letting Dodger’s leash loosen so they could greet each other. “This is Amelia,” Kat explained, watching the dogs come together.
“Dodger.”
A silence fell between the gathered group while everyone watched Dodger and Amelia sniff at each other, their tails beating hard enough they might’ve been able to propel a small airplane. Chris’s eyes kept drifting over to the little boy who was grinning at the dogs and reaching for them. Kat kept his hand tucked into hers.
“He’s really friendly and good with kids. I have nieces and nephews.” Chris offered, looking at the boy and not Kat.
Kat looked between Chris and Ollie and then tugged on his hand to get his attention. His little face looked up at hers and she couldn’t help but grin. Chris noticed the dimples in her cheeks and his heart swelled. “You can say hi to Dodger, Ol,” she nodded toward the dogs and watched him take a step away from her and drop her hand, giggling as he reached for the dogs with his pudgy little fingers.
“Who’s this?” Chris finally asked, taking in the gentle way both dogs greeted the boy. He watched Kat’s face as she took a calming breath and then looked him dead in the eye.
“This is my son, Oliver. He’s almost two.” Her response hung in the air between them. Chris didn’t have a right to be upset if a woman he’d slept with once didn’t disclose her motherhood, but somehow he wished he’d known. He wished they’d had enough of a rapport to share that kind of information. He wanted it with her; why he did was still a mystery to him. He still couldn’t understand what drew him so strongly to Kathrine Littleman, but he found himself standing here in this park, watching her son play with his dog, and feeling a little slighted that he didn’t know. He tried to shake it off.
Chris settled on a response that every parent loved, “he’s a cutie.”
Kat’s face split into a true grin when she looked at her son lovingly, “thank you,” she paused and then bit her bottom lip. Chris could see the wheels turning as she glanced at him, then back to the dogs, then back up at him again. “Listen, Chris, I’m sorry.”
“You don’t have to tell your one night stand you have a kid,” Chris laughed even though he felt very differently, “no problem.”
“No,” Kat looked at him with an expression he couldn't place, “I mean I’m sorry about the way I spoke to you last week. It was uncalled for.”
“Oh, that,” Chris rocked on his heels, “don’t worry about it.”
“I was really rude. I’m sorry I reacted like that. It just seemed so strange and impossible to be coincidental and I realize now that I was too harsh.”
He was about to say something like ‘don’t worry about it’ but the next few moments happened in slow motion. Ollie had tottered in between the two dogs with his arms outstretched. He was rubbing both of them and giggling while the dogs leaned into him. Both Dodger and Amelia were in constant motion, twisting and turning to get access to each other and to lick Ollie’s face— still sticky with leftover syrup from breakfast.
Innocently enough, a squirrel scampered into the path a few feet ahead for a fallen nut; it froze when both dogs immediately noticed it. Dodger and Amelia moved as one towards the squirrel, their playful demeanor was gone and now on the prowl. Ollie, caught up between them and their leashes, was knocked down face-first on the asphalt.
His wail was almost instantaneous, but for a moment, both Chris and Kat had been yanked several steps forward by the dogs, who were pulling full force toward the escaping squirrel. Ollie’s sobs pulled Kat’s attention and she yelled, “Amelia!” Yanking on the leash and looking over her shoulder at Ollie, who was struggling to sit up with his big coat.
“I’ve got them,” Chris reached over and took the leash, pulling both dogs back the best he could. He was strong, but their hunter modes had been activated and they were fiercely refusing to budge.
Kat fell to her knees in front of Ollie. She was usually a patient mom, allowing him a moment before she scooped him up. But this was new. His screams and cries were different than he’d ever had before and she lifted him to her shoulder whispering, “I got you, baby. Mommy’s got you,” while she got to her feet.
She turned to Chris, reaching out for Amelia’s lead, but he shook her off, “I’ll walk back with you. Your hands are full.” Ollie’s sobs in her ears made her head ring and she just nodded, starting back around the lake at a brisk pace. For a few paces, Chris was still wrangling the dogs, but quickly they were beside her. Ollie clung to her shoulders; each time he pressed his little face into her, he wailed louder. She’d never heard him like this and she felt her anxiety rising and a prickle of sweat along the back of her neck as she picked up her speed.
The backyard was in sight and she was all but running to get to it, letting Chris take a step ahead and pull the back gate open and not stopping when she got to the back door. She crashed into it, forgetting, in her rising panic, that she’d locked it and Ollie let out another screech when he bounced off her shoulder. She fumbled in her coat, trying to flap her gloves off for better access, when Chris was again beside her asking, “Which pocket?”
“Back left.”
Any other moment she would’ve thought about the feeling of his hands moving her coat to the side and sliding into her jeans pocket, all but cupping her ass as his fingers had to reach all the way into the pocket to get the small bunch of keys, but right now, she pushed the tingle away and stepped aside to let him unlock the door.
She set Ollie on the kitchen counter and immediately noticed the blood trailing down from a cut on his forehead. Kat got him out of his jacket and then stripped off her own, plus her gloves and hat, uncharacteristically leaving them in a pile on the floor. As Kat examined the cut, Chris lightly touched her lower back, reminding her he was still in the room, and softly said, “Tell me where your first aid stuff is, and I’ll get it.”
Kat just looked at him a moment, somehow in a daze, and then she nodded, giving him directions to the laundry room with the first aid kit. Both dogs trailed him– Dodger to explore the new smells and Amelia out of curiosity at what this man was doing in her house. All three returned; Amelia got comfortable in her bed by the fireplace, Dodger making himself just as comfortable practically on top of her in the same bed, and Chris passed behind Kat, running his hand lightly along her back, and set the kit next to Ollie, opening it and starting to pull out antiseptic wipes, ointment, and bandages.
With the help of lots of hugs and a gentle chant of, “You’re safe now, I got you, baby,” his sobs had subsided and he was now only sniffling. His tears and the blood had mingled down his cheek and Kat used a wet paper towel to wipe up some of it, before getting to work bandaging up the cut. It was bigger than she’d realized, but not very deep, so she let Chris hand her supplies and then handed used items to him to discard. When Ollie would yelp or sniffle, Kat would stop to soothe him and Chris would put a hand on Kat’s shoulder or back, doing what he thought would feel comfortable at the moment.
Twenty minutes later and a cup of chocolate milk later, Kat had soothed Ollie entirely and had planted him on the comfy sofa with an episode of Bluey playing. Dodger had immediately left his spot with Amelia and joined Ollie on the sofa; Amelia, not to be outdone, settled in on his other side. Ollie grinned at both of them, his little bandaged forehead wrinkling when his face lit up. Kat turned to start cleaning up the mess she’d created in the kitchen. To her surprise, the jackets and accessories were no longer on the floor, nor were their boots, and the first aid kit was no longer on the counter. Chris came back into view as she finished processing and he smiled at her, putting his hands on his hips.
The silence stretched between them, only occasionally broken by the soft giggles that Bluey elicited from Ollie. They watched each other tentatively, neither knowing exactly how to move forward. It was certainly new territory for both of them. How often do you end up standing in a cozy kitchen and listening to a children’s cartoon with the person you had a one-night-stand with weeks before?
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It felt like middle school; they kept making eye contact and then neither knew what to do or say, so they’d blush furiously and avert their eyes only to do it again seconds later. After a solid minute, Kat finally started to move across the kitchen toward the fridge. Chris was still hovering by one of the barstools with his hands shoved in his pockets. She started to pull things out of the fridge and freezer, piling them on the kitchen counter, and then moved to the pantry, gathering more items before pulling out a pot, a huge cast-iron pan, a stack of plates, and two glasses.
She filled one with water from the filter on the fridge and slid it across the island to where Chris was standing and watching her. She gave him a tentative smile and then turned back around to the gathered items and asked, “Grilled cheese?”
Chris was silent while he took a sip of water, suddenly realizing how dry his throat had become just watching her in her home… with her son… He hadn’t thought twice about making sure the three of them got home okay and that Ollie wasn’t seriously injured. It had just felt normal, natural to walk next to her with the dogs, to listen to her talk to her son, and to offer her a comforting touch. And then suddenly he’d had his hand cupping her ass while he tried not to grope for her house key. They’d moved together with surprising ease when he grabbed the first aid supplies and played nursemaid while she bandaged and soothed Ollie. Then cleaning up had been easy– he could see how nervous she’d gotten when Ollie was hurt, and cleaning up the kitchen was the least he could do.
Now she was moving around her kitchen again, heating frozen soup from a Tupperware container and melting butter in the cast iron. Her hips swayed ever so slightly with each movement and he wanted to put his hands on them, to feel the curve of her ass again.
“Chris?”
Fuuuuuck she was staring at him. No longer was she moving casually around the kitchen but she had one hip leaning against the counter, her hand resting lightly on the other, and she was staring at him with an eyebrow quirked.
“Uhh–”
“Would you like a grilled cheese sandwich? I’m going to make lunch for Ollie and me. I have some soup too if you’d like it.”
“Yeah,” he said too quickly and cleared his throat, “yeah, that would be great, thank you. Can I help?”
She shook her head, turning back to the stove, “How long have you had Dodger?”
Chris jumped into the story of meeting Dodger and Kat was glad he couldn’t see her face blushing, and even if he had, she would’ve blamed it on her face hovering over the hot pans. The silence was killing her. She was normally so comfortable in silence– she was happy in her own company or just with Ollie and Amelia. The silence was golden– especially as a toddler mom. But the silence that stretched between the two of them was… charged.
It was far from awkward.
It was the kind of silence that falls between two people who’ve fucked. And are thinking about what it would be like to do it again.
Kat could feel his eyes on her every time she turned around. She tested her theory, swinging her hips ever so slightly to the Bluey theme song from the next room and listening to the counter stool scratch on the floor as he rearranged his position. Then she “dropped” the dish towel and bent over to pick it up, followed by a grunt, covered quickly by a cough and a gulp of water.
Eventually, she was out of items to prep at the stove and had to start putting dishes in the sink, which put her face-to-face with him. She caught his eye again while he watched her push up the sleeves of her sweater and his Adam’s apple bobbed. How her exposed forearm was attractive was a mystery to Kat, but Chris was squirming from his seat. He’d finished telling her about meeting Dodger and an electric silence had fallen between them again.
“What about Amelia?”
Kat laughed, running a sponge over the spatula, “Ames found me. When I was still living in Hartford I was out for a run one morning. There was an animal adoption fair going on in the park and a pen of rescued puppies had broken. The puppies had escaped and the volunteers were frantic. I passed them while I was running and just tried to stay out of the way. Next thing I know there was this little fluffy delight keeping pace with me. She stayed with me for almost half a mile before I finally stopped laughing at her and thought about taking her back.”
“And the name?”
“Oh well, when I took her back to the adoption folks we all kept making jokes about her running away and, you know, taking flight. I have a slightly too intense fascination with Amelia Earhart… it just seemed to fit.”
Chris nodded, watching fondly as Kat spoke about Amelia. She’d pulled her attention away from Chris and was looking towards the sofa with a soft smile. Without warning she walked away from the kitchen and into the living room. He watched her lean over the back of the sofa and kiss Ollie’s head before she was ruffling Amelia’s fur. The dog craned her neck back and leaned into Kat. Chris took it all in, the tender moment with Kat’s children, the strip of skin exposed when she leaned over, her ass in the air, and then Dodger’s jealousy taking over when he sprawled across Ollie to join the snuggles. Both Ollie and Kat giggled, and Chris couldn’t stop his own grin.
Kat laughed again when she came back to the island, washing her hands and turning back to the stove. “Sorry, I can’t resist them sometimes, they’re just so cute.”
“I get it, Dodge is the love of my life.”
“Wow, that’s a pretty big sentiment,” Kat glanced over her shoulder with a smirk as she dropped bread into the heated pan with a soft sizzle.
Chris shrugged, “I’ve never had a relationship as pure as that one.” “Is he your first dog?”
“No way, I’ve had others, I’ve had girlfriends who’ve had dogs that I loved dearly, but no one has ever been quite like Dodger. He’s just… well, I had his name tattooed on me, and I’ve never had a woman I’ve come close to doing that with.”
Kat laughed, “Okay, so we’re speaking truths today I guess.”
“Sorry,” Chris laughed, “too much?”
“I’m teasing you. I get it. People don’t get it when I say similar things about Ollie or Amelia. But there are just some souls that you feel a deeper connection to. I don’t mean I want to marry my son or my dog. I just mean that they’re…” she trailed off, looking sheepish and putting her focus back on the pan in front of her.
“I know what you mean,” he said softly, moving around the island as she put two grilled cheeses on the cutting board beside her. He started to slice the first one into small pieces and Kat did a double take.
“How did you know to do that for Ollie?”
“This isn’t for Ollie, I’m just a Hollywood diva and chewing takes too much effort,” Chris held her eyes and kept a straight face for several seconds, causing Kat to stare at him and start to stutter. He broke into a grin and shook his head, returning to cut, “My sister has kids.”
“The diva thing seemed legit,” Kat smirked at him, earning her hip bump from Chris. Kat’s heart sped up at the simple, flirty move and she tried to focus on not burning the next sandwiches in the pan.
After cutting the sandwich, he plated it on a little wooden owl plate that Kat had waiting on the counter and carried it to the kitchen table where Ollie’s high chair stood. He went back and grabbed the rest of the supplies, setting the table for lunch for the three of them. Kat gathered Ollie and buckled him in while Dodger and Amelia circled like sharks under him, waiting for dropped cheese, before Kat kicked them out and back into the bed by the fireplace. Ollie’s babbling, singing, and giggling kept the adults entertained and their focus off of each other for the whole meal. Kat watched as Chris interacted with Ollie, leaning in intently and nodding along while Ollie rambled. Chris would ramble right back and they’d both roar with laughter while they made goofy faces at each other.
She finished ahead of them and sat back in her seat, watching the two of them, and thinking about the moment she’d never seen Ollie share with any other man. Her father, when they were around, was a loving grandfather but wasn’t nearly as animated– unless he was holding Ollie and explaining the football lineups. Ben and Kevin Facetimed with Ollie frequently, but it was hard for a 20-month-old to sustain his attention. He’d truly never had a man give him this kind of undivided attention. It was both endearing and terrifying to see how quickly they settled into a rapport after being perfect strangers two hours ago.
“Finished, Momma,” Ollie turned to Kat covered in tomato soup and waving his hands in sign language. She moved to get up, but Chris held a hand out to her, popping the last of his crust in his mouth.
“I got ya, little dude,” he scooped Ollie out of the high chair and onto the floor. Quick as a flash, he had his plate and Ollie’s in the dishwasher before leaning down on his knees to get on the toddler’s level. “Can you show me your favorite toy?”
Ollie grinned and nodded, grabbing Chris’s hand in his and tugging him towards the playroom. He dropped to the ground commanding, “Sit,” to Chris before starting to pull out his favorite train set. Kat sat frozen at the table, watching it all unfold in awe. Chris immediately set to work building a track and letting Ollie bark directions at him while he followed the best he could.
Kat used the moment of peace to finish cleaning up, glancing back at the two every so often to find them still amid construction with the occasional “choo chooooo” noise from one of them as a train traveled the tracks.
When she’d run out of things to clean and put away, she wandered into the adjoining living room and continued to watch them for a few minutes before she finally had to intervene. “Ol, we’ve got to go up for a nap, buddy. Can you say goodbye to Chris?”
“I should get out of your hair anyway,” Chris got to his feet as Kat scooped Ollie into his arms; he dropped his head onto her shoulder and rubbed his eyes, reminding Kat that she didn’t have too long to chat.
“Thank you,” she looked at Chris, allowing her eyes to bounce between his to capture him in a serious moment. “Seriously, for getting us back here in my panic and then for entertaining him. I appreciate it a lot.”
Chris shrugged, waving her off, “Anytime, I’m happy to hang with him,” he reached out to ruffle Ollie’s hair.
Their eyes met again and lingered, Kat unintentionally biting her lip and Chris’s eyeline following the movement. Before she could convince herself otherwise, she stepped forward and slid an arm around Chris’s waist, Ollie’s head still resting on her shoulder. She perched up on her toes and went to kiss his cheek.
Chris turned at the last moment, connecting their lips and taking the chance to hold her waist. Kat immediately reciprocated his kiss, leaning into him briefly before her brain caught up with her body; as quick as it started, it stopped and she jumped away from him.
“Shit,” he muttered, “I’m sorry– I just–”
“It’s fine. I should… I’m going to just… I need to put him down.” Chris nodded, “Dodger and I will head home.”
Kat stared at him, her mind racing, her heart thumping loudly in her chest, and forced herself to walk away and up the stairs.
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fagdykevash · 2 years ago
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Hello! Sorry to bother you, but you are the only blog I know who makes IDs outside of their own stuff so I figured you were the best person to ask. Do you have by any chance ressources to learn how to make and practice them? I want to start using them but I'm not a native speaker and I'm kinda struggling ^^'
Thank you and have a nice day!
oh ofc!! if u want, i have some good posts in the #image descriptions tag on my blog, but i'll link some stuff here too :D
Why and how, basics
Quick tips and tricks
Describing comics
Describing videos
Image Description Guidelines
and a couple of my own tips !!
a great rule of thumb is, "the more time someone would look at an image, the longer + more detailed the description should be". This means, if it's a little doodle or a meme, u don't have to spend hoursss describing every little thing (ie, the clothes ppl are wearing, the lighting, that typa thing -- unlessss it's like,, part of the joke/meme. does that make sense ?) this post by mothfishing [hyperlinked] explains it SO much better than i ever could
on that note, a short/""bad"" id is always better than none at all!! don't worry too much abt the quality, or else you'll get stuck in a loop of fixing and editing and the description will never be published (or is that just me lol)
an absolute lifesaver for me was using a text-to-speech/screen reader to read my descriptions back to me ! especially if it were a longer piece, i would write an id, turn on the screenreader + close my eyes, then see if i missed anything important + if i needed to rephrase anything.
for practicing:
if you see an image w/ a description, try to write one yourself for that image. then just check between those ! it's bound to be different, but how? try to figure out which fits the image better, then adapt !
whenever i'm bored/have nothing to do, i try to describe things in the room. this is mostly just a fun little game to keep my brain busy, but it's also helpful in building skills !
if i can, i like to read out my description to a friend/family member if they're around. i ask them to imagine what i describe, then i show them the image to see if it matches. getting other people's input is always v v helpful... and speaking of....
the people's accessibility discord server!!!!!! i cannot emphasize enough how cool and nice everyone is there !!!!! u can ask for help describing something, ask ppl to double check ur work, or just send an image for ppl to describe!! literally everyone there is just so wonderful and helpful :3 here's an invite link!
little things that i learned:
the screenreader on my phone reads quotes without pause. so it would read "a sentence just like this" as if the quotes weren't there. so i picked up the habit of putting a comma before the quote to break the sentence up. so saying "this" sounds much more different then saying, "this".
(desktop only i think) it's much better for a screen reader to read line breaks (holding shift and enter) than just paragraph breaks (just enter). with paragraph breaks, the person using the screen reader would have to tap on each new paragraph to read it, which can be a hassle. with line breaks, the screen reader just reads the next bit automatically, but the ID is still visually broken up.
save stuff to ur drafts to look over later !
for text-heavy images, use a OCR/image-to-text extractor. just put the image in and copy the text it spits out, maybe looking over it to make sure there aren't any mistakes. this definitely removes a lot of the burden of copying text painstakingly by hand yk
i'm sure there must be more i'm forgetting, so if any of my followers want to leave any more tips in the notes i'd greatly appreciate it :D
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nami-lvr · 2 years ago
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Correct OP Headcannons
Ft: Luffy, Usopp, Nami, Robin, Zoro, Sanji, Chopper, Brook, and Franky!
Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 |
A/N: Hey guys! First post YAYAYAYYAYAY 🔥🔥 I love love love the silly show smsmsm and the next part will include Mihawk, Doffy, Cora, Buggy, and Crocodile!
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Luffy
Erm I don’t have much for him
SIKE
Bro smells
Does not wash his ass
Has those back pimple thingys and lets you pop them (GROSS!!!)
Band kid
For sure
100% a band kid
iPad kid as well
Can’t do anything without entertainment
Has autism
If you disagree you don’t like autistic ppl :/ (JOKING OFC!!)
I think his special interest would be pirates bc he thinks they’re cool
Has greasy hair
Smells bad (knows) doesn’t care
Doesn’t floss his damn teeth
HAS CROOKED TEETH FIGHT ME ON THIS
Needs braces
Doesn’t get them bc this fool won’t take care of them
Paints his nails
Extremely ugly and bright colors
Cat shit green
Dog puke brown
Effervescent Shitstain
Whatever he can find
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Usopp
My bbg would also be a band kid
Would not do anything with his hair.
At all.
Not even pick through it.
Goddamn it Usopp YOUR SCALP IS FALLING. OUT.
WASHYOURFUCKINGHAIRBOY
I swear
He just lets that shit grow
Won’t even loc up.
Istg DO SOMETHINF WITH UR HAIR
Only pulls bitches in his late teens/early adulthood because he doesn’t look 5 anymore
I’m convinced he has a gyatdayum uhhh
Fat ass
HAD TO SAY IT
Im positive that if he was real he would have that THANG just THANGin up back there
Grabbable asf
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Nami
Popular pretty nice girl
Pick me (sorry!)
Would smell like strawberries for sure
Would be the girl to always have lotion on her
Would willingly take Spanish and be invested in it
Would always have gum on her
Lie about having gum on her so people won’t ask
People ask anyways
Definitelyyyy is the girl who only hangs out with guys (no shade to girls who do)
Not bc she gets along better
But because of Sanji 🙁
Literally they’re there to protect her from him (can you tell I hate Sanji yet 😛)
Basic white girl BUT I STILL LOVE HER
Stan Nami ong
She would be so proud of her friends
“Nami I got a 90% on my tes-“
“YAYYY! WERE GOING OUT TO EAT!”
So supportive
Very erm
Tough love kinda gal
You definitely have to WORK to be her friend
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Robin
I heavily headcannon that she speaks Russian. (I’m projecting 😊)
She would teach you Russian for sure
And be like
Super nice about it
I love Robin
She is so
🩷🩷
Guys hear me out
She is a cat person
Would always wear fuzzy socks
Prefers the cold
She is allergic to grass fight me
Does yoga I can feel it in my bones
Would do yoga with you
Definitely bakes
Her favorite show is something true crime related
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Zoro
Cmon man
This guy is so likeable
Dyes his hair a different color every month depending on what the awareness for that month is
As in blue for child abuse awareness month and green for mental health awareness month and so on
But no one knows that that’s why
They just think its cool
But he knows
He knows.
And I just think he would be the kind of guy to help the teachers clean the classroom
Straight C student
Sleeps in class
Has neck problems
Complains about said neck problems
Cycle repeats
Everyones friend
Natural born leader fr
Every tía would pass him the baby
He’s incredibly good with kids and wants some of his own
BUT!!!!
He is asexual
DUN DUN DUNNNN
Makes fun one people to their face (me for real)
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Sanji
I fucking hate Sanji. Not sorry! He is weird 😁🫶🏻
Would probably grab my ass
Would probably stare at my boobs
(I’m a well built gal)
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Chopper
My son
I adopted him back in erm
1800
Yes
Mexicans existed in the 1800’s and I adopted him then so
Everything I say from now on is cannon bc he is my son :p
Paints his nails
Bites his nails
Has autism
Bc I said so
Definitely loves plain pasta
Like thats his favorite food
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Brook
Erm
I don’t really like him either-
SIKE YOU THOUGHT
Bro is a stoner
No more questions
Tokes it up in the back of class
Gives no fucks if he gets caught
The kinda guy you wanna smoke your first joint with
Extremely good trip sitter
I feel like
I really feel like
I hope hope hope
He would dislike Sanji for being perverted and see that its bad and change his ways
💔💔💔💔
Brook recovery arc bc i say so
#brook redemption arc
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Franky
The fun uncle
Everyone loves Franky
Loud drunk
Extremely loud drunk
Like
Noise complaint loud kinda drunk
Still funny as shit thought
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lunar-lair · 1 year ago
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idk exactly how to explain it but. just. 4 UR ENTERTAINMENT by chandler leighton is such a rise leo song. the thing in general is just so...im tired of who ive become. it feels like leo staring at the person hes become after the kraang and sighing softly, so, so tired. it feels like something hed sing at karaoke and reveal the him a couple layers deeper than he usually lets people see. every time i hear it i see him singing it with this wry smile, humming it under his breath in the kitchen, listening to it on loop after he first hears it and thinking too hard about it. its the name of one of my leo playlists that are more like 'leo would so make this', theres one called 'im so sick of my own shit'. here let me grab lyrics just to prove it to you (under the cut bc this got kind of long lmao)
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this is just so. like. ofc insomniac leo but as for the the last two lines in the first verse. like i feel insane every time i hear this song and think of leo bc ive completely changed its meaning but it still feels so right to me?? just leo wishing he could be more boring, that this performance hes putting on could lose its steam. thats how the pre chorus applies, too, this song to me in a leo context is just about leo being tired of the act hes put on. tired of being there for the kicks and giggles, tired of having to pretend he doesnt care so people dont worry about him for being worried about them, this 4D chess game hes playing with his family to be who hes always been. ok moving on though theres more
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this part is just so . ough. i hate the way everyone loves it. i can see leo stepping back with a rue smile as he sings it DO YOU SEE MY VISION. forget my own name can totally be metaphor'd into forgetting who he is too ok. and its like, when did i become this? when i did become someone so me yet not? YOU KNOW
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NOBODY KNOWS HOW BADLY I WANNA GO HOME . GIRL. the lair the trauma after the kraang the person hes become CMON!!! they say that im built different. and now im just an actress, trying to keep up with the habits, trying to keep up with the joking act hes put up. DO YOU UNDERSTAND. DO YOU SEE MY VIISON!!!! this is bad for him he just wants to stop being what hes become hes backed himself into this corner. TRUST ME IT MAKES SENSE. ill have to make another post on my 'leo is leo but hes definitely putting up an act and the person he is has been suffocated' beliefs. or like. multiple that coalesce into the same idea i have so many leo ideas .
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THIS LINE THIS FUCKGIHGLFANLDFJSGLKFJ LINE . god its the core of this. hes so so tired. but he cant change what hes become now because his family will worry. gotta give the people what they want. i cant turn it off, i cant calm down, i cant worry, i cant turn off the jokes and the humor, i have to be the levity. DO YOUS EE-
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this part makes me nearly explode every time i hear this fucking song. take my face off just to put it back on, masks over masks, a brief reprieve before he has to keep acting like him but not-quite-him. no one really knows me, there are parts of leo hes hidden, there are parts of leo he doesnt let his family see, there are parts of him that will worry them that will make them see him as different that theyll tease. no one knows him, he just has to keep this up, find comfort in the box hes backed himself up into. god, if this is the show, then wheres all the applause. i cant even explain why that and the last line fit leo i just. why arent you clapping, god, ive done so much to make this perfect. i know its wrong, the ways ive molded myself, but here i am. YOU KNOW.
anyways this was my psa that 4 ur entertainment is a peak leo song. its been haunting me for over a month and its always been very leo to me plus it honestly slaps pretty hard so im glad to finally share it properly!! with the leo analysis and all, lmao
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minniesmelody · 2 years ago
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Eddie Munson head canons #2
𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗠𝗘𝗥: these are “my” head canons for Eddie, we might not all agree on something about him so pls don’t get offended by any of these, please and thank you. Enjoy!
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♥︎chewing and talking at the same time, gives no fucks.
♥︎Hufflepuff, no doubt about it.
♥︎ he will sleep in socks and even shoes, I feel like he forgets to change into something more comfortable and usually falls asleep most nights accidentally
♥︎this dude sneezes so freaking loud
♥︎he smells like cheap cologne and weed, I don’t know where y’all are getting coconut and vanilla and cinnamon from, weed has a strong smell and it will stick to him and follow him almost everywhere
♥︎he suffers from anxiety and panic attacks, we saw him after the whole Chrissy thing happened and how he reacted for the rest of the show after that, he tries his hardest to conceal it but in the inside he is losing his shit
♥︎he would feed stray animals, even raccoons
♥︎doesn’t like sushi or any kind of fish, man hates seafood, but what he will eat like it’s his last meal is that pus-
♥︎doesn’t drink a lot of water, let’s be real here
♥︎this man lives for grilled cheeses, he lives in a trailer park and doesn’t have much money, 25 slices of fake cheese for 3 bucks with a loaf of bread, definitely one of his comfort foods
♥︎definitely does “your mom” jokes but don’t say it back to him….just don’t
♥︎he sheds like a dog, you find his hair everywhere
♥︎has never washed a dish, either they use a dish washer or he makes Wayne was the dishes, most of the reason why they use so much plastic and paper products
♥︎uses 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner
♥︎actually sorta likes science class, says he hates it tho
♥︎favorite planet is Uranus, yes he is one of those people who tells Uranus jokes
♥︎I feel like he secretly loves romance movies
♥︎obsessed with tattoos, ofc we already know that but he is that type of person who likes having conversations with others that have tattoos and talk about their meanings and who did them
♥︎following up with that, Modern! Eddie would have watched Ink Master and loved it
♥︎while we on the subject of Modern!Eddie, he would have been the biggest DBD player in my opinion, he would have loved that game through and through, we saw how he was in dungeons and dragons, he was dungeons master and played the villains, he would have played the killers too in DBD for sure!!!
♥︎horror movies, he claims he loves them, he does truly like them, but he almost shits his pants way too many times while watching them
♥︎he buys at least 2-3 hairbrushes every few months, you have seen that hair, he destroys so many of them with how knotted his hair gets
♥︎he likes all types of bodies and girls, but curvy girls with some chub on them, he is literally on his knees for them
♥︎claims he hates tears for fears but he secretly jams out to them when he is alone
♥︎definitely buys those cans of fake cheese and put them on crackers, cheese wiz or whatever it’s called
♥︎favorite ramen noodle flavor is chicken
♥︎hates mint chip with a passion
♥︎the only way him and Jason get along is when he sells some drugs to him
♥︎speaking of drugs, he definitely does some but he mostly just sells them for the most part, it’s more smoking weed than yk snorting and all that
♥︎BONUS: he has been arrested by Hopper a handful of times
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hey i'm new to the fandom uhh. what's the general kinda. commonly-known lore. like i know the bare minimum and i would like to know more if that's alright :D thanks!!
Hi and welcome! I hope you're having fun so far :D
But commonly known lore, that's a tough one because honestly there's very little official lore, ofc the music videos are great base followed by the comic(definitely go read it, many of us still ignore the lore from it but it's great starting point) but from there most of us just run completely of the rails.
I have compiled some basics like important characters, main ideas and believes, some resources etc. but probably the best way to learn more is to discover. Look through different blogs, enjoy fanart, read fics, talk to people, this fandom has wide range and no two people have the same version of the world and that's the most beautiful part. And ofc you are always welcome here if you have questions or just to chat! Maybe don't even read all these boring paragraphs and go explore instead if you want. And here's a link to a masterpost by vinyls-and-valentines with even more links. Oh and definitely read the comic before this post if you haven't yet, there are some spoilers here and it will be more enjoyable that way.
There are archives of the twitter accounts which many use as a reference but the posts themselves are kinda incomprehensive and the only important part are some characters that are not included in any other media but I'll mention those later
Besides the main characters - The Fabulous Killjoys often also called The Fabulous Four and the Girl who they hope will save them all we also have:
Dr Death Defying, a radio host and as many believe, adoptive father of every lost kid he finds
Agent Cherri Cola, killjoy as old as the fab four, he's both in the comic and on twitter but his personality completely changes between these two medias, it's wildly accepted he hosts Cherri Cola's poetry corner on the radio
Tommy Chow Mein, runs a shop in the zones - the shop where the Girl finds Party Poison's mask in the comic, he is the seller, wildly overpriced, also robs corpses for anything that's still usable, popular joke is that he and Dr Death used to be married
The Ultra Vs, the gang from the comic, not really that popular since the characters are very underdeveloped, but many people still write awesome fics with them and do them justice, highly recommend if you get tired of the usual fab four stuff at some point, also we hate Val Velocity
Red and Blue, the two droids from the comic, they are girlfriends obviously
Korse (the bald bad guy, a Scarecrow=agent specially trained to hunt killjoys), Exterminators (soldiers with white sacks over their heads) and Draculoids (guys with ugly latex masks, usually believed to be dead people/killjoys that got turned by the mask) if you need bad guys for your fan work these are your people, no danger days fanart can exist without them
Show Pony, the killjoy on roller-skates from na na na music video, believed to be non-binary by many
NewsaGoGO, a character from twitter, also a radio host
DJ Hot Chimp, a character from twitter and a radio host as well
When someone mentions the Radio crew or something in that sense they usually mean Dr Death, Cherri Cola, Show Pony, Newsie, Hot Chimp
Also as you can notice pretty much no one uses the full names they are too long but you'll get used to it in no time
Mad Gear, probably the most popular singer in the zones, has a band called Mad Gear and the Missile Kid, sometimes Missile Kid is an actual member other times it's more of an imaginary concept, here's an EP MCR released
Oh yeah also the desert is often referred to as the zones, here's a map as well. The zones surround Battery City which is run by Better Living Industries, shortly BL/Ind, how the whole situation came to be is explained shortly here. Killjoys are people who escaped the city because of the way it's run (different versions but usually brain washing, propaganda, pills etc.) and obviously BL/Ind is not very happy about that so they send scarecrows, exterminators and draculoids to catch/kill the runaways. Also the city turns souls of dead people into electricity.
Big part of killjoy lore are also their masks and bad luck beads, masks tie their owner's soul to them and so when the owner dies (gets ghosted, dusted etc in killjoy slang) the mask is put into a special mailbox where a deity called Phoenix Witch saves them from being turned into electricity in the city. In many cases she can also return people back to life if she wants to. (also Witchfucker Wednesday is a thing I think you can guess what that's about) Bad luck beads are beads killjoys wear around their wrists and they are supposed to keep them lucky
Forementioned Phoenix Witch and Destroya are deities, both are quite well explained in the comic.
Also people often mention Graffiti bible in their works, that's a book similar to bible created by droids, but when I say book it's more of an idea usually it doesn't have an actual physical form of a book rather some scattered pages at best.
And if you see someone talking about Party Poison's piss kink that relates to hanky code and Party's yellow bandana they wore around their leg
That reminds me of another thing, go wild with pronouns and gender when forming your versions of the characters, some people use he for one character, other use she or neo pronouns for the same character and it's all fine and gender is fake there's only sand but also everything is very gender and everyone is very queer, it's a lot of fun
Some more interesting stuff to look into:
Little list I made with common headcanons (since venom brothers isn't explained people often use it to refer to Party and Kobra)
Dr Death listening Party
Sing outtake version (the story goes slightly different here)
Mousekat episode (Mousekat is presumably a show for kids made by BL/Ind as a form of propaganda. It's also Party Poison's furry head)
playlist of few other interesting videos
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spilledbutter · 2 years ago
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👀 I'm here for leaving a prompt! I'll obviously ask for Jaskel! 😬 And uhm... fake dating and mutual pining bc... ofc, they're idiots in love?? 🥺
ask and you shall receive! up on ao3, too 🙂
part two coming in the next few days! ---- Title: like cardiac arrest (high voltage when we kiss)
----
Summary: Jaskier needs a date, fast. Problem is, dating is harder than it used to be. Luckily, Eskel's willing to help him out.
Or: Two idiots in love think it's a great idea to pretend to date each other. No one is fooled.
Jaskier/Eskel | Rated: M | WC: 2k+ | CW: coarse language, sexual thoughts
----
The idea was absolutely ridiculous. Jaskier had truly outdone himself this time, really.
It had all started with Valdo fucking Marx, because of course it had. The idiot, for all that Jaskier found him lacking, could throw a decent party, and his Yule parties were all the rage. They’d been at a bar together with Essi, Shani, and Priss one evening. During a lull when the ladies had excused themselves to get refills, Valdo had turned to him with a sly smirk on his smarmy face.
“Julian, dear, you are coming to my party this year, right?”
Jaskier had narrowed his eyes at his given name, mistrusting of the other man’s tone for all that the words seemed like an invitation.
“Of course, Valdo, wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he smiled, full of teeth, “Though I expect the caterer this year will actually have taste buds–honestly, Valdo, I don’t know what you were thinking last year. Cocktail wieners? The scandal.”
Valdo stood there fuming silently for a moment before that damned smirk covered his thin lips again. 
“Nothing but the best for you, Julian. Though I expect you’ll be bringing a date this year? Your showing last year was so pitiful, really, and I’d hate for you to shame yourself publicly like that again.” 
He was referring, of course, to Jaskier’s horrible (but inevitable) break-up with Tess de Stael, his on-again off-again for the last few years. They’d had a record-breaking blow-out the weekend before Valdo’s party, and he’d showed up, alone and bleary-eyed, and gotten drunk out of his damn mind. Tess had showed up fashionably late, a young, handsome reprobate in tow, and had proceeded to suck his face the entire night. Jaskier, in response, had taken an entire bottle of vodka from the bar and holed himself up in a corner, licking his wounds.
He had nothing to say for it now, of course, least of all to Valdo. Dating was… hard. He’d sort of missed the online dating wave while he was with Tess, and since then, every time he opened one of those sites–he became overwhelmed with the repetition and disconnectedness of it all. It was so… detached. He absolutely hated it, hated swiping left and right, being judge, jury, and executioner for the short bio that summarized all that a person was. So he’d stopped that rather quickly, figuring he’d try his luck the old-fashioned way.
It had worked, sort of. He’d met a few lovely people, spent a few lovely nights wrapped up in them (and over them and under them). It never went anywhere, though. He definitely hadn’t met anyone he liked enough to parade in front of his friends–he loved them, truly he did, but they could be a mindless pack of hyenas when they spotted prey. He didn’t want to subject a passing fancy to that. 
“Oh? Nothing to say to that, hmm? Don’t worry–I’ll make sure the reservation is for Julian Pankratz, party of one.” Valdo laughed and laughed at his own, shitty joke, and Jaskier was filled with an icy resolve to prove him wrong. 
Jaskier straightened his spine and squared his shoulders. He smiled, sweet and demure and menacing, batting his eyelashes at Valdo. “No need, my dear, I have just the person in mind. I know your memory’s fading in your advanced age, so text your planner now and let them know I’ll be needing a plus one.”
Valdo scoffed, but couldn’t hide the intrigued glimmer in his eyes. “Alright then. Just make sure your mystery date actually shows up, and not with another date this time, hmm?”
Jaskier gave him the bird before heading off to the bathroom to panic.
Shit. Now he needed to figure out who the fuck he was bringing.
—-
It was going horribly. A disaster, really.
Jaskier had been to bar after bar, cafe after cafe, movie after restaurant after yoga class and more, all in search of the love of his life. He’d started browsing discount sites, picking up new hobbies in the hopes that he’d meet new people and seem fun and interesting in the process. He’d even gotten desperate enough to reopen his old dating profiles, searching for someone at least passable. For all that Jaskier was flirtatious and outgoing and gregarious, it was extremely hard to find someone he could connect with enough for it all to seem genuine. 
It was fucking hard. He was running out of jokes, and get-to-know-you questions, and cute outfits. And patience. If he had to ask one more bland person what their hobbies were or what they would bring to a deserted island he was going to blow his fucking top.
He was running out of time. He only had a month until the party, the bitter November wind a reminder as it blew through the shoved-open door of his favorite local haunt. He was going to look so fucking pathetic if he failed.
He said as much to Eskel through his fingers, head in his hands. 
Eskel, his longtime friend from college, had met him for drinks and was currently witness to him being an absolute mess. The other man, in his master’s program at the University of Oxenfurt, didn’t find time to make it out very much. When he did, it was usually with Jaskier or his brothers. Jaskier always tried not to let that get to his head, too prone to being love-drunk and floating on clouds in the other man’s presence as it was. 
Eskel–smart, sweet, handsome Eskel–who had always been out of his reach. Eskel, his best friend’s older (“By only a month,” Geralt always eye-rollingly reminded him) brother, who he’d met in freshman year when Geralt had taken his pitiful roommate with a shitty home life back home with him for Thanksgiving. Eskel, who couldn’t seem to help himself from laughing at Jaskier’s jokes even when they weren’t that funny, who came out to Jaskier’s first big gig even when he had his thesis defense the next day, who always, always made time for him. Eskel, the honest-to-gods love of his life–who could never, ever know. 
The man in his thoughts heaved a deep sigh, resting a comforting hand on Jaskier’s shoulder. “I don’t know why it even matters, Jask. You hate Valdo Marx. Since when does his opinion mean anything to you?”
Jaskier groaned, not wanting to explain the real reason, the dreary path his thoughts had taken. He dropped his head onto the bar in a true fit of pique, uncaring of the slightly-sticky surface leaving questionable residue on his cheek.
“It’s not that I care about Valdo-fucking-Marx, it’s–it’s the principle of the matter! Tess—” His voice came out more choked than he intended, and he cleared his throat, blinking hard. “Tess was–hard. To move past. I just keep thinking, what if…” 
He trailed off, running a frazzled hand through his hair. “What if I can’t find anyone else? What if, as shitty as our relationship was… that’s all I deserve? What if I never find anyone else?”
His voice had gotten quiet, now, the last few words coming out in a whisper. He found he couldn’t look Eskel in the eye, finishing his speech in the rim of his empty cocktail glass. Gods, he really was pathetic. 
“Jaskier.” 
The voice was warm and smooth like the sweetest mead. He looked up into eyes equally as warm–the color of fresh honeycomb, or the sun on a clear, summer day. Despite his best efforts, his stomach clenched, heart giving an anxious flutter. His friend looked serious, a slight furrow to his brow, as he gazed at Jaskier. It didn’t seem fair, given the conversation they’d been having, that all of this single-minded focus was on him. Melitele, help me, he’s so gorgeous. 
“You have to know that’s not true. You deserve the world, Jaskier. I know that… that someone out there sees that.” Eskel swallowed thickly and Jaskier found himself distracted by the bob of his Adam’s apple. Jaskier’s mouth suddenly felt dry, the room too hot. He floundered, just on the wrong side of tipsy, for the right thing to say in response to a confession as earnest as that.
“Well! I’m sure you’re right, Esk, I’m just being silly. And drunk. You know vodka makes me sad.” He laughed at himself, as he always did when he wanted smoke and mirrors, when he needed to disguise the truth. Don’t. Don’t come any closer, I won’t be able to control myself. I’ll say what I really feel for you, what I always have.
Eskel continued staring at him in that quiet, thoughtful way of his. When Jaskier stopped his babbling and returned his eyes to Eskel’s, he noticed the other man seemed to be searching for something in his expression. What, he didn’t know. He must have found it, because eventually, Eskel nodded, seemingly willing to let the subject drop for now.
“Let’s get you home, then. No need to waste your money when you won’t even enjoy it.” 
Eskel stood and Jaskier followed him out into the cool, late-autumn night. The air was chilly and the street was wet from a recent rainfall. The streetlights shone brightly above them, making the cobblestones glimmer like jewels. They fell into step beside each other easily as they began the short walk home, Jaskier’s flat on the way to Eskel’s. 
It was quiet enough for Jaskier’s drink-addled brain to wander, unavoidably returning to the subject of his date. It wasn’t due to a lack of trying. He’d tried everything he could think of, truly. Maybe… Maybe it wasn’t the right time for him to find someone he really liked, or he surely would have found them already (pesky hidden feelings for Eskel aside). That didn’t change his situation, though. If only there was a way for him to get a date without having to continue like this…
The idea came to him in a bid of drunken genius. 
“That’s it!” He stopped in the middle of the street, grinning like a maniac. “Eskel, I’ve finally figured it out, you big, beautiful brute!” 
He flew towards Eskel and threw his arms around his neck, pressing a sloppy kiss against his cheek. Eskel, without hesitating, caught him around the waist, a faint dusting of pink rising up his neck. Jaskier was too pleased with himself to notice.
“What, Jask? What did you figure out?”
Jaskier beamed from his place in Eskel’s arms. “I thought I needed to find someone to date seriously, because how else would Valdo and the others believe it was real? But–and hear me out–what if I hired someone instead?”
Eskel looked downright flabbergasted. “You want to hire a date to the party?” 
Jaskier was nodding furiously, pacing away from Eskel as he thought. “Yes, I can see it now! I’ll put it on one of the local neighborhood message boards: CUTE SINGLE LUTE PLAYER SEEKS DATE TO TRUMP SWORN ENEMY.” He fanned his hands in front of him with a flourish. “Honestly, how could anyone not want to? The mystery! The intrigue! Me!”
Jaskier had stars in his eyes, thinking he’d finally found a plausible solution to his problem. Surely hiring someone would be much, much easier than finding someone to actually date. Because that was impossible–the closest he’d gotten in the years since he’d met Eskel being Tess. The truth, kept locked in a box deep within his heart, was something he didn’t like looking too closely at. His most closely guarded secret–that he didn’t think anyone would ever mean as much to him as Eskel. That’s why he’d never been able to really commit to another. That’s why he was alone, now, fleshing out this stupid plan. The man before him bested all others, and he didn’t even fucking know it. What an absolute crock.
He felt a hand catch his elbow, pulling him from his musings, and spun around to face his friend. Eskel was… blushing? Now that was unusual. Jaskier took a closer look at him, and, oh, he was definitely flushed, and he wouldn’t meet Jaskier’s eye.
“Esk? What is it?” Jaskier was overcome with immense concern, rarely seeing the other man like this. “Are you feeling okay? I always tell you that you work too hard, you don’t rest enough, you–”
“I could… be your date. If you want.”
Jaskier froze, as still as the dead. There was absolutely no way he’d heard that correctly. No possible fucking way.
Eventually, Jaskier found the strength to croak out, “What?”
Eskel, for his part, flushed even harder. “If you’re going to–hire someone, post it on a message board–it’s not safe, Jaskier. Gods only know what I’d do if anything ever happened to you. I’d rather you were safe. I can just as easily be that person for you–if you’re going to hire someone, anyway.” 
Jaskier was struck dumb, mouth hanging open. He idly heard his mother’s voice in the back of his mind, telling him that was a sure way to catch flies. 
Eskel continued in a murmur. “Besides, it would probably be easier than with a stranger, since we know each other so well.”
Eskel seemed to realize, belatedly, that Jaskier had yet to respond. He seemed nervous, his fingers twitching, before he moved to rub at his scars–old, worn, faded with time. Still so beautiful. “So, songbird? What do you say?”
Jaskier was stunned. There was no way around it, he was absolutely speechless. Valdo Marx would be cackling if he could see him now. 
There was no way he could do this. Eskel made good points, of course he did, he was the smartest person Jaskier had ever fucking met, but Jaskier’s poor fool heart could never last if they did this. Not when faced with a mockery of what he’d always wanted. 
And yet… His words from earlier returned, unbidden, to his head. What if... What if this was his only chance? He and Eskel could never be, not really. Eskel was light years away from him, untouchable as a shooting star. Jaskier would rather suck Valdo’s big toe than press his luck and ruin everything he and Eskel had. But if they were “dating”… This could be his one chance to see what being with Eskel would really be like. 
He’d wanted him for so, so long. Gods only knew how much he’d wanted. He would be a fool–-to do it, not to do it. 
He was trapped in his indecision, but sensing the rapidly rising tension in his friend made up his mind for him. He could never let Eskel think poorly of himself, that it was him, that he was the reason for Jaskier’s hesitation. Even if it was true, in a way, it was nothing like the way Eskel was probably thinking.
Jaskier let out a weary, bone-deep sigh. “...Okay. We’ll do it. But I think we need to come up with some terms. Ground rules.”
Eskel seemed to relax, looking a little lighter, but he still held tension in his shoulders, around his mouth. He looked like he was expecting a blow at any moment. “Okay. Like what?”
“Well… We’ll need this to be believable. You’re right–it’s good we’ve known each other so long, but that might actually make it harder to sell to everyone.” Jaskier rubbed his jaw in thought. “We need a story. For how we got together.”
“Hmmm. How about… after Yenn’s birthday?” 
They’d all gone out together, the whole group of them, for Yenn’s thirtieth a few weeks ago. She wanted to greet the new decade with a bang and they’d all gone barhopping together, getting increasingly trashed as the night wore on. 
“We could say we went off together. One thing led to another, we confessed our feelings…” He shrugged, like it was nothing, like he wasn’t tearing Jaskier apart with a few simple words. “Seems realistic enough to me.”
Jaskier, heart aching, nodded. “Okay. We’ll also need to–touch. More than we usually do, I think. I’m usually very… affectionate, in relationships, so it’s to be expected.” He cleared his throat, already regretting this, because he was an absolute idiot. “Would you be okay if I held your hand? Gave you a cuddle?”
“You already do those things, Jask, so that’s not even a stretch.”
“What about… if I kissed you?”
That stunning, cherry-red flush was back, high on Eskel’s cheeks, and this time, Jaskier noticed. He was enchanted, unable to look away. So godsdamned lovely. 
Eskel seemed embarrassed as he nodded in agreement. “Assumed that would be part of it, anyway. ‘S fine.”
There wasn’t enough air in the world right now. His heart was pounding against his ribs, wanting to fly out of his chest and into the hands of the man before him. An offering on a silver platter–please, I love you, let me be yours.
Jaskier felt like he was dying inside. He smiled, extra bright. 
“Okay. We’ll start this weekend.”
(1/2)
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sleepysnk · 4 years ago
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alright y'all i finally got some headcanons after showering. I HOPE YOU GUYS LIKE THESE. i kinda liked the idea, so lmk if you guys would like a part 2! :)
Pool Day Headcanons
Characters: Eren, Jean, Reiner, and Colt
Warnings: slight suggestive?
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Eren Jaeger:
- ok so you already know it was Eren's idea to go swimming at the waterpark. there was a giant heatwave coming, so he figured it'd be a perfect date for the two of you.
- LET ME JUST SAY.. EREN IS A COMPLETE ASSHOLE AT THE WATERPARK.
- not in a bad way ofc, but he'd be a dick to the kids, or he'd do some petty stuff 😭. he'd run when a lifeguard would yell at him, or push a little kid to get to the water slide. you'd just stand there embarrassed while a parent cusses him out.
- Eren would force you to go into the water, even if you protested that you didn't want to. he'd drag you off the chair and force you in.
- "babe! come on! it's a waterpark, don't just sit there all day,"
- Eren would splash water in your face or force you on the tube slides with him, he'd purposely make it go fast so you'll fly off at the end.
- he would probably push you off the diving board because you took too long, he's just impatient like that.
- Eren would get tan as fuck. he'd be so golden after you both leave, you never have to worry about sunscreen with him.
- not gonna lie, Eren would love seeing you in your swimsuit. he'd kind of be more protective of you, especially if other guys stared at you. he'd probably put his arm around you.
- he'd put you on his back to go to the deep end, and probably scare you acting like he was going to throw you off.
- lifeguards would yell at him for almost making you drown.
- probably got kicked out once because of it too.
- his hair would be so messy, since we're talking about manbun Eren, he'd have to re-tie his bun a few times. sometimes you'd pull on it, and he'd have to re-do it.
- Eren would probably get a hard-on seeing the water droplets going down your body, and he'd press it against you while be in the water leaving you with a huge blush.
- this would be a really fun date, definitely a 10/10.
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Jean Kirstein:
- this would probably be Jean's idea to go to a waterpark. he's really fun in that way, and plus he gets to see you in a swimsuit, so it would be perfect ;).
- Jean would absolutely LOVE the water slides, he'd be the type to wait in long ass lines just to ride it, even if you complained.
- "be patient babe! it's gonna be so worth it in the end,"
- like Eren, Jean would kind of be an ass to people at the waterpark. he'd steal a tube a little kid was going for, and run away laughing his ass off while the kid cried. he'd be a dick like that i'm sorry 😭. the parent would probably roll their eyes at you both as you word a "sorry" to them.
- Jean would probably sneak food into the waterpark, even if it isn't allowed, he still somehow finds a way for snacks to be snuck in. HE'S SNEAKY LIKE THAT.
- his dumbass would get water up his nose every 30 seconds and have a huge coughing fit.
- accidentally swallowed pool water 😀.
- he'd be the type to slowly inch you into the water, and hold your waist 🥰.
- Jean would take you on his back around the deep end making sure you're safe and secure, so he doesn't drop you, sometimes he'll hold you in the front with your legs around his waist.
- Jean would get tan, you wouldn't have to worry about him getting burned. plus his tan would be hot as fuck.
- knowing this guy, seeing you in your swimsuit made his jaw drop to the floor. he loved the way your body glowed in it, and it made a huge blush go across his face. he couldn't keep his eyes off of you 🥺.
- SO PROTECTIVE. if a guy even looked in your direction, Jean would instantly put his arm around you or even kiss you in front of the dude staring at you. he didn't want any guy thinking they had a chance with you, it's honestly super adorable.
- you'd come back to your spot during the break and feel his print when you sat down on his lap 😳😳. boy was it a surprise for you.
- his hair would be all messy and water would be going down his face, ngl it's really hot to you 😏.
- pls doing this with Jean would be so worth it and fun.
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Reiner Braun
- not gonna lie, this was probably a date you two both came up with while trying to figure out your weekend plans. it was going to be a real hot one, so you figured why not? a waterpark sounded fun.
- Reiner would probably not be a huge fan of water slides, but you forced him to go on one and he wanted to do them all.
- "baby we're going on that one next, i don't care about the line,"
- he wouldn't be an ass to anyone at the waterpark, but he would definitely roll his eyes at the annoying teenagers that won't shut up. you both were waiting in a line and they kept complaining, and Reiner literally wanted to backhand them.
- Reiner in swim trunks 🥵 oh boy.. my imagination is running wild. it is definitely the sight to see.
- he uses his charm to get free snacks 😭😭, girls cannot resist this man and his body.
- Reiner would probably tan with you for a bit, he'd for sure wait by your side holding your hand or waiting on his phone for you to finish. my man has patience when it comes to you.
- he'd probably jump in with you and laugh as people would be annoyed with you two splashing them with water.
- Reiner would probably try to do some weird trick in the water and bump his head on the bottom of the pool floor. he'd come back rubbing his head and shaking his head.
- like a dumbass, he'd get water up his damn nose and cough for like 30 seconds.
- Reiner would slightly tan but also burn? if that makes sense.
- he is 100x more protective of you at waterparks, many guys would stare at you and my man would put his hand straight onto your ass or your waist.
- he loves your swimsuit, he thinks you look absolutely stunning and just breath taking.
- Reiner would lowkey hold you in the pool with your legs around his waist leaving small neck kisses. this man has had a boner all day, he probably would take you home after and see your fresh tan lines 😳.
- THIS WOULD BE SO FUN. please take this man to a waterpark gn.
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Colt Grice:
- this was definitely a date idea that you had since Colt doesn't really think about waterparks that much lmao. plus with the heatwave coming, you figured why not?
- COLT IS LIKE A LITTLE KID WHEN IT COMES TO THESE THINGS.
- he got forced to take Falco.
- Colt would do absolutely everything the place has to offer, whether it be going down the water slides or going onto the diving board. HE WANTS TO DO ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING. let this man have fun, ok?
- he's definitely respectful and wouldn't do anything that would get him kicked out, this soft baby is just too sweet for that.
- Colt would probably enjoy the lazy river with you, he loves the relaxation, and just being by your side would make him feel so calm and soft. he would hold your hand as you floated down on it, IT WOULD BE SO SO CUTE. you can't change my mind.
- he'd splash water in your face and get pool water in his mouth, he'd be coughing so much.
- ok this is something i thought of just now, but he would so buy goggles to go underwater and kiss you. he loves to see your smiling face under the water, IT JUST MAKES HIS HEART SWELL AND FEEL SO SOFT 🥺.
- he'd take you on his back and to the deep end while you place your head on his shoulder, he'd probably joke around and act like he's gonna drop you. it'd be kinda funny.
- "you want me to drop you? okay!"
- Colt would be so protective of you, knowing many prying eyes would be on you, it made him a little insecure:((, but he did his best to show those people you were his. you also assured him that nobody else would ever replace him, you probably kissed him a few times in front of those guys.
- Colt would burn jfc you needed so much sunscreen.
- he'd absolutely love your swimsuit, he thinks you look like something from heaven 🥺. he would call you every name in the book, he's just a sweetheart like that.
- he'd peck your lips a few times and say sweet words to you <3333.
- PLS THESE ARE SO CUTE IM SOBBING.
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thestarrynightslover · 4 years ago
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I'll Make It Okay for You - Part 2
Pairing: Harvey Specter x Reader
Word count: 2,765
Warnings: Discussion, yelling, some angst, mentions of drugs, drug abuse, drug withdrawal, rehab facility and insecurities/self-sabotage (very, very slightly, tho). 
Summary: You can read Part 1 here. What happens when (y/n) (y/l/n), Harvey’s secret crush and a junior partner at his firm, openly defies him in front of everyone? 
Disclaimer: I don’t own the show Suits, or its characters, also not associated with it in any way or know anyone involved with it.
A/N: I think that this turned out better than Part 1? As always, I’m not sure, though. Just to make it clear here, I’m still on season 4 of Suits, so didn’t wanna get too much into any canonic details, self-preservation, lol. Anyhow, I hope you like it, and, ofc, feedback is always appreciated.
(y/n) = (your name) (y/l/n) = (your last name) (y/n/n) = (your nickname)
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You and Harvey stayed in the embrace for a while, as you sunk in all the comfort emanating from him. He'd even started stroking your hair. The whole situation felt so intimate, that, by the time the two of you finally pulled away from each other, it was almost as if there was this cloud of embarrassment hovering around you both.
"Err… I'm s- sorry, I shouldn't have, um-" You started saying nervously but he cut you off.
"No, it's okay. And, um, I'm really glad you told me what happened… It's definitely a lot to deal with. And I was a complete asshole this morning. So I'm sorry." For a moment both you and Harvey just smiled at each other, sitting there in a comfortable silence. Until he decided to break it: "So, um, did you get her a lawyer? I'm assuming you wouldn't wanna represent her yourself because it could be problematic…"
"No, uh, yeah. It would be problematic.” You corrected him. “But the most I could do was make the cops get her a public defender, cause I called my dad when I was on the way there and he just wouldn't have me paying for anything else. He is a retired cop, so the pension isn't too great, the pride though… And I’m already covering Lisa's treatment because it's her best shot, but this…"
"And he wants to teach her a lesson." He completed what you were trying to explain.
"Yes."
"And you don't agree with him?" Harvey asked, almost reading your mind.
"Well, it's complicated. Because when I see what Kat's doing with her life… I get just as frustrated as my parents, and I really do want what's best for Henry." The fact that your sister wasn't what's best for her son was only implied. "But she's my little sister, you know?" As he nodded in understanding, you went on: "I wanna help her, but, at least for now, I think I'm just gonna wait and see if mom and dad change their minds… Which I think they will do! I mean, my dad was a cop for years. He knows what those places do to people. As much as we all desperately want her to get her shit together, I don't think that prison is where she'll succeed in doing so." You finished, voice filled with concern.
"Well, I don't think I would be as lenient, and compassionate, as you are, but I do see your point." Harvey told with a sympathetic smile. "Besides, she is your sister. And, trust me, I know what it is like to go out of your way to keep a sibling outta trouble." He added with a tired sigh, making you wonder how much you really knew about the man sitting in front of you.
"Either way, now I don't see much that I can do for her at the moment. Gonna try and have her attorney keep me posted, of course, but…" 
"Yeah…"
"I just… I can't help but feel guilty about all of this, you know?" You said, after having stood up and turned your back on him, finally letting on what was bothering you the most to the other lawyer.
"No, not really, I don't." He stated simply while you just looked back at him with a shocked expression on your face. "I mean, there's not a single approach on this that makes me think you're to blame for anything." He explained himself, standing up as well this time.
"Harvey, I-"
"No, (y/n), let me stop you right there. What I see here is a family going through a rough situation with one of its members. Then three of the other members just try to do everything they can to get out of the initial situation, while another one just keeps making more problems for her family. And, right now? Today? You walked out on your bosses, risking a lot, to take care of your nephew. So, tell me again, how is it that any of these things happening to your sister are your fault when you’ve done nothing but help everyone in that goddamn family of yours, huh?" He asked you in a sarcastic tone.
“Well, it is very much my fault because I’m her big sister! I should have been there for her! Advising her, helping her, just, just being her friend…” You confessed your regrets to Harvey. “But, instead, I was too busy making my career.”
“And what the hell’s wrong with that? Look, I’m a big brother too. I get it. Ever since we were kids our parents imbued us with the role of ‘the responsible one’, always telling us to look after the youngest… But, hey! If you just threw all of your work up in the air and left running every time your sister had a run-in with a problem, you wouldn’t have made it this far! Not in this field anyway!” He practically spit the words in your face, going to battle with your self-sabotage, which was a very new side of you for him. “And you’re a freaking great lawyer! One of the best that firm’s ever seen. So don’t be sorry that you didn’t sacrifice all of that for being better than the amazing sister you probably already were!”
“You simply can’t know that.” You stated in a low voice, not really knowing how to respond to everything Harvey had just told you. He really thought all that about you?
“Yes, I can!” He yelled back, stepping closer towards you. “I can know that for a fact, because,” he started again, his face pretty close to yours this time, “because, I’m beginning to finally understand, even if just a little bit, who you really are. And because I always notice all the little things when it comes to you, which, in my experience, is how you actually get to know someone. You know, the details.” He told you in the sweetest tone, giving you a charming-Specter-like smile, he leaned closer, if that was even possible, God, was he gonna kiss you?
You had to pull away slightly, just enough for him to get the message. And, boy, how you regretted it! Sure, normally, you’d have a ton of bad things to say about him, but after that night… It wasn’t really that bad of an idea, the one of Harvey kissing you. No, nuh-uh! What were you thinking?! If much, you and Harvey were beginning a friendship there! And you couldn’t, or wouldn’t, let some ridiculous thoughts about how great he smelled rob you from that opportunity! Your inner struggle was interrupted by him saying:
“Hum, I- I should probably go, right? It’s, um, it’s getting pretty late…” He said nervously. You should be relieved right now. Because this assures that things between you and Harvey (your new friend?) aren’t gonna go too off the railroads anytime soon.
“Yeah, yeah. I’ll, uh, I’ll walk you to the door.” So why is it that you sounded almost disappointed when you said that? “You know what they say, you gotta walk people to the door if you ever want them to come back…” You joked a little, trying to lighten the mood.
“Yeah, right.” He shot back simply, with a small smile on his lips. “Bye, (y/n). Have a good night.”
“Thanks, you too.” You watched him turning around to leave when you remembered there was something else that Harvey deserved to hear from you. “Uh, Harvey!” You called out.
“Yeah?” He asked, turning back around to face you. And before you could even think it through one more time, you were already jumping in his arms, wrapping him in a tight hug.
“Thank you. For tonight. For everything.” You told him, as he slowly put his arms around your waist, hugging you back.
“It was no problem, (y/n), really. That’s what friends are for.” And, just like that, your day ⎼ turned into night ⎼ had gone from Earth to Hell, and, now, to Heaven.
                                                       ---
Around 7:30 in the next morning, as you gathered some of your work stuff, you heard someone knocking on the door. Who could it possibly be this time? You asked yourself while walking there to open it.
Once again you were surprised to be met by none other than Harvey Your-New-Friend Specter standing at your doorstep. With your supposedly locked-up little sister in tow. What the hell?
“Before you say anything,” he started, “this time I come bearing gifts!” He practically beamed at you, as Kat threw herself in your arms.
“Yeah- yeah, um, I can see that.” You stated, still very confused with the whole situation.
“Thank you so much for sending your friend to bail me out, sis!” Your sister squealed out. She looked so pale and thin; winter-like clothes on, even though it was only the beginning of the fall; and she was shaking. Effects of a rushed withdrawal, you guessed. “You’re the best! Now, where’s my little baby?” She asked you, as if everything that had happened was nothing.
“He’s, uh, he’s in a day-care facility. The best in the city, you have nothing to worry about.” You informed her, who seemed rather relieved to hear that news. “Can you, uh, can you please stay here for a minute while I talk to my, uh, my friend in the office, Kat?” You asked her with a calm smile on your lips.
“Yeah, of course. I’m not gonna break anything I promise!” She told you, sounding a lot like a wicked child.
“No, um, I know you won’t. If you want something to eat, please, help yourself.” You assured her, motioning to the kitchen.
“Oh, no! I’m not hungry! Mr.Specter took me to a diner before we came here.” She let you know, which just made you even more surprised, and confused.
“Oh, he did? Well, that was very nice of yours, Harvey. So, come with me?” You asked him in a sort of mockery tone while pointing to the room he’d just been in, the night before.
As soon as the two of you stepped into the office, Harvey started desperately: “(y/n), before you come at me for not running this by you first, just, please, hear me out for a second.” He pleaded with you, to which you just nodded your head. “So, last night. I heard what you said about your dad, and you don’t have to worry about paying me anything. I’m representing your sister as a friend of yours.”
“Wait a second. You mean you’re taking this pro-bono? Harvey, you do that and the whole firm is gonna know. And you promised.” You quickly accused him, even though you were very thankful for the way he just stepped up to solve one of your problems.
“I know! Let me finish, will you?” You nodded again while muttering an apology. “I’m not going to break your trust. And I’m not handling this pro-bono. The only people I’ll have to loop in are Jessica and Donna. And you know they won’t say anything.” He told you, but you were still a bit confused. “And, before you even ask, no, that doesn’t mean that either you or your family will be paying me anything. Also, I got your sister a spot in a top-of-line, very discrete, rehab facility, I have a friend over there, who said we can drop her off at any time. I just, um, figured that it’d be the best if she got professional help this time. Plus, on my talk with her, she agreed to sign papers that make you and your parents Henry’s temporary guardians. I really think that Kat wants to turn her life around this time, (y/n). She was very- Did I do something wrong? Because, err, you know me… I always find it easier to ask for forgiveness instead of permission, but, this time, I really did think that this would make you happy...” He trailed off with a confused look on his face while scratching the back of his neck
“Oh, I am happy.” You told him, still looking absolutely stunned.
“Then why, uh, why don’t you look happy?” He asked, sounding a bit hurt.
“It’s just that… I’m kind of surprised. How did you even think of all those things?”
“I, uh, it’s like I said yesterday, I notice things about you. And I really listened to what you told me last night. So I just started thinking about ways that I could solve this thing for you, ways that I could make you happy again throughout all of this storm.” He told you and it had to be the sweetest thing you’d heard from Harvey (hell, from anyone!) in your entire life. “But I understand that I overstepped, and I’m-” But since he just wouldn’t stop talking anymore, you had to cut him off in order to shut him up.
His eyes were in absolute shock for a moment, as he just stood reactionless in your grip. But then he got the message and pulled you closer, grabbing your waist tightly while your hands stood firmly wrapped around his neck. You were pretty sure that neither one of you was still breathing at that point, but you didn’t care. Because, God, his mouth tasted so good in yours, it was like they’d been made to kiss each other. The despair both of you were investing in the kiss was huge, but it was turning into a calmer kind of fire, as the air started becoming too necessary again. He pulled your mouths apart for a minute, you resting your forehead on his shoulder.
“You know…” He started, still catching his breath. “When I mentioned you coming at me, I hadn’t really envisioned this.” He joked, a victory smile on his lips.
“Ah, well, you know how upset it makes me when you simply won’t shut up.” You shot back with a shrug of your shoulders, smiling at him.
“Huh. Wish you would’ve shut me up like this every other time.” He mocked, earning a smack in the arm from you. “Ouch! Why’d do that?”
“Because you were being a dickhead, ruining our moment.” You gave him a fake irritated glance.
“Oh, c’mon! Tell me you didn’t think about it too!” He challenged, and you didn’t feel like giving him that kind of win at the moment, so you just pulled him back in for another kiss. One that may have lasted a little longer than it should have, considering that you two still needed to take Kat to rehab and, then, go to work so you could try and save your job. But, what could you do if he, and his body, and his mouth, and his eyes, and his everything were the only things that mattered?
As he rested his chin on top of your head ⎼ that was laid on his chest ⎼, you looked up, pulling away a little, him making sure you wouldn’t fall off the small couch. “Thank you, Harvey. For everything you did. For listening. For being here right now. For everything.”
“Don’t thank me, (y/n). You’ll never have to thank me for anything. I just want you to promise me one thing.” He stated seriously.
“What?” You asked, a bit hesitant.
“That, from now on, you’ll tell me all about it, every time you have a problem.” That was easy enough, you thought. But, you being you, simply had to ask.
“So that you can be here for me?” You questioned him with puppy eyes.
He just chuckled lightly. “Well, that too. But, mostly, so that I can make it ⎼ whatever it is ⎼ okay for you.” Your heart was on the edge of not being to take it any longer. What could have you possibly done to deserve that man?
“Okay, I promise.” You said, watching his expression begin to soften already. “But, only if you promise me the same. Because I wanna make it okay for you too.” While you thought Harvey was simply gonna say yes, he started laughing at you.
“Always the kick-ass corporate lawyer, I see.”
“Would you even have me any other way?” You joked back, more relaxed now.
“Yes, of course! I’d have you in any way you came to me. Which is why I promise too.” With that, you didn’t have any other choice but to kiss him again, because crying over the fact that Harvey Surprisingly-Romantic Specter was an absolute cinnamon roll was not an option.
Taglist: @just-a-girl-with-alot-of-issues​
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saucy-sassy-sparkly · 2 years ago
Text
Pursuit of Happiness
2: HopeLives Foundation
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Pairing: Chris Evans x Kat Littleman (OFC)
Summary: New England political daughter Kat Littleman is constantly showing up for her mother’s campaigns, playing the part of the perfect daughter in the perfect, American family.  When her paths cross with Chris Evans while he canvases DC to build out ASP, she’s forced to face some truths about herself, her family, and her future.  
Word Count: ~6.8k
Warnings: Chris is a bit of a horndog.  Lots of swearing, alcohol, sex talk, politically charged topics, chaotic families
Series Masterlist
2: HopeLives Foundation
“FUCK,” Chris threw the controller on the sofa next to him and stormed out of the room, leaving a dumbfounded Scott behind him.
Scott glanced between the abandoned item, the Mario Kart standings screen, and his brother’s quickly disappearing back before he turned down the TV volume and followed Chris into the kitchen. He watched his brother bang around the room, throwing open the refrigerator and yanking out a beer before slamming it shut. Chris then yanked open a drawer to aggressively push around the utensils in search of a bottle opener. He found it and tried to pull it out, but it got stuck on the vegetable peeler; he yanked harder, and all of that resulted in several items tumbling out onto Chris’s socked foot, eliciting another, “fuck,” from the man who left the mess in favor of opening the beer and taking a swig.
“So,” Scott said, pulling out a kitchen chair and collapsing into it, “you seem great.”
Chris glared at him.
“Wanna tell me what’s wrong with you?”
“Nothing,” Chris joined Scott at the table after he gathered the utensils from the floor and shoved them haphazardly back in the drawer.
“You are definitely lying based on that little hissy fit you just threw over losing in Mario Kart.”
Chris shrugged, “I don’t like to lose.”
Scott snorted, “Yeah, okay, that I know, but you don’t normally throw things and storm out of the room. That’s usually Mom.”
Begrudgingly, Chris laughed and took a swig of his beer before leaning back in his seat. “It’s been a rough few weeks I guess,” he picked at the label of the Stella in his hand.
“DC was another bust?”
“Not entirely, we got a few more people interested and I’ve had some meetings go well, but I just didn’t think it would be this hard to convince politicians to talk to their constituents. Every time I spend a few days there, I end up feeling like we took one step forward and two steps back. They agree to talk to us but then they’re just looking for me to support them in some way or help out with one of their causes. Or worse, they ignore us entirely. No actually,” he paused, “the worst is when they just laugh at us. I can handle an ignored email, I can’t handle the assumption it’s a joke. I just want this to work, Scott. I think this could work, I just need them to get it, ya know?”
Scott nodded, pushing away from the table to get his own beer and, far more gratefully, find the bottle opener, “but you knew it would take time.”
“Just not this long,” Chris sighed and looked up at his brother who was walking back towards him. He studied Scott for a moment and then turned to look out the window, biting his lip.
“What was that?”
“What was what?”
“That face you just made? That face you make when you don’t want to tell me something.”
Chris scrubbed his hand down his beard and glanced at Scott in the corner of his eye, debating about telling him. Telling him about Kat. He’d been thinking about Kat since she’d disappeared into her hotel room’s bathroom two weeks ago. At that moment, she hadn’t bothered to lock the door, but he knew that was his dismissal.
She just blew him off, just like that. A quick, slightly dirty, really good fuck, and then she was gone.
At first, it pissed him off.
That was his role; he was the one who quickly dismissed a hook-up and sent them on their way. It had been years since he’d been on the receiving end of a brush-off. Women didn’t walk away from him. He finished and they begged him to stay while he got dressed or while he called them a car. He was used to being the one in control and he was furious she’d gotten the upper hand.
Then, he was embarrassed.
She’d sent him away without so much as a “goodbye” or even a “let me get your number” that they’d both know would never be used. He hated how it felt to put himself back together and quietly leave the room. He hated how much he wanted her to want him, or at least give him ten extra minutes to have a drink.
After the embarrassment came the shame.
He knew he’d done this to women more times than he could count. He knew he’d made them feel beautiful and desired only to give them the boot shortly after. Chris wasn’t awful– he usually hung around for some cuddling and making out… occasionally a sleepover… but even then, he didn’t think twice about sending them on their way. Now that he was on the receiving end, the shame of having made women feel that way crept back through him at the worst moments.
And now, he was curious.
Admittedly, his curiosity was mostly guided by his dick. Chris was familiar with casual hook-ups, but they were usually enough to get him off; he was almost always sure to get his partner to the finish too, but most of them were nothing special. Occasionally he’d find someone who was into something kinky and it would catch his attention for a few weeks, or now and then someone was particularly good and he’d keep her around for a while to text on lonely nights.
But the immediate attraction he’d felt for Kat when she’d sauntered up was new. Hot women were always around him, but few of them exuded a self-assured air that she had. And he wouldn’t admit it out loud yet– or maybe ever– but she was in the top 5 sex he’d ever had. He had yet to figure out what it was about her, but she’d put him in a trance and there wasn’t a shot in hell he would’ve ignored her invitation to her room. When she’d opened the hotel room door and pulled him in, he’d hardened at just the touch of their hands. When he kissed her and she whimpered against his mouth and melted into his touch, he’d started to leak into his shorts. He’d almost finished while she was just petting him, and then almost did again when he watched her finish on his fingers; when he’d finally been inside of her, he’d struggled the whole time not to finish with embarrassing speed.
After he’d spent a few days pissed and moping, not even taking advantage of the advances from a few more aides for their last few days in DC, he’d gone Incognito on his laptop and Googled her. He got a few old hits with her name in articles about her mother, a link to a super private Facebook page, and some photos volunteering with charities and a handful of other politicians. If he really wanted, he could reach out to some people he knew in DC and figure out how to get in touch with her the next time he was in town, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to go that far. That seemed a little too creepy.
So, he’d squashed his feelings down as deep as they could go and had thrown himself into finishing his last stint in DC. Then he’d taken all of his frustrations out playing video games with Scott, hiking with Dodger, and with his hand in the shower after dark.
Scott sat across the kitchen table with his face cradled in his hands, clearly waiting for Chris to spill. Chris played with the label of his beer, avoiding his brother’s penetrating stare, and tried to think of where to start. How to say ‘I slept with a woman and now I can’t stop thinking about her’ without sounding like an episode of a teenage drama?
Saved by his phone vibrating in his pocket, he fished it out to see Mark’s name fill the screen, “hey, man,” he greeted and then took a sip of beer, glancing back at Scott, who rolled his eyes and left the table to go back to the couch.
“So, Elizabeth Warren’s people just called me,” Mark said in place of a greeting. Chris could tell Mark was shuffling papers and could picture him at his desk– the one he’d seen over FaceTime many times. “They tried to call you first since you’re in the area, but said your assistant took a message.”
Ahh, right. Shit. He often gave out his assistant’s phone number instead of his when it was to lower-level staff members, just in case they weren’t calling for ASP reasons. He saved his personal number for the elected officials and their chiefs of staff.
“What does Warren want?”
“Well, sounds like she’s willing to chat with us, but wants to do it this week. Can you make it happen?”
Chris sat up straighter, yanking his laptop across the table and opening it. He clicked quickly to his calendar, scanning through the few phone meetings he had set up for the rest of the week before responding to Mark, “Hell yeah, I can make it happen. I’ll call ‘em.”
“Great, we really need her, Chris. Work your magic.”
“I’ll do my best,” Chris laughed, asking for the phone number to call.
Mark rattled off the contact information to Chris, who typed it quickly onto a sticky note on his screen. They briefly exchanged pleasantries, followed by some more shop talk, and then hung up. Chris immediately dialed the contact, being connected directly to a woman named Maggie. Maggie explained that the senator’s schedule was fairly full this week, but she’d be doing some visits to local nonprofits and he was welcome to choose one and she’d make time for a cup of coffee after.
Chris was accustomed to the “catch” with these politicians. He was careful to avoid showing too much favor to certain causes and leaders, but he had to toe the line between using his celebrity to bolster a politician’s public opinion and actually getting what he, Mark, and Joe so desperately needed to get ASP off the ground.
After hanging up with Maggie, he was surprised to find a list of engagements already in his inbox, along with links to the organizations and the times that Warren would be there this week. He clicked through the four options, loading the websites and scanning the missions– all various causes he liked, but one on the furthest side of downtown, one wasn’t until next Saturday– a week away– and one was at an animal shelter and he couldn’t risk going there and falling in love with another dog… Dodger would be devastated. The last one was on Tuesday, two days from now, and was the closest to his house. He clicked through the link for the HopeLives Foundation, looking at the stock photos of smiling women and children in front of apartment buildings.
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Over the next two days, Chris and Maggie exchanged emails about the event and by 10a Tuesday morning, Chris was dressed in a cardigan and dark jeans and on his way to HopeLives. He pulled into the lot of a small strip mall, seeing the vans for a few news crews parked on the opposite side. The end unit had a sign above the entrance that was a cream-colored oval, with the words HopeLives in hot pink.
As he got close, he was surprised to discover that under the name of the foundation, there was a small herd of pink flamingos. An odd choice of mascot for a Boston-based foundation. He hovered at the edge of the sidewalk between a few cars and crew members scrolling their phones and scanned for Maggie. She’d said he would be able to find her because she’d be three steps behind Warren. And sure enough, there she was, a petite woman in– you guessed it, a pantsuit– was standing behind the senator, taking notes on her phone.
He chose to text her, rather than make his way across the center of attention, saying that he’d be at The Bean– the coffee shop a few doors down– waiting until they were finished; he saw the moment she read it and started to scan for him. He waved from his spot and she beckoned him over.
Shit.
He couldn’t say no; he was this close to getting a chance to talk to a huge name in politics and try to get her to agree to help them. But if he said yes, his face would be on the internet in a nanosecond next to the same huge name in politics, making it very difficult to sell the “nonpartisan” angle of ASP… not that his Twitter account did much to help that either.
He didn’t have a choice, he crossed the lot and hesitantly stepped up on the sidewalk as Maggie approached, her hand out to shake.
“Welcome, Senator Warren is just about to go inside,” she turned on her heels and was walking towards Warren without another warning. She waited for a pause in her conversation before gently touching her elbow, “Senator, Chris Evans is here.”
The senator greeted him warmly in front of the flashing cameras, complementing his career and how much her husband enjoyed his Marvel movies, before turning to introduce him to the women she’d just been meeting.
Kira and Monica were introduced first, shaking hands with Chris and grinning at him, “We had no idea you’d be joining the senator!” Kira continued to shake his hand long after it was socially acceptable and blushed fiercely when she realized and dropped his hand.
“We’ll introduce you to our third teammate in a second, she just stepped inside to get the coffee started,” Monica added, gesturing to the double glass doors, “want to warm up?”
The gaggle of people– Kira, Monica, Senator Warren, Maggie, Chris, all the camera crews, and several other Warren staffers, headed into the large lounge of the office space where there were plants scattered between a few sofas, plush chairs, and coffee tables piled with both coloring books, crayons, and magazines, even a few paperbacks novels on one of the bookshelves.
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The cream wall in front of them held a picture of a flamingo and Senator Warren laughed, pointing up at it, “I have to know the deal with the flamingos,”
“Hold on, the flamingo enthusiast should explain it herself,” Kira said, walking down the nearest hallway and disappearing, only to return with a second voice following her.
Coming around the corner, a pot of coffee and a collection of mugs, creamer, and sugars on a tray in front of her, was Kat and Chris swore his heart stopped beating for the first full minute she was in view. He felt his face flush and his palms sweat; he was grateful he hadn’t worn a jacket even in the November chill because he would surely sweat through it right now.
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Kat was in a tight plaid turtleneck, green suede skirt, navy tights, and knee-high brown leather boots; her hair was up in a high ponytail and, even with her neck covered, Chris remembered what the slope of it looked like and how much he had craved kissing it again in the last weeks.
She hadn’t noticed him yet; she and Kira were too busy setting out refreshments but when she rose to her full height, she looked straight at the senator first, offering her a chair and a coffee. Senator Warren sat, along with Kira and Monica, and finally, finally, her eyes fell on him. They widened immediately and Chris was pleased to see a blush rise in her cheeks too.
He took a step towards her and immediately paused, unsure what kind of greeting this moment called for. He wanted to hug her– his instinct was to hug– but this didn’t feel like the time to be that familiar. He hesitated and settled on shoving his hands in his pockets and nodding at her with a sheepish smile.
“Ch-Chris,” she stuttered, her head snapping back in surprise and she finished processing, “What are– how did–” she glanced around at the people all watching her expectantly. Kira and Monica’s eyebrows were both so high on their foreheads that they were in danger of blending into their hairlines. Senator Warren just continued to wait patiently, mixing cream into her coffee. The camera people and crew members, Maggie included, stared at Kat and Chris, clearly noticing a moment of tension.
Kat finally stuck out her hand and pushed her shoulders back, “Sorry, I’m just a big fan of your work, so I’m a little starstruck I guess,” she forced a laugh and gratefully, much of the room joined her, “I’m Kat Littleman. Would you like a cup of coffee?”
He shook her hand, accepted her coffee, and took a seat on the sofa– leaving Kat the only space left between him and Kira. She perched on the edge of the sofa, pretending to mix coffee for far too long while Monica and Senator Warren discussed the ins and outs of HopeLives. She picked up the cup, put it to her lips, decided she was shaking too hard to take a sip, and set it back down. Kat repeated the same movement three more times before she finally took a drink; she could feel her teammates' eyes flickering to her erratic movements.
Kat fidgeted on the seat, feeling every movement Chris made beside her. It was like his whole body was magnetized and trying to drag her into him. Seeing him here, in her place of work, had thrown off her whole morning and she was struggling to regain composure. Every time he moved and his cologne filled her space, she was pulled right back to the way it felt to kiss him. To have his hands on her hips, her legs, her breasts. To feel him everywhere…
“So Kat,” Senator Warren turned to Kat, who was pressing her knees so tightly together to avoid touching Chris’s that they ached already, “care to explain the flamingos?”
Kat nodded, flashing a genuine grin and angling her body towards the senator. Chris forced himself to look at her shoulder and not at her lower back, where her turtleneck was coming untucked from her skirt and a small stripe of skin was showing. “So a few years ago I saw this documentary about flamingos that said the name is said to reference their crimson wings and relates them to a real embodiment of the mythical phoenix. In lore, a phoenix rises from the ashes and is reborn for a new opportunity. Flamingos can represent beauty but also balance, stability, and potential. That concept really stuck with me and when we were workshopping names and logos and concepts for HopeLives, I kept coming back to the idea of our foundation working to help families find their potential. They come to us from poverty, abusive homes, from drug addictions, and we help connect them to job opportunities, housing, and food when they need it, plus we run several programs that allow families to bring their children and network with other families, building a herd if you will,” she laughed, earning a laugh from Senator Warren and Chris as well; she jumped a little, remembering Chris was seated behind her and she forced herself to lean back in the sofa, pressing into the backrest and allowing him to be part of the conversation again.
“A group of flamingos is actually called a flamboyance, but I learned quickly that some people do not want to be called that. Anyway,” she took a quick sip from her coffee mug that was emblazoned with the same logo that was out front, “our whole mission boils down to supporting people to rise from the ashes of their past and prosper. These two came up with the name, we all came up with the mission and built it together, but I was really insistent that we incorporate flamingos into our image.”
“Love that,” Chris nodded beside her, trying to catch her eye. Kat was focused on Warren, but when she leaned forward to set her mug on the table, Chris caught another glimpse of her shirt rising, exposing more of her back. He adjusted in his seat and averted his eyes back to the conversation just as Kat’s leg brushed lightly against the hand he’d planted on the sofa to get leverage. They pulled apart as if they'd been burned; Kat swore she could feel heat radiating from the spot where the back of his hand skimmed her thigh.
For almost an hour, the five of them chatted, eventually moving for a tour of the building. It housed the large, comfortable lobby, a small kitchen, three mid-sized, neat offices– each with a pull-out couch in case a family needed a place to crash for a night, two full bathrooms with showers, a conference room that looked more like a second lounge area, and a large back storage room filled with donations: everything from Costco sized packages of snack foods and coffee to new towels and sheets and three hanging racks of clothes and crates of shoes and jackets.
When Warren, Kira, and Monica (and most of the journalists and staffers) walked through the storage unit, talking about the wants and needs, Kat hung back and grabbed Chris’s arm, shoving him towards the kitchen.
“What are you doing here,” she hissed at him, checking over her shoulder that no one had followed them.
“I’m here for Warren, I had no idea this was your organization,” he whispered back, also keeping one eye on the door to the storage area.
She stared at him in confusion, “why on earth are you here for Warren?”
“ASP could use her support, I was promised a coffee and conversation with her. I thought it meant after she did her meet and greet, not during.”
Kat blinked, then finally said, “…ASP?”
Had it not been such a precarious moment, Kat would’ve congratulated herself on her acting skills. Of course, she knew what ASP was. After she’d showered and was positive Chris had left her hotel room, she’d started Googling his platform with little luck and then, when that didn’t work, started texting a few of the DC friends she’d made in the political world– thanks to getting dragged around by Mallory– and pretended to be a curious daughter interested in furthering her mother’s political career.
All utter crap… she just wanted to see what she could find out about the buzz surrounding another Hollywood star coming to DC with big ideas. Turned out to be fairly positive, although most were still skeptical.
Regardless, she feigned indifference and even added a cocked eyebrow for effect.
“For fuck sake, Kat, A Starting Point? The start-up I spent all night talking to your mother and every other politician about the night we met.”
“Right, right,” she feigned understanding, “yeah, my mom talked to me some about that…” She trailed off and Chris rolled his eyes.
“Bull shit, she did not.”
“You’re right, but she did talk about you,” Kat shrugged and then immediately regretted it when his eyebrows shot up.
“Me?”
Kat groaned inwardly and was not about to let on the grilling she’d gotten the morning after the gala. On the way back to the airport, her phone lit up with her mother’s face and she knew what was coming– a string of questions about her disappearance (a headache), her refusal to respond to the texts and calls inquiring last night (head hurt looking at the light, then she fell asleep early), and if she had seen that boy who was also mysteriously missing when Tim had gone to hunt down the trio in hopes of more football talk– they seemed to be the only men in the room who’d known who he was.
“You need to go. And don’t bring up my mom with Warren,” Kat changed the subject, hearing the group coming back towards them. She leaned across him and yanked open the fridge. In an effort to avoid close proximity, he tried to step sideways but stumbled on a gigantic box of potato chips and tipped forward, catching himself with a hand on her waist. He fumbled for words– a true apology never really making it all the way out– and quickly moved his hands. Kat tried to ignore the feeling ignited in her whole body with his hands on her and instead, she grabbed two water bottles out of the fridge and shoved one at him. She turned on her heels, expertly missing other boxes of snacks, and moved back to meet the group as they exited the storage area. “Sorry to miss the tour, I went to the restroom and came back to this one raiding our fridge,” she gestured over her shoulder with her thumb at Chris, who stood entirely too close behind her.
Chris shot a glare at Kat before forcing a smile, “needed some water,” he ground out, hoisting the bottle to his lips, and he pushed past her, his chest skimming her back as he moved closer to her to avoid the camera crew, and joined the group exiting the back hallway to the lobby once again. After a long goodbye between all of the people present and the cameras crews dispersing, Chris followed Senator Warren, Maggie, and the rest of her crew out and to the coffee shop down the block for the promised further discussion about ASP.
Kat busied herself putting the mugs in the dishwasher and straightening up while Kira and Monica trailed her, both pretending to straighten piles of magazines or rearrange some pillows. When she was out of things to do, she retreated to her office and slid behind her desk, ready to respond to some emails when the other two appeared in her doorway.
“Soooooo,” Kira started, draping herself across the sofa, “Chris Evans was here today.”
“He was,” Kat didn’t look up from her computer screen but she wasn’t doing anything. She was clicking buttons and hoping neither of them would pick up on her nervous energy… and that the low lighting in her office hid her pink cheeks.
Monica put on a breathy, high-pitched voice to mock Kat’s introduction saying, “Sorry, big fan, I’m a little starstruck,” before both women giggled.
Kira snorted, “Since when are you a big fan of Chris Evans?”
“I’ve seen the Captain America movies, I know who he is.”
“Yeah, but ‘big fan’ is not something I’d call you. Can you name any other movie he’s been in?”
Kat paused and continued to click buttons on her computer, trying to stall for time, and then, realizing she could Google it, she started to when Kira jumped up, “Uhhuh, no Googling. Spill it.”
“Spill what?”
Twice in one day, Kat’s acting performances– in her humble opinion– were stellar. She pretended to have no idea what her friends were referring to when she knew damn fucking well that she’d been out of sorts from the second Kira had come to get her and the tray of coffee supplies.
She was still grateful that she’d made it to the coffee table without noticing him, and she thought she’d pulled herself together quickly, but these two knew her better than that. They would’ve picked up on her posture, the way she’d picked up her coffee and put it back down several times, not knowing what to do with her hands. They certainly would’ve noticed that she was suddenly silent and had little to say in front of Elizabeth Warren, one of her political heroes who she had been relentlessly pestering to come to see their work. After months of phone calls and planning, her connections to the DC world paid off and got Warren in the door, and then, suddenly, gregarious, confident Kat didn’t have two words to say until dragged into the conversation.
The second she’d seen him standing there, managing to make a cardigan from the old man’s department look sexy, she thought she was going to pass out. He wasn’t supposed to be here. He wasn’t supposed to be standing in the lobby of one of her two safe spaces looking at her with those incredible blue eyes that were melting her skin into lava.
He was supposed to be a DC moment. A moment of weakness or lust or sexual frustration or some combination of all of those things wouldn’t ever wander into her life and make her knees weak again. When she’d walked away from him and into that bathroom, it had taken all of her willpower not to yank the door back open and ask him to stay the night, to take her number, or to even just shower with her before he left. But she didn’t let herself do it, she forced herself to listen for him to walk out and let it go. She didn’t need it right now…
“The stuttering and avoiding eye contact and acting like he would give you herpes if you sat too close to him,” Monica offered, sharing a look with Kira before they both turned their attention back to Kat.
“I met him a few weeks ago when I went down for that function with Mom,” Kat shrugged, offering a version of the truth.
Her colleagues, business partners, and long-time best friends just stared at her, knowing there was far more. Monica made a show of crossing her arms and popping out her hip. Kira smacked her gum loudly.
Kat pushed back from the desk and squared up to them, “Fine. You want to really know? I invited him to my hotel room.”
Kira’s jaw dropped and said gum fell out, bumping off her chin and onto the carpet. It took her a heartbeat to realize and then reach down to pick it up and throw it at the trash can.
“Kathrine,” Monica’s grin spread slowly, “do you mean to tell me you slept with him weeks ago?”
Kat started to get defensive, “So what, I can sleep with someone. I don’t have to report back every time I do.”
“Fair enough, just thought you might be up for sharing if it was a celebrity. And, ya know… just a little surprised you hooked up at all.”
“All the more reason not to share.”
“Why’s that?” Kira asked, “If I’d slept with that man, I’d make sure people knew. That’s like resume material.”
“Gross,” Kat scrunched up her nose, “look, he’s gorgeous and we had fun, but I don’t need to be fuck buddies with some Hollywood guy. And worse, I don’t need to be falling all over him like I’m sure every other woman he interacts with does. He’s just a guy, he was a good time, and I walked away before there could be fallout. I was just surprised to see him at my workplace, that’s all. It was out of context. I thought I’d never see him again.” Kat turned back to her computer and started to actually open her email to thank Maggie for coordinating Senator Warren’s visit today.
“Sure,” Kira glanced at Monica, whose face gave away all of her skeptical thoughts, but held her tongue. As they both made their way out of Kat’s office and into their own.
Kat finished out her day sending emails and calling families on her case list before finally shrugging into her coat and wishing Kira and Monica goodnight. Somehow she’d kept her mind off of Chris– she’d been more productive in those several hours than she usually was in days to throw herself headfirst into work and not thinking about the way his cologne had made her brain foggy or the way his body heat had radiated off of him and made her feel so cozy.
Her body went through the motions of getting to the car and driving home, but it was one of those drives where she didn’t remember a second of it. Her mind was too busy replaying the day. Should she have hugged Chris instead? Would he have thought that was weird? Had he thought about her as much as she’d thought about him? Did he regret their night together? Was he happy to see her today?
If it had been any other setting, any other moment, she would’ve greeted him much more warmly– or at least not acted like a stranger. But today had been so important for HopeLives, she’d spent the last three months begging Warren’s staff for a visit. She couldn’t have used the senator’s time to have a warm, fuzzy reunion with the man she’d been regretting walking away from. It wasn’t an appropriate time for that.
And now that she’d acted the way she did, there would be no warm, fuzzy reunion. When she’d left DC, she had no intention of seeing him again. Kat knew Chris was a Boston guy from her night of Googling, but she also knew that Boston wasn’t some small town, and running into him wasn’t likely. She’d walked away from that night knowing that there would be no future and there could be no future. She was too busy and she had too much on her plate for anything with anyone, let alone someone with a schedule like his.
But still, she could’ve been nicer to him. It was strange he’d shown up at HopeLives– her photo was on the website; it wasn’t prominently on the first page, but if he’d done even 3 minutes of clicking through and reading, he would’ve seen her name and photo as one of the founders. It seemed far too coincidental that he’d just happened to pick her place to meet with Senator Warren…
By the time she was in her garage, she’d gone through so much emotional whiplash that she swore her neck actually hurt. Her mind was clouded with all of the feelings and frustrations of the day, but still, she staggered out of the car and into the house. She was greeted in the mud room of her comfy cottage by Amelia, her four-year-old mutt, and plopped directly on the doormat to give her a proper hello full of neck rubs and butt scratches. When Amelia trotted around her, through the kitchen, and to the French doors that led to the yard, Kat followed her and unhooked the latch, watching her scamper out into the late afternoon sun.
Kat took a few moments of peace to hang up her coat and bag, walk through the living room putting away items as she passed them, and head up to her bedroom for a change of comfy clothes before she went back out. From her bedroom window, she smiled to herself as she watched Amelia pace the backyard, barking at passing walkers and begging them to approach the fence for a visit.
She checked her watch and slipped into sneakers and her heavy coat, pulling the leash off the wall and setting it on the bench by the door to stoop and tie up one of her laces. Kat glanced up when she heard a string of frantic, excited tips from Amelia. She squinted through the glass and groaned, “No fucking way.”
+++
By the time Chris and the senator finished it was almost 2; their 30 allotted minutes lapping twice before they parted ways. She’s been thrilled with his idea, eager to reach younger citizens and they ended with a future meeting already scheduled for her with the whole team.
He was pulsing with adrenaline and even his less-than-stellar reunion with Kat couldn’t put a damper on his mood. After he’d called Mark and Joe to relay the conversation to both of them, he was pulling down his long driveway and into the garage. When Dodger greeted him with equal excitement, Chris didn’t bother to kick his shoes off and instead grabbed Dodger’s lead and his heavy winter coat and ushered him into the car.
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He pulled back out and drove the seven minutes to his favorite local pond that Dodger loved. It had a walking trail around it, a fenced dog run, a playground, and several well-kept docks, and it backed up to a little neighborhood with small, adorable, waterfront homes. Since he was still dressed from his day, he didn’t want a true hike, but he couldn’t stand to be inside. It was too gorgeous out on this bright November day and he was too full of pride. ASP might make it. With someone like Elizabeth Warren signing on, that helped their cause. She’d promised to speak to some of her trusted colleagues, and they were headed back to DC after the new year to continue to work– then in February, Chris was scheduled to start filming a new movie, luckily here in Massachusetts, so he wouldn’t have as much flexibility in his schedule, but Mark and Joe would pick up his slack for a few months.
Dodger trotted along in front of him, just as happy to be outside as Chris was. His head was on a swivel, his nose constantly twitching with the fresh smells, and his tongue lolled out of the side of his mouth in a smile.
Chris nodded politely to several people he passed, most of them more focused on his adorable mutt than him. By the time they were halfway around the path– about a 2-mile loop– they were in the thick of the houses that backed up to the path, several with long sloping yards, some fenced, some with swing sets and sandboxes, others perfectly tended garden beds all closed up for the coming winter.
They approached one of the fenced yards as a black, brown, and white dog came racing to the edge, yipping happily at Chris and Dodger. “Hey, pal,” he cooed, letting Dodger stop to sniff through the fence. The two dogs nosed each other through the pickets, the enclosed one eventually jumping up on its hind legs, tail wagging and lunging for Chris, begging for pets. He stepped closer, Dodger matching the dog’s pose, and Chris obliged both of them with ear scratches. All the while, Chris murmured to both of them, laughing at their contagious energy.
“You have got to be kidding me,” a voice approached and Chris blinked once, then twice, staring at the approaching figure in the yard.
She was now in leggings and a big, red winter coat, a wool hat with a pom pom on her head, but it was, without a doubt, Kat.
“Oh my god,” Chris groaned, still petting the dogs, neither of whom noticed the immediate tension between the two humans.
“This definitely counts as stalking now,” she crossed her arms and reached the edge of the fence, nudging the dog in front of her and saying softly, “Down, Ames.”
“I walk here all the damn time, Kat, it’s a public park and I had no idea that you lived here. In fact, I thought you lived in DC. We’re going,” Chris snapped, pulling Dodger’s leash. Dodger was too busy licking Kat’s outstretched hand and wrist to move. “Dodge, let’s go.”
“Bye sweetie,” Kat whispered to Dodger before pulling away.
Chris was fuming. First, she’d ditched him after sex, then she’d avoided him all morning, then she’d accused him of stealing from their fridge in front of Elizabeth Warren, and now she was acting like he’d sought out her house on purpose. He was a few steps away and wheeled around, “You know what, no. Who do you think you are? Do you think you’re really that special that I’d hunt you down and then stand at your back fence longingly?”
“How should I know? When guys like you don’t get what they want, they can get weird. I wouldn’t put it past you,” she countered, her dog now planted at her feet, still wagging happily.
“Guys like me?”
She gestured to him, “Guys with lots of money and lots of bravado who expect women to fall at their feet and then pout when we don’t.”
Busted.
“I promise you, baby, you were not that memorable.”
Lies. All lies. He’d gotten himself off to her image, the memory of her sounds, the feel of her body more than once.
But she couldn’t know that.
“Next time you walk here, don’t talk to my dog. Amelia, come,” she tapped the dog’s neck and they both walked back across the lawn. Chris stood watching her go, Dodger still pulling to get to Amelia, and his heart tightened in his chest when she glanced back over her shoulder once midway across their journey and then once more at the door. She hesitated at the last step, holding it open for Amelia but not breaking eye contact with Chris.
And then, she stepped into the house. Dodger caught the scent of a bird or a squirrel further down the path and pulled Chris on and away from Kat’s fence.
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