#its simple but a little colour goes a long way <3< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[sticks-stones-sonic-insanity]

Kith <33

[asumofwords]

Smoke, Fire and Ash

Warnings: This fic includes noncon, dubcon, manipulation, violence, death, forced marriage, and inc3st. Tags will be added as the fic goes on.

This is a dark!fic. 18+ only. Read at your own discretion. Please read the warnings before continuing.

Summary: You are the eldest daughter of Rhaenyra and Daemon Targaryen. You are forced to navigate the difficult surroundings of your upbringing and the eventual disintegration between your family and the Hightower's relationship. What will happen when your older and estranged uncle suddenly takes a more sinister interest in you? (Dark!Aemond x Reader)

Masterlist

Characters: Aemond Targaryen X Reader, HOTD characters.

Note: Did I buy a silver white lace front wig so I can parade around my house like a Targaryen? Yes. Was it the best purchase I've ever made? Also yes. Have absolutely loved the theories and messages and memes you have all sent through, still cackling at the divorce rock! Enjoy <3

Chapter 62: A good day

Returning to your shared chambers, you found Aemond had returned at long last. And not a single greeting or word was spent on you. He was leant over the table as he wrote quietly upon some parchment. A large tome lay open in front of him, and he did not turn his head to greet you as you entered, too enraptured by his quill.

You watched his long, slender fingers dragging the quill across the page, ink drawing neatly beneath it. You shut the door behind you softly and moved slowly across the room, craning your head to see what he was writing.

“Enjoying yourself?” Aemond drawled, not taking his eye away from the page. 

You had no care to start an argument, nor the fire to snip back at him.

Today had been a good day.

You straightened your back as you moved away from your creeping and towards the window, perching upon the ledge to look out at the setting sun, watching the sky turn a soft purple.

A purple that reminded you of Helaena’s eyes. 

She seemed to be everywhere with you today.

“I saw a beetle today.” You thoughtlessly spoke, not bothering to see if Aemond was listening. 

He was. 

He had lifted his head from the parchment and brought his gaze to you.

“It was the brightest green you would ever see, and beneath its wings, it had these pearly ones that shimmered.” You reminisced, smiling. 

“Helaena had one, exactly the same, land on her during the union celebrations. And today, one came to land with me.” Your voice got quieter the more you spoke. 

This was the most you had said in some time. 

The most you had said that wasn’t a quip or a snarl, a sneer or demand. Instead it was simply an observation. The most simple of observations at that. A beetle, that was all it was, a small green beetle, and yet that tiny little bug would have never known the change it had brought to you. 

“Helaena would have liked it.” Aemond’s voice carried across the chambers to you gently.

You smiled as you looked out at the water. 

“She would have.”

Unbeknownst to you, Aemond watched as you smiled out at the water and could not help but feel a twinge in his chest as he thought of his sister. She was too pure for a world filled with such cruelty, and so it had become too much for her to bear. He was gladdened, in some ways, that she would not be there to witness the horrors of today. To have witnessed his cruelty fester inside of him. To bear the brunt of Aegon’s rising drunkenness, and their mothers disregard. 

At least Helaena could no longer feel pain and was now at peace.

“The sky looks like her eyes.” You whispered, and Aemond stood, pushing the chair back slowly as he placed his quill in its holder. 

You listened, without fear, as he walked towards you, standing at your side as he looked out at the ocean. The sky was a light purple, the colour of fresh lavender or blooming wisteria in the spring. The sun lowered behind the horizon, and the soft purple began to deepen. 

“It does.” Aemond commented, as he looked out at the water beside you.

It was strange to have Aemond agree.

The fire between the both of you had calmed, and the embers had settled, and instead you were able to find peace in the space. Neither of you bickered, nor argued, snipped, nor snapped as you watched the sun set, and the sky darken into a deep blue. 

Aemond moved himself away from the window as the last of the evenings light had left, and nightfall had settled over the realm. You watched as he moved to tidy the table, collecting the parchment and quill to place it on a side table amongst the decanter of wine. 

You walked across the room as he moved back to collect the ink pot to place it with the others. Your eyes looked down at the tome that lay open on the table, skimming over the first line of the page that was open. 

‘Weirwoods that had stood for two hundred generations were cut down to provide rafters and beams in the construction of Harrenhal.’

Weirwoods were the tree that you sat beneath. The Godswood was what you had grown to call it, though you knew the small courtyard where it sat was the true Godswood. A place for those who followed the Old Gods to pray. 

But why were all those trees cut down?

Would that not bring about bad luck?

You knew that Harrenhal was said to be haunted or cursed, and as you read the page and thought of all those sacred trees being cut and placed inside of the old castle, it came as no surprise that perhaps the castle of Harrenhal truly was cursed.

‘King Harren soon came to know that thick walls and high towers are small use against dragons, for dragons fly. Aegon the First flew down on the mighty Balerion and-‘

Aemond pulled the tome towards him and away from you as he closed it to place it on the side table with the others. He poured himself a goblet of wine, and then one for you, walking back over to hand it to you. You took the wine and sipped, looking at him as you fell into a comfortable quiet before the maids came to deliver your supper. 

You both ate together, not speaking, yet not arguing, with no tension between the two of you. It seemed that his days away had cooled his anger and spite, and your days alone had helped to cool yours. It was a civil meal, and you felt little urge to destroy the peace of the day. 

However, the peace between the both of you did little for the pain that ebbed within. A cramp crawled through your lower stomach, causing you to tense in pain and wriggle in your chair. You hid a grunt under the guise of clearing your throat, but it sounded more like a wince. Aemond’s eye lifted away from his plate and landed on your face as you grimaced, your cramps building as you continued to sit. 

“Whats wrong?” He asked, the tiniest hint of concern in his voice.

You met his eye across the table and shook your head almost in embarrassment. You looked back down at your plate as you answered him. 

“I have my… blood.” 

Aemond hummed, and you felt a blush crawl across your cheeks. 

“Is there anything that you need for your…” He trailed off.

“No, I am quite alright. I was just... not expecting it, is all.”

I was not expecting to be spared from a child.

I was not expecting to be free for another day.

I was not expecting to feel elation at the sight of my own blood.

Aemond's eye continued to watch you in scrutiny.

“Sometimes... Peppermint tea can help.” You added.

Perhaps he could have some sent to the chambers.

“Do you need milk of the poppy?”

You wanted to laugh, but held it in to not offend him.

“No, I am fine... Thank you.”

Aemond nodded and resumed his eating, and you continued with yours, trying to hold still in your chair as the pain intensified. How long had it been since you had last bled?

Aemond’s eye was caught by your movement, and suddenly stood from his chair, moving across the room to speak to the knight at the door. When he returned to the table and sat back down, he watched you closely. 

“I have sent for some tea.”

You did not expect that. 

Why had he sent for the tea?

Your lips parted in shock and you stumbled over your thoughts on what to say, instead settling on a small thank you, before resuming back to your meal. By the time you had finished eating, the maids had arrived to your chambers, tea in hand and helped to ready you for bed. They helped to undress you, and brushed your hair from your braids as you sat, and sipped on your peppermint tea. 

The tea sat warmly in your stomach, spreading comfort throughout your body, and soon you found that your cramps had grown duller. It gave you a comforting feeling too, it reminded you of your time with your mother back on Dragonstone.

A small, yet beautiful comfort.

By the time the maids had finished with the room, removing your plates and tidying the space, you had finished your tea and they had taken the empty cup and pot with them. You thanked them softly as they left, and they had bowed their heads to you. 

You missed Saria and Aella. 

Aemond already lay in bed, tucked beneath the sheets before you joined him. You crawled into the space beside him, and curled up on your side facing the wall. It was strange to have him back, it almost felt normal. But you still had this nagging anger and spite, nipping at the back of your head, which you pushed back down into the murky depths within you.

You had a good day today, and you weren't going to taint it.

You even felt a little bit more like yourself. 

Was this progress?

Aemond blew out the candles around you and a soft darkness fell across the room. You felt him shift in the bed behind you as he moved. You let your eyes close and felt yourself slowly relax as the both of you stilled in the bed.

Aemond shifted again, his body coming closer to yours as heat radiated off of his chest and onto your back. He was always so warm. Your breath caught in your throat as you felt him touch a shy hand to your shoulder before slowly trailing it down your arm, goosebumps rising in its wake, until his hand settled on the flesh of your hip.

His long fingers rubbed the chemise over your skin as he softly caressed you, each passing moment making his movements bolder. 

Do not react. 

He only becomes crueller when you react. 

Soft lips pressed themselves to the skin of your shoulder, Aemond's fingers dancing along the curve of your hip. A familiar warmth spread through your body as his hand slowly crawled across your front, fingers pulling the length of the chemise up. 

You grasped his wrist gently to stop him, your voice cracking as you spoke. 

“I have my blood, Aemond.” You whispered, hoping it would prevent his ministrations.

His lips pressed against your shoulder again as he hummed into your skin, his hand breaking free of your grip as they continued their task of revealing your core to him.

“Blood would not deter me.” He hummed.

And it didn’t. 

“Please, stop.” You begged, hoping your voice would convince him, but it hadn’t.

He pushed against your grip on his wrist, and you wriggled in his hold trying to move away from him. 

"Tepagon isse.” Give in, Aemond growled.

Your heart jumped in your chest, and your grip on his wrist faltered. 

Let him have his way. 

Let him do as he wished. 

Do not let him ruin your good day.

Endure it.

Endure it.

Aemond’s hand moved back towards the chemise, breaking free of your grip to grasp the thin material and pull it up your thighs. He pulled it over the soft curve of your hip, as his fingers moved down between your thighs. Aemond pressed another kiss to your shoulder, and you had to force yourself to breathe. 

Endure it. 

This was your fate. 

There was no running from this.

His long fingers came to skirt around the flesh of your thighs, running gently up and down them as he brushed your skin reverently. You squirmed beneath him as he continued to tease you. 

Why fight it? 

It would only make it worse. 

You had to endure.

Aemond’s fingers came to gently rub through the tuft of hair on your mound, tickling the skin before he moved a single finger to glide between your folds. You were already wet from your blood, and you cringed at the thought of the mess it would make. He rubbed between your folds up and down, your blood making you far more sensitive than you usually would be. You breathed jaggedly as he pressed against your bundle of nerves, swirling his finger as he mouthed against your shoulder, shiver rolling up your spine.

It was so tender. 

So full of love.

And it made your stomach do flips.

Was this what it could have been?

What should have been?

Aemond continued to swirl his finger around your bud, drawing soft pants from your lips as your hips bucked backwards into his lap. With a large hand, Aemond grasped your shoulder and rolled you so that your back was flat against the mattress. He leant over you, his hair falling around your face as he watched you writhe beneath him, his finger not slowing. He leant forward and placed a kiss to the corner of your lips, watching as you sighed when his finger pushed through your folds and into your heat. It was so sensitive, the pleasure was overwhelming.

Endure it.

There was no painful intrusion, no stinging or tearing, only the pleasurable stretch that it gave as he pushed into your welcoming folds, coming to brush against the soft spongey patch within. He found it quickly, and easily, as though he had memorised where it was, and soon began to rub against it. Your chest rose off of the bed as you whined, as Aemond moved to press his lips against yours finally. 

Endure.

You let him kiss you, and you kissed him back, chasing his lips. Today was a good day. You were not going to let him ruin it. You pushed down your disgust and shame, and let your body guide you through it. 

Endure.

He sped up his finger within, moving to slide in a second finger, guided by both your slick and your blood. He began to draw his hand in and out of you, palm brushing against your bud as you quietly moaned into his mouth. The coppery smell of your blood lingered in the air, and any lingering pain from your cramps disappeared to be replaced by the pleasure he brought you.

Aemond was being tender.

Kind.

Sweet, even.

It was about your pleasure and not his.

His attention was solely on you.

You could pretend this was normal. You could pretend that this was real love. You could pretend that nothing had happened. And you would. You would pretend, and let him have his way with you, and you would bask in the glow of pleasure he brought you, and the peace your submission gave.

Endure and enjoy.

Aemond's lips were so soft against yours, his tongue swiping to gain entrance into your mouth, softly licking into you as your hands gripped the sheets below, desperate to ground yourself from the steadily rising pleasure.

The coil within wound itself tighter, and tighter, as his fingers moved through your folds, his lips parting from yours so he could turn his eye to watch his hand disappearing into your heat. 

A long groan fell from his parted lips as he watched your slick folds pulling him in, mouth opening as he sighed a heavy breath. You dared to let yourself look down, watching as his fingers plunged into your heat, coated in your blood.

You had thought that the sight would have made you ill, that the image of your blood upon him in your most intimate area again would bring back memories of your wedding, but it didn’t. Instead a wave of arousal burnt though you, and you threw your head back, hips chasing after his hand as he rapidly brought you to your peak. 

“So good. You’re doing so good for me.” Aemond purred, watching your face scrunch up as you tried to hold in your noises, “Let go for me, let me see you.” His fingers pulled out and moved up to your bud, rubbing fast circles around it, drawing almost painful pleasure from you.

“Oh…fuck.” You gasped, back arching off of the bed as the coil within you snapped.

Blinding white hot pleasure coursed through your veins as he brought you to your peak.

Your core fluttered as you came, Aemond’s fingers swiftly dipping back into your heat as he prolonged your release, thrusting his fingers in and out of you with speed, the chambers filled with the lewd sounds of your wetness.

"Sȳz zaldrītsos.” Good, He murmured coming to press his lips against you, his fingers overstimulating you as you writhed beneath him, desperate to get away. 

“Arlī.” Again, Aemond purred, thrusting his fingers into you faster. 

Your eyes shot open, finding Aemond looking down at you, pupil blown wide as he breathed heavily, fingers fucking into your heat. Your hand came to grip his wrist, trying to slow him or have him remove them as you felt your second release building quicker than the first, and painfully. 

“Kostilus, Aemond. Kostan daor.” Please Aemond, I can’t, You whined softly, pleading him with your eyes, hips trying to pull away from him. 

“Kesā.”

You will.

His fingers pulled out to rub against your pearl, and the coil snapped again. Your release was pulled out of you so quickly you cried out, eyes scrunching shut as he ripped each and every wave of pleasure from you. Your hips jerked and twitched beneath him, until finally his hand slowed, fingers moving to rub through your folds as you came down, a small tear leaking from the corner of your eye and down to the pillow.

Your mind was hazy, and your body felt heavy, eyes staying shut as you slumped below him against the bed. He had pulled the life from you, body twitching with after pulses.

Aemond let out a breathy chuckle beside you, pulling his hand free of the mess between your thighs. His lips came to press the side of your face where the tear had escaped, capturing it with a gentle kiss.

The bed moved and the weight of his arm and hand left your body. The Prince pulled his slickened fingers up to his lips, licking your release and blood from the digits as he hummed. You could hear the sound of his tongue lapping at the wetness from above, and you kept your eyes shut.

Your core strummed from overstimulation. You felt like you were floating and sinking all at once. It was the most powerful release you had ever had.

Would it always feel this good?

“Gevie.” Beautiful, He whispered, eye still on your tired form.

Aemond's hand came to brush the hair away from your face, fingers tickling the skin. You huffed beneath him.

“Īlē vēttan syt nyke.” You were made for me.

Your eyes were too tired to open, and Aemond was content to stay looking down at you. He made no move to lay atop of you, nor did he move to touch you again. Instead, your husband let his fingers come to trail around your thighs softly, causing you to twitch from the tickling sensation.

You had done it. 

You had endured it. 

And you were okay.

You were safe.

But was it really enduring it if you enjoyed it?

Would he always be this gentle if you let him have you?

Sleep began to pull you down as you laid in the bed, your two releases having completely sucked any, and all energy from you. You just wished to rest. And Aemond let you. Though his fingers still trailed around your thighs, never quite returning to your centre, whilst he leant on an elbow looking down at you. 

You were sure you looked a mess, covered in your own slick and blood, hair messy and tussled from writhing in the bed, and yet Aemond continued to coo praise at you, and slowly you drifted away to sleep. His voice still whispering out into the chambers as he watched you. 

“Iksi lanta hen keskydoso,” We are two of the same, "Vējes ondoso se Jaes.” Fated by the Gods, His voice became further and further away as you drifted to sleep.

“Ziry ūndan ziry, zaldristos.” She saw it, little dragon. 

“Lanta rōvēgrie zaldrīzes perzyssy, hēnkirī hae mēre. Spool hen kasta, spool hen zōbrie. Iā rōvēgrie ropagon naejot letagon lanta hubon. Vējes naejot zālagon hēnkirī.” 

Two great dragon flames, together as one. 

Spool of green, spool of black. 

A great fall to tie two threads. 

Fated to burn together.  

Thanks so much for reading along with me, if you wish to be added to the tag list please let me know :) Likes and reblogs are greatly appreciated ! Enjoy <3

Tag List:

@izzicle @ej-shitchats @may-machin @alegria1580 @witchy-jadda @videovampire @inkdelicious @queteimporta39 @virtualsweetsqueen @fo-cus @auratiqs @feyres-fireheart @queenofshinigamis @asoiafwh8re @teasandcrumpets @shesjustanothergeek @grungegrrrl@queenofsarcazm @marihoneywk @curlszx88 @virgogaia @loser-keiji @asoiafwh8re @whore-of-many-hot-men @vipervixxen @theonewiththeimaginaryboyfriends @watercolorskyy @lavendervisions @mazmack666 @chokefrog @orangejump-suit @nik2blog @serrhaewinin @ohemgeewhat @winxschester @cryptidsrcool @drinking-tea-and-be-obsessed @celestedonut @bloodyvelvet777 @iamapersonthatsalive @av-sos @yentroucnagol @sanzu-s @opheliaas-stuff @bellameshipper @maviee @persephonerinyes @neytiri-09 @ensnaredinwonderland @xbluegracex @sotragedynut @nattieot7 @shesawaywiththefairies-blog @coffedraven @prettycutebunny @celestedonut @the-jess-life @ssulfurr @out-of-life @madislayyy @crazylokonugget @cicaspair418 @katwmk @relminnie @milovart @teagrex @visenyaverse @bellameshipper @toodlesxcuddles @tempt-ress @dontmindmereading7 @qyburnsghost @55gyi53vtnquwziq5 @notnormalthings-blog @maidmerrymint @qyburnsghost @madislayyy

Bold is who I cannot tag!

[phanfictioncatalogue]

15k Words Fics Masterlist

A Sword, A Little Bit Of Magic, And A Whole Lot Of Pizza (ao3) - FoxyAtlas

Summary: When Dan and Phil are following strange dark creatures that appeared out of nowhere in London, things go wrong and they end up being sucked into an alternate dimension, where magic exists and they must find a way to use it in order to contain the creatures before they completely overrun this new world. Warning: contains the use of ‘spork’ as an insult, the destruction of a perfectly good library book, and questionable pizza physics.

All Was Golden In the Sky - darling-phil

Summary: After Dan and Phil found each other, time seemed to slip away from them faster than they could expect. As the seasons change, the pair face the reality of a new relationship, carrying it through its ups and downs. No matter what, they’d always come out stronger.

August (ao3) - glowingatmosphere

Summary: When Dan returns home and meets up with his childhood friend Phil after they’ve finished their first year of uni, he notices that things between them are different. As they rekindle their friendship, Dan completely immerses himself in the new feelings that he’s developing for his best friend. But when Phil starts talking about another boy, Dan begins to wonder whether Phil was ever really his.

Barbie Horse Adventures (ao3) - orphan_account

Summary: Sometimes friends force you to get over your worst fears, sometimes you meet your soulmate in the process.

Carpets, Pokemon and hugs (These are a few of my favorite things) (ao3) - DownDownFangirl

Summary: "Is everything ok?" The tall guy stops. The elevator starts to close. The guy reaches for the door and it opens again. He looks into Phil's eyes and it’s strong and focused and confusing.

-

Phil works at a motel and Dan is a guest who comes and goes. There are many thoughts to think and many delicate conversations to have... And it can get confusing, especially when you live hundreds of kilometers away from each other.

doppelt. (ao3) - schnaf

Summary: The big wheel in Manchester. The big wheel in another Manchester. Phil's disappearance. Finding Phil - twice. Dealing with Doppelgängers. That's not exactly what Dan expected from their first meeting. But in the end, being with Phil is all that matters.

eloquent graffiti (ao3) - danhedonia (deathpeach)

Summary: It was a beautiful, relatively simple scene; a field with mountains off in the horizon, a galaxy for a sky, and a silhouette of a man made of stardust laying in a field, looking up at the universe above him.

Phil didn’t know it at the time, but that was the first painting of his that Dan inspired. Dan was his spaceman, his beautiful work of art that Phil wanted to spend the rest of his life recreating in every possible way.

From London to Paris (ao3) - animad

Summary: Dan and Phil meet interrailing through Europe.

Gemini and Aquarius (ao3) - Spring_Haze

Summary: Dan and Phil are young, in love, and progressively exploring their sexual relationship while dealing with the agony of a long-distance relationship.

Grey - washedoutgay

Summary: Colour isn't really something that Dan understands, all he knows that from a young age he wanted to find his soulmate so he could see the world in the perfect light. But after meeting a boy with light grey eyes who doesn't feel the same and spending most of his life never apart from him, maybe his idea can change to match.

#IPreferDan (ao3) - ellisonavenue

Summary: He never planned on keeping the pill a secret from Phil because he never planned on Phil and him living together so comfortably for over 3 years. He'd banked on a year maybe a year and a half before they went their separate ways. He'd only banked on 2 months max before Phil found out what the pills were for. Dan couldn’t believe it was 2015 and Phil didn’t know yet.

Or the one where Dan was born female and refuses to tell anyone.

In a Strange Room With a New Last Name (ao3) - yellowlampshade

Summary: The first thing Dan did after accepting the proposal was write to Chris.

Just days after turning eighteen, Dan is forced by his parents to accept a marriage proposal from an Alpha he's never met.

“Daniel? Daniel, wait, you don’t have to…” Philip was behind him, his hand on Dan’s to stop him from undressing, and he couldn’t be numb anymore. Every feeling hit him at once and suddenly he was crying and couldn’t stop. He brought his hands to his face to muffle his sobs, and this wasn’t how this was supposed to happen, it was so much better when he felt nothing because now everything hurt. He missed his room and his friends and his brother and Chris and he was so afraid of this.

Just A Toy (ao3) - blissedoutphil

Summary: He takes whatever Phil gives him, because he loves being treated like nothing more than a toy to be used. And above all, he loves Phil. He’d do anything for Phil.

Maybe I miss you (ao3) - Misha_with_wings

Summary: Phil leaves Dan for several months to temporarily live in New York City and work on a movie set.

The distance between them drove them both insane, but neither of them could voice the reason why.

When Dan comes to visit Phil in New York his feelings are threatened to spill after an encounter with one of Phil's new friends, but he keeps lying- to both Phil and himself.

Hopefully he can eventually tell the truth, because Phil gets another long-term job opportunity in California and Dan can't take any more distance.

maybe they're seeing something we don't, darling (ao3) - phantasizeit

Summary: When Phil invites Dan to the Lester family Christmas, Kath can only assume that they’ve have finally gotten together. Dan and Phil don’t realize Kath’s misunderstanding until it’s a little too late. But, how hard can it be to fake a relationship between them? (AKA: The fic where Dan and Phil are already dating, but have to be put in a fake relationship situation to realize it. Also, they do fluffy Christmas things with the Lesters.)

Middle of Somewhere (ao3) - throughtheirsnoses (det395)

Summary: Phil's an apprentice at a library who is drawn to a regular visitor with fluffy hair and a questionable attitude

Mon Cœur S'ouvre à Ta Voix (ao3) - auroraphilealis (peachrayne)

Summary: It’s taken Dan a year to work up the courage to really discover why he keeps slipping into something he doesn’t fully understand, but now that he’s discovered that he’s not alone, he’s ready to find a solution, even if that does mean accepting a Dom into his life. Thank God Phil is there to save him when things seem like they’re about to go wrong.

perihelion (ao3) - fleurdelester

Summary: per·i·he·li·on

the point in the orbit of a planet, asteroid, or comet at which it is closest to the sun

or

the one where Dan wants to study the stars and Phil wants to be king of the universe

The Window To His Soul (ao3) - ctrling

Summary: Phil’s hope has always rested in a soulmate he’s never met, but when he moves to a new town and his eyes change from black to blue, he embarks on a mission to find his soulmate with the help of of his new friend, Dan, that has him questioning everything he’s ever wanted.

these violent delights of love (ao3) - cyanica

Summary: Dan is hopelessly in love, Phil’s seemingly oblivious and they’re on a world tour just to make things more chaotic.

And yet, the Gods, or the Ruler of the Universe, or whoever the hell was in charge decided Dan needed to die in the end, too. Currently, leaning over the porcelain throne of shit and piss was the Gods' human voodoo doll, throwing up the contents of his unfortunate Indian dinner – and significantly more alarming than that: black tulips. Fucking flowers. This wasn’t real life.

they grew up so nicely, didn't they? (ao3) - natigail

Summary: Cornelia doesn’t just get a boyfriend when she starts dating Martyn, she gets a whole second family too. Kath and Nigel welcome her with open arms and she becomes a pseudo older sister to Phil.

She is there watching from the sidelines as a boy bolts right into Phil’s heart and sets up camp. She gets to watch as Dan and Phil build careers and an internet community and all the trials and tribulations, as well as the pride and happiness, it brings along.

What Would You Do for 14 Million Pounds? (ao3) - Merrydith

Summary: If you told Phil Lester in 2017 about the plans he made for September 30th, 2020…he would have laughed in your face. He would have told you that you were crazy and that he wouldn’t do that for “a million pounds”.

But what about 14 million?

[disco-elysium-via-polls]

🔊: Wind

3. "I don't know, the thrill of the criminal lifestyle?"

PALEDRIVER - "Lawman... what in the name of god are you talking about?"

"Okay. Let me put this another way -- are you smuggling drugs through Terminal B?"

"Fine. Let's change the subject."

PALEDRIVER - "Lawman... what in the name of god are you talking about?"- Her shoulder bones crack as she shrugs. "Maybe. Probably not. Makes no difference to me either way."

"You said earlier that you don't know what you're hauling. Could it be drugs?"

"How can you not know what you're hauling in your own lorry?"

PALEDRIVER - "Just this month I made half a dozen trips from Saramiriza to Graad, on the U41-A. What do you think they take from Saramiriza to Graad, lawman?"

"Drugs?!"

"I don't know, that's why I'm asking you."

PALEDRIVER - "No, lawman. Diamonds." She grins.

"I didn't ask you about diamonds, did I? I don't care about that."

"If you had to guess, who do you think is smuggling drugs around here?"

"Okay. If you're not involved with the drug trafficking why are you waiting here?" (Conclude).

PALEDRIVER - "Diamonds are good for you, lawman. You should try them sometime. Make yourself pretty like Eva Deshoras."

2. "If you had to guess, who do you think is smuggling drugs around here?"

PALEDRIVER - "Easy. It's the skinny man who thinks he's a poet -- never trust a poet..." She squints across the square. "Also, he's the only one I can see from here."

VISUAL CALCULUS [Easy: Success] - That's correct. There is no visibility of any of the others.

3. "Okay. If you're not involved with the drug trafficking then why are you still waiting here?" (Conclude.)

PALEDRIVER - "Where do you want me to go? This isn't so bad. I can listen to music, or the seagulls. Look at all the colours and the features of this world. It's a good palate-cleanser, this jamboree..."

"Or -- I can just relax and let my mind carry me back where it will. To the great plains…"

KIM KITSURAGI - "I think we're done here, no?" He closes his notebook to stress it.

+5 XP

5. "Thank you for now." [Leave].

PALEDRIVER - "Yes -- go. Enough jamboree. I need to get back to Mesque..." Her voice trails off.

THOUGHT COMPLETE: REMOTE VIEWERS DIVISION

BONUSES: -1 Difficulty to all Psyche passives -1 Drama: Gullible hack

SOLUTION

It is done. You've broken loose from the confines of modern science and into the vault of extrasensory knowledge from *exotic* cultures. Mankind has always searched for a means to break the shackles restraining the mind. Some practice meditation, some take, like, a ton of DMT. You apparently only need to rub your temples -- and bam! The aether opens before you, presenting its dark secrets: entities in the void making contact. (Definitely not just because you’re rubbing your temples and talking to yourself.)

It suddenly occurs to me that we *totally* need to go back and look into that curse on the bookstore.

First, though, let's talk to that poet.

🎵 Instrument of Surrender

TOMMY LE HOMME - "I am a gander and a hunter and a gatherer, feel like a traveller..." The man mutters to himself, accenting the beats as he goes.

CONCEPTUALIZATION [Medium: Success] - A simple little cadence. He seems to be making it up as he goes.

Keep listening.

"I am the law."

"What's going on here?"

"Never mind." [Leave].

TOMMY LE HOMME - "From another... planet," he finishes and turns to you: "Hey there."

2. "I am the law."

+1 The Law

TOMMY LE HOMME - "You sure are, my man." He nods emphatically.

KIM KITSURAGI - "Everyone understands you're *the law*. That's why you have that insignia on your arm. So you don't have to keep saying it."

3. "What's going on here?"

TOMMY LE HOMME - "It's the Jam, my man." He motions toward the sprawl of lorries with a sweeping gesture.

"What's the Jam?"

TOMMY LE HOMME - "It's a traffic jam for the ages. Harbour gates up the street are shut tight. No explanation given. Workers on strike. Scabs agitatin'. An all-around clusterfuck."

"Meanwhile, we're all stuck here in long haul limbo for days upon days upon days..." He glances south, down the road. "Upon days."

"*Limbo*, huh? So that's where I am."

"So how long have you been here?"

"Cool." [Leave].

TOMMY LE HOMME - "Yeah, yeah -- exactly."

CONCEPTUALIZATION [Medium: Success] - It's official. He too agrees. This is the antechamber of the afterlife.

"So how long have you been here?"

TOMMY LE HOMME - "Feels like forever, like I was born on this here roundabout and this was all I ever knew. Just me and the metal and the tyres, the oil and the fumes of mazut..."

[armchairsmelbourne]

How To Care For Your Hardwood Dining Table: Expert Tips

Your hardwood dining table is more than just a piece of furniture; it’s the heart of your dining room. From family dinners to festive gatherings, this table witnesses countless memories. 

But like any cherished possession, it needs proper care to maintain its charm and durability. Let’s dive into some expert tips to ensure your hardwood dining table stays beautiful for years.

A Little Love Goes a Long Way: The Basics of Table Care

Taking care of your hardwood dining table isn’t rocket science, but it requires attention and regular maintenance. Think of it as nurturing a relationship—consistency is vital. Here are some fundamental tips to get you started:

Clean Regularly but Gently

Daily cleaning can prevent the buildup of dirt and grime that can scratch or dull the finish. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the table. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cloths that can damage the wood.

Daily Dusting:Use a microfiber cloth to remove dust.

Weekly Cleaning:Wipe with a damp cloth followed by a dry one.

Monthly Care:Use a mild soap solution for a deeper clean, ensuring to wipe dry immediately.

Protect from Heat and Moisture

Heat and moisture are the archenemies of your hardwood dining table. Both can cause warping, stains, and damage to the finish.

Use Coasters and Placemats:Always use coasters for drinks and placemats for hot dishes.

Avoid Direct Heat:Don’t directly place hot pots or pans on the table. Instead, use trivets or heat pads.

Wipe Spills Immediately:If any liquid spills, clean it up right away to prevent stains or water damage.

The Beauty of Prevention: Protecting Your Table

They say prevention is better than cure, and this couldn’t be truer for your Durable hardwood dining table. Here are some preventive measures to ensure your table remains pristine.

3. Use a Tablecloth for Extra Protection

While your hardwood dining table looks stunning naturally, using a tablecloth during meals can protect it from accidental spills, scratches, and heat damage.

Special Occasions: A tablecloth adds elegance and protection during special gatherings.

Daily Use: Even a simple runner can provide a layer of defence against daily wear and tear.

4. Be Mindful of Sunlight

Direct sunlight can cause your table’s finish to fade over time. To limit exposure, position your table away from windows or use curtains and blinds.

Rotate Periodically: If possible, rotate your table occasionally to ensure even exposure to light.

Use UV Protectant: Some polishes come with UV protectants that can help minimise sun damage.

Maintenance Magic: Keeping Your Table Looking New

Regular maintenance can significantly extend the life of your hardwood dining table. Here’s how to keep it looking as good as new.

5. Polish and Wax for Shine and Protection

Polishing your table enhances its shine and provides a protective layer. Waxing, done sparingly, can add an extra layer of protection.

Polishing: Use a high-quality furniture polish once a month to maintain the table’s lustre.

Waxing: Apply a thin coat of paste wax once or twice a year for added protection and shine.

6. Address Scratches and Dents Promptly

Even with the best care, minor scratches and dents can occur. Address them promptly to prevent further damage.

Scratch Repair: Use a wood scratch repair kit or a matching colour wax stick.

Dent Fix: For minor dents, place a damp cloth over the dent and apply a warm iron to steam out the indentation.

The Final Touch: Show Your Table Some TLC

Your hardwood dining table is an investment, both financially and sentimentally. Regular care and maintenance keep it looking beautiful and ensure it remains a beloved centrepiece in your home for generations. 

Treat your table with the care it deserves, and it will continue to serve you well, becoming a cherished part of your family’s story.

Caring for your hardwood dining table requires routine maintenance, preventive measures, and timely repairs. 

By following these expert tips, you can preserve your table's natural beauty and durability, making every meal a celebration of elegance and craftsmanship.

[musicoftheheart]

8,10,18,21,22 in the pride asks? especially 21 if its not too personal, as someone still in their mid teens any advice would be nice to read. also 26/27 since ur genderfluid, like do u like to switch between different terms or do u use gender netural terms all the time?

hi!! thanks for your questions <3

8. Describe your gender without using any words traditionally related to gender:

i dont wanna use the same answer twice but... im gonna: spin the wheel!! watch where it goes!! where will it stop? who the fuck knows!!

10. Something that gives you gender euphoria (whether you're cis or trans):

singing when i have a cold is fucking gorgeous. my range lowers so much and i can sing all the male musical theatre roles that i usually cant and its just- bloody hell its the best feeling ever!

18. How old where you when you got to attend your first Pride? Who did you go with?

so, ive actually never been to pride :( im going to one this year though, and im so excited!! its in july for some reason, but ive got time booked off work, a hotel booked in the city its in (because its like 2 ½ hours away from me) and a couple of outfit choices in the mail waiting to arrive!! so, to answer the q: ill be 19 (my current age anyway aha) and im actually going alone, because i dont have queer friends atm and my cishet friend probably wouldnt be seen dead at pride. my brothers mightve come if they could, but theyre travelling to america a few days before and wont be back for over a week :(

21. What message would you give to your younger self?

to me personally? keep your mouth shut. bide your time, wait until you have better circumstances. keep. your mouth. shut.

to anyone else? dont do that ^ be confident!! as long as its safe to do so, express yourself!! the truth about life is that people will always find faults with you. they will always nitpick, they will always judge. even if you hide yourself to blend in, there will always be something that someone will scour to find. as shitty as that sounds. so be yourself! if people stare, let them! being like everyone else is boring anyway, and although at first it might be lonely or scary, youll find your people <3

22. How do you usually celebrate Pride month?

i like to do it in "subtle" ways. i say subtle because theyre not super obvious, but theyre easy to spot too. i like to paint my nails rainbow and wear rainbow earrings (i recently got rainbow star earrings and theyre so cool!!), and ill usually do more extravagent makeup on fem days, like using coloured eyeliner or putting little stars on my cheeks. and, of course, this year ill be at a pride parade too!

26. How do you feel about the term partner rather than husband/girlfriend/etc?

27. What gender-neutral terms for yourself or others do you use (i.e. joyfriend)?

im gonna answer these two together :) so, i like partner a lot. its simple, but it gets the job done just the same as bf/gf etc. i personally like to switch/mix and match boyfriend and girlfriend as and when it feels right to me. i especially love when someone says "shes my boyfriend/hes my girlfriend" and if i ever come out as genderfluid to my brothers, id want them to introduce me like "shes my brother/hes my sister". of the two mismatched pairings, i prefer the female pronouns and male honorifics, but that might turn out to be a day-dependant thing

[athena-swords]

KNOWLEDGEABLE STUFF

disclaimer: maybe you dont wanna read if you dont have the time to read it.

RANDOM facts and info about vedic astrology,tarot,western too ig, occult , energy work , witch craft and plamistry

okay so ever thought how people during vedic time used to know about the astronomy?? like its my biggest question 

manyyy people in here ignore the number of similarity of  Aries and Pisces  people its more you know internal thing like the  care and love and kind of mental level working is same. my aries and pisces people do share it.

where ever  is mars in your house you could see that  you keep that house ruled body part stimulated or want stimulation there even in fall 

so if you wanna improve your planet effect  then most simple way is to eat the food ingredient it rules very effective and simple

okay so was studying why taurus sign is so much connected to food and ya got the answer but for that you gotta know a lil bit of vedic astrology

the moon is  janam nakhshatra that is birth and its natural house in second house  which is taurus so the reason why many of them are great with stuffs related to food as second house also talks about food.

its less talked about but fire sign people will be able to connect 2 and 2 quickely 

there essence  is to consume   be it knowledge,energy, fortune,wealth but there is always a catch the law of nature is  gonna play

remember people when you consume something its all depends on your investment or amount of efforts.

ahm so for all the tarot readers out there there is a simple question I have do you all get messages or visuals when you think about any one’s question even after being done with their reading long time ago.

the colour most prominent  in the whole spread can help you know alot.

its more of my thing but before doing any reading for someone just greet the divine self in them it will help you familiarize with the energy and  ease the reading

the person receiving the reading well  I wanna specify that all the readers read the cards sometimes its more the channeling and less the cards and vice versa so dont get confuse yaa

and to not ask those question which you very much know you can  change like how will your exam go,will you be able to go or not believe me if the reading is not as you expected you will got even try reeaching there and will be stuck .this stuffs can easliy change with little bit of your belief and on working towards it.

your decks too love care and a bit of attention so dont forget to praise and nurture them.

when making your own cards  you should think of it as your canvas like dont make it on from some rulebook 

there is literally nothing a pinch of salt cant fix be it your food or people energy.

keep your loved ones photo frame on south west direction brings lotsss of happiness and peace at home

people who feel closed to moon in any form or are Mahadev bhakt should try doing a small ritual during full moon be it affirmations candle magic or healing bath.

when you feel that you are feeling really lonely and down take three people name who you are grateful for having including you  and why just one reason is also enough

cloves are really a magic ingredient if you have some financial issue going on take some salt some ONLY in a small container keep 3 cloves in it and keep it in a place where no one usually goes in your house and tada things will get better.

I know some more but it can be misused so for now this much is enough

       So have been learning palmistry from a long time and I am quite confident so would try to do some for sure and some more stuffs that would need part 2 ig.

Take everyone grow and live your 

har har mahadev

[twillightteaparty]

Ok so, what if Mc went to Twisted Wonderland but around 10 years earlier so they are a kid, so what if Crowley decided to adopt him since their a kid and have no where to go anymore but may I have some headcanons of him raising kid Mc but along side with the staff members too

Sorry if this is too long.

NRC Staff Raising Crowley Adopted Kid (who's 6 years of age)

Crowley

determined to be the best dad, will get this 6 year old a matching suit that is just a decorated as his own.

side note, Crowley won't be the best dad ever, its just - not his area of expertise. but hey at least he's trying. . .

can never say no to taking this child where ever they want. you want to go to wcdonalds? anything you want dear. Want to go mess around crewels class room? go nuts, just stay out of the cabinets.

the bright side is where he lacks in dad skills he makes up for in teacher skills, and hey, this kid is going to know some valuable life lessons and be the top of their class.

though I imagine they mostly attend classes online or their 'home' schooled.

gives this kid piggy back rides and runs down the school hallways, change my mind.

crowley basically spoils his kid rotten, but also like gives them enough perspective while doing so that their not a brat about everything.

Sam

Sammy boys Little helper, His second in command, little boss pal, I could go on. but my point is that Sam is the one that ends up babysitting the kid most often

AND he absolutely is great with kids. he also likes answering their questions they have, and making inside jokes.

Also the guy that hypes the kid on sugar before giving them back to their dad smh.

if they want to help out around the store he has them do simple but time consuming tasks. usually things that are like cut out these things, cut on these lines here.

often treats them like their just a younger sibling. it's how he usually gets along with kids and gives them a lending hand.

teaches them card games of all kinds, also how to do magic tricks.

heck, he'll even teach them how to read tarot cards while he's at it.

Crewel

this man, should get some kind of compensation. he practically has a heart attack any time they get into trouble with any of the lab supplies.

that said, he goes out of his way to make them small child safe lab experiments for them to do so they feel included. have fun making slime and learning about cell structure kid.

has a candy stash in his desk so he can give the kid a reward when they do a good job on the project.

is the one to take the kid on the field trips and instantly wins the place of best uncle every time.

he won't tell the others and its their little secret- but this man spoils them so much. always buying them things and even making them things. like dude even makes them an outfit for beans day what can I say.

he's honestly not the best with kids but he should give himself more credit because when things get serious or the kid is hurt he is a lot more comforting than he realizes. he always puts safety and well being first.

Trien

If they're in his room while he's teaching, he'll have them set up to do whatever they want out of the way. Whether it's a colouring book or an old booklet to help you do your math, really depends on the day.

although he has raised like 3 kids that doesn't mean he is the world's best father by any means. I can imagine any kid would find trien intimidating.

though I imagine Trien being way better with small younger children than he is with teenagers, so this kid gets to see a rather softer side of Trien.

petting cat privileges granted

doesn't spoil them rotten and is the party ruiner and debbie downer.

it really do be a "don't let trien know" when it should be a "don't let crowley know" smh

this 6 year old is allowed to call him gramps/grandpa/etc and get away with it.

any of his students try and they will have to face full consequences of their actions.

Vargas

The fun dad, what can I say

teaches the kid fun games, gets them to like sports that they enjoy, burns their energy

also gives them piggyback rides, will also throw them over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

holds them and spins them around while running around making airplane noises.

Let's them make a snail village somewhere out of the way on the field change my mind.

has them hold the stopwatches and clip boards when he needs a helper to bully these students into shape.

always there to help when this kid is crying. nothing is wrong if vargas is smiling right? if not then he can most certainly can fix whatever it is.

will take the kids side in everything, "what do you mean crewel? it was an accident give the poor kid a break"

---

I hope this is roughly what you wanted because the wording was a bit confusing to me but i think i got it. anyway this was fun to write nonetheless so please enjoy <3

[sukunasun]

How do you write so well? I also want to write and find my own style but i always end up deleting my works because I can't bring myself to like them. They are too simple or too repetitive. It would be great if you could offer me some advice. (If you don't mind.)

hey anon! thanks for reaching out, hm...honestly, i struggle with liking my own work too, i guess we're all our own biggest critics :( and i can only speak from my own experience so my word isn't law haha but ive compiled some of my thoughts on this + some citations i think could help add perspective:

read as much as you can and study the writing you like: goes a very long way. if you like distinctive styles of writing like with prose and such then find writers who are known for that, off the top of my head—proust, joyce, brontë, tolstoy, cervantes, etc etc. but always explore, read non-fiction, read a script, read poetry. analyze themes, characters, dialogue ...or don’t? sometimes reading is an experience, not mental gymnastics, but take in how you feel about the stuff you read and digest them. 

“The first, of course, is to read. It’s surprising how many people think they want to be writers but they don’t really like to read books… — From 'This is Octavia Butler’s best writing advice.' by Vanessa Willoughby. Read on LitHub / 'An Interview with Octavia E. Butler' by Randall Kenan. Read on JSTOR "You need to study what writing requires. Writing has rules, conventions, requirements. There is form. Writing is more than your thoughts about characters. Drama has structure. You can learn." — Excerpted from Miss Chloe: A Memoir of a Literary Friendship with Toni Morrison by A. J. Verdelle. Read on LitHub

observe: listen to conversations around you, the way people talk and react to things, the way they interact with one another. expressing and repressing. or watch films, what do images and scenes look like in your mind. i learned a lot about transitions and flow from movies. take things from the world around you. find what inspires you to write? i usually listen to music!

characters: if writing fanfic is your thing then take the time to think about the characters, their motives, desires, weaknesses, etc etc. read the source material or read hcs and form your own opinion.

"Events, in and of themselves, have no meaning. Lightning striking a vacant lot is pointless; lightning striking a vagrant matters. When an event adds a character, suddenly nature’s indifference fills with life." — Excerpted from CHARACTER: The Art of Role and Cast Design for Page, Stage, and Screen by Robert McKee. Read on LitHub (read this once for a creative writing class and thought it was really helpful)

it’s all in the little things: have fun with the details, think about the way a room is lit in the afternoon, or the way a ripe mandarin orange tastes, smells, you could also describe it in action—citrus and pulp and a zesty rind that spits from beneath your fingernails—fill in the blanks with texture and colour and give them a life of their own.

"If you are going to describe a spoon or a chair or a tv set, you don’t want to simply set these things into the scene and let them go. You want to give them some weight, connecting these things to the lives around them." — From 'An Interview with Raymond Carver' by  Larry McCaffery and Sinda Gregory, 1985. Read on JSTOR. (finding the balance between vomiting out descriptions and knowing when to leave things as they are is a struggle for me haha, i get caught up way too much on crafting atmosphere when all the scene calls for is like a sentence or two... i guess its about knowing which is more important, keeping in mind pacing and such too. but im a big believer in instinct, you’ll know whats better for a scene when you read it like fifty times and think... 'maybe geto’s internal monologue and a valid ‘heart beating wildly in his chest’ is enough..’) <3

re: writing styles: ultimately has to do with your personality and how you see the world/the scene you're conveying to an audience. i suppose style stems from the way you weave and thread words together, how you place one word after the other. i think it’ll come to you the more you write, rather than aiming for style, start with the story and the way you look at things.

A unique and exact way of looking at things, and finding the right context for expressing that way of looking, that’s something else. . . . Every great, or even every very good writer, makes the world over according to his own specifications. It’s akin to style,... but it isn’t style alone. It is the writer’s particular and unmistakable signature on everything he writes. It is his world and no other. This is one of the things that distinguishes one writer from another. — From “A Storyteller’s Shoptalk,” by Raymond Carver published in The New York Times in 1981.

let your writing be something else, just not yours (in the best sense): sometimes the hardest thing is knowing that your writing will forever be tied to you, there’s a sense of ownership there, like a mother who’s birthed a child after a whole nine months, you’ll work on something for the longest time and not want to give it to anyone, but it has to sort of...get out there. and not every piece of writing will be a precious baby, sometimes it’s just an onion in your garden you found and thought to use in a stew, but the point is that eventually, it’ll belong to the world should you choose to post it. letting it go is catharsis. when i don’t have to look back on it, i can just write the next thing. even if you don’t intend on posting it, i find that i could always just leave things in the drafts, in a document folder, in scraps of paper, and move on to the next thing. i know i can always come back to it. 

i guess...you just have to write? one word after the next until you’ve filled up a page or more. the difference between crafting a beautiful sentence you’re satisfied with and a repetitive, simple one is a whole lot of trial and error + practice (and suffering).

“The only sentence that matters is the one you’re writing.” Do not look ahead two or three sentences, thinking, Oh, but wait, I have to get through two or three more of these sentences before I can get to the really good stuff. Make the sentence you are at the place you are at, and make it a place of stone and steel, not a place of sand and clay. Fashion this sentence out of what has gone before on your page, always moving forward by looking back. Turn, swerve, torque and twist upon what you have written, finding new ways to render your object, and through these maneuvers, finding the way to write your heart out. — From 'The Gordon Lish Notes' by Tetman Callis. Read here.

eventually, you’ll look at the stuff you hate and find ways to make it better, and even then maybe you won’t be completely happy with it but i think it’s important to note that it’s a rather harrowing thing because you’re staring at it wondering if it’s something to be shared...that’s a lot. ultimately i feel it’s perfectly fine to write because you enjoy it, of course, some might say it doesn’t have to be perfect, but because you want it to be good, there needs to be a sense of care and responsibility to make it so. 

You write as well as you can and hope for good readers. But I think you’re also writing for other writers to an extent—the dead writers whose work you admire, as well as the living writers you like to read. If they like it, the other writers, there’s a good chance other “intelligent, adult men and women” may like it, too. — From 'Raymond Carver, The Art of Fiction No. 76' by Mona Simpson & Lewis Buzbee for The Paris Review

sending you love and cheering you on! i hope you find this helpful in some way!

[orangepeelshortbreadcookies]

@hopepaigeturner Forgive me for the late response, but since this is an excellent request, it warrants time for an appropriate answer. And you must know that by asking this, you have activated the Benophie obssessed academic part of my brain. You want references? Behold my pile.

(Side note: I am not a historian so if other East Asian Bton fans and Benophiles out there notice something I got wrong, please do correct me.)

The reason why I took so long to answer this is that, for a very long time, many East Asian countries were to varying degrees delegations or colonies of China, so there are many overlappings in our customs, as well as language, which for a modern Vietnamese who doesn't speak any Chinese languages is a bit tricky. And yet even with these overlappings, East Asia is in no way a monolith. As a matter of fact, @tilly-tilly-2827 and I had a lengthy discussion about the connotations of just the colour green in different countries very recently. If I am doing this, let's approach it the right way, for I am nothing but a dedicated Benophile.

Alright, here goes:

Hebao (荷包)

These are embroided, scented satchel, or aromatic pouch, an ancient, very popular accessory in Chinese culture. Its origin lies with The Dragon Boat Festival. Initially it was used to protect the wearer from insects and diseases. A bunch of nice-smelling herbs is put in there. Later it became more popular as a daily accesory, for both women and men. You see it worn a lot in Chinese dramas. Like this:

Its romantic meaning started with how the the Tujia people used it: as a love token from a woman to her lover. The maker of the pouch would put a lot of effort into the embroidery of it, as it represents the adoration and devotion to her lover, so they're usually very pretty. Now I would definitely enjoy Sophie making a hebao for Benedict, in the case she's Chinese. It would be cool if the embroidery turns out to be nice, but I think it would be way funnier if she ends up putting something silly on it instead, even when the needlework is still an excellent labour of love: like a chonky honey bee, for it seems like it's Benedict's signature, regardless of the morbidity of it. Or a cute puppy, for how he keeps following and panting after her.

2. Love-knot

More specifically the Pan-Chang knots (盤長結), or endless knot, although I also really like how Koreans call it the chrysanthemum knot (국화매듭). In Japanese it's mizuhiki (水引き), although the practice and the looks of the knots do look different there.

Another love token that you can dangle on your waist! Traditionally made from one single continuous cord, it symbolises eternity and unbreakable union. The legend is that Yue Lao, the God of Love, "unites with a silken cord all predestined couples, after which nothing can prevent their union." (E. Cobham Brewer, "Dictionary of Phrase and Fable", 1898). Fun fact: Yue Lao is also known as 'the old man under the moon'! And personally, I find moonlight to be such a Benophie thing. I love this one. It's so simple yet meaningful, transcending all classes as a declaration of your desires. I am also announcing that I am working on a one-shot where Sophie makes Benedict a love-knot.

3. Heavier jewelries:

This one requires some more distinctions. So this is the Vietnamese Xà tích:

Usually made of silver, and predominantly worn by women, around the body and over the waist sash. Not only gorgeous to look at, they're also functional. One can attach to the medallion their little knife, some keys, a tweezer, and your cute shiny trusty tobacco tube. It's like a fabulous utility belt. Batman could never. Definitely on the pricier side, as jewelries are concerned. In early 19th century, when Bridgerton takes place, this is considered a bridal item. As in:

"Cô dâu miền Bắc (thời Nguyễn) vào ngày cưới tóc vấn đuôi gà, đầu khăn gài con bướm bạc, cổ đeo kiềng bạc, chuỗi hạt vàng, lưng đeo xà tích, váy sồi đen, mặc áo mớ ba, bên ngoài mặc áo the đen, trong là áo hồng và áo xanh."

--Đoàn, Thị Tình, Trang phục Việt Nam (Vietnamese Costumes)--

My translation:

"On her wedding day, the Northern bride under Nguyễn dynasty wraps her hair in a coiffure with a side ponytail, her khăn vấn (turban) is adorned with a silver butterfly brooch, a silver torc and a chain of golden beads on her neck, down her back around the waist wears the xà tích. She puts on her black skirt and her best, most formal silks. Medium layer is a black linen jacket, inner layer is pink and green silk.

Example of a traditional Vietnamese wedding set before 1975:

Now, I can't (yet) find any conclusive visual evidence of flatland women in 19th century wearing the xà tích. War does funny things to documentation and archives, who knows? Luckily many more minor ethnicities in the lower Highlands still treasure and practice this custom, especially during festivals:

Now, the Chinese version, the Dingdang (玎珰) is somewhat more fancy and in my opinion, a lot less practical:

Did you know the East Asians loved jade? Because they LOVED it.

From: Weibo 撷芳主人, 04.04.2018

A chatelaine with strings of pendants attached to it. Also a waist accesory, for both men and women. Favoured by people of higher social standings. Originally used to weigh down the lighter material of tunics. Imagine you were hooking a windchime to your silk sash. Your job as a nobleperson is to make sure that when you walk, the sound made by the windchime is pleasant to listen to, and not ear-puncturing. Definitely used to enforce etiquette.

In Chinese dramas:

Maybe it's the bias in me speaking, but I am of the belief that the Vietnamese xà tích is superior. The Chinese ones are very pretty, but they're also impractical, constraining and a bit too over-the-top for Sophie's character.

Also xà tích, along with the rest of the bridal jewelries, are usually provided by the groom's family, so it's definitely something Benedict could (should) do.

Although I must say I prefer the more simplified form with either only the scented satchel or with a piece of jade along with it, like how this Korean drama did it:

4. Jade

Engraved jade was also used as love tokens among people of higher class. Couples had them in pairs, its meaning lie pretty close to wedding rings:

Do I want to see Benedict gve Sophie something like this as a wedding gift? Survey says probably? Idk, it is pretty and my precious Sophie only deserves the best, but the idea of a white man wearing jades with very deep, very strict Asian roots and iconography I'm having trouble digesting. Maybe this is somewhere Benophie could forge a beautiful middle ground. And seeing Sophie wearing jade jewelry would be nice. Although I do have doubts about how Bridgerton writers can execute this artfully.

5. Scenes

Some of my favourite jewelry gifting scenes come from books, which were not translated to English to my knowledge. But I do remember a particular piece of iconic jewelry from this Korean drama called The Moon Embracing the Sun, and it's a hairstick:

Context: this character is the Queen, the her hairstick portrays a Moon Phoenix (hence the pearl), which symbolises her status, holding the Sun (King) in its arm. It was given to her by the King, then Crown Prince, years ago, as a token of love, before their decade-long separation. It was a very sad, very romantic scene, which is wild to say when it was played by the children versions of these characters. Huge talents alert.

And last but not least, one reference of romantic gesture that I love is this dance from Moonlight Drawn by Clouds, which is coincidently another love story between different classes. This scene never fails to make me swoon. First, the romanticism. The unspoken yearning. The EYE-acting. Second, I would love to see more asiatic instrumentals from Bridgerton, and I think Bridgerton could take notes from how this scene beautfully transitioned from a classical diegetic orchestra to the emotionality of the contemporary non-diegetic score.

Hope this helps!

Some of my lovely mutuals might know this, but I was born and raised in an East Asian culture, where there is a the strict code of respect and curtesy. Words, conversation can be high-text, and there is alot of reading between the lines.

Although the social codes and the indirectness can be suffocating at times, there is a beauty in the formality.

And I would love to introduce one example.

There is one very famous translation of the phrase, “I love you.” By the Japanese author, Nastume Soseki (1867-1916)

When a young student translated “I love you.” into 君のことを愛しています。(Direct translation of I love you in Japanese) Soseki rejected this translation.

Instead, Soseki translated “I love you,” to

“The moon is quite beautiful tonight,”

Even though this is a product of his time and the culture in the Meji period, it is an incredibly subtle, nuanced translation I can’t help loving.

So when the two couples confess their feeling towards one another, they don’t look at each other but they look up at the same night sky and say,

“The moon is quite beautiful tonight,”

And you are supposed to respond,

“I’ve never seen such a brighter moon than this,”

Which means, “I love you more.”

＊Although now in Japan, this phrase is soooo overused that is becoming a cliche. And really corny. So I definitely do not recommend using this when you are flirting with someone from Japan. Unless you want to impress him/her.

＊Also the rhetorics become increasingly difficult when in comes to rejection.

“Stars are more beautiful than the moon,” means “I’ve got someone else in my mind,”

“The moon is too bright tonight.” would be “Thank you, but you can aim much higher than me,”

“It’s beautiful because you see it from far away,” means “I really don’t have interest in your affections.”

“But the moon isn’t blue,” would be “yeah, you an me? Never going to happen between us.”

I’m rambling on too much.

Anyway, I just really want to see this kind of subtlety on the Benophie season. Benedict can’t straight up declare his love all and mighty back in London at No.5, so it would be lovely if there is a secret code of telling Sophie that he loves her.

A poem, or a certain phase, that makes Sophie blush and tell how ardently Benedict loves her without saying “I love you.”

Just my little thoughts for the season🥰

[luvingarisu]

𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐲𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐧𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬

okay so i’m working on ‘Begin Again’ so until im finished with that, in honour of me getting acrylic nails for the first time in like 4 months, here are some headcanons for steve with a reader with cute nails <3

steve harrington x afab!reader

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

♡ steve 100% likes long nails, but he doesn’t like them too long!

♡ medium, almond shaped nails would be his favourite (although he would never describe them that way bc lets face it, he has no clue what he’s talking about), with a simple but cute colour/design!

♡ he likes how they go with everything and how sweet they are! but mostly, the softer almond shape is just great for head massages

♡ however, he is a lovely, supportive bf so he’ll like whatever as long as you’re happy with your nails and feel pretty!!

♡ we know he doesn’t have much money because family video does NOT pay well but he’ll definitely pay for your nails when he can bc he’s just sweet like that :)

♡ the first time he sees you break a nail he’ll definitely freak out because he thinks its super painful (sometimes it is) but then he calms down when he realises that you’re only really sad that your nails are ruined :(

♡ if you can’t go to the salon to get your nails done he’ll definitely go shopping with you get to get the stuff you need to it it yourself!

♡ if you ever let him paint your nails he’ll probably end up using nail art brushes to write his initials or some stupid drawings, but he’ll end up painting over them so they look nice!

♡ he’ll let you do his nails after a while, maybe a little smiley face on his thumb or something, but i don’t think he’d really like wearing it out in public unless its not noticeable

♡ will absolutely lay on your chest and expect you to play with his hair. obviously.

♡ he does this anyway but will enjoy it more with your longer nails

♡ he goes out like a light when do you this

♡ lots of “what’d you get done this time, baby?” and “they look real nice, sweetheart :)”

♡ he is so the type of boyfriend to just sit in the waiting area not knowing what to do when he comes with you to the salon

♡ however he would definitely go out to get you food or drinks and feed it to you whenever you can’t use your hands because the polish is drying🫶

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

[ilahim]

making this its own post. context being op has maladaptive daydreaming and experiences paracosms and wanted discernment tips—though i have used these in the past for unreality and dissociation :)

outside of these examples, i will always advocate for recognizing where your paracosm begins and where it ends, as it will help you significantly in the long run. who are your recurring figures, what features have you experienced and can confidently attribute to the paracosm only—this is something that can be done alongside professional help, if you feel you cannot trust your own judgement.

these are exercises to be done in your own time to begin to trust yourself and your discerning abilities. these do not have to begin with spirits, but the end result can surely include them :)

1. tell yourself truths—i have x colour hair, i have x colour eyes—try to recognize how that feels to you. what is your train of thought, how do you receive that truth, does your mind falter and suggest otherwise, does it feel stable and sit within you as it is? as time goes on, you can expand on these truths—i am using social media, my shoes are white, the time is 9.30pm, and so on. the goal is to understand your body’s responses and the communication between your thoughts and any repeated sensations, as these would be your anchors for recognizing ‘truth’ from lie.

2. tell yourself lies—inverse to the above, tell yourself lies. if you have short hair, state it is long. wearing socks? absolutely not! play around with the length and complexity of the lie, feel how the body reacts. this is now your baseline for a ‘lie’ from a truth.

3. practice a level of controlled guessing—it sounds strange, but in your day-to-day life you can take a guess at any random occurrence with very little drawback. for example, what colour car will you see on the next street? will i see a dog during my walk today—simple things that are not so unlikely they’re impossible, but not so common that you’re guessing the sky has clouds while it’s overcast.

at any point, you can pair this with the first example. do you feel anything that would suggest truth, and is it something you can confirm? you feel you’ll see a red car on the next road over, and your body treats it like a truth—does that red car ever appear?

4. record these truths and events—find your rate of success, how each event feels and if there are any common reactions within the pool of successful predictions and guesses.

5. rely on other senses—in the case of paracosms, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to immediately discern spirit from thought without also understanding the boundaries of the paracosm itself, and that often takes time. for me, the mind is not the only way to hear and speak to a spirit. luckily, we have other systems of discernment that lie outside the realm of the mind, should it be untrustworthy in the moment.

one test i enjoy is feeling the movements within my face, namely the jaw—for many people, they’ll notice small movements that pair along their train of thought, almost as if the body is preparing itself to speak. over time, i’ve noticed that when i speak to myself in my own thoughts or am within my own paracosm, my mouth and tongue follow along in preparation. when speaking to a spirit and having it respond, my mouth does not move.

another way to look at this, if it applies, are there certain things you feel, taste, smell, or see during a paracosm that are wholly unique to it? say, the scent of a certain flower, the feeling of pins in your fingers? if yes, using these as indicators of your paracosm.

6. use physical tools alongside intuitive communication—i noticed [op] mentioned that tools are not a problem, so this is an excellent baseline to work with if you feel you cannot get a handle on the other forms described (assuming you have not tried already). if you already are in good relations with a deity, you’re free to reach out to them, or instead reach out to a local spirit. the goal is to communicate with something you recognize, or something simple.

however you would communicate intuitively—through normal conversation, question and answer setting, or other—check through that conversation with your tools. ask the deities or the spirit later on how true this conversation was as you experienced it, and compare. this works better if you record both aspects, the initial conversation and divination in part.

7. and while this was not included in the original post, which events matter, and why do they matter, if at all? purely in the context of signs and symbolism, much too often do we see something uncommon and immediately jump to the conclusion of “it’s a sign from the gods! the spirits are talking!” this is formed under the assumption that your gods or spirits want to speak to you first, rather than the other way around.

how often do you actually pay attention to your surroundings? have you recently discovered your spirituality and now look for it in every action—and in saying that, are you be prone to attributing the spirits to your symptoms?

migration season is upon us, you watch the birds fly overhead in steady formation, this is normal in this time of year. do those birds in particular feel strange, do you feel drawn into their pattern now for no reason? i am avid believer that your signs are attributed to already occurring events—that the spirits and gods do not bother to give you new situations, but rather whisper in-between the ones that already bleed into your life.

this last point is something that comes with time. eventually—innately—you will begin to understand how it feels to have their words flash before your eyes in the form of an animal, a strange cloud, a stranger.

if you don’t have it yet, don’t worry. we have plenty of time.

[imjeralee]

i request that you drink plenty of water and take care of yourself !!! ·o·b after thats done, came i pretty please get headcanons with link, Kaeya and maybe Childe about an s/o who draws them one day as a confession and gives it to them? :) (maybe they already knew and saw them drawing them before ? who knows) thank you in advance!!

Thank you anon! *looks at cup of green tea beside laptop* yep I think i’m doing well in keeping myself hydrated recently hehe but thank you :3

Anyway please see below for the ask! (it’s pretty long)

Link

He was grooming one of the ponies when he saw you standing behind a tent peeking at him curiously and when he turned round properly, you quickly scampered away and he got worried so he followed you to the room you share to see you sitting on the bed with a wine red book propped up in your lap but upon his return, you immediately hid it behind your back, smiling widely at him

He wonders what it was but decides not to pry, but he later discovers it was actually a sketchbook when he’s packing up for tomorrow and you’re taking a bath and the sketchbook drops out of your pack and onto the floor, opening at a random page

He picks it up with the intention to return it to your bag but then he sees the various drawings of him in his Ancient Armour set, Hylian and Snowquill set. They’re fully coloured and it looks like you’ve spent hours on them. He didn’t know you were this artistic and wondered why you hid this from him

The date you wrote on the bottom of the page indicates that you drew all this in one day! He’s super impressed

Then he sees the note you wrote below: “To my Dearest Link, I hope you like my drawings of you. All I can think about is how lucky I am to be able to be by your side, you’ve changed my life for the better and-”

Obv half complete so now he knows why you didn’t want to show him and he respects your privacy, so he puts the sketchbook away 

Outside, he sees Beedle and goes over to see what’s new for sale. Beedle has some cool art stuff (well, it’s more like stuff that can be used for dye but can also be used as paint) so he buys some for you as a present which he will give to you later.

Next day, you get chased by a group of Bokogoblins and the book and all your drawing supplies drops out from your bag. 

You didn’t see it drop and returned to the stable, ransacking your bag like crazy only to find your stuff missing

When you realise everything must have dropped out when you got chased, you quickly leave the stable to go back to the area but it’s thunder and lightning so Link chases after you

“Link, what are you doing? Go back, the weather’s awful.” You tell him but he shakes his head, unable to leave you alone in the rain like this

He helps you with your search and you end up locating your book and your supplies which are lying in the mud

The book has been trampled over and some of the pages have been torn out. The remaining pages are soaked with dirt and grime. Your pencils are snapped in half and your paints have been left to bleed all over the grass. All of your drawings are ruined, too. This is your worst nightmare.

Link observes you silently as tears begins to form in your eyes and you look at him, sniffling slightly.

You’re experiencing a mixture of devastation, frustration, anger and exasperation - from your carelessness to the stupid bokogoblins - and this incident infuriates you so much you throw the book to the ground angrily

Before you can march away, Link grabs your wrist 

Turning round, your gazes meet and he looks at you softly, intently.

‘What’s wrong?’ he is saying. 

“I was going to use those to confess to you!” you end up roaring out by accident. 

Link looks at you, a little stunned

“N-Never mind! Everything’s ruined!!!!” 

You’re about to storm off again when Link suddenly pulls you into his chest and gives you a hug

“!” you’re so shocked you can’t speak

He pulls away though, and leads you to the hollow of a nearby tree trunk where he gestures for you to sit down to shelter from the rain whilst he glances around, then sprints back over to where the ruined sketchbook is

He picks it up and holds it against his chest as if it’s dear to him. That’s not all, you watch as he begins to pick up the remaining pages that were torn out and once he’s collected them all he returns to you, clutching the pages tightly

"Link...” you murmur breathlessly as he he kneels down in front of you before he fishes around in his pockets to reveal a random bunch of paint pots in his hand.

You’re a little confused, but realise he has some spares which he must have bought from a merchant

it’s not much but...

he nudges it to you for your offering

You gawp at him for a few moments before you smile and chuckle and upon seeing you back to your usual self again, Link smiles and helps you back onto your own feet to stand

You thank him as you cradle the paints to yourself. You will need to restart from scratch from somehow it feels ok and something tells you you don’t need to hide it from him anymore

And you return to the stable, sheltering from the rain by sharing a large leaf together

Kaeya

Let’s begin with the fact that alongside you, there is a maid who also likes Kaeya as much as you do and she’s a bit of a sneaky bugger and you don’t show your drawings to anyone or watermark your artwork until they’re complete. You can probably see where this is going

One day, Kaeya finds out you are drawing a picture of him when he comes to your office to inform you that there’s a group of abyss mages outside Mondstadt so you hurry off to dispatch it and leaving Kaeya in your office

He accidentally comes across your drawing when he sees his face on a piece of parchment and his interest is piqued so he heads over to check it out

It’s a really good sketch!!! the amount of detail is insane! he had no idea you possessed such skill and who knew that you could create such beautiful art like this? He also finds some rough doodles and sketches you made earlier on some scrap paper you had also written on so he knows it’s you

Anyway, he puts everything back to join you in battle, but not before passing a maid along the way who is heading to your room to clean up

She comes across your drawing and she’s always fancied Kaeya herself, so for some reason other than just thinking she might be able to get away with it if she’s sneaky enough, she takes your drawing and sets off with it

Meanwhile, you return to your room after the battle, take off your coat and sit comfortably in your chair, reaching for your quill

“Ah, time to get back to my drawing of Kaeya.” you say with a smile, looking at your desk.

Wait a minute.

Something is wrong.

Very wrong.

It’s GONE!

After checking the rest of your office (and its clearly not there), you rush outside, wondering what happened to it when you see Kaeya and a maid talking in the corridor

they didn’t see you, so you quickly hide

“Please accept this, captain Kaeya!” gushes the maid, presenting your drawing to him. “I drew this picture of you to show how much you mean to me.”

What in the Samachurl shit is this? 

You’re about to storm over when Kaeya takes the drawing with a delicate brow raised, studies it intently and goes, “Oh? But I’m not so sure about that.”

“W-what do you mean, Captain Kaeya?”

“There’s no watermark on it,” he points out, “....one could’ve taken anyone’s artwork and claim that it’s theirs.”

“T-That’s - ! Ah, Captain Kaeya, h-how could you think so lowly of me?”

“I’m only just stating some simple facts, that’s all. You won’t hold that against me, will you? And I’m certainly not accusing you of anything...unless you...?”

“Oh....uh....I...I-I’m so sorry, Captain Kaeya, you’re right! I-I....please excuse me!”

The maid’s too embarrassed to proceed any further and leaves, running away.

Indeed, what in the samachurl hell had just happened? 

It goes quiet and you wonder if he’s still there; you step out of your hiding place only to go nose-to-chest with Kaeya.

He greets you with a smirk. “if it isn’t the little kitten, what are you doing here?”

“Um...uh, I....that....that drawing - “

What he said is right, there’s no watermark. How can you prove it’s yours? Would he believe you if you told him?

“Hm? Ah, yes, this drawing. I was going to keep it for myself.”

“No, wait! I mean...er...it’s not finished yet-”

“So you drew this then?”

“Yes, I did. it was me.” Though you wonder if he would believe you after everything you had just heard.

“Why?”

You lamely tell him you really like him and wanted to use it to confess to him.

He watches you for a few seconds, then hands the drawing to you. “I’ll wait until you’ve finished then.”

“Huh?” You gasp. He gave it back to you so easily despite what he said to the maid! “You...you’re not-”

“I knew it was you who drew it. I recognised your style.”

“Then why didn’t you say so earlier?”

“If I said so earlier, how else would I get you to confess to me?”

“KAEYA!!!”

(from then on he’ll want you to draw him more often)

Childe

Saw you sitting on the grassy hill near Qingxu Pool drawing earlier and because he is good at sneaking up on people, you didn’t hear him as he casually leaned over to peek over your shoulder and said, “Hey girlie, what’re you up to?”

You’re like “UWAGH!” and quickly close your sketchbook before turning round to see Childe.

“N-nothing!” you exclaim, before you get up and run down the hill, leaving a very amused Childe on his own

Later, when you’ve finished your masterpiece, you nervously approach Childe and tell him, “Um....this is for you, let me know what you think.” before rushing off in a blushing mess and Childe will open the sketchbook to see that you’ve drawn a very nice portrait of him in a battle stance, wielding his bow, surrounded by his hydro blades

Childe stands, staring at the picture

Then he sees the words ‘do you like me?’ scribbled at the very bottom

Childe staring hard now

He’s used to giving people gifts but now that he’s received something so thoughtful, he’s a bit overwhelmed. he can tell you put so much effort and hardwork into this. Ah, what is this feeling? 

He closes the book without further ado and scrubs a hand over his face

he actually wasn’t expecting you to do this. he knew you were drawing him but the result is really....something else

You don’t hear him from Childe in a few days and you are so nervous and worried.

Is this a rejection? Maybe he didn’t like your picture after all...

You’re walking in the streets and sigh and sit on the stone steps of Liyue, staring at the sea, upset and dejected

But then you hear a whistle from behind and throw a glance over your shoulder to see Childe standing on a higher step, a hand in his pocket

“Hey girlie, heads up,” he tosses a paper plane into the air which makes this little loop before you stand to catch it

Looking up, Childe has gone

You unfold the paper plane to its proper size to reveal that Childe’s drawn a little sketch of you in return and he has written: ‘Yes I do’.

[obsessive-ego]

Sneaky but not really

Musical beetlejuice x reader

Beetlejuice first sleepover with you

Soft, lewd jokes warning, sort of, you know how bj is

Love at first strike was the perfect way to describe your relationship, well at least to beetlejuice. After a scare gone wrong the ghoul was head over heals for you, long story short you were Delia's niece, after a few moments upon meeting lydia, the kid tricked and locked you in the basement, where said ghoul was waiting to 'introduce' himself to you. When he jumped out from the darkness you reacted poorly and sucker punched him in the jaw, with a hard thump the demon hits the floor, of course you felt awful about the whole thing, hitting someone you didnt even know, but as you went to help the poor man up his only response was "damn sugar, hit me again".

The rest was history, you visited lydia and beetlejuice like clockwork, you enjoyed them both, having a similar sense of humor really helped, hell you even joined in on Beetlejuice's lewd humor when lydia was out of ear shot, the ghoul adored this, you were perfect for him, funny and had the balls big enough to hit him, no one's ever done that before.

...

"Please please please, come on baby, dont you trust me?~" beetlejuice pleaded clinging to your leg like a child

"Beej, no, it's not that I dont trust you its just-" you trail off glancing to lydia for some help, the kid just stifles a laugh at you.

"What's wrong y/n? He'd be the perfect little house guest, you live alone right? What's the issue?" She shrugs

You sigh, beetlejuice has been begging you forever to let him sleepover and looks like he roped lydia into it, or she just thought it was funny to watch you flail.

"Come on babes, itll be great, we'll watch movies, order take out, suck face-"

"What?"

"Nothing"

You scowl, and pinch the bridge of your nose, taking a deep breath, then a long sigh

"Fine"

The weight from you leg was lifted in a flash and the ghoul was right in your face "REALLY?! Great choice, you are never gonna regret this sweet stuff" the ghouls cups your face and gives you a quick kiss before disappearing leaving you dazed and confused, what have you done.

...

As you walked home you couldnt help bit feel dread creeping up on you, hoping you never reach your destination, it's not like you didnt want beetlejuice to come to your little home, it's more of you were nervous being alone with the demon in such a personal space, you liked him yeah, more then you're will to admit, this whole 'sleepover' is gonna be more then awkward. The dread sinks in when you stand infront if your little apartment building, you sigh and head inside, at your door your hands tremble with the keys, your nerves reaching new heights, you wanted to vomit, you wanted this whole thing to be done and over, stupid undead bastard who wormed his way into your heart.

Home sweet home, you toss your belongings aside and shamble your way to the living room, plopping down on the couch you swallow hard, as the conversation you and beej had before leaving the Deetz house flood back into your mind

'Now all you gotta do to get me into your little home is say my name 3 times, 3 times in a row spoken, unbroken, okay? I'll be waiting sugar~"

You knew he was teasing you, the ghoul could probably tell how the whole pet name thing effected you, since no ones ever done that to you before. Taking a deep breath of air and jumping up from the couch you decided it's now or never, and you knew if you didnt summon him he'll be twice as annoying the next time you saw him.

"BEETLEJUICE"

You could feel the air get heavier

"BEETLEJUICE"

The temperature around your body drops, you take a deep breath trying to steady yourself

"Beetlejuice" you clamp your eyes shut, not really sure what's gonna happen next, since you weren't exactly told much past the whole how to thing.

"Its showtime~" a gravely voice purrs in your ear and you nearly jump out of your skin, you curse and turn to the culprit, beetlejuice, he was here, it was really that simple.

"You came-" you stutter in disbelief

"Oh doll, your sweet voice would make anyone cum as fast as I did~" the ghoul coos as he cups your face, you flinch at the joke, yes you sure walked into it, giving the demon a perfect set up, beetlejuice howls with laughter at your reaction.

"Babes you make this too easy, but ya know I like easy gals" he gives you a wink followed by a loud cackle.

You regain your composure and clear your throat "well this is it, my home" you give a half hearted gesture, the ghoul whistles in response as if he was impressed by your little home.

"So babes, how bout you show old mr beebleboose where the magic happens~" the demon coos wiggling his eyebrows, you couldnt help but snort a laugh, as you give the demon a soft shove.

"All right sugar, what's the plan tonight? Shitty horror? Take out? Tonsil hockey?" Tips of pink gracing the demons hair as he purrs that last part.

Again a you snort out a laugh "2 out of 3 there beej"

"Sucking face while watching bad movies? You really know how to spoil a ghost" beetlejuice cackles, leaning in close as he makes kissing sounds.

You push the ghoul off, as you chuckle, embarrassed, yet amused at your pal's constant jokes.

You pull out your phone to order a pizza for the two of you, you knew the demon can and will eat anything so you knew he wouldnt really care WHAT you ordered. Beetlejuice perks up at your actions, he wasnt a fan of cell phones, he hated when your attention wasnt fully on him, but after some trial and error he learned to adapt to subtlety messing with you in that state of distraction.

The ghoul places his arm around you shoulder and leans in to you, watching you tap away on your phone, he never really got the whole technical thing, the ghoul was more into making you nervous, in his current position, pressed up against you, he could feel your warmth, he could hear your heart pounding, and he could see your fingers fumble as you try to type, the ghoul huffs out a small chuckle when he sees you puff out your cheeks as you try to focus and steady your hands to finish what you were doing.

...

The two of you chatted and joked about as beetlejuice told you stories of scares he pulled off with lydia, he was practically glowing green with excitement as he told you in great detailed of how amazing and scary he was and how you need to see him in action more often, the demons mood was contagious you couldnt help but laugh and hang on practically every word. The two of you are interrupted with a knock on your door,

You get up from the couch without much thought, beetlejuice jumps up quickly after you, and pulls you to the front door, you make a noise of surprise at the sudden action.

"Watch and be amazed sweet stuff, its show time" the ghoul swings open the door to see the delivery guy.

"Pizza for l/n"

"Thanks man" the ghoul takes the pizza and hands it to you.

"Oh! Babes what did you order anyway?" The ghoul asks before snapping his fingers, a familiar tingle goes through your body, you go stiff as beetlejuice puppets your words

"Oh you know honey, the usual, pepperoni, bacon, and tarantulas" you say in a cheery tone.

"Tarantulas?" The delivery guys asks

"You never tried one? They crunch real nice" the ghoul goes to pull out a live rather large tarantula from his coat pocket, you flinch at the sight, not being a fan of bugs. Beetlejuice, without hesitation drops the spider into his mouth, the crunching noise alone made the colour drain from your face, but your reaction was nothing in comparison to pizza guy. The poor guy looked like he was gonna vomit, frozen in place with the scene in front of him.

"Where are my manners? Want one?" Beetlejuice leans forward into his victim dangling a new larger tarantula in the poor man's face.

"Open wide~" he coos

At that The pizza guy's legs finally give out, causing him to drop to his ass, the man screams and scrambles to his feet, stumbling and fumbling all the while getting away from your home.

"Such a beautiful sound~" beetlejuice sighs, as he slides the spider into his coat pocket "save him for later" he mumbles before turning to you

"So? How was I sugar?" The ghoul was beaming at you with a big toothy grin, desperate for your approval.

You snort out a hard laugh "you're disgusting beej, amazingly disgusting" you cackle

The ghoul bows at your praise "thank you doll, you are too kind~"

God did beetlejuice live for your praise, the attention you gave him, he wanted you so badly, he wanted you to say 'beetlejuice, I see you, I accept you, I fear for my safety around you'. But you were dense and a coward, and he sure as hell didnt want to make the first move, so this, this was fine for now, you praising him and spending time with him, will just have to do until you proclaim your undying love for him.

..

The two of you hang out on the couch, you in your pajamas, beetlejuice leaning into you with an arm around you, you never really fought this, beej was the touchy feely type and he claims how he just likes how warm you are, so you just went with it. As your movie marathon runs late you begin to nod off, you finally commit to bed time when you nudge Beetlejuice's arm off and stand up, the ghoul makes a noise of annoyance at your absence.

"I'm going to bed" you yawn out "night beej" you wave goodnight before heading to you room, the ghoul growls at this, he didnt really want to stop hanging out with you, but unfortunately breather need sleep, the demon flows you to your room.

As you climb into bed beetlejuice phases through the bedroom door

"Oh no!" His voice alerts you to his presence

"Theres only one bed" he continues in a false worried tone, you know your brows together

"Beetlejuice I can make up the couch for you if you like, I know you dont sleep-"

"OH NO THERE'S ONLY ONE BED AND ITS A SINGLE" he repeats as if a louder volume will change anything.

"Bee-"

"I guess we'll just have to share y/n, please be gentle with me~" the demon coos as he slumps onto the bed

You give him a soft smile at this awful little show, but as nice and warm as the idea of sharing your bed with him would make you feel, you weren't exactly ready to agree to that, anxiety and nerves beat away any romantic thought.

"Beej, come on-"

"Cum on what?"

You snort out a soft laugh, you always walked into a set up for him without a second thought.

"Beetlejuice, no offense, but I dont feel comfortable with that, you know, sharing a bed with you, I mean, like, you know" your voice shrank as you spoke, you didnt want to sound rude, not that hed ever mind, the ghoul sits up and stares back at you with a wide toothy grin.

"I getcha sweets, not till marriage, right? You never struck me as the old fashioned type, but I can wait till we tie the knot~" he winks that last part, you can feel you ears burn with embarrassment, all of his flirting jokes did make you blush, but the marriage jokes were the big guns, you adored the demon, and the idea of being married to him made your heart want to rip it's way out of your chest.

Without another word beetlejuice vanishes before your eyes, and a soft "goodnight" is whispered in you ear, causing you to shiver.

...

Finally after all that time begging you finally let beetlejuice into your home, just you and him, such a high level of trust you have in him, the ghoul himself is filled with delight at the thought, here he was floating next to your bed, watching you slept so peacefully, completely unaware of the dead man watching you.

"Ya know sweet stuff, you look real cute when you sleep~" he purrs, pink hue gracing his hair in streaks.

It goes without saying the demon was a creep, so it was no surprise he would watch you sleep. The ghoul stares at you for hours, taking in all the little things about you, the little things of being alive, how your chest slowly moved up and down as you slept, how you're lips were slightly parted, those sweet little sounds you'd make during your slumber.

As the time went by the ghoul's mind began to wander.

"Bet it's real warm under those covers huh?" He mused

"Y/n is such an oblivious little breather, they probably wouldnt even notice little old me sliding in next to that soft, warm, body of theirs" he whispered to himself, the thought alone of pressing himself up against your warm body was enough to get the demon drooling.

That was all the convincing he needed, slip in to cuddle for a bit, then slip out before you wake, easy.

With a snap of his fingers the ghoul's trade mark striped suit disappears leaving him in a pair of striped boxers, with another snap beetlejuice reappears next to you in bed, the wave of warm washing over him was delightful, so toasty warm, so soft and comfy, he could get used to this, with a soft sigh the ghoul cuddled up to you, without a second thought he gets carried away, wrapping him arms around your body, you respond with some unintelligible noise as the demon pulls you into him.

Beetlejuice, now completely pink, gives your forehead a kiss before whispering a soft

"goodnight y/n"

This was heaven, or as close as a born dead demon straight from hell was gonna get at least, everything felt so good, your soft body in his arms, your warmth, your scent, your soft comfy bed, he could really get used to this. Beetlejuice didnt have to sleep, but did to pass the time when bored, but tonight he fell asleep for a more soft reason, yes the ghoul has had more flings and one night stands then he could remember, but this, he never spent the night in another's arms, someone who genuinely liked him and wanted him around, the ghoul couldnt help but doze off with this level of comfort, as cheesy as it sounded, it was true.

...

Unfortunately him dozing off was a less then great idea, beetlejuice was a heavy sleeper, more so then you were.

"BEETLEJUICE!"

The ghoul shoots up at your rather loud call, beetlejuice looks up at you to see a rather embarrassed, confused you, clenching the blanket to your chest, though you were full clothed.

"Morning sweetheart, you sleep well in daddy's arms?" He purrs, busted the demon Hope's to flirt his way out of getting trouble.

"What are you doing?!" Your voice trembles as you're pretty sure the ghoul can hear your heart pounding like a jackhammer.

"I couldnt help myself it's so chilly at night, and you're so warm" the ghoul shrugs "Oh! Right I forgot my little y/n is an old fashioned little breather, guess we gotta get hitched now huh?" The ghoul winks at you.

You felt like your heart was gonna explode, you just woke up and he's pulling this? Honestly part of you wasnt surprised he'd worm his way into your bed, and tease the hell out of you, then it hits you. You stare at the ghoul, his torso exposed, completely bare, revealing a rather hairy, scared up upper half, while his waist was hidden below the covers.

"Beetlejuice, please, please tell me you're wearing something below the waist" you turn your head away not wanting to look at him, you knew beej is a creepy pervert, but he wouldnt sneak into your bed completely naked, would he?

Beetlejuice let's out his awful cackle, causing you to flinch.

"Babes do you really think, I'd slip in next to you in bed balls out? Please, I am a perfect gentleman, I already vowed to marry you after I slept with you" he snorts out a laugh.

You return your gaze to the ghoul to see he has removed the covers to reveal a pair of boxers resembling his suit. You sigh in relief, the demon only smirks at your reaction.

"Like what you see?~" he wiggles his eyebrows and bites his lip while giving his hips a quick jerk upwards.

"Beej please, i guess it's fine if you want to sleep with me, as long as you're respectful, I mean you're gonna do it anyways so" you trail off clearly embarrassed at his lewd motions, but finding it easier to ignore them and continue on with what had transpired.

"Whoa, you mean it?" The ghoul sits up, wide eyed and pink at your words

"Yes, as long as you're not gonna be gross about it- FUCK"

Beetlejuice lunges at you, pulling you into a tight hug, this was all too much for first thing in the morning, yes it felt nice to be held, but youd be lying if waking up next to beetlejuice didnt scare the shit out of you, but sleeping together, as warm as it made you feel, its gonna take some getting used too.

"How bout we get some coffee?" You ask timidly.

Beetlejuice pulls away, a big dopey grin plastered across his face, patches of pink slowly taking over his scratchy facial hair.

"You read my mind doll".

One of these days, you should really ask him what pink ment for him, maybe comfort? Really happy? Who knows

Bonus

After a rather embarrassing morning for you, the two of you make your way to the kitchen for a cup of coffee. Beetlejuice didnt exactly drink coffee, just really milk and sugar with coffee in it, not that you minded

The two of you sat in silence at your little kitchen table, you scrolled through your phone checking weather and other nonsense as you take a sip of your coffee the ghoul cuts the silence

"You think Adam will be my best man at our wedding?"

You nearly choke on your drink.

[writingsfromhome]

Winner’s Choice

A/N: I only have series-type ideas in mind, so I’m trying to write out short one-shot type fics instead just to pump the breaks a little. Any ideas are welcome but here’s my go at this: you lost a drinking contest to Harry and winner decides a tattoo for the loser...

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

"3...2...1...GO!"

I lift the mug to my face and down the beer, ignoring how it splashes over the new top I had worn today. I should've know going out with Harry & Co meant I was getting messy.

Just a second apart, I slam my mug down.

"That was Harry!" The crowd shouts. "Harry's won!"

"It was tied!" I try to shout, ignoring Harry's smug face as his ego rises with the crowd's voice.

"I say rematch!" I shout.

"Don't be a sore loser, love!" Harry shouts at me. I stick my tongue out and hold my empty mug up, declaring louder I wanted a rematch. My swimming head tries to reason with me that it may not be a good idea but I needed to redeem myself.

Harry and I were good friends, I worked as an actor in the industry he dabbled in. And when he laughed at a stupid joke I made one day a few years ago, I'd latched onto him and we'd just become part of each other's lives since.

I moved across the pond from my childhood town in Maine when I turned 21 for an acting job, and have stayed since flitting from role to role. I missed my family and friends but moving here was also the best thing I did for myself. It did get lonely...which was why meeting Harry was also one of the best things to happen to me. Over the first year of knowing him, his friends became my friends and vice versa. I called them all Harry& Co. especially when I was drunk, all their faces blurred into each other and there were too many of them. Except for Harry. His face always stood out from a crowd. Being around him usually cured the ache I had for home.

"If I go again, you've got to put something on the table." Harry finally agrees. The crowd shouts out inappropriate things I could put down and I flip them off. I catch my friend's eye and she gives me a cautious look but I shake my head. I was having fun tonight.

"Loser gets a tattoo of the winner's choice. Tonight." Harry announces and the group goes crazier. My own mouth drops. I had to win this, knowing Harry he would do something ridiculous like his face on my ass. And this was the first time I lost to Harry, I could do this.

"Deal," I shake on it.

"Wait!" My friend tries to reason with us but we pull our mugs supplied by the crowd, closer to us.

"3...2...1...Go!"

I black out downing it but somehow, Harry's mug clashes down millisecond before mine does. A silence descends the room before Harry laughs. And suddenly everyone is shouting, cheering, throwing out tattoo ideas, and one voice is just shouting long live Harry over and over.

"I...." my mouth doesn't close on it's own, I lost. I rarely lost a drinking contest. But...Harry had me beat.

"Fair and square," Harry maneuvers around the table to sit beside me.

"I lost." I say, dumbstruck.

"It happens to the best of us, eventually." Harry kisses my cheek before jumping up and taking my hand. "Celebration dance."

I let him drag me to the dancefloor, trying to bring my mind back to reality. I was going to get a tattoo. My first. "Harry-Harry!" I try to get his attention. "Nothing ridiculous?"

"No promises," he winks. The alcohol sloshes in my brain as he pulls me into him and moves from side to side.

"Harry!" I shout out.

"You'll see," he grins, enjoying my torture way too much. "Just dance now."

His voice in my ear tickles, and I feel fluttery, far away. Some part of me knows that sober me was going to be pissed at drunk me.

I dance with Harry, following his lead, eventually drifting off to my friends, some strangers, and back to him.

"Should we get that tattoo now?" Harry says in my ear then.

"Maybe..." I try to put on my best convincing voice on. "We should wait for tomorrow."

"Nope!" Harry shouts gleefully. "Let's go now!"

"Nothing's open!" I shout but I was lying and he doesn't believe me for a second. I sigh, and find my friends to say goodbye. They try to tell me I didn't have to follow through but I know Harry would get this done one way or another. I may as well get it done while I was drunk and blame it on that.

The cold outside reminds me I left my coat inside, and when I come back out Harry's jumping up and down to keep warm. It makes me laugh but he quickly tugs on my arm. We run to stay warm towards wherever he decided this was going to happen.

It's a few blocks away, a sterile looking place with crazy colours on the walls that I realise are tattoo designs. The warmth inside the studio makes me shiver and Harry wraps his arm around me as we walk through.

"Harry nothing unprofessional please? I don't want to get fired from a job I don't even have." The cold air had sobered me up a bit and I was starting to regret this even more.

"Don't you trust me?" He asks with a glint to his eye that I didn't trust. "Wait here."

I sit down while he goes to talk to the artist, showing her his phone, pointing to various parts of his body.

"Y/N! Come on!"

I drag my feet over and glare at him as I settle in.

"You'll have to take your shirt off," Harry lets me know.

"You're picking where I get it too?" I ask.

"That's part of the deal!"

"I should've read the fine print," I grumble. Harry shows the artist the side of my rib cage-my shirt was still on but his finger traces a small curve up and down where he wants to place it. It sends butterflies to my stomach.

"Okay," I grab his hand so he could stop doing that. It wasn't helping my nerves. "Let's get this over with. But you can't stay."

"Yes I can," Harry insists. "I make up the rules."

"If I have to take my shirt off, he goes." I look at the girl giving me my tattoo and she shrugs, looking over at Harry. He sighs but agrees.

I take my shirt off and have to hike my bra strap higher, ready to settle into the torture.

"Please tell me it's nothing crude? His face included? Or a stupid message like Y/N hearts Harry?"

The artist laughs, "I'm not allowed to tell you anything apparently but from one girlfriend with a crazy boyfriend to another. It's not. Don't worry, just relax."

I try to tell her Harry wasn't my boyfriend but she turns away and I decide it wasn't worth it. I'd explained that a million times to my own mom who always asked if we'd gotten together yet. It was embarassing, my family back home was convinced we were having a secret affair. I stopped wasting my breath nowadays.

"So, do you get this kind of request often?" I try to make small talk.

"More than you think," the cold of whatever she spreads on my skin makes me shiver. I sort of wish Harry was here, to keep me distracted. I pull my phone out and text him.

"I'm back," his head pops in a few minutes later. The tattoo artist looks to me to make sure I was okay.

"Just talk your usual shit so I don't have to think about what I agreed to," I call out. He sits beside me but he falls silent. When I lift my head to look at him, he's staring at me. "Hey!"

"Sorry, I was thinking about the other tattoos I'm going to beat you into getting."

I roll my eyes, but my skin warms under his gaze. "I'm never agreeing to something like this ever again. You got me while I was weak."

"I'll convince you to get another tattoo again," Harry rolls closer to me. He rests his arms on my leg and leans his head on it.

"My leg's going to fall asleep," I warn him.

"Then we'll put another tattoo there," he smiles.

And back and forth we go, he keeps me distracted, and for the most part, the tattoo process is okay. I'm barely listening as she begins to tell me about its aftercare, she'd already said she would give me a pamphlet and Harry had plenty experience, I could ask him.

"Do you want to see it before I wrap it up?" She asks me. From what I felt, it was at least a few inches long and a bigger tattoo was too scary for me to think about.

"I need something to drink before I look at it," I say. "But I know if I don't like it it's his fault not yours."

"You'll love it," Harry pulls me to him and presses a wet kiss to my cheek. I push him away aggressively and agree to be bandaged. I tell Harry he owed me a few beers before I looked at it and he agrees. He purchases some on our way back to my place along with some food. The train ride home is mostly filled with him gloating but I suffer through it, imaging the worst case scenarios.

Back at my place, I stand in front of the full length mirror in my room, deathly afraid. I had waited nervously, threw back a couple of beers and shoved excessive pizza in my mouth. Harry seems more excited than me for the reveal and finally he joins me upstairs.

"So?" He asks, eyes on me in the mirror.

"Fine." I decide. I peel my shirt off slowly and Harry helps, I try to ignore the way my knees turn into jello at the sight of him doing that. "Fine."

My bra is crooked and I act as casual as possible that Harry is still standing behind me. I slowly peel the bandaging off, Harry comes around to help. I close my eyes as he finishes and count to three in my head. When I see it, my heart stops.

"Do you like it?" Harry asks like a kid on Christmas morning. He's buzzing with nervous excitement but all I can do is stare at the simple tattoo as my heart swells.

A few inches big, covering the side of my ribcage, is a twig of wild blueberries: a symbol of home.

"How did you..." I'm at a loss for words. My first tattoo. I just got my first tattoo, and it was...perfect.

"Well, you're always taking about how you miss home. And you rarely get to go back because of your schedule. And I looked up the official things for Maine, didn't think you wanted a moose so I-"

I shut him up by kissing him; that was the only possible response to this. He'd tricked me into getting the most perfect tattoo and if I was ever unsure before I was sure now that I loved Harry Styles. He knew me. His choice of tattoo made that clear. And I loved him.

"Woah," Harry steadies my shoulders when we part.

"It's perfect," I say, feeling tears well up in my eyes. "I don't know what else to say."

"I should've got you a tattoo a long time ago," he says before kissing me again. I could do this forever, I think, as I bury my hands in his hair.

His hand brushes the open tattoo and I flinch. It didn't hurt, but it was slightly sore.

"Sorry," he apologises against my lips. "We should probably take care of that."

"Ugh, wait." I kiss him one last time. "Where's that info sheet-"

"It's okay, c'mon." He leads me into the bathroom and sits me down on the countertop. I watch as he carefully washes his hands and washes the area. He knows where everything is. His face is scrunched in concetration as he washes and dries it. I marvel at how the evening started with his chaotic public personality to this gentle version here.

"This is gonna be cold," he warns before applying jelly over the whole thing. "Don't sleep on this side."

"I won't. I don't really plan on sleeping at all," I grab his shirt and pull him back up to me. I feel him smile as I kiss him, and he pushes me as far back as I can go before I hit the mirror behind me. I can tell he wanted this as bad as I did, and if it weren't for the tattoo we would be a roughened jumble on my bed right now.

"Bad night for a tattoo," he rests his forehead on mine.

"A tattoo can't stop me," I say. "Let's go." I lead him back to my bed and unclasp my bra. "I probably shouldn't be wearing this anyway."

"Fuck," Harry's mouth hangs open but before I can grow self conscious, he strides over and crashes into me. He doesn't bother with holding back, although he avoids my right side. But it doesn't even matter as I simultaneously forget every sense I have and feel every single nerve in my body at the same time as he takes me to bed.

After, when we lay facing each other on the bed, Harry uses his finger to trace my face. When he reaches my mouth, I kiss his finger. "Thanks. Tonight was...great."

"If you think tonight was great, wait until your tattoo heals." He swipes down my nose.

"I was only talking about the tattoo," I tease. "The rest of the night was...okay."

"Okay?" He immediately perches up.

"Yeah. Like...a 6 out of 10?"

He turns on his back and laughs, "You're in so much trouble. You better watch what you say next!"

"I'm not afraid of you--you had your chance with the tattoo and you chose something lovely."

He turns back to me, pressing a kiss to my lips. "You have to trust me."

"I do...usually." I smile. Harry rests his hand on my hip and zones out, his mind elsewhere. The silence stretched out and I can't help but ask.

"So...tonight isn't like, a one time thing right?" I was going to wait to ask but my nerves needed to be soothed. I also didn't want things between Harry and I to be in a gray area. He meant too much to me.

"No, unless...you want it to be?"

"No!" I nearly shout. "Only the tattoo part. Everything else, I'd like again."

"Okay, good." He slides closer to me under the duvet. "Because I wouldn't mind putting a label on this and-"

"Done." I say, not caring how eager I sounded because the grin that splits his face shows the same eagerness.

I mentally apologise to all the people I scolded who asked when Harry and I would get together. As I nuzzle my head into his chest, and he drapes his arm around me, I just think about how right it feels and why I didn't do it sooner. Tonight was a crazy night of bad decisions but every single outcome was perfect.

"I love you Y/N," Harry says after a while, I thought he'd already fallen asleep. I peek out from my position and his eyes are closed. I wait a moment but they remain closed.

I snuggle back in and suppress the urge to squeal. This night felt too good to be real, like I would wake up tomorrow morning and realise it was all a drunk-hallucination. And on the off chance that might be true, I wrap myself tighter against him and whisper the words back, hoping that he was awake enough to hear them.

When his arms tighten around me, I fall asleep happy, knowing he knows too. Maybe tomorrow morning, I would say it again.