#its like seeing someone eat cookies and then remembering 'oh i have cookies too. i also should go eat them i kinda want cookies now'

[freezebobs]

DBFZ Yamcha and Ten cookies...done!!!

Soo I've been on a mission to recreate the Yamcha and Ten cookies from dragon ball fighterz because they're adorable...and they're finally real!! :'D process and info below! (kind of long lol)

I saw someone share these screencaps from the game a while ago and as someone who never played DBFZ I was so charmed at how cute these things are. I wondered if anyone had ever made cookie cutters for them, did a quick search and didn't really find anything, so just kind of moved on.

A few months later I remembered them again and was like, man, I really would love to see these brought to life lol. And I searched again and actually found someone who made them!!... But they weren't selling them anymore. 😭💔

^Reddit post from user ShadowLord898.

So in the next few days I went into the DBFZ game files, figured out how to navigate them and locate/open the proprietary file types (took...a lot of googling), and eventually found the cookie textures!!! Which I then painstakingly traced over to create vectors.

I thought once I had the vectors, it would be easy to drop them into a 3D program and extrude them to make the cookie cutters. BOY WAS I WRONG!!! It's probably just my inexperience working with vectors in 3D programs, but I tried Blender, Fusion 360, and Tinkercad and had problems in each one before finally figuring out the right approach. (I really almost gave up 🤧 but I hadn't realized that your geometry/topology don't need to be perfect when 3D modeling for print as opposed to, like, something you plan to create a texture for.)

Tinkercad and its extremely user friendly interface, plus SVG import functionality, saved me.

Oh then I realized I forgot to reverse the design, which you have to do for a cookie cutter because of how they work. I thought I would need to flip all the vectors and re-import them, recreate the models... but thankfully there's a "flip" button in Tinkercad. Fixed.

I sent the files over to my friend @.theprocrastinatingengineer on Instagram, who has a 3D printing service, and he was able to print them out for me!

While I was waiting for them to ship I downloaded Cura ("slicer" program for preparing 3D files for print) just for fun. (I was really eager...)

And here's when I finally got them!!!

Despite choosing all the dimensions carefully, I was still surprised how dainty they were when I actually held them in my hand. I wasn't sure if they would work...

So I made the dough and everything, used some 5mm thick chopsticks as guides to roll out the dough to the thickness I wanted. I put plastic wrap over the dough to prevent the cutters from directly touching the dough due to food safety concerns. Here is my first attempt to use them:

After this my mindset quickly shifted from caring about food safety to "what's a little more plastic in my system?" / "I'm here for a good time, not a long time!!" / "welll the dough gets baked anyway so that kills the germs it should be fiiine" **I Do Not recommend others to be so careless... also important note: I was the only one eating these so I didn't have to worry about others' safety 🥴

^The difference between using the cutters with and without the plastic wrap.

This first rolling out of the dough was actually a little too thick; in my design I hadn't accounted for the way the dough squishes up when you press the cutter into it. There wasn't enough vertical space at all, and the dough kept getting stuck in the cutter. It was a bad time!!! (didn't get a lot of photos of the failures here because my hands were covered in flour)

After lots of broken cookie cutouts, re-flouring the surface/cutters/rolling pin, and re-rolling the dough to be a bit thinner, I managed to get these out. I had to support Ten's head like a newborn when moving the dough onto the cookie sheet because the connection to the body was so delicate 😢

AND HERE THEY ARE...fully baked and ready 🥹

For the most part I was going to leave them undecorated like how they are in the game. But @.lamichicuenta made this really cute drawing of the cookies where Yamcha had chocolate decorations and Ten was a salty cracker, and I really wanted to try decorating some to resemble those!! Here are the photos of both versions of the cookies the next day once I was able to get some natural light for nicer pics.

(I meant to poke some holes in Ten's cookie to look more like a cracker but I forgot about it until they were already baking.)

They tasted fine...yamcha was better thanks to the chocolate. 🤭

If you read all this, thank you for following my cookie cutter journey... 😌🙏💖

Oh yeah and I made the vectors, 3D print files, and specs/info all available in a google drive folder here for anyone to use if they want! https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1hQ7uq3leYPK64pGgt3LhFw-70IZnkYzh?usp=drive_link

OH and one last thing, i ended up revising the 3D models to hopefully fix the issue of not enough vertical space. ...turns out I hit the maximum for photos and videos in this post, but you can see it on my twitter here! https://twitter.com/freezebobs/status/1875720926840680678

I didn't get to try these revised models, but they are the ones I put in the drive folder. 😊👍

[sundial-bee-scribbles]

anyone else ever have this random fear of being accused of copying other people unintentionally? like

>be me >see another artist post something cool >"ooh funky i had a really similar idea once!" >get inspired to possibly draw something >"wait but what if their fans or they themselves notice and think i copied their idea and start drama (;;;*_*)" >end up not doing anything

[rottenfyre]

⸻ ᴅ ᴇ ʟ ɪ ᴄ ɪ ᴏ ᴜ ꜱ ⸻

Pairing: Laios Touden x Fem Reader

Headcanon: How would he be when he's obsessed?

Notes: English is not my first language. Hope you enjoy!

The first time Laios saw you, he swore you were something out of a myth.

“You’re amazing!” he had blurted after you single-handedly took down a particularly pesky scorpion-beast. “That throw, the precision! Have you always been this skilled?”

You’d laughed, shrugging off his admiration, but it was already too late. Laios was hooked.

It started small. The way his eyes lit up every time you spoke about your favorite foods. He’d lean in, listening intently, like your words held the secrets of the universe. You figured he was just being polite—until you caught him scribbling something in his journal.

“Laios, what are you writing?” you’d asked, trying to peek over his shoulder.

“Oh, nothing!” he said, slamming the book shut, his grin wide and suspiciously sheepish. “Just notes about the dungeon! Very important research!”

You thought nothing of it—until the next day, when Laios presented you with a dish made entirely out of dungeon monsters.

“I remembered you said you liked stews,” he explained, practically bouncing on his heels. “So I made this! It’s manticore tail with some wild dungeon herbs. Don’t worry, it’s safe! I taste-tested it three times!”

You blinked at the bowl he shoved into your hands. The stew smelled... surprisingly good. Hesitantly, you took a bite, and your eyes widened.

“This is amazing, Laios!”

And that was the moment. That was when you unknowingly sealed your fate.

He always made sure you had the best portion of whatever monster they managed to cook. "You need to try this! The texture is so unique—perfect for someone with your refined palate," he’d say, sliding a perfectly roasted slice of basilisk tail onto your plate with almost childlike eagerness.

Or how he’d insist on walking beside you, his gaze flicking to your face every few moments as though trying to memorize every shift in your expression. "Did you see that? Your eyes lit up when you looked at the cave crystals," he once noted, his tone as soft as the warm glow of the dungeon lamps.

“Are you hungry?” he’d ask, far too frequently. You weren’t sure why he’d stare at you so intently whenever you answered. He had a way of watching you eat that bordered on unnerving—eyes wide, as if every bite you took held profound meaning.

When you laughed, he smiled so widely it was almost painful to look at, his cheeks flushed with delight. “Your laugh,” he once said, utterly sincere, “reminds me of the soft whistle of steam escaping a pot of stew right before it’s done.”

That was Laios for you. Always comparing you to food.

"Are you cold?" he asked one evening, already shrugging off his cloak to drape it over your shoulders. “Here, take this. You need it more than I do.”

You tried to protest, but he shook his head. "No, no, I insist! If you got sick, I’d—" His voice faltered, and for the first time, you saw a flicker of something darker in his eyes. “I’d never forgive myself.”

At first, it was easy to dismiss it as harmless admiration. Laios loved everything—food, dungeons, and his companions. But then it started to feel... heavier.

One day you find out that he’d carved a tiny figurine of you out of monster bone. "It’s not creepy, I swear!" he exclaimed when you stared at it in shock. "I just thought your likeness would look amazing in bone. Look at the detail on the hair!"

At some point, it started becoming... stranger. You woke up one morning to find him crouched near your bedroll, carefully observing your face. When you jolted awake, he beamed at you like a child caught with their hand in the cookie jar. “Oh, sorry! I just... you look so peaceful when you sleep. Like a dragon curled around its treasure.”

He wasn’t even trying to be creepy—he just meant it. That was the worst part.

Then there were the meals he tailored specifically to your tastes—so specific that you wondered how he knew what you craved before you did. "I noticed how you wrinkled your nose at the slime pudding last week, so I’ve been experimenting with a recipe that’s more palatable for you," he explained, his smile as bright as the dungeon’s glowing moss.

And the lengths he went to for you... they started to escalate. A particularly rare flower monster once tried to entangle you with its thorny vines, and Laios lost his usual jovial composure. His sword swung with ferocity, his face a mask of rage. When the creature was finally reduced to a pile of pulp, he turned to you, breathless. “Are you hurt? It touched you—I saw it touch you.”

You assured him you were fine, but he was already rummaging through the remains of the creature, muttering something about using its petals to brew a protective potion for you.

“I can’t stand the idea of anything harming you,” he said softly, not looking at you. “You’re... too important.”

It wasn’t just his actions; it was the way he spoke to you, the way he talked about you when he thought you weren’t listening.

“She’s incredible,” you overheard him say to Marcille one evening as they prepared camp. “She’s so strong, and clever, and kind. Did you see the way she handled that mimic today? I—I just can’t imagine this party without her.”

Marcille sighed, clearly used to his ramblings. “Yes, Laios. She’s great. But you might want to ease up a little. You’re... intense.”

“Intense?” Laios frowned, as if the idea had never occurred to him. “I just want her to feel appreciated! She deserves that. She deserves everything.”

And yet, despite the obsessive edge, Laios’s affection was oddly pure. He didn’t stalk you through the dungeon or try to isolate you from the others—though you sometimes caught him watching you with a dreamy, faraway look, as if he were already imagining the next meal he’d cook for you.

And yet, there was something unsettling in his devotion. It wasn’t malicious, but it was overwhelming. Laios had always been insatiable when it came to things he loved—monster cuisine, dungeon exploration, rare artifacts. Now, that insatiable hunger was directed at you.

His obsession was his way of showing love: an all-consuming desire to protect you, to make you smile, to ensure you were never hungry, never in danger. It wasn’t the dark, suffocating kind of obsession that trapped you. It was... Laios.

"I wonder," he mused one evening as the fire crackled between the party, "if there’s a way to preserve this moment forever. You, here, with me... It’s perfect."

For all his warmth and cheer, there was an intensity in his words that made you shiver.

And somehow, that made it all the harder to resist.

@ʀᴏᴛᴛᴇɴꜰʏʀᴇ 2024. ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ᴄᴏᴘʏ, ᴛʀᴀɴꜱʟᴀᴛᴇ ᴏʀ ᴜꜱᴇ ᴀɴʏ ᴏꜰ ᴍʏ ᴡᴏʀᴋꜱ ʜᴇʀᴇ ᴏʀ ᴀɴʏ ᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴡᴇʙꜱɪᴛᴇꜱ.

[sterekbros]

the promise of more (2422 words) by Winchesterek Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Derek Hale/Stiles Stilinski Characters: Derek Hale, Stiles Stilinski, Laura Hale, Lydia Martin Additional Tags: New Year's Eve, First Kiss, First Meetings, Meet-Cute, Alternate Universe - Different First Meeting, Everyone Is Alive, Lydia Martin & Stiles Stilinski Friendship, New Year's Kiss For Events: @sterekfests 'kiss me at midnight', @sterekbingo fuzzy socks (Christmas), @sterekweekly reindeer

Summary: “You should save some for the others.” Stiles turned to see a handsome guy standing there and thankfully he was holding his second cookie or it might just have fallen out of his mouth as he stared at him. His tone was light and teasing, so Stiles knew that he didn't mean it. “I, uh—sorry?” Stiles replied, looking at the table filled with treats and then back at the man. “Did you bring any? I’ll make sure not to eat those.” The guy laughed, it reaching his eyes which had Stiles almost melting right on the spot.

Stiles thought Lydia was crazy, and not her normal crazy, but like weird crazy because she had invited him to a fuzzy sock holiday party at her place, which meant that everyone who came would have to wear fuzzy socks. Not only was it a party, but it was also a slumber party. Stiles couldn't remember the last time he’d been to a slumber party. Probably before he was ten and it was likely with Scott for his birthday party.

So going to an adult slumber party, with alcohol, fuzzy socks, and probably the possibility of hooking up was something completely new to Stiles. It wasn't like he was into public sex or any type of orgy situation. He was a very private kinda guy when it came to that. Voyeurism was not his thing, which meant he’d need four walls and a door at least to hook up at this party.

Then again, the lakehouse had plenty of space and rooms, so maybe he would find someone. It wasn't too far out of the ballpark.

Stiles sighed and checked his phone, looking at the GPS, trying to figure out the easiest way to get to the lakehouse without having to go through too much ice and snow along the way. His Jeep was a little on the old side, and he needed new tires, so it wasn't the safest thing to drive in this weather. It did its job though and he loved his Jeep, especially because it was his mom's.

He reached out to turn the knob on the heater and blasted it because the Jeep was drafty and started his route to the lakehouse. If the lake was frozen over and Lydia wanted to ice skate, Stiles was going to have to tell her no, since drowning was one of his biggest fears. He tried not to think about that as he drove, thumping his fingers on the steering wheel, and humming along to Christmas songs playing from his phone.

By the time he made it to the lakehouse, there were cars parked everywhere, more than Stiles realized there would be. So this was a larger party than he’d originally thought. That only made him more nervous. He sighed and parked his Jeep in a place that looked like it wouldn't get trapped if he decided to bail on this party, and killed the engine.

Stiles ran his hands over his face, took a deep break, and pulled his sweater hood over his head before hopping out of the Jeep. The door clanged behind him as he closed it and Stiles shoved his hands into his pockets, starting up the walk. Thankfully, he didn't slip and fall on his face.

It was a miracle.

Stiles reached the door, knocked, then waited. He could hear music on the other side and muffled voices. When the door opened, a tall brunette greeted him with an excited, “Hi! Oh. Come in, come in. Lydia is doing what Lydia does. Entertaining the best of us.”

Her tone was sarcastic and Stiles thought he could really get to know this girl. “I’m Laura,” she added with a grin, her lips as red as sin. “You are?”

“Uh—I’m Stiles.” He smiled and offered her his hand, which she shook awkwardly. Okay, so maybe he was the one that was being awkward.

“I have my fuzzy socks,” he added, lifting the leg of his sweats to show her his entrance fee. They were covered in penguins because Stiles secretly loved penguins. And frogs. Not that he’d ever tell anyone something like that.

“Great!” Laura nodded and shut the door behind Stiles, then motioned with her head toward a table at the far end of the room. “Eggnog is over there, along with a few cookies and sweets that people pitched in.” She frowned. “Don't eat the brownies. I think those are spiked… you know, with—” She made a face, but then again, it was illegal in most places still.

The last thing he needed to do was to test hot if his dad decided to check him. “Got it. No brownies.” He gave her a thumbs up and she walked off, leaving him standing there awkwardly with a bunch of people chatting around him in groups. They’d paired off and gathered up, Christmas music playing in the background, and Stiles didn't know where to start. So, he headed over to the eggnog table.

Stiles grabbed a cup and served himself, sipped it, and winced. Whoever made it had gone hard with the liquor. He had to pace himself, otherwise he’d be so drunk that he’d never remember the night. And that would be a bad thing. He hadn't done that since he was in high school.

He fished a few reindeer cookies from the table and shoved one into his mouth when a voice from behind him said, “You should save some for the others.”

Stiles turned to see a handsome guy standing there and thankfully he was holding his second cookie or it might just have fallen out of his mouth as he stared at him. His tone was light and teasing, so Stiles knew that he didn't mean it.

“I, uh—sorry?” Stiles replied, looking at the table filled with treats and then back at the man. “Did you bring any? I’ll make sure not to eat those.”

The guy laughed, it reaching his eyes which had Stiles almost melting right on the spot. “No, I didn't. My sister brought some of that brittle stuff, but we came for the fuzzy sock party. I wasn't exactly expecting this to be an actual party.”

“Oh, yeah—same. I thought it was going to be a small get-together, not an actual Lydia party.” Stiles chewed his cookie and smiled, meeting the guy's eyes. “I’m Stiles.” He offered his hand.

“Right. Right. I’m Derek,” he replied, taking Stiles’ hand and shaking it. Stiles held on for a little too long and Derek’s gaze dropped to Stiles’ hand before Stiles released it.

“Sorry. Well, it’s nice to meet you, Derek. I’m assuming you’re not from around here.” Because Stiles would've recognized him around town. Beacon Hills wasn't that big.

Derek chuckled. “I’m from Beacon County, but yeah, we don't live in Beacon Hills. We’re actually here because my other sister was invited by one of Lydia’s friends. So we’re a plus two, technically.”

Stiles glanced around the room, wondering who Derek’s sisters were. When his gaze returned to Derek, he frowned. “Oh, the girl from the door. Laura? Is that one of your sisters?”

“Yeah, she’s my twin.” Derek grinned. “She’s fifteen minutes older than me, which she’ll never let me forget.”

Stiles laughed, a belly of a laugh. “Ah, nice. I don't have any siblings, so that must be fun.” He laughed again, his eyes roaming over Derek. “I can tell that she’s fun.”

“More like a pain,” Derek replied with his own chuckle. “But we make it work. I know I couldn't live without her, even if she gets on my nerves the only way a fifteen-minute older sister can do.”

Stiles finished his second cookie and wiped his hand on his pants, then reached up to touch his neck, which he noticed Derek tracked his fingers. It gave him a shiver that tingled all the way down to his toes.

“Um, are you single?” Stiles ventured, darlingly. He didn't usually ask questions like that, but Derek was hot and Stiles was interested. And if he said no then he never had to see him again, right?

Derek looked confused and curious at the same time. “Yes,” he finally answered with a nod. “I am single. I don't have a boyfriend or a girlfriend. I, uh—I’ve been mostly focused on school, so dating hasn't really been on my mind. I haven't had a girlfriend since high school, and that was what you’d expect of being in love in high school.”

“Short-lived?” Stiles asked, laughing nervously.

“Pretty much.” Derek sipped his eggnog and then disposed of the cup in a trashcan near the table. “So, Stiles. Are you single?”

Stiles felt his stomach twist with nerves and his breath catch. Derek was asking him if he was single. He wasn't sure why it made him feel this nervous, because the obvious answer was hell yes he was single. Maybe it was because it looked like Derek’s gaze held a promise that Stiles could only hope for.

“I—uh, I—yeah, 100% single.” Stiles’ stomach only twisted more and his heart thundered in his chest. “But I’m into guys and girls, I’m just not as slick as you dropping it in there that you didn't have a boyfriend or a girlfriend.”

“So you caught that,” Derek smirked. “What can I say? I think you’re attractive and I’d like to get to know you more. Plus, we’ve got a while until it’s midnight and we’re watching the ball drop on TV in New York’s Time Square, right?”

“I’m pretty perceptive.” Stiles grinned and finished off his eggnog, tossing his cup into the trash with Derek’s. “So, should we find somewhere to sit and talk a little more?”

“Yeah, I think we can make that happen.” Derek looked around and Stiles followed his gaze.

Stiles saw Lydia across the room and she must have felt him watching her because she turned and waved at him, then gave him a thumbs-up. Her eyebrows arched and she gave Stiles one of those knowing smirks, like she knew that he’d find Derek and hit it off with him. Like she’d set up the whole thing. He wouldn't be surprised if she somehow masterminded it with Derek’s little sister.

He really needed to thank her later if they hit it off.

“What about over there?” Stiles asked and pointed to a small couch by the window. No one was likely sitting there because it was cold by the window with this weather.

“Looks like a great place,” Derek agreed and motioned with his hand for Stiles to walk in front of him. Stiles smiled and nodded, leading Derek over to the loveseat. Once they were there, Stiles plopped down ungracefully and shivered. He could feel the chill from outside through the window.

“Here,” Derek said, handing Stiles a blanket. He must’ve grabbed it on the way over, because he didn't remember the throw blanket on the couch when they got there. He tried not to think about how thoughtful that was and it was even a little romantic.

“Thanks.” Stiles took the blanket and laid it over himself as Derek sat down next to him, not too far from Stiles, within inches.

“So, tell me all about you. I want to know everything.” Derek sounded sincere as his gaze stayed locked with Stiles’, his smile soft and genuine, giving Stiles all of his attention.

It made Stiles nervous and excited at the same time. So he took a deep breath and started at the beginning. They talked about their childhood, both serious and funny memories. There were even a few embarrassing ones in there that Stiles was surprised they shared.

Talking to Derek seemed like the most natural thing in the world. Stiles had never felt this way with anyone and he could tell that Derek was there with him. There was an instant connection that neither of them could seem to pull away from.

Stiles wanted more. Needed more. And from what he could tell, Derek felt the same.

Suddenly the lights dimmed around them and Stiles looked up to see a disco ball shine in the center of the room. Of course Lydia would.

“Uh, well, I guess I didn't realize how much time had passed while we were talking,” Stiles started, looking back to Derek where the light from the disco ball shimmered around him.

Derek chuckled and scooted toward Stiles, closing the little space that was between them. “Well I don't want to seem presumptuous, but I was hoping for a midnight kiss.”

Stiles blushed and he knew that his skin would be blotchy red all over. He was thankful Derek wouldn't be able to see it in the dark, but he smiled and it made his chest flutter. “Me too,” he replied as people started counting down around them.

There was cheering and hoots and chatter, presumable for whatever the guests were watching for the countdown, which was taking forever. It was the longest ten seconds of Stiles’ life, but then there was confetti popping around them and people cheering and kissing.

Stiles licked his lips and his gaze locked with Derek’s. Derek didn't say anything. He reached forward, cupping Stiles’ cheek gently in one hand and smoothing his thumb against his skin. Stiles’ breath caught in his chest and then Derek was leaning forward and their lips were pressing together, tentative yet sure.

Derek’s lips were soft as Stiles returned the kiss, exploring as their tongues tangled together. He breathed deeply, Derek’s scent warming him all over as he felt Derek’s hand slide to the back of his neck and gripped him. Stiles was practically in Derek’s lap when they stopped, both of them breathing heavily in the scat space between their lips.

“Wow,” Stiles said with a smile that hurt his cheeks, resting his forehead against Derek’s.

Derek chuckled in a way that was too smug but also did things to Stiles. He wanted to kiss that smirk right off of Derek’s lips.

“I’m right there with you,” Derek replied, his voice quiet in the noise around them, almost like they were sharing secrets.

“Kiss me again?” Stiles asked, his nerves turning to exhilaration at the promise of more. Derek pressed in, brushing his nose against Stiles’, and kissed him again, deeper this time. And Stiles was lost to it, letting it take him over and fill all the places he needed Derek to be. It was like Derek soothed his soul and grounded him in a way that Stiles couldn't explain, but he knew that he never wanted to let this go.

When they paused, trying to catch their breaths, Derek said, “Can I get your number?”

Stiles barked a happy laugh and gave Derek a quick kiss. “Absolutely. We’re doing this again but on a date. And yes that is me officially asking you out.”

Derek beamed, the light reaching his eyes in the darkness. “Whatever you want, whenever you want. I’ll be there.”

Stiles knew that was a promise Derek would keep.

[sidipopsicle]

Heart On Your Sleeves

A short romantic Parfait Cookie x Currant Cream Cookie fic! I gotta sing my Currfait gospel somehow ♡

Pairing: Parfait Cookie/Currant Cream Cookie

Summary: The cute punk fashionista from next door visits the sandwich shop Parfait works at once again! But is this time different, somehow..?

As Parfait Cookie works the front counter of Sandwich Cookie's sandwich shop, a ring resounds from the bell on the front door.

Waking Parfait from her slow-day stupor, she finds herself in front of the nearby up-and-coming fashion designer, Currant Cream Cookie. Most of this cookie's visits are quite pleasant, yet Parfait always notices how quick she is to enter, and quick she is to leave--a bit of an absent-minded busybody in the hustle and bustle of city life. Parfait straightens up, ready to greet another of her fine regulars on such a nice, warm spring day.

"Hi there! What can i get for you, miss?"

"Hello...oh! I saw you working here the other day!"

Parfait smiles and giggles politely. Seeing someone recognize her is very comforting to hear from the regulars of this shop in particular. Usually the customers that come back tend to be friendly, and despite Currant Cream Cookie's punky demeanor, her silly smile defies the dark and dangerous colors she dons.

"Ah, yes! I remember you very well! Umm.....your sandwich last time was.......the Jellymeat Sammy with extra Fresh Greens, yeah?"

"Wow!"

Currant Cream Cookie's eyes widen in surprise.

"Yeah, totally! Its so cool that you remember something that specific!"

"Ahaha, don't mention it. I'm not usually great at remembering things like this, but you live so nearby, umm, that i just thought i should be mindful! Does that make sense?

"Ooh yeah! Definitely makes sense."

Both cookies nod at eachother, happy to have formed a sort of mutual understanding of one another, even if its mainly about the eating habits of a random neighbor....a brief bout of anxious silence runs its course as Currant Cream Cookie has her usual order rung up on the register and swiftly paid for. Her boots clack on the floor as she shifts her weight a bit, somehow...giddy?

"Well, I could probably go sit down now," Currant Cream notes, leaning over and sitting her elbows on the counter as she peers closer, "buuuut while the store is empty, i have something ive GOT to say."

Parfait Cookie's heartbeat quickens a bit with worry. Is this punk rock fashionista upset about something? Is there something on Parfait's face? Is it something else..?

"Your shirt."

"Aah..? Under the apron?"

"Mhm. The rock band shirt."

Currant Cream shifts so she's leaning over the counter cutely with a sudden spring in her demeanor, palms flat on the countertop, her eyes inexplicably shining with a sort of inspired glee that Parfait feels like she understands the feeling of.

"You should come to my shop after work!!!"

"-Eh? Wuhh???!"

"Hehehe~ You heard me!"

Parfait stands shocked, a little confused. What about her shirt prompted this all of a sudden?

"W-what for?"

"Look."

Currant Cream reaches her hand past the counter and pulls ever so gently on Parfait's short sleeve. Parfait Cookie, surprised and with her cheeks flushing pink, briefly stands there like a little deer in headlights. As she gathers her composure and peers down at the sleeve, she notices the fabric is completely torn at the seams. Darn, and to think she believed she got dressed today with no problems...her fave shirt too...

"I could fix that up quick later, free of charge. You need only walk into my studio and say hi. Sounds good?"

Parfait nods, giving a humble smile.

"Punky!! See you later then sammich lady!"

And with that, the cute punk fashionista skips very merrily right out the front doors of whence she came, the same bell from before signifying her exit.

Parfait stands stupefied. Something about that dual-toned hair and sharp fang in her grin was charismatic like no other today...and the way her shoes clacked against the shop's tile as she hopped off, it echoed a bit off the walls and right into Parfait's eardrums, reminding her of a song idea she has yet to piece to fruition. But right as Parfait is imagining a tune or a melody.....

"ORDER UP!!! ONE JELLYMEAT SAMMY WITH EXTRA FRESH GREENS!"

Oh!

Oh, crumbs...

Currant Cream Cookie forgot about her sandwich??!

[noisymutantherelol]

Overlords x child!dragonreader TW:cursing, blood,weapons,OOC,Camilla almost having a heart attack

(ps.you have toothless personality) You were just wandering looking around looking at the blood,organs spilled by random ass people, you were walking but not paying attention to where your going until you bumped into someone in particular,"ew that looks gross- oFf-",you stumbled back hitting the ground,rubbing the back of your head you look up to see Zestial

"Oh Shit I am so sorry- uhm sir"

"ah its all right." Zestial looked around before asking.

"Where are your parents?,dear child?" He asked looking at you while you got up "oh me? I don't have any...."

"Hm...",he was just looking at you scanning every inch of your body wondering someone as young as you could end in place as cruel as hell,he held out his hand saying to you," Here my child I may be thee Overlord but I am not always so cruel, now would you like to come with me dear?",You were hesitant, your heart skipping a beat,but you have nowhere else to go so...,"sure", you reached your hand out to his smooth hand,you continued to walk with him felling peoples eyes on you, it felt like a bunch of spiders crawling on you, making you uncomfortable and well before you knew it you were at Carmillas company (?),"My dear child,I would like to introduce you thee Carmilla carmine,my dear friend",you simply nod while follow him to Her office, she welcomed him but then her eyes fell on you scanning your small figure before then saying,"Zestial,who is this you brought with you?"

Zestial looked at you forgotten to ask for your name,"Oh dear where are my manners?, dear what is your name?" he asked while looking at you.

"Y/n", you muttered out,looking at the ground

"And Zestial why did you bring them here?"

"To be looked after of course", he said with a shit-eating grin

"By you right?", Carmilla said while pointing at him,while his grin grows wider,"By the me AND the rest of the Overlords,I simply want to see if they can handle the pressure,that's all dear...."

Carmilla face palmed remembering the last experiment that he pulled off,"Zestial are you sure?"

"Yes I am,now do you know where I can find Rosie?"

HEADCANONS START NOW

Rosie🌑🌹

-When she first laid eyes on you you looked adorable too her she wanted to give you a lil'makeover To match the timeline of her town

-She would give you stuff that wasn't human flesh,such as cookies but gave you to much and your chasing Susan around the plaza,she snickered a bit then went to chasing you before you started flying. She told Zestial to never give you too much cookies.

-she would teach you manners,and how to be a nice woman,and cook simple foods and how it's fine to be LGTBQ+

-She also learned to never leave you unsupervised while using the stove,almost burnt the whole place :0

-Overall the most things she likes about you, She LOVES it when you call her "Aunt Rose", anyone else who calls her that will die,well besides Alastor,if he says it as a little tease,and you both like drawing and colouring with eachother

A scenario in my KFC brain

Y/n:Aunt Rosie,look! look! *shows a drawn picture of you and her"

Rosie:*on the bridge of tears* Awww *wipes a tear* it looks amazing

-she guards it with all her life

Zeezi (I had to make a personality for her)

-When she first saw you she was like,e fuck-",then Zestial explains everything and then she was like,"*sigh* there's no getting out of this huh?" And Zestial is just like "Not in the 7 rings of hell-, anyways good luck!"

-She turned on her tv in the living room and put on a show that was usauly watched by imp children, while looking for a actually healthy snack,but found nothing,"Alright kiddo we'r-" she stopped talking as soon as she saw you Laying on her couch sleeping in peace she turned off the tv and brought a blanket and put it over you

-She told one of her minions to watch you and make sure your ok while she went to the store to get food for you

Pt.2 coming wait ya'll

[iguessitsjustme]

Deep Night Ep 1 Thoughts

I tried to start watching this about two hours ago but then my sister called and then I had to run to the store for some pain meds. They really should invent a me without a headache. Anyway I got my meds, a cake, and about a million beverages so I guess it’s time to start. Episode 1: Headache Nation under the cut because boy oh boy did I ramble

Oh this is only 8 episodes? I thought it was 12. This works for me. I do love a good solid 8 episode long show.

*eats pickle* damn they got aerial boys. More of this everywhere please?

Already obsessed with the music. Do you know what gets me every time? Strings. Just listen to the build up they do. Ughsjsjskdjwkd I love string instruments

WHO sings this opening??? I am OBSESSED with their voice. 

Oh to be a beautiful lady in a skintight bodysuit doing aerial tricks by a giant window in a very yellow room. I might be in love with her. I don’t care if she ends up being evil or something. I love her. 

I know its not exactly the same but every time I hear host club I think of them:

Boy take the cookie! Free cookie! I wish I was a hot boy in a BL that was being offered homemade baked desserts. I just remembered I bought a cake. I must pause to go get a slice or I won’t be able to forgive my man for this:

Do I see…a ql character…with glasses???? Gonna need to add this boy to my spreadsheet. Anyway he better keep them. No one spoil me. 

Wait I have the opportunity to do something very funny. To me and to only me. I also bought a bottle of sparkling cider. The best non alcoholic beverage. So I’m gonna drink this straight from the bottle while these boys are stuck getting drunk with actual alcohol at this club. Okay note to self. In the future, open the sparkling cider over the sink. Why are you more adept at opening champagne?

Ooohhhh rivals. Academic rivals. All these business statistics are too much for me. But I’m intrigued. I actually think these two would make good business partners. Perhaps. Could be wrong.

I should probably start learning names. So far all I know is Japan. And also that he’s my favorite. *eats chip*

The music is trying to tell me things are serious but I don’t care enough yet for things to be this serious.

Oh a grandiose staircase. I want a grandiose moment on those stairs. But I want to be wearing sweats and be as unserious as possible. Those stairs have obviously seen far too many serious moments. Those stairs need to see some whimsy. 

I do not think I like Khem. At least not yet. I like Japan and Khem’s mother. I bet Khem will grow on me. But right now he kind of irks me. 

Did Khem show up to this club in a cardigan??? Are cardigans fine at clubs? Where can I find that cardigan I want it.

I am OBSESSED with Khem’s necklace. I am not a big jewelry person but this necklace is absolutely working for me. I mean look at it! The way it rests on his clavicle (I think thats what it is don't look at me) but it draws your eye down to his chest where the shirt under his cardigan is hiding his body but the unbuttoned top button of the cardigan is wanting to show more. Maybe cardigans ARE club attire. But only with that necklace and only on this boy. 

Why does this woman want Khem to live with her? I hope the show helps her remove the stick up her ass. Though I’m not sure the actress can pull off the stern character she’s portraying. It makes me take her a little less seriously and I don’t know if that’s intentional or not. 

Ah I see some fantasies ARE universal. Someone remind me when I’m done watching to reblog gifs of this kiss. Also want to point out how much I love the music in this scene. The whole thing absolutely and incredibly gorgeous. Actually obsessed. Stunning. Everything stunning.

I would like to give Japan a hug actually. 

I’m in love with Khem’s mother. Outta my way gay boy I’m about to become your step parent. 

Me vs. street noise. Who wins? The answer is street noise. Every time. Not even hiding in my hoodie helps.

The GUFFAW that came from me when they show Khem as a valet? Oh they say traffic assistant. I am in LOVE with his mother. 

Either these shows need to stop showing me food or I’m gonna need to make a trip to Thailand because that looks so good. 

These sound effects are SENDING me.

Damn right boy. Get paid. Get that bread. I love him. 

A LAPSIT? In the very first episode? More likely than you’d think. 

This soundtrack reminds me of the Life is Strange soundtrack at times and that is my favorite game soundtrack of all time. 

Okay episode 1 done. I really enjoyed it despite all of the interruptions I dealt with. Time for episode 2! I do not know if I’ll watch more than the first 2 episodes today but I am very excited to keep going. 

[iamgrape]

Gluttonous Love♡lust 2

Warning: this content have Cannibalism being mention.

Previous || chapter Two || Next

You wonder why your being serve a meal by a cannibal. A very delicious meal fit for a rich human. Or at least some fancy ass restaurant.

"Y-your not going to pull a Hanibal Lector on me are you!?" You try to use your fork as a weapon as he happily eat his own meal in front of you.

"Oh... Is that the famous cannibal person base on the movie? Do you meant the brain part? Ahaha~ I don't eat people who still wants to live." He chomp on his meal as he says this.

"Rinne give me a list of people who died or want to end their life before their time. Willing victim makes me less guilty for humanity." He look at his meal as if thinking about something.

"If I weren't born this way, I could try helping them out. But sadly their own demise is what feeds a gluttony like me...." There's a hopeless smile on his face.

"Anyway you should eat that till it's warm~ don't worry there's no human meat in it~ the good stuff is for me~" he become a happy.

"... Y-you sure there aren't any human meat there...? " You poke the food, you do think the food looks very appetizing as ever!

" Ahaha~ of course! I'm not that bad to serve you, something that will be wasted if you throw it up." He went to grab the juice pitcher and pour your cup some weird blend, like galaxy like sparkling juice.

"it's made of blue turnips, lemon, edible glitter for presentation." He seems to notice your gaze.

" There's chocolate cookies and lava cake stuffed with overloaded of chocolate. " He put the freshly bake desert right beside your plate.

"....I..." You normally don't eat human food as you don't need too.

But damn, the scent is tempting you and a demon, your prone to temptation. You soon took a bite of the cookies and the flavor of chocolate explode in your mouth.

You start to put your guard down and eat the other meal he serve. Smiling as you taste the new dish and nomming the next.

"Uwaaaahh! It's so good! Servant! I want you to be my chief!" You can't help but says with your in your happy mood, like a young lil devil who have their first candy.

"Ahaha~ Chief? Ok~ I'm willing to cook for you, master!" He seems quite happy to see someone enjoy the food he made. As so far, he only made meal for himself. His unable to share his creation as he fear his own nature will get the best of him. But seeing you enjoying it. Maybe its not so bad to have Rinne find him a roomie after being a hassle to his life for hundred of years.

"Shiina Niki." He introduced himself. "What's your name sis?"

"Sis? Gasp how dare you define my gender! :/" You muffle as you stuff your mouth with cookies. "I'm the great MC! I will become the lord one day! So you better remember it servant!"

"Ahaha~ ok~ MC~" your sort of weird but he too is a strange one. But as Niki thought of that. The smile on his face won't leave. His really happy today, to meet you.

Hopefully you two get along or else he have to result to eating you so you won't tell any authority about the crime he did against the idealogy of humans.

[sleepyivoryrose]

Well, time for a little bit of reflection before going to bed.

Even though I am today specially grumpy, I can't deny that I had an awesome day. Walking in the icy cold while the sun was going down was nice, and there weren't many people out and about since it's christmas.

Even though it didn't snow, the grass by the river was still frosty, a reminder, that snow was here and will maybe come back again.

I still remember when I first came to Germany as a child. I was completely baffled by the snow, since in Spain we lived near the ocean, it never snowed in the first nine years of my life.

My mom loves the mild temperature in our home country, but I learned to enjoy the icy cold too. What I can't handle, ironically enough, is the heat. The summers over here are even hotter than in my hometown in Spain, which is crazy, considering this is a country mostly known for its cold weather and people.

My grandpa, the father of my mom's (may he rest in peace) always called the germans "square heads". Heh. But there is some truth to it. They are very by the book, very formal and surprisingly shy. But they're not as cold as people outside think. They just have a more reserved way of expressing it.

I personally have been sadly, in my over 20 years of living here, already sort of german-fied. I am convinced though, that, when I eventually move back to Spain, I will spain-fy back again.

That's the great thing about people, they are constantly changing and adapting. Sometimes for the better...sometimes for the worse.

I am probably an example of the latter. But I'm working on it! Sometimes. I don't know where I am supposed to get the energy. I will try to get my hands on some Vitamin D and go outside whenever the sun is shining. But vitamins and movement can only help so far when you have a disposition when you could possibly, if you are unlucky, be so unmotivated to do anything that you fall into stupor. Negative symptoms be damned. I've got such loud thoughts, but I'm standing there like an idiot. Oh well. Here comes the grumpiness again.

I think that's all for today. I am so awfully uncreative these days. But, as someone wise once said: A fruit tree doesn't have fruit the whole year around. Sometimes it's just waiting and absorbing stuff. I think I will go absorb my dreams today. IT'S STILL SO EARLY THOUGH!

WHY IS IT ALREADY SO DARK!

GOD DAMN IT!

Hehehehe! I guess I will see if I can get inspired and maybe do something small before going to bed.

Good night anyways!

P.S: I wonder how the Luka-centric video will be like. Like...I thought maybe they move on from the music format and change it to drama cd for the second part, but it doesn't seem like it. And what will happen to Luka?? Will he die?? We are definetly getting Anakt Flashbacks, which is already very telling. As much as I want to eat him, it's true that Luka had a very sad childhood without Hyuna and Hyun-woo.

BUT NOW I GO! MY IMAGINARY DREAM CITY FULL OF COOKY CHARACTERS PEOPLE NEED ME!

[lilyandthetulips]

December

It is December and we must be brave - Natalie Diaz

It’s the 1st and brave is easier said than done, so you have to sit in the sun and pull in a breath and hold it there because that’s all you can really do right now (doesn’t it feel so good? That air? I forgot I could do this) And you need to explain, again, to someone else that it didn’t work out and yes it was their loss and yes the right person will come when you least expect it and yes I am so young and hot and everything will be okay. So I write that on a sticky note and tape it on my mirror in the hopes it will stick (ha!) and it does for the times I’m yelling Bikini kill in my car, but not for the times that Bob Dylan comes on shuffle and I remember a certain way their shoulders slumped when they sat on the edge of the bed. 

Summer comes hot and heavy and thick, sliding down my back, the grass feels too warm between my toes, too green, too squishy. Remember spring? Remember how you named it after them? But it’s December Lil, not spring, and you must be brave. Tread lightly in the yard, deathly afraid of Christmas beetles and dog shit bombs, throw a slobbery tennis ball and ask Maple what she’s doing over and over and over even though you know she can’t answer because she’s a dog. Escape to the valley, find comfort at night, let the TV static bug noises hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm let the fence out back give way to the tangled trail between Queensland and New South Wales. Nothing but bush and mountain ranges and tall, stiff grass and snakes and rabbits and kookaburras and yowies and moths that think it’s funny to fly at your face. The dogs tap tap tap behind you as you go to make tea. You stand in the door frame and sigh and sip and yell oi! When someone pipes up behind you. Imagine ducking under the barbed wire with Cella and Maple in tow and running through the dry bushes and making friends with a yowie, tall and hairy and shy, and making feral howling noises and never thinking about spring again. I bet yowies don’t care about Bob Dylan.

I fear my phone that disgusting little brick of cells and wires and fingerprints full of things I don’t want to see or hear, hateful brick! I saw something just now in its evil little face and I don’t want to eat anymore. I should anyway. Can I please have a six-inch white with classic chicken not toasted thanks no cheese thankyou can I please have lettuce spinach carrot and onion just mayo please yeah salt and pepper thanks yes please I will take my free cookie yeah it’s been a busy shift lots of messy cunts leaving clothes in the fitting rooms what about you? Did you know that 37 of Bob Dylan’s songs have a woman’s name in the title?

I am unmoored. Intellectualise the need for attachment all you want but it will still be there, a tiny stone at the bottom of your stomach, rattling around with the lunch you forgot to eat. There is too much nuance in the grief of it to be explained in simple, scientific terms. Anxious attachment, avoidant, secure. It’s more abstract than those. The need to find someone else’s hair on your pillowcase when you strip the bed, the need to sit quietly together and talk about playing crack the egg when you were a kid. I can’t believe there was a time when I didn’t feel like this. But it’s December now! Come on! I will swim in the pool and crochet till my fingers are stiff. I will loop fuzzy yarn around and around and around my hand until the blood is constricted, my fingers red and puffy. I will scan bar codes and have sex and poke dog antibiotics into tiny chunks of beef mince. I miss my Yowie friend when I come back home, down from the mountain. I slam into the back of someone’s Hilux, I sweat on the curb in my crocs as translucent green radiator fluid slowly spreads along the bitumen. I sweat and I cry I apologise I call my dad. My tears are big and fat and I drop them everywhere and I don’t care (I do).

Oh, root rot! All my roots turn brown and slimy and I don’t know why. I pull them off and poke them down the drain. Now all my pothos stems are turning black and all my nails are growing long and I don’t know what to do about anything anymore. I place the pot in the sun on my deck and sit next to it like an old friend, this plant who has grown for years off my shelf, watching me work and squirm in bed, watching me read and pace and play the harmonica and crack open fortune cookies and take the fortunes way too seriously and do anything but write. Steadily pushing out a chain of waxy leaves, splitting the surface of its stems over and over and over. If it could speak it would probably laugh in my face and say something cryptic like One should feel freedom of the mind. And oh! What’s this? This tiny spec! It couldn’t be, could it? It is! Contentedness in the sun, my nose turns up, an earnest face, to the simplicity of the light. Ah, how quickly it can change my thoughts. It’s almost embarrassing.

God, here we are, we’re almost there, the edge of the cliff, hug yourself tightly now. December the 25th. Panic! I don’t want to be here anymore, I don’t want this body, I don’t want this heart. I don’t want these memories. I can’t just up and leave my bones, my skin, my muscle. I have to be here and play it out, I have to keep going knowing what I do about my past. I’m trying to say that sometimes it’s just too much. I’m trying to say that I have to carry the weight of everything I’ve ever felt, everything that everyone says I’m supposed to feel. Can’t I trade it in? These experiences? I don’t think I want them right now. Can’t I dump this sandbag of feelings slung over my shoulder on the concrete with a huh like the sound of being punched in the stomach? December is a black hole. Tie up your loose ends, throw away the receipts and 7/11 sandwich wrappers catching under your driver’s seat.

December’s language is imprecise grief - Nelly Sachs

“It’s basically medical at this point.” The grief. I say this to Zan in the Falcon. We are talking about the fear, the black hole. Fear of what? We don’t know. We are talking about how everything is going really well but I am still terrified. Terrified of everything that has ever happened and everything that will ever happen, it’s the 31st. An earnest conversation in running water. We are in the valley again, I am crouched at the mouth of a rockpool, water swells my bikini bottoms. I am shivering, I am small, I am humming It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue. Zan says this is their favourite place and I tell them that’s a bold statement for someone so young. I make paint by scraping wet rocks together, something I did when I was a kid. The grass is hot again and the blades are too wild and fat out here in the rainforest. Teens in a car are snickering at us as we grab our towels from the car park, I forget I’m not one of them anymore. When you’re sixteen everything feels like the end of the world. I’ve had so many end-of-the-worlds, I guess I could say the same for 21.

[lovely--lover]

Little things when you are Alex Jones Caretaker

💚After leaving the hospital you became Alex’s live in caretaker and he didn't want to leave your side too scared of what would happen if you were too far away. He cant remember ever feeling safe but he feels safe with you. What if someone took you? What if someone took him again? He would never see you again. 

💚When you’re watching tv he would sit right next to you with an inch between even with plenty of space on the couch. When you showered he would sit outside the door playing with toy cars until you were done and you would do the same when he took his bath. Every once in a while he would call out for you “Y/N” you would gently knock on the door “I’m right here Alex” 

💚Alex would sleep outside your door at night curled up with his blanket and puppy plushie. You didn't even know until one night you got up for a glass of water and almost tripped over him. End up sleeping in his room until he was able to sleep on his own without being scared. (every once in a while he’ll have a nightmare or a storm will scare him and you’ll wake up with him sleeping outside your door once again)

💚You would have to implement a ‘no toys at the dinner time’ rule because Alex would bring his toy cars to dinner and drive them around his plate and off the table too distracted to eat and his food would get cold (baby deserves a warm meal)

💚Sometimes while he’s eating he will reach into his pocket and slowly pull out his favorite car holding it under the table rolling it on his leg because he thinks you can’t see it (and you pretend you don't)

💚Alex has a tendency to eat too fast and take big bites when you make a homemade meal. He’s so used to frozen food or no food at all and food taste so much better when you make it! (I feel like he would really like pasta dishes and doesn't want to eat much else)

💚You buy food magazines for Alex to look through and tell him to circle anything that looks tasty. Almost everything is circled and the various cookie and dessert recipes are circled twice.

💚Alex always wears socks because he likes to cover his body as much as possible and doesn't like how cold the floor so you surprise him with hot wheel slippers that look like cars and he puts them on the second he wakes up and doesn't understand why you won’t let him wear them to the store 🤭

💚 The AC is always on since Alex likes wears multiple layers (it makes him feel safe) so you bought a green jacket that matched his and wear it around the house since it is sooo cold! When you're not wearing it Alex goes to find it because you're not wearing your matching jacket?? You must have lost it!

💚Afterwards he loves to have matching things whenever he sees a shirt or socks he likes he would grab a second set when you ask about it he just mumbles “matching” before putting it in the cart

💚 Alex always brings you a drink when you're sitting on the couch or working. Gently walking over holding the glass with both hands trying not to spill it because he always fills it too close to the top. Its a concoction he made just for you “Oh so this is orange and apple juice? Thank you” you drink it anyways because Alex said he knows you “like both” and smiles when you drink it all

💚Only lets you cut his hair so once a month Alex sits in a kitchen chair with a green towel wrapped around his shoulders as you trim his hair. Stares at you the entire time and when you glance down making eye contact his lips turn up into a small smile (every time)

💚Over time Alex would open up; speaking a sentence here or there, making eye contact with you, and every once in a while his lips would curl up in a rare smile. Having your safety and care allows him to grow and become his own person!

Masterlist

[mischiefmanaged71]

The Love Hypothesis (21/22) - Stephen Strange x Reader

Summary: Y/N Y/L/N is a PhD student who wants to prove to her best friend that she has moved on and dating. With no way to prove it, she kisses the first man she sees, which ends up being none other than Dr. Strange, known as one of the most unapproachable and critical professors in the university.

A/N: AU! Stephen Strange is a Professor/Doctor at Columbia University and reader is a Ph.D. student (Reader - 28, Stephen - 34). Credits to Ali Hazelwood for the original story. This work is a piece of fiction. I have no ownership over anything, this is ff.

Pairing: Stephen Strange X FEM! Reader

Word Count: 1K

Series Masterlist

Listening to the dramatized anecdotes from Stephen’s childhood via Hayden, Y/N had an inkling the stories were a culmination of years works to annoy the man to no end. 

“Guess there isn’t an age limit for embarrassment.” Hayden said, “Be glad I didn’t delve into the camp stories.” he laughed, shaking his head “I’ve got a few great ones.”

The unimpressed look on Stephen’s face shut Hayden down as he shuffled to the front of the restaurant. She laughed, picking a fortune cookie from the bowl at the front. 

“Don’t tell me, you hate these too?”

“I don’t, actually.” Stephen replied, “They just taste like Styrofoam.”

“Probably have similar nutritional values too.” Sam muttered, grabbing one from the bowl.

The rain had stopped, a shiny street under the streetlights. A cool breeze brushing stray leaves around them. The air was refreshing, a contrast to the warmth of the restaurant after many hours indoors.  

“ ‘He who laughs at himself never runs out of things to laugh at’ “ Hayden read, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion, “Did this cookie just throw shade at me?”

“I believe so.” Sam replied, “What does yours say, Y/N?” 

“It’s fine, actually.” 

“I’ll believe it when I hear it.” Nat replied.

“ ‘It’s never too late to tell the truth.’ “ she hummed, tucking the paper in her pocket. 

Hayden fixed onto Stephen, “Stephen, open yours.”

He tilted his head to the side, tucking his hands into his pockets. “I’m not going to eat cardboard because you’re offended by the cookie.”

“You’re a shit friend.”

He tutted, “According to the fortune cookie industry, you’re-”

Y/N tugged his arm, “Hand it over. I’ll read it. And eat the cardboard.”

“Stephen is giving you a ride, right?” Sam asked.

“I should be fine, it’s only a ten minute walk back.” 

“What about your suitcase?”

“It’s not that heavy.” she dismissed, although glancing back at him, she corrected herself. “Stephen will walk me home, yeah?”

“Course.” he tugged her duffel bag off her shoulder, throwing it over his own.

Once Sam was no longer within earshot, she turned to Stephen.

“Are you sure you want to carry all that weight, you might throw your back out. I hear its common after a certain age.”

“You’re such a comedian, you know that?” he glared at her, following Hayden along to his car while Sam and Nat followed, grabbing a ride with him back to their respective apartments.

“Hey,” Hayden caught her attention, “What did Stephen’s fortune cookie say?”

“Oh, nothing.” she shrugged, looking down “Just ‘Hayden Reyes Ph.D is a loser’ “ 

Hayden laughed, throwing up his middle finger before they all left in his car. 

“What does it really say?” 

‘You can fall in love. Someone will catch you.’

“Is it alright if we talk about it? I think it’s only right that we do.”

“We can. We should-” he breathed, “Harvard is going to fire him. Other disciplinary measures are still being decided. There were meetings until late last night. That’s why I didn’t call you earlier. Harvard’s Title IX coordinator will be in touch with you soon.”

“What about your grant?”

He shook his head, “I’m not sure. I don’t particularly care about my grant right now.”

The comment surprised her, until she remembered the professional impact of Tom’s betrayal as a co-worker and friend. “I’m sorry, Stephen. I know he was your friend, you thought you could trust him-”

“I was wrong to have trusted him with you.” He shut his eyes, “I had no idea what he was truly like and that cost you...”

“He wasn’t my friend. I never knew him, obviously.”

“For a bit, I was worried that I would stop you from moving to Boston and doing the grant.”

“I don’t care-I could care less about any of it.” he ran a hand through his hair.

Her eyes glossed over his face, “I think I may have found a lab to finish my study. It’s closer. Means I won’t have to move next year.”

“Y/N, that’s great.” he smiled.

“You also weren’t the only one.”

His face twisted in confusion.

“The meeting in the bathroom. The one before my interview.”

“Did you remember that?”

A laugh bubbled in her throat, “Of course I did. It took me a while to realise it was you, though. Why did you never say anything?”

“You introduced yourself as if we had never met. So I went along with it.” 

Her face flushed in embarrassment as he continued, “I had been...thinking about you. For years. I didn’t want to...”

“But you didn’t need to lie.”

“I’ve never lied to you.”

“Even by omission?”

He shrugged, a smirk sliding on his face, “Maybe. Are you upset?”

“Not really. It’s not that bad of a lie.” she mused, “I’m more upset at myself for the terrible ones I created. I didn’t bring it up after I figured it out.”

“Still, if you feel-”

She gripped his hand, “I’m not upset, Stephen.”

He glanced at her, “I’m other things...entirely other things. Glad, for one that this is all out in the open. That we can talk about it.”

“I’m also glad you remembered me.”

“You’re very memorable.”

“Am I really?”

“Do you remember your first seminar talk?”

“Yes. Why?”

“Your elevator pitch - the turbolift pitch. You used a picture from the Next Generation on your slides.”

“You’re a Trekkie too?” she laughed, “I had no idea.”

“I had a phase. And that next year’s picnic when we all got rained on. You played freeze tag with someone’s kid for hours.”

“Dr. Moss’s kid.” she stared at him curiously, “I didn’t think you liked kids.”

“I don’t like twenty-five year olds who act like toddlers. I don’t mind if they’re actually four.”

She smiled, “Knowing who I was. Did that have anything to do with your decision to date me?"

Recognising the dozen of scenarios and replies rushing through his eyes, “I wanted to help you.”

“I know. I believe you. But was that it?”

Stephen pressed his lips together, closing his eyes as he sighed. 

“No.” he resigned.

“No.” she repeated, “We’re here.” she looked up at the building.

“Should I carry your bag upstairs?” 

She paused, looking up at him, “Maybe later. There’s something I wanted to tell you. Before.”

“Okay.”

He stopped in front of her and she looked at him. There was only a small distance between them. Y/N felt her heart overflow with everything from the past few months catching up to her as she stared at him.

“Throughout all of this, I was a few things, if not, stubborn, in-denial and stupid. I was wrong. This whole time. It’s like statistical hypothesis testing. Type 1 error, right?”

“Type 1 error?”

“Yeah. A false positive. Thinking that something is happening when it isn’t.”

“I know what a Type 1 error is-”

“Course. The most terrifying thing is realising you misread a situation. That I could convince myself of something that wasn’t true. See something that wasn’t there because I wanted to see something.”

“Right.”

“The thing is, I didn’t account that a type 2 error is also bad.”

“Yes. False negatives are bad too.”

“Not being able to see something that’s right in front of you. Purposefully making yourself blind to the truth because you’re afraid of seeing too much.”

“What are you saying?” he stepped closer.

“There have been so many things that happened before I even met you. They changed me and I...have this fear of being alone. Maybe that is why I fabricated all of these lies instead of accepting the truth. I think...” she paused, looking up at him. She inhaled deeply, “I think I forgot myself.”

“What can I do?” 

“Just let me tell you.” she gripped his hand.

He didn’t find respite for the uneasy feeing in his stomach but he stopped, nonetheless, squeezing her hand.

“I’ve been lying to you. It’s more by omission, but- I need to tell you this now.” his hands gripped her face now, thumbs swiping away the tears from her cheeks.

“Sweetheart,” he whispered, “What is it?”

“I love you, Stephen.”

A look of surprise crossed his face as he pulled back a breath, searching her face for the truth. And when the realisation flowed through him, Stephen pressed his lips to her’s with the finality of it all reaching them. It was a passionate embrace that stripped the breath from her chest as he breathed her in.

“No idea how long I’ve dreamt of those words.” he exhaled.

TAGS

@goldencherriess @severuined @thewinterpoet2 @pasta-warlord @typical-bistander @judig92 @captainbarness @gaitwae​ @sleutherclaw @angstsfordays @mavsketch @mando-is-the-way @samisubi @liar-liar13 @evelynrosestuff @stanny-uwu @colorfuly-blog04 @frostandflamesfanfic @katsuphobic @fiadh-bell @awmysherl @sourgrapes-aa @orighami @apple-and-berry @blue-aconite @kaykay0315 @hunterofshadows04 @ohchoices @empty-canvas @99queenrory99 @savage-rhi @shutupwylow @singhfae @loki-is-loved @jotaros-bara-tiddies @cottagecore-cat @simpforreadheads @levitationcloak @hospitaldaydream​ @elicheel @supervengerslock @clockblobber @multi-obsessed-fanfic-writer @classicrebound @sherlockstrangewolf @veryladyqueen

[drowning-in-deadlines]

TID & TLH Incorrect Quotes

Cordelia: The best part of an oreo is the cookie part, not the frosting. Deal with it. Matthew: Darkness without light is an abyss. Light without darkness is blinding. You cannot have a coin with one side. Alastair: Yo Socrates, it’s a fucking cookie

x

*Tessa going to Will for help after Sophie knocks out Jessamine with a mirror in Clockwork Princess*

Tessa: Will, I need some advice. Will: You need advice from ME? Tessa: Yeah, frightening, isn't it?

x

Charlotte: We've got to find a way to cut down our expenses. What can we live without? Jessamine: Will, probably.

x

Matthew: How would you like your coffee? James: As dark and as bitter as my soul. Matthew, to someone behind the counter: I need one vanilla latte with extra cream and sugar.

x

Will: Goddamn it, the printer broke while printing out Jem's birthday invitations. Tessa: Well, what are they supposed to say? Will: "Jem's birthday". Tessa: So, what do they say instead? Will: "Jem’s bi". Tessa: Tessa: Works out either way.

x

Jem: That's ridiculous, Will doesn't have a crush on me. Tessa: Yes he does. Cecily: Yes he does. Will: Yes I do.

x

James: Matthew, fuck off. James: And by "fuck off" I mean "fuck off right back here and listen", you insufferable prick.

x

Matthew: Alastair, my old friend! Alastair: I think you tried to kill me at some point. Matthew: That was obviously just my way of getting to know you.

x

Cordelia: Look guys, I need help. Anna: Love help? Matthew: Financial help? James: Emotional help? Lucie: Help moving a body? *Everybody looks at Lucie* Lucie: What?

x

Jem: It's pretty cold outside.. wanna hold hands? We should stay close. Tessa, blushing: Okay. Jessamine: It's fucking summer.

x

Jem: Will, what does IDK, ILY, and TTYL mean? Will: I don’t know, I love you, talk to you later. Jem: Alright, I love you too, I'll ask Tessa. Will: Wait- Jem, no-

x

James: Can we go to a haunted house? Lucie: What’s wrong with the one we live in? James: Wh-what? Lucie: Goodnight, Jamie.

x

Lucie: *gets a text* Oh! It’s Grace. Malcolm: Did she get me the stuff? Lucie: Yeah, she says she got you the clown costume, the power drill, and 12 gallons of blood. Malcolm: Wow! Where’d she find 12 gallons of fake blood? Lucie: You wanted fake blood? Malcolm: Lucie: I’ll go call Grace.

x

Jessamine: Bet you can’t eat 15 crayons! Will: Bet you I can! Charlotte: *sips coffee, checks to make sure 911 is still on speed dial, and goes back to reading the paper*

x

James: I like to think of myself as a semi responsible adult here. Lucie: Matthew is 70% of your impulse control and you know this Jamie. Matthew: I feel like James is the more responsible one of us two, though. James: We are both 70% of each others' impulse control. Matthew: Just two lil beasts in pinwheel hats spinning on the merry-go-round at dangerous velocities, holding each other’s hands so the other doesn’t fall off.

x

Will: Would you take a bullet for me? Jem: ...yes? *Jessamine angrily burst into the room* Will: *running away* Great, thanks!

x

Jem: I’ve been dropping them the most insanely obvious hints for like a year now. No response. Will: Wow. They sound stupid. Jem: But they’re not. They’re really smart actually. Just dense. Will: Maybe you need to be more obvious? Like, I don’t know… “Hey! I love you!” Jem: I guess you’re right. Hey Will, I love you. Will: See! Just say that! Jem: Holy fucking shit. Will: If that flies over their head then, sorry Jem, but they're too dumb for you. Jem: Will.

x

Tatiana: Oh, so when crows remember people who wronged them and hold grudges, its “intelligent” and “really cool”. Tatiana: But when I do it, I’m “petty” and “need to let it go”.

x

Charlotte: Did you miss me while I was gone? Henry: You were gone?

x

Charlotte: I am in charge of this disaster. Will: I have a name, you know.

x

James, hungover: Please tell me I'm imagining that I claimed I was king of the ducks. Lucie: I would, but then I would be lying to the King of All Ducks.

x

Matthew: Do you think different paints have different tastes? Christopher: They do. Thomas: ...Why did you say that with such certainty?

x

Matthew: If I die, my funeral will be the biggest party ever and you're all invited. Thomas: "If" Alastair: Great, the only party I'm ever invited to and he might not even die.

x

Tessa: How do you do that? Will: I'm fearless. Jem: I saw you run from bees ducks yesterday. You flailed around and tripped over a chair. It was both hysterical and sad. Will: I'm mostly fearless.

[donutloverxo]

Good little girl

*gif is not mine*

Note - Requested by @holacia2 and a part two to good little wife. And special thanks to @gotnofucks for all her help! I'm so overwhelmed with all the love that fic got I hope y'all like this little follow up as well❤❤

Dividers by @firefly-graphics.

Summary - Married life isn't always easy. Will you be able to solve your problems?

Warnings - 18+ only explicit sexual content, younger woman/older man, daddy kink, soft dark!Andy, SO MUCH MISOGYNY, housewife kink, innocence kink, (accusations of) cheating, arranged/forced marriage, spanking, possessive Andy.

Pairing - Mob!Andy Barber x reader

Word count - 4.9k

Masterlist is linked in the bio and the pinned post!

You handed your mother the brownies you had baked, she thanked you, telling you how it was so unnecessary, before Andy placed the wine you had gotten on the way over on the kitchen counter.

“Why don’t you go keep your father in law company, Andrew?” your mom told him. He only nodded before making way to his boss.

“So? How are things going with him?” she asked. “You are positively glowing honey! Do you have any good news yet?”

“Mom!” you gasped.

Over the past seven months you had only seen your mother a handful of times. You were still a bit upset with her for marrying you off to an older man you barely knew, a man who you thought despised you so much he refused to even touch you.

You knew she didn’t really have a say in it. Your father never really valued her opinion, there was no way she would’ve been able to stop it but she hadn’t even so much as tried.

“No, I don’t. And I won’t any time soon,” you huffed.

While being a mother was something you’d like to experience someday, you didn’t know if you were quite ready for it yet. Which was good because Andy didn’t want kids for the next few years either, he had taken you to a doctor to get you on birth control as soon as the holidays were over.

He stated that he wasn’t ready to share you just yet. That he wasn’t sure he wants his kids to be a part of the mob, which you didn’t want either.

“Oh, but you have to, cookie. I need a distraction. Being a mom is all I’ve ever known and ever since you left the house has been so empty.”

“Well, what about daddy?” you frowned. He had never really liked spending time with your siblings or your mother, but to leave her be on her own like that.

“He’s always with Charlotte,” she rolled her eyes. “I would’ve been fine with it, he’s always been like that, can’t expect him to change now, but he brought her here, now, to a family dinner.” She sighed in resignation.

You had heard a familiar high pitched annoying laugh upon coming home, but you thought that to be one of your brothers floozies.

Charlotte, or Cherry, used to be a good friend of yours in college. Before you brought her home for the holidays of your freshman year and she decided to shack up with your married father, who was almost thrice her age. You lost touch with her after that.

“I’m telling you, honey, a kid is a good way of securing your marriage and starting a family. You are young now... but you will grow old someday. Andrew’s a good man... but he is still a man at the end of the day.”

You scoffed at that, “I won’t have you talking that way about my husband! We are already a family, we’re in love each other and he’s nothing like dad.”

She gave you a teary smile, “Young love--is just so innocent and beautiful. You always see the best in people, cookie. I hope I’m wrong about this. Any man would be an idiot to not appreciate you.”

“Andy does appreciate me. And take good care of me, ma...” you trailed off.

He did take good care of you. After the night you consummated your marriage he brought you breakfast in bed. He hadn’t kept his hands off of you for the past few weeks, doting on you any chance he could get, telling you he loved you every chance he got.

But you wondered... did he love you?

The kind of love you’d only ever read about in classical novels. The kind of love you’d dreamt of having ever since you could remember, the kind you thought you once had with someone, but didn’t. You didn’t love Alex the way you love Andy. You were in love with the idea of Alex. You knew Andy now. You knew how kind, passionate and fierce he was, your love for him consumed every single part of you. Where you would literally die for him.

But did he love you for you. Or was he just lonely because it was Christmas. You had avoided taking the tree and the decorations down, begging him, even dropping to your knees and making love to him with your mouth, you didn’t know much but Cherry had taught you that you could get men to do anything for you just by kneeling before them.

While he was very obviously pleased with your passion, returning the favor tenfold, till your thighs burned from his bread and you were shouting for him to stop, he still took the decorations down. He said he wanted to start anew this year. He made a resolution to be the best husband he could.

But you were going to protect your heart this time, hope for the best but still prepare for the worst.

Unfortunately, you had been seated next to Cherry. You found out that your father was living with her now and that while she had hoped he’d leave his wife for her there, but apparently there was no such luck.

“They never leave their wives do they,” she shook her head. “Oh I’m sorry! I shouldn’t be saying these things to you...”

“Its alright,” you shrugged. It would be hard to see your mother be unhappy but there was never any love between your parents. Your mother had learned to live without him and find happiness in other things, and other people, she was just a bit more sneaky about it.

“Well...” you hesitated “how do you keep a man?”

“What kind of question is that?” she giggled. “There are many ways to keep a man but you’ll have to be a bit more specific...”

You ended up changing the subject. The kind of questions you wanted to ask were not suitable for the dinner table, and you didn’t like the way Andy was staring daggers at the pair of you, almost displeased with the two of you chatting.

***

You smiled at him from the passenger seat when he put his hand on your knee, giving it a light squeeze. He had been quite the whole ride home so you decided to speak first.

“Can’t believe Cherry’s like my... step mom.” You laughed out loud at such a ridiculous notion.

“Step mom?” he furrowed his brows, turning his head to look at you.

“Oh I’m just joking,” you waved him off. “Dad would never leave my ma. He’ll move on to another one soon enough.”

He hummed, nodding, “Alright. I was just worried she was troubling you at dinner.”

“What would you have done if she was? Would you swop in like a knight in shining armor and save me from the big meanie?”

“You know I would,” he smiled.

You had asked for a piggy back ride from Andy from the garage to your home, he rolled his eyes and tried to say no but then gave in when you used your princess eyes on him.

He placed you on top of your bed, kissing the tip of your nose, he started unbuttoning his shirt to get ready for bed.

“Andy... um... Daddy?” you corrected yourself instantly.

He liked you addressing him as that whenever you both were alone, he had warned you that you would receive a punishment if you ever failed to comply.

You didn’t know what his punishment would be and you didn’t plan on finding out anytime soon. You’d withhold all affection from him if he ever dared take away the platinum card from you, or lower your allowance as your father had told him to at the dinner, ‘to tame you' supposedly.

But that wasn’t a very good plan... what if he just looked for love elsewhere.

“What is it, honey?” he asked.

“Um... do you think... you would ever take a mistress?” you gulped and prepared yourself for his answer.

“I wouldn’t...” you sighed in relief, “one woman is enough trouble.” he said flatly.

“Daddy!!” you whined, stomping your foot on the floor and folding your hands over your chest.

And he had the audacity to laugh. His laughter at your expense only fuelled your anger. “Do you want to sleep on the couch tonight?”

He finally stopped laughing, “Look at you being a big girl,” he tried to pinch your cheek but you swatted his hand away. “You don’t wanna be daddy’s little girl anymore?” he pouted.

“No... no I do!” you answered all too eager. “I’m sorry...”

“I’m sorry too, honey. I shouldn’t be making fun of you.”

“No, you shouldn’t,” you hugged his hard stomach, rubbing your cheek against his undershirt. “It’s mean, and you promised not to be mean to me.”

“I was just teasing,” he cooed, stroking your hair. And while you knew that and secretly enjoyed it even, you still wanted a serious answer out of him.

“I intend to keep my vows forever. There is just no way I could ever want anyone who’s not you.”

“Really?” you propped your chin on his abdomen, looking up at him through your lashes.

“Promise.”

***

“Um... I’m here to see Andy,” you told the lady sitting outside of, what you had been told was Andy’s office, you assumed her to be his secretary Erica.

You always packed a lunchbox for Andy, always remembering to leave a sweet note for him and he would always call you to thank you for it. You also made sure to have dinner ready before he got home on the nights he wasn’t taking you out on the town. It was just your duty as a good wife.

But Andy had been working way too much the past couple of weeks. Where he would be gone before you wake up and be back when you were already in bed. You knew his job was demanding, working for your father and being a partner in a law firm, the job was like a mistress, stealing your man away...

So you simply decided to make his favorite, food pack it up and come to him to eat it together.

“Mrs Barber! It’s so nice to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you,” she gave you a toothy smile, shaking your hand.

You would’ve been happy, elated that Andy talks so much about you at work. If you hadn’t smelled her perfume. So familiar... you couldn’t quite place it at first but then you remembered.

The night you had slaved away, hoping to profess your love to your husband, when he had rejected you and smelled of chanel.

“That’s a nice scent...” you wondered out loud.

“Oh thank you! I love it as well,” she said, taking in a whiff of the inside of her wrist. “It’s the new chanel one!”

“Hmm....”

You almost didn’t hear Andy calling for you. “What a nice surprise.” He kissed your cheek.

You set the food before him, thinking of telling him what was on your mind.

Was he really so cliché to have an affair with his secretary?

Could you really blame him though? Although you had been married for almost seven months, you were strangers living under the same roof for the majority of them. He wasn’t really cheating... but what if he was still doing it?

“Honey,” he shook you to get your attention. “What’s up with you today? I have a meeting in a few minutes.”

“You’re always working.” You complained.

“Well...” he grinned, grabbing at your thighs and pulling you on his lap, “I have to. If I had the choice I would never come into work, I would stay home forever, between your legs, right... here,” he snaked a hand up your leg and stroked the inside of your thigh. “You would like that wouldn’t you?”

You nodded, “I’ve been so lonely without you.”

He hummed, biting the shell of your ear before speaking into it, “I know, honey. I miss you too. But you do still remember the number one rule right?”

“Yes, daddy. Never touch myself without your permission.”

“And why is that?”

You whined, to embarrassed to say the words, “Because... it’s your... pussy.” You replied in a small shy voice.

“That’s right, sweetheart. It’s mine to do whatever I want with,” he cupped your mould, just to demonstrate what he meant but then frowned when he felt your soft curls and wet slick against his palm.

“You’re not wearing any panties, sweetheart.” He noted, surprised to your boldness.

“Um... I must’ve forgot.”

So maybe you had ulterior motives behind coming here. Your body was used to be doted on everyday now, and to not have his touch for so long was agonising. You had hoped to maybe bend down to pick up a napkin that fell ever so conveniently and flash him, it would work, he would be driven mad.

“Forgot huh?” You nodded in reply as he gathered your slick in his fingers, tracing your labia with them. “That’s too bad, If you had left them on purpose I would’ve cancelled my meeting and fucked you right here. But since it was just an innocent mistake I wouldn’t do that,” he retreated his hand, placing a soft kiss on your hair. “Thanks for lunch.”

***

You were determined to prove your worth to Andy. If he did have a mistress, whether it be his secretary or any other woman, he would forget all about her when he saw how you could do everything for him.

You had went all out today, baking a pie and a four course meal from scratch, lighting up candles, the pink babydoll that Andy had gifted you was under your dress.

He was as always exhausted when he got home, his face visibly lighting up upon seeing you, you took his hand in yours taking him to the couch and making him a glass of whiskey, you handed it to him before kneeling on the soft rug.

“You work so hard, daddy,” you murmured as your fingers worked on unzipping his pants.

He looked at you in confusion, shaking his head, “You don’t have to do that, honey,” cupping your cheek in his plan, stroking your cheekbone with his thumb.

“But I want to make you feel good,” you blinked at him.

He groaned, unable to say no when you looked so willing to please him, but at the same time he wanted to do more with you. To cuddle and watch a movie and talk, it felt as if he hadn’t in ages.

“Very well,” he nodded.

With the green signal from him, you licked your lips, tasting some of your minty gloss, taking his length out of the confines of his underwear, you took a minute to simply marvel at the sheer size and beauty of it.

You licked a stripe up the underside of it, suckling at the crown, you remembered that he liked that the best, at least from the way he twisted his hand in your hair, pulling at it till it caused a slight burn to your scalp.

You slurped his precum up before he pushed his hips up till his tip hit the back of your throat, causing you to gag around him, didn’t take him long to come down your throat.

His neck and cheek covered in a crimson blush, his chest heaving as he threw his head back against the couch.

“You did good, honey...” he rasped. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”

He absolutely loved the dinner you had made for him. But when you subtly, because you were raised to be a good lady and wife, tried to coax him to make love to you before bed, he.... rejected you.

Sure, he was kind about it. He told you he was simply tired and would make it up to you. But it was still shocking how a man as insatiable as him would ever say no. You truly didn’t know what to make of it.

***

“Oh... I don’t know about this... it’s a bit too bold for me,” you bit your lip.

“Just try it on! You might end up liking it!” Cherry urged you, putting the bright red lipstick on you without waiting for an answer, “There is nothing more classic than a red lip. Or a red anything. Men go crazy for it.” She told you.

You simply hummed through closed lips as she put some finishing touches on it. “Doesn’t that look nice?” she asked, holding up a mirror before you.

You smiled, it did look different. Maybe different was what you needed. “It’s very pretty. It makes me feel... confident?” Which was strange. Because how could a simple lipstick make you feel confident?

“See! I told you. Confidence is the key to sexiness. Now, let’s talk lingerie.”

***

“Honey, I’ve been waiting for over fifteen minutes,” you heard Andy call out to you from the bedroom.

“Just a minute,” you said, perfecting your edges with a lip brush.

This was something you had never done before. You wore a lot of lingerie for Andy, but most of them were cute pastels or white nighties or babydolls. Nothing like what you were wearing right now...

A sheer black lacy body suit that clung to your body, leaving literally nothing to the imagination.

Top that off with your red lip... you looked like some kind of dominatrix. Cherry told you that most men secretly wish to be dominated. Although you highly doubted your daddy would want anything like that. Or would he?

“Alright, I’m coming out,” you announced, before shyly stepping out, your eyes trained on the floor as you twiddled with your fingers to maybe distract you from your nerves. “What do you think?”

He was speechless. His jaw almost dropping on the floor when he saw you like that. So far from his sweet girl. You were just as much beautiful and sexy, and while it wasn’t something he was used or prefer to he would welcome it if it was what you wanted.

He extended an arm to you, ready to tell you that you were sexy, that he wanted to spend hours worshipping every inch of your body, that he wanted his cock stained the shade of red you wore on your lips, that he was ready to make up for being away for weeks.

Until he saw... that.

He lowly growled your name, making your head snap up to look at him, “What did you do to your pussy?” Because from what he could see, through the sheer material, there was nothing where your pubic hair used to be.

“Uh... I uh... waxed it...” From the tone of his voice you could tell that he wasn’t too happy about it. “Do you not like it?”

“Like?” he scoffed, shaking his head. Taking a seat on the bedding, “C'mere, let me take a closer look.”

Hesitantly, you walked the few strides it took till you were standing before him.

He studied your mould, trying to take the fabric off so he could see it more properly and then tutting when he couldn’t even open the stupid thing.

“Wait, it um... opens here I think,” you interrupted his scrutiny, undoing the zipper that was on your side and taking the suit off of you.

He sighed in resignation when he saw what you had done, making you regret your ever spending so much money and going through all that pain.

He parted your lips apart, running his fingers along your vulva, acquainting himself with this new strange feel of you, “When did do this?” his blue eyes looked up at you.

“Just a couple of days ago. It’s just hair... it’ll grow back in like three weeks.”

“Three weeks?” he scoffed.

You could feel your eyes getting misty. You tried to go all out for him, to please him, be completely naked and vulnerable before him, only to have him get angry at you.

“You don’t like it,” you sniffled.

His furrowed brow softened when he saw you crying, pulling you down till you were straddling his lap, “The question isn’t whether I like it or not,” he explained, his thumb wiping your wet cheeks, “I could... maybe live with it. But I wouldn’t prefer it.”

“Okay,” you nodded.

“But for you to have done this,” he touched your newly waxed skin and almost winced at the smoothness, “You must’ve let someone else see you naked. See what belongs to me.”

“Bu - but they were all women...” you stammered, squirming in his lap as his fingers toyed with your clit.

“It doesn’t matter,” he tutted, pushing two fingers inside you, “Only I get to see you. This is MY pussy. Only I get to decide what to do with it. Do you understand?”

You nodded, holding onto his tshirt as he twisted his fingers inside you. “So-sorry, daddy.”

“No, honey, since you were bad you don’t get to call me daddy. For tonight you will address me as sir. And of course you’ll have to be punished.”

“Punished?” you pouted. “Can’t you just let me go since it was my first strike? I’ll be good from now on I promise!”

“No, you have to learn your lesson. Come on,” you yelped as he manhandled you so you were face down across his lap, “What is your safe word?”

“Unicorns” you giggled. You thought you were so witty for coming up with it. Since he for some reason was jealous of your unicorn stuffie.

He hummed, stroking the soft skin of your butt, “How does twenty sound?”

Your eyes went wide as you gasped, looking at him over your shoulder, “No!” you said.

He didn’t really plan on spanking you... did he? He liked swatting your ass here and there, and truth be told you liked it too. But you had never been spanked or even hit as a punishment.

“Well, if not this then maybe we can make you go a week without cumming.”

Your gasp was louder and even more incredulous this time. You could most definitely take twenty swats, but just the thought of not being able to finish, after knowing what an orgasm with Andy feels like, made you shiver.

“You will count each one, and then thank me for it. You are grateful I’m teaching you, aren’t you?”

“Yes, sir,” you nodded.

“Do you know how to count to twenty? Or would I have to teach you that too?” he asked ever so condescendingly as you huffed.

“Of course I do! I was just two semesters away from graduating college!” Never mind that you learned that in kindergarten.

“That’s good. Are you ready?” he asked, cracking his knuckles as he got in position.

With a nod from you he delivered the first slap to your right buttcheek, the sound of it reverberating in the room, his palm stinging slightly as he stroked the skin he had just punished, it was already warmer.

“One, sir. Thank you, sir,” you held onto a moan, it wasn’t half as bad as you thought it would be...

You jerked forward as he unceremoniously hit your other cheek, since you were unprepared for it, and he was much more brutal.

“Tw-two, sir,” you sniffled.

You considered throwing in the towel and saying your safe word by the time fifteen rolled around. Your behind was on fire, while you couldn’t see it, you just knew it was bruised. But you wanted to be good for Andy and it was wrong of you to do something that drastic without his permission.

“Sixteen...” you hiccupped. You could feel your slick running down your thighs but at this point... you just couldn’t bring yourself to care.

“Do you want a break?” he asked, taking pity on you.

You nodded frantically, “Yes please! Can you... can you touch me? Down there?” Since the pain in your throbbing pussy was unbearable. If you didn’t receive any attention, you might actually burst.

“Down where? Here?” He had the audacity to play down, while you were suffering, and touch the back of your knee to patronise you.

“No!” you whined.

“Well then you’ll have to be a bit more specific, princess.”

“In my... between my legs... my pussy...”

“Are you sure you deserve it though?” he asked.

You thought about it for a moment, before coming to the conclusion that, “No I don’t. Not until I finish my punishment.”

“That’s a good girl,” he praised, his hand massaging your raw ass as your heart swelled in pride.

“Nineteen, sir,” your mind was hazy. It didn’t even feel as if you were in your reality anymore... it was as if you were floating, while you could still hear and feel him spanking you, for some reason it wasn’t as painful anymore.

“The last one, doll, hang in there,” he said before delivering the last swat.

You whimpered, “Twenty, thank you, sir,” willing your nose with the back of your hand.

Andy collected your weak form in his big string arms, rocking you back and forth in his lap as he kept whispering soft praises in your hair, “My sweet beautiful doll,” he pecked you on your lips.

“Sorry about your pants, daddy...” you said when you realised what a wet mess you had made on him.

He shushed you, “Don’t you worry about that right now. Do you want to take a bath?”

You pouted, your red lip jutting out, “No.”

He chuckled, kissing your forehead, “Do you want daddy to fuck you?”

“Yes,” you nodded.

“We have to be careful about your butt, baby,” he said as he gently placed you on the mattress.

Your head on your pillow, besides your two most trusted stuffies--your unicorn and teddy. Andy only allowed you two in the bed after complaining they made it hard for him to cuddle you. You demanded he buy you a shelf to display them or you would go back to your old room. Which of course made him comply instantly.

You made grabby hands at him, impatient to have him closer to you, but then were glad he took the time to take off his tshirt so you could ogle the wide expanse of his chest, the light scattering of fuzzy hair over it, his numerous tattoos along with one of your name, which marked him as yours forever.

He took a hardened nipple in his mouth while his hand tweaked the other, nudging your legs apart to make room for him, he placed his length at your entrance.

Slowly pushing into you, letting you get accustomed to the size of him. Although your pussy was always so welcoming to him, he knew you often struggled to take him.

You whimpered at him, tears rolling off of your face. “What’s wrong, honey? Does it hurt?”

“No... it’s just so good,” you sniffled.

“Okay, just hold on,” you held onto his shoulders as he slowly fucked in to you.

Your pussy clamping around his length, the soles of your feet digging into his ass, “Can I come, daddy?”

“Of course, baby. You earned it.” He groaned, his hips hammering against yours as you bit his neck, letting out a muffled scream.

You hummed against his neck when you felt his warm release fill you up, he pulled out of you, frowning when he looked at your naked and hairless pussy, dripping with his cum.

“From now on I’ll be picking out your clothes,” he stated, rolling off of you and pulling you into his arms.

“Okay, daddy,” you hummed.

“And no more surprise bikini waxes.”

“Mmm...” If that’s what you had to do to get in trouble and be punished, then so be it. “We’ll see.”

***

Three days later

“Lotion time, doll,” Andy said, pausing the movie you were both watching to go get said lotion.

He had rubbed your lotion on your backside when he spanked you and decided that he wanted to be the one putting your body lotion on you from now on since he had too much fun doing it. He insisted on doing it twice everyday since it was still very cold.

You followed him to the bedroom, lying face down on the bed a he squeezed some on his palms, rubbing them together to warm them up.

You winced just a little, your skin still a bit sensitive, you even had to sit on a pillow the time.

“Will you be going back to work tomorrow?” you wanted to know.

He didn’t like the sadness in your voice, “Yes,” he sighed. He hated leaving you all by yourself.

“I’ll be all alone then.”

“Didn’t you want to go back to college?” He remembered you telling him that your parents forced you to drop out so that you would marry him.

“I do actually. Hate leaving things incomplete... maybe I can even go to a law school and become a lawyer like you!” you perked up.

“You’re not working for your father though, you’re too good for that world.”

“You’re too good for him too.” You said. “Maybe I can work with you.” And you and him could be like a power couple. It would be so exciting.

Tags will be in the reblog! Click the link in the bio to be join the taglist or shoot me an ask/dm. Comments and reblogs are really appreciated! ❤❤

Please note that my work is not to be reposted or published anywhere other than my Tumblr or AO3 account without my permission. Reblogs are most welcome though!

[dxrkdreamer]

Not So Bad

Modern Sukuna x Reader

Working late had been the bane of your existence, only getting worse when a certain man started showing up to your store’s parking lot to light his joints.

Word Count: 2.7K

Warnings: 18+ implied sex, mentions of weed.

(A/N: should I make a part 2? It seems pretty popular

Couldn’t come up with a name for the store so I used Anavrin from ‘YOU’)

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

“11:00 pm? Again?” you rubbed the back of your head trying to hide your frustration, the store manager nodded his head, sighing you agreed to stay late at work again since the closer frankly did not want to stay. So now here you are grumbling as you finish sweeping the floor and checking it off your log. You worked at a high end grocery store named Anavrin, a store that swore to sell organic produce and products to the best of quality. You took up a job here in your senior year of high school, planning on working for a few months to save up for college. And yet… 4 years later you’re still here grumbling at the extra hours you had taken. After your second year of working you had a promotion to supervisor… woo hoo!!... but it turned out it was more responsibility than expected. But it paid a little more and you could not argue with that.

‘I should be a little more optimistic, I’m graduating uni this year’ you’d tell yourself anytime you wanted to pull your hair out because of your measly job. You finished turning off the lights and locking the door, sighing as you felt the cold fall air hit your tired face, taking a deep breath of fresh air… wait a second “Who the fuck is smoking weed!” you yelled in a girly voice, as if this day was not long enough. Since you were in charge of a proper closing you marched off towards a tall man leaning against the back of the store, laughing and conversing on his phone. It was a little nostalgic, you remembered your highschool days, sneaking around and smoking pot in strange places. But he was not as young as a teenager, in fact his build made him look older than you.

“Hey! I’m going to ask you to leave, this is a smoke free property” You tried saying sternly gesturing to the sign right above them that read “no smoking” in bold letters. But your short stature compared to the man made you look like a kid waving your arms around attempting a snake dance.

“What on earth is this?” a man with pink hair and face tattoos said “I’m so scared, I should be so ashamed for not reading the sign” he cackled as he pressed the joint to his lips and inhaled again. “My apologies”

He did not look sorry at all.

“Look, I’ve had a long day. I’d like to go home so please go to a proper location or I’ll-” but you’re cut off with the joint stuffed to your pretty lips.

“You’ll what cutie?” he smirked as you stared at him dumbfounded, the joint stuck to your lip as you tried to figure out a reaction. But the man was already on his way towards his motorbike. Of course he had a motorbike. “First one’s always free darling, next time I’ll charge ya” he winked as he put his helmet on and sped off.

“Mother fucker” you swore and banged your head against the brick wall. ‘Never am I staying late again’ you groaned. You walked to your car, but not without tucking the joint safely in your pocket for when you got back home.

---

And that was your first of many nightly encounters with the pink haired man. You were not surprised to see him anymore in the parking lot, either smoking, laughing with friends or just sitting on his bike staring at his phone. You learned his name was Sukuna… you had asked for it during the nth time you threatened to call the cops. You also learned he sold weed to the store manager, so he pretty much had a free pass on smoking here.

“Working late again (name)? My, they must pay you a lot for you to stay here.” he smirked, watching you with grinning eyes. Your annoyance shot up at the mention of your little over minimum wage pay. They definitely were not paying you enough for the store, but giving you a delinquent like this guy… you had written your resignation letter a few times after his nightly visits. You ignored him as you walked to your car, heavy footsteps followed “I brought ya a little something” He grinned handing you a baggy with a cookie “It’s on the house, made ‘em myself”. Eyes narrowed as you tilted your head up to glare at him, but realized you were a lot closer than you expected. You could hear him breathe, feel the heat off his body and smell the spicy cologne he was wearing as you breathed a little too loudly trying to inhale the scent. “Not today darling, that package is for another date” he winked.

Oh my God.

What have you done? Sure he was hot and you didn’t mind the view, but his mouth made up for that. He was like an evil version of a talking cat. Opening his mouth to smite you, prideful like one and given the opportunity would sit on your face if you were lying down. Wait what?

“I’m not interested in you like that!” you squeeked.

He tilts his head to the side, resting his cheek in the palm of his hand “Then how are you interested in me?”

“I’m not interested unless you’re a customer, or an employee here or something!” Frustrated, you grabbed the zip loc with the cookie in it “And I’ll be confiscating this!”

“Sure thing, I made it just for you. It's a special recipe”

“I’ll let the cops know!” you yelled getting in your car, throwing the cookie on the passengers side as you sped home for the night.

“So if I was an employee…or something...” he wondered gazing at the stars, his thoughts frenzying around as his mind came up with the most brilliant idea. Cackling loudly “you’ve really outdone yourself this time me.” Laughing as he got on his bike, speeding towards his apartment.

---

“A new employee?” You mused, It was pretty hectic at work recently, one of your employee’s had quit and they finally found a replacement “I wonder what they’re like”. You asked yourself as you prepared a training checklist to go over, making sure to not make it too hard on the new guy- you heard it was his first job after all. “Hello! And welcome to the Anavrin family!” you say smiling with closed eyes, as you open them your mouth went agape. ‘What the….’ had the demon cat from the parking lot shrunk and gotten more youthful?

“Hi, I’m Yuji Itadori. You must be my brother Sukuna’s friend. He said to write your name down as someone who referred me to the job”

Chuckling nervously with the clipboard in hand you checked off the box for introductions “I’m (name) the grocery supervisor, and you would be working under me mostly.” Friends with Sukuna? Cutting your wrists open and watching them bleed sounded like the better option.

As the shift progressed Yuji showed you he was the complete opposite of his older brother. Always finishing his tasks, being kind and sweet. Everyone else loved him too, just on the first day. He was stocking milk and eggs the way you had shown him, one of the last tasks of the night. The crowd of customers thinned out as it got late and the store was closer to its closing time. You watched to make sure he was doing them correctly and if he needed any help. ‘This wasn’t so bad’ you thought, closing your eyes and leaning back.

“So how’s my little brother been (name)?”

Your eyes shot open at that voice God no please. “He’s been amazing, but you can’t just put my name as a referral without asking me-” There stood a tall Sukuna in a dress shirt with his sleeves rolled back, probably coming after finishing his day job. Majority of his tattoos were covered except the lines on his wrists that were exposed, making you gulp inaudibly. Suddenly feeling underdressed in your uniform’s polo shirt and measly work pants and sweater as you stared up at his glory.

“Sorry darling, I can’t do what?” he smirked. Mentally praising himself as his plan got into action. He couldn’t lie, (name) was interesting. Always yelling at him, cursing him and swearing that she would murder him if it was the purge. His usual charm not working gave him more of a challenge. Not to mention the way she was kind to younger brother made his heart swell a little.

The annoyance returned once you saw his shit eating grin “You can’t write my name down without asking me!”

As he opened his mouth to speak, the intercom went off, notifying everyone that the store was now closed and any remaining customers should bring their purchases to the front to pay for them.

“Yuji you can go home now, I’ll put this away and start heading out myself” you say massaging your temples with your fingers.

“See you soon (name).” Sukuna winked as he walked towards the exit, waving behind at you as he went outside to wait for his brother.

---

Unfortunately soon had never come… at least not for the last 3 weeks. Making you miss the tall man in more ways than one. Maybe he wasn't so bad now that you thought about it. The usual nightly teasing might make you seethe but you’d be lying if you said you didn’t laugh about it later in your car. Somehow his laid backness and mocking smile made your night light up a little. And the weed that you would “confiscate” really did help you unwind after a long shift.

“Maybe it was because he saw me in my uniform” you grumbled. That had to be it. You weren’t a sore look on the eyes. Right? But compared to him… you hissed as you felt your lower half heat up and tremble at the thought of the man. “Well it's only 11:00 pm… and my first class is at 9:30 am… and then I have work at the 4:00.” Debating your options…. ‘This is why I’m probably so grumpy all the time, I think too much’

“And probably need to get laid” you said aloud. Living alone did have its perks, no one could call you crazy for talking to yourself. Your friends always nagged you about your dry spell too, but one night stands weren’t really fun to you anymore. They were too shallow and you always found yourself feeling more frustrated by them than relaxed.

Quickly rummaging through your drawer, you found your lovely device and turned it on. The buzz filled the room as you fell on the bed and groaned. Your mind was wild as you thought dirty little things about the man. Your eyes rolled back and you felt little whines erupt from your throat as you imagined him on top of you with his signature smirk, choking you and teasing you, calling you terrible names and whispering dirty things in your ear.

But as quickly as you heated up, the device buzzed and suddenly stopped. Too hazy to think straight you tried turning it on and off again, soon realizing it was the battery that was dead. “For fucks sake” you threw the vibrator and it hit the wall and fell with a loud thud. Good. Pulling your covers up, scowling as you shut your eyes to sleep.

The next day only went further downhill. Your lecture was long and uneventful, you forgot there was a guest speaker instead of the usual prof, most of the class skipped anyways so you sat alone and pretended to be interested. And as you went home from campus, your car broke down on the way leaving you stranded in the heat as you waited for the tow truck. You really just wanted to buy some batteries and get some time to yourself before work. But life had another thing planned once you got home, you only left with half an hour before you had to leave for work. Which barely gave you enough time to shower, change into an excuse of an outfit, grab your uniform and run out the door. You heard a few whistles as you ran to the bus stop, most likely because of the skimpy outfit which was pretty much just a long t-shirt made into a dress with stockings. But this was not the time to be picking fights.

Work was more mundane as ever. Emptying, stocking, organizing and talking was all that seemed to happen. You frowned for the nth time in the day when you saw Yuji was not scheduled to work today and you remembered him mentioning that he was going somewhere with friends for the next two days. The boy could always turn a bad day around. He was a blessing to the department and the store as a whole. The long day finally came to an end and the weekend awaited. Stuffing your uniform in your bag as you walked out you saw a familiar motorbike and a man leaning against it getting ready to light a joint.

You didn’t think, all you could hear were your footsteps smacking against the pavement as you ran to the man. Blood rushed to your head as you slowed down, stopping barely an inch away from him. He was wearing jeans and a dress shirt and most important, that smirk.

“I didn’t realize you missed me this much darling, otherwise-” but he was cut short as your hands gripped his head and pulled him down to your lips for a not so innocent kiss. You had to admit, you liked the guy. But as he responded by deepening the kiss and sliding his wet tongue into your mouth to taste you, you realized you wanted more of him. And you found yourself in his apartment, stripped down with his face buried between your legs as you came down from your second orgasm. Him licking you clean and not missing a single bit.

“When” you panted “when is Yuuji-” but he shushed you by gagging his fingers deep in your throat.

“Not until Sunday at least” he smiled with a sinister look, your wetness coating his lips “we have the whole weekend darling” He had waited almost two months for this so he was definitely going to take his time and relish the next few days. How could he not? You were beautiful with a fiery personality, and that showed by the ways you disobeyed him on his bed to get a reaction. It seemed the roles were reversed, but this time there would be consequences. For you at least.

He was relentless but you were no pussy and would not back down either. Both of you with fire and heat taking over your bodies as you brought spark and life into the night, wanting to explore every bit of each other, not stopping until you noticed the sun starting to rise causing exhaustion to take over.

He had let you stay to sleep in, provided you with a clean shirt to wear and even made breakfast for you. Presented you with a “gourmet plate of eggo waffles with the finest Aunt Jemimah maple syrup” he said which earned him a giggle from your pretty lips.

“I can make pretty good waffles from scratch” you told him proudly, puffing out your chest in pride. But these were special to you, the whole moment was special.

“I intend on trying them,” he spoke after a moment. He thought it was out of character for him to ask for a relationship but he wanted to be with you more than just a few times. And wanted more of you in different ways. He wouldn’t get his brother involved if it was a casual fuck relationship that he wanted. Which reminded him he owed the brat 50 bucks.

“Maybe you should come over sometime” you smiled sweetly, blushing a bit.

“I’d like to see you more, take out and get to know you” he said, interrupting your invitation.

“I’d like that too.” you said smiling.

[sh1tbird-shantytown]

all the concussions gave steve memory problems and migraines bad enough to hospitalize and it gets really rough on him sometimes

Just his fucking luck.

He couldn’t remember if his mother wanted chicken noodle or cream of mushroom soup and he lost the whole slip of paper with the list. Must have thrown it out with the Snickers bar he’d nicked.

He tossed both in the wire shopping cart. Heard a familiar voice from behind and turned to see Billy Hargrove looking at him. A perplexed expression, the barest hint of uncertainty behind the eyes.

Steve asked like he’d missed something, “What?”

Billy’s eyes rolled up, “I said, where’ve you been, Harrington? You’ve missed the last four days of school.” He took in the mass already forming in the cart, “Some people are getting worried— What the hell are you doing?”

Steve glanced from Hargrove, to the basket, and back to Billy again, “Uhm….” Billy raised both his eyebrows, Steve thought they looked kind of like those fuzzy caterpillars his mother always yelled at him for trying to touch.

“It’s just,” Hargrove gestured to Steve, “You don’t look like the typical skipping school guy. You’re buying—” he squinted and Steve stepped out of the way for him, “—Relish, whole grain bread, and pre-made cookie dough? Shouldn’t you be sneaking some beer, or frozen pizzas?”

Steve pursed his lips and turned back to assess his lot, “That’s a lot of questions for someone holding bubblegum toothpaste.”

He heard Billy snort, kinda bemused, “It’s for Max.”

Steve’s ears started pinging when a wheel began squeaking, “Whatever floats your boat, Buddy.” His skull felt like he’d gone through a car wash. Not as bad as the rest of the week, but it was getting there. He vaguely remembered hearing something about a purple nail polish, although he hoped his mother would understand. “Sorry to cut this short,” he wasn’t even sure if Billy was still there, “I have to get home.”

He felt a hand on his shoulder, gentle but heavy, “You’re lookin’ a little red, Harrington.” Something smooth pressed against this forehead, his vision a little too blurry and unfocused to really see what Billy was doing exactly. “You’re warm.” The silence wasn’t heavy, and when Billy let him ease a bit of his own weight against him, Steve didn’t feel as much in a rush as before anyway. Billy’s finger brushed his jaw, tried not to think to much about it. “If you pay for the toothpaste, I’ll drive you home.”

“Deal.” Steve let Billy take the cart, “The doctors said I shouldn’t drive when it gets like this anyway.” Billy’s arm wrapped around his waist and then moved up to his upper back.

“Oh yeah?”

Steve glared at the soup cans, “The cafeteria lights trigger them the most.” He turned his head towards Billy once they reached the end of a line. “I have a study hall fifth period, the sunlight when they open the windows reflects off of the tables and walls. I have light sensitive eyes now. I had to get more pain relief.”

Billy looked over hastily, eyes slightly bigger, “Now?”

Steve looked away from the magazine display, “Now, what?”

Billy had a reflection of fear along his brow, “When did they start, Steve?”

Oh.

“It’s been a while,” he answered. The hand on his shoulder moved around, spread its warmth and made it so they were closer together. The pain subsided, if only a smidge.

“I’m sorry.”

He stepped on Billy’s foot purposefully, “We’ve done this already, Hargrove.”

“But—”

“You are not the sole reason—”

“You were at the hospital, weren’t you? Wheeler and Byers ment—”

Steve stepped on his foot again, harsh enough that Billy sucked in a breath, “Don’t interrupt me.”

Billy gaped, Steve become sidetracked with his freckles. “You started it!”

Before he could lift his foot again for another attack, the line moved forward.

—

Billy had one hand on the wheel and the other around Steve’s wrist, feeling out the pulse.

“I’m fine, William.”

“Stephen.”

He closed his eyes, discontent, “You did my yard work for a week.”

Billy leaned more towards the steering wheel, “So?”

“You gave the kids free swim passes. And. You’re still helping me with, like, more than half of my classes. For free.”

Billy nodded, “Monday’s and Thursday’s.” He nodded, “Which you missed this week, because of me.”

“No—”

“You were never hospitalized for you headaches before that night, Harrington.”

Steve slid his arm and gripped Billy’s hand in order to do the same with his attention, “My head started getting fucked up the day a got a beating from Jonathan Byers.” Billy scowled. “And you know what?” just a hint of a smile peaked through Steve’s lips. Billy glanced over with distaste. “I deserved it and I don’t blame him for it.” Billy’s hand went limp in his own. Heavier. “And I don’t blame you anymore. You help me remember my schedule and locker combination. You let me have your orange slices at lunch because you know they’re the only fruit I’ll eat besides strawberries.” Billy’s eyes were glassy as he pulled into the driveway. “And guess what?”

Billy wouldn’t look at him, “What?”

“It’s panini night, Mom got the prosciutto and salami.”

Billy considered it and then started hurriedly out of the car “You can carry one bag, Harrington, any more and I’ll kiss you.”

“What kind of threat is that?”

—

It had been tomato soup, by the way.