#i’m afraid i’ve committed too hard to the bit

[inside-lees-mind]

Shino Aburame Relationship HCs

I love bug boy. I’ve had things in my drafts for him for so long.

Warnings: NSFW (marked off clearly if you don’t want to read)

SFW:

If you listened to him when he spoke, instead of interrupting him or speaking over him without noticing, he’d feel appreciated.

However, he is still iffy on things, even then, for a while. Like if you say his name last, he’ll take it to heart even if the order of names wasn’t important.

He’ll take not being the first person on your mind personally.

But overtime, if you treat him like you see him, he’ll notice that.

And eventually, he falls for you. Probably before you really did for him, considering he’s a bit quiet.

If you’re quiet too, that’s okay. Things might just move slower.

But if you’re a bit or way more talkative, he’ll enjoy listening to you. He finds he doesn’t mind constant talking and rambling if it’s from you. He likes to listen to every detail and try to commit things he may need to know later to his memory.

Overtime, you’d find yourself falling for him. After all, once you get to know him you’ll realize he’s committed to protecting his friends and his bugs. And really he’s quite kind hearted.

Now it can be a little hard to be with him if you’re not willing to discuss bugs.

He won’t make you hold them if you don’t like them. In fact, if you’re afraid of them, he figures it may be best if you don’t handle them for their and your safety. Mostly theirs because they’re easy to hurt.

But you at least have to be willing to discuss and learn about bugs. After all, I hc him as autistic (I think he is 100% coded to be autistic. He’s a lot like me so I can totally see it) so that’s his special interest.

And Shino doesn’t easily see a point in engaging in a conversation not about his special interest.

He’ll find he’s willing to listen in about your interests (or special interests or hyperfixations) just because it’s you. And he wants to hear about you, and from you.

I think you’d have to be the one to ask him out.

So you do.

The relationship starts off slow. You’ll slowly get more from him, but he’s slow to open up, or to talk in general.

Most dates will be you talking, and him listening.

But you plan a date purposely centered around him, and at first he doesn’t notice, but soon you’re talking about his bugs and he starts to catch on.

You did a lot for him. And he feels special.

Really, the key to his heart is to see him. Make him feel special. Because he really is ❤️

You two garden together if you’re okay with getting your hands a little dirty.

He remembers your favorite flower from times like those when you tell him, and he’ll plant plenty for you. Even buy you some for the next date and special occasions.

He talks so highly of you.

Quiet dates usually.

Or dates where you both infodump.

He’d be perfectly okay with just existing in the same space quietly if you like that.

Eventually you’ll probably get to see his eyes! Don’t go around telling people what they look like though unless he’s told you that you can. More than likely, that’s more of between you two kind of thing.

If you’re a shinobi, he knows you can protect yourself, but he’d make sure he can cover your back well in anyway you could possibly need so he can protect you.

NSFW:

This takes a long time for him to be ready for.

But when you two are ready, he wants it to be perfect.

It’d have to be when you two are alone together in one of your bedrooms, no possibility of distraction or interruption.

Likely at night.

Your first time with him would be intimate, slow, and careful. A bit awkward too.

I’m willing to bet that he doesn’t often touch himself, so he’s not all that sure how he likes things.

He’ll be discovering a lot about himself with you because it’s not very likely he’s been with anybody before you.

He’s big, and he’s aware of that, though. So he wants to make sure you’re more than ready for him.

He’ll go down on you first if that’s okay with you. Finger you a bit during or after that.

Likely he’ll take his time getting to know exactly how you like things, and eventually it’ll get to the point you’re begging him to just put it in you.

When you see his cock for the first time, you do a double take for sure. He’s huge. And now you’re probably wonder how you’ll be able to handle him.

He’ll go slow, but I totally think this would be the one time he can barely control himself.

He’s so composed and put together most of the time. All serious. But being inside you makes him lose all of that. He’s drunk on you.

He tries to stay quiet, but things totally slip from his throat and out his lips. Quiet, but you notice.

He’s careful not to hurt you, but he’s in euphoria with the way you feel around him so his pace picks up a little bit rather he means to or not.

Now he’s not a minute man, it takes longer for him to cum even if this is 100% the best he’s ever felt in his life.

He cums hard though. And takes a little bit to recover from it, so if you want another round, give him a few minutes to breathe.

I think things with him would be rather vanilla (this might be projection tho, bc I’m a basic boring vanilla bitch)

He insists on using a condom and any means of protection you two can if you aren’t planning on having little kids running around any time soon.

Thank you for reading. I love Shino sm. If you have requests for him, send them in. Please.

[mrsevans90]

Puppy Love

Captain Syverson x OFC Emma Miller Part 13

Summary: Austin Syverson has returned to Texas after retiring from the military and starts his own contracting business. Syverson is used to being alone and thinks he prefers it that way. While at work he stumbles upon an injured and abused puppy. When he meets the new veterinarian in town, Emma Miller, he is immediately smitten with her. It turns out Emma has some baggage of her own. Will they be able to make it work? Or is it just a case of fleeting puppy love?

Pairing: Henry Cavill as Captain Austin Syverson x OFC Emma Miller 

Warnings: SMUT, p in v intercourse, face sitting (oral F), tiny mention of butt stuff 😜, angst, period, Emma embarrassed, anxious Sy, Nana (because her sassiness is a warning), language

MINORS DNI! Must be 18+

I do not authorize any copying/pasting, stealing of my work, or using my words as your own. 

This story is not beta’d. All mistakes are my own.

A/N: I am an imperfect person who makes mistakes. All that I ask is to please be kind and if you enjoy it then please comment and REPOST! I appreciate any love, comments, and reposts more than you could know. Thank you for reading! 

Part 12

Two weeks have passed since Emma’s parents visited and we have been spending the night together every night since. I’ve cleaned out a drawer in my bedroom that now holds extra clothes for when Emma’s here including some work scrubs so she can leave straight from my house. She cleaned out a drawer at her house for me and my spare clothes. I haven’t had this level of commitment to someone since I was in my twenties, but rather than feeling afraid I feel comforted. Coming home to her is just the most incredible feeling. She has really transformed my house into a home simply with her presence. We gave each other spare keys to each other’s homes last week so we wouldn’t have to wait on each other. I have finally accepted that Emma is my end game and I can’t run from happiness anymore. She’s basically aware of how damaged I am, having seen me through my worst flashback yet and even then, she wasn’t scared away. I often catch myself thinking about us living together, marrying her, and what our lives would look like if she would have me. I made myself so hard thinking about her pregnant with my children that I had to take a second shower one day last week. May have tapped into a bit of a breeding kink there but I plan to keep that to myself.

Tonight, it’s a Friday night and we decided to stay at mine. I’m on my way home and pull up to see that Emma’s jeep is already parked in the driveway and I smile. The vet clinic closes early on Friday afternoons due to it being slow, but this is the first time she’s beat me home. I unlock the front door and my nostrils are assaulted with the most incredible smelling aroma after a long day in the sun. I’m surprised that there are no dogs rushing to bombard me with excitement at the door, but as I walk further down the hall to find them practically on top of Emma on the couch as a show played on the tv. 

“Hi Darlin’. Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.” I say with a kiss to her forehead from behind the couch that she’s resting on. Emma’s lounging in one of my t-shirts and some of her teeny tiny sleep shorts that never fail to make me instantly hard. I can even tell that she’s braless and I’m tempted to cop a feel. 

“Mmm. Hi babe. How was work?”

“Hot.” I say honestly as I spent the majority of the day outside in the sun building a porch for a client. “Something smells amazing in the kitchen.”

“The lasagna has about ten more minutes until it’s done. I figure that’s enough time for you to shower or change into comfortable clothes before we eat.”

“You’re too damn good to me, Sugar.” I say as I tuck a stray hair from her eyes that’s fallen from her messy updo. 

“Nope, just trying to be as good as you deserve.” She says with a shy smile and I find myself not wanting to leave her presence even for just a quick shower after being without her all day. I make a point to greet the dogs who have traitorously not left Emma’s side even to greet me as I chuckle to myself at how quickly this astonishing woman has won all of us over.

I head to my bedroom, chucking clothes off as I go and toss them all into the hamper, which is surprisingly empty. I hop in the shower not wasting any time getting back to my girl, and a delicious smelling meal. Once I’m through, I put on some lounge shorts and a t-shirt and find Emma in the kitchen plating up our food. She’s made lasagna with garlic bread, and she poured us each a glass of sweet tea. My stomach growled at the sight and she giggled cutely as I helped carry the food to the table. Before she sits, I wrap her into my arms and kiss her. 

“Thank you for making dinner, Sugar.”

“Mmm, anytime. You sure you’re okay with me using the key and showing up before you got here? I was bored at the house and figured the pups would keep me company.”

“Darlin’, I can’t possibly tell you how much it brought a smile to my face having you here when I got home. I always want you here. Feels like a home with you in it. Now, let’s eat this feast, babygirl.”

“I made brownies for dessert.” She grins as she picks up her drink.

“You trying to make me pop a boner at the dinner table?” I ask jokingly and she chokes on her sip of sweet tea. Once Emma’s breath comes back to her after I dutifully contributed by smacking her back, we both start laughing so hard she has tears streaming down her face.

“I did not expect you to say that, Sy!” I’ve noticed she calls me Sy when she’s being playful or out in public. When it’s just us or family around, she calls me Austin and I honestly really like that since nobody ever uses my first name besides her.

“I usually think of that sweet pussy when I think of dessert, but I don’t mind having a brownie or two first.” I say with a wink and she shakes her head at me with a grin.

“So vulgar, Mr. Syverson.” 

“Don’t act like you don’t like it, Ms. Miller.” I joke back.

We ate dinner until we were stuffed and I quickly began cleaning the kitchen.  “Don’t look at me like that, woman. You cooked all of this. I’m cleaning. Go turn on your show and relax.” I tell her and she smacks my ass as she walks to the living room, with the dogs faithfully following her lead. I clean up and don’t hear the tv going so when I go looking for her, I see her in the backyard with the dogs. The summer heat has lessened as it is approaching dusk and Emma stands just outside the screened in porch throwing a tennis ball for Mills. Aika is rolling in the grass as lightning bugs start appearing at the edge of the yard. I walk out and wrap Emma tightly in my arms. 

“I thought I told you to relax, Angel.”

“I am. This house, your property, everything about being here relaxes me. It’s so calm and quiet here.”

“Yeah? Always thought of this place as my little slice of heaven. Even more with you here.” I tell her and she smiles.

“Think you could see yourself living here with me one day?” I ask knowing it’s probably way to early and I might freak her out. To my surprise, she smiles and wraps her arms along my forearms that are holding her waist. 

“It’s almost too easy to imagine that.” She whispers.

“Yeah?” I ask and she nods.

“Want to move in with me?” I ask surprising myself even. It’s early in the relationship still, but it feels right.

“Isn’t it too soon?” She asks as she turns and looks at my face scanning for the answer to her question.

“I guess that’s up to us to decide. I’m not ever wanting to pressure ya, Sugar, but I can’t say I don’t picture us living here together in this big old house. Maybe one day even some kids to fill up those bedrooms.”

Emma beams and kisses me. Moments of gentle kisses soon become heated and I’m guiding her back inside the screened in porch, the screen door squealing in protest as it slams behind us. 

“Time for dessert, and I don’t mean the brownies.” I say between passionate kisses. My hands are under the too large shirt she’s wearing, and I pull it over her head. She seemingly has no qualms about being topless here in my secluded backyard and I quickly reach behind my neck and pull my own shirt off so I can feel her skin against mine. Our hands are everywhere, groping and teasing at the same time before I turn her back against my chest and take her breasts in my hands while nipping down her neck. After sucking on her skin, I turn and lay myself down on my back on the outdoor couch that I had built a few years ago. 

“Climb on, sweetness.” I tell her and she slides her tiny shorts down along with her barely there thong and steps out of them. Emma reaches for my shorts that are tented from my very obvious boner but I shake my head and point to my chin. Emma’s cheeks turn bright pink and I smirk at her.

“Got your seat all ready for ya, Darlin’. Let me have a taste of that perfect peach.”

“I’ve never done that.” She whispers as I pull her close to my face. 

“Sit down.” I tell her.

“Austin, you won’t be able to breathe, I’ll smother you!” Emma frets. Like her tiny little frame could possibly suffocate me, but even so that would be the ideal way to go.

“Woman, just sit on my face!” I say as I pull her hips and ass down and hold her tightly. Emma gasps when she contacts my beard and I blow my warm breath onto her delicate core.

“That’s more like it, Sugar. Relax and let me eat.” I command with a smack to her ass cheeks. Emma surges forward and grips the arm rest of the couch as I get to work. I slide my tongue around her entrance and lick up in figure eights around her clit. Emma’s breathing becomes faster and when I spear my tongue into her opening she moans. My hands knead and massage her buttocks as I stare up at her heaving breasts that are chasing each breath she takes. Her eyes are closed tightly as her head tilts back slightly from the sensation I’m providing. When I begin putting pressure on her sensitive little button, Emma begins grinding against my face, her earlier hesitation seemingly no longer of concern. I double down and focus my efforts of pleasuring her as best as I can. My arm stretches out and grabs a handful of her breasts and lightly pinch the peaked bud. God, I could stay down here all day watching her like this. I continue teasing her sensitive nipples and am finally rewarded with her grinding down hard as her hands are grasping the short hair on my head. Emma moans loudly in her bliss, not caring one bit that we are outside. Her thighs clamp around me as I suck on her sweet little nub and greedily swallow up the juices that are dripping from her core. I maneuver Emma to where she is laying on top of me as she comes down from her high and wipe my soaked beard with my hand. Emma leans up to kiss me and I’m certain she can taste her little cunt on my lips which makes me painfully hard. 

“Fuck me, Sy. Hard.” She whines which makes me immediately sit up and lean her over the arm of the outdoor couch. Emma is panting in wordless anticipation as run my finger through her slick arousal before dropping my shorts and pressing myself against her. Emma impatiently pushes her ass further into my leaking erection and after spreading her legs a little wider, I slide home.

“Fucking hell, Darlin’. Never had a pussy feel so good. You’re perfect, baby girl.” I growl at her warm, wet heat as it’s the best thing I’ve ever felt. It’s a privilege being able to worship her body and that knowledge is not lost on me. I give her only a moment to adjust before I retreat and then slam into her again. 

“Ah! Baby! You feel so good inside of me.” She mewls as I thrust into her. I spread her round globes and look at her perfect little asshole.

“You’re so fucking pretty, baby girl. So beautiful and sexy.” I grunt.

“Tell me if you don’t like what I’m doing, Sugar.” I command. My ball sack is smacking her clit each time I thrust forward and I can no longer help myself. I spit onto her tight hole and gently circle it with my thumb. Emma moans at the sensation and I slowly slide my thumb into her tight rim. I smack her left ass cheek as I gently prod my thumb in and out of her snug hole.

“Fuck babe! I’m gonna cum!”

“Yeah Darlin’, let go for me. Let me feel you soak my cock.” I grunt.

Emma moans as she clamps down around me and I spear into her harder and faster until I reach my release, spurting my seed into her channel. Emma presses her body against the couch and I can’t help but lay across her soft back as I try and catch my breath. I’m not as young as I once was, but Sy’s still got it.

Emma looks absolutely shattered so once I remove myself from her, I gather our clothes, let the dogs inside and carry her to the master bathroom. I set her on the toilet while I start filling the bathtub and appreciate Emma’s sleepy smile at my preparations. While the water is filling, I jog back down to the kitchen, wash my hands, and grab the platter of brownies Emma made with two cups of milk. Emma giggles when she sees me smuggling our treats back into the bathroom and setting out a stool next to the tub to place them on. When the water is filled and the bubbles are sufficient, I step in first before helping Emma in and positioning her on my lap. Emma’s back rests against my chest and I think about the last time we bathed in here together and how nervous I was for her to sleep over. Now, I only sleep poorly when she’s not next to me. I lean forward and get each of us a brownie and we gently bump them together with a “cheers” before digging in. 

“I gave Millsy-bear his last set of puppy shots this afternoon when I got here, by the way.” She says.

“Thanks, Sugar. No wonder he was snuggling hard on the couch when I made it home.”

“I gave him treats and extra cuddles for having to get a shot. Aika got one just for being cute. Bribery is key in veterinary medicine.” Emma says.

“You make house calls for all of your clients?”

“Only one. My favorite.”

“You’re my favorite too, Sugar.” I place a kiss on her temple.

“Oh, I was talking about Mills… Awkward.” She jokes and I tickle her ribs.

 “I guess you’re up there on the list of my favorite things.” Emma says with kiss to my lips before picking a brownie crumb from my scruff. She smiles as she eats it and then takes a bite out of her dessert.

“Are you always this happy?” I ask her without thinking. I know I have a reputation of being extremely serious, or a ‘grump’ as Alex says, but Emma is the opposite. She’s like sunshine. The daytime to my nighttime. She’s made me smile and laugh more in these three months than probably ever before.

“Um not at all. You just make me really happy, Sy.” 

“You’ve made me the happiest man in the world, Darlin.”

Emma and I lay in the tub talking about all things that come to mind until the water gets cold and my perpetual warmth isn’t enough for her. She's shivering as we climb out. We rinse off the bubble bath in the shower quickly before getting in bed and falling asleep wrapped in each other’s arms. 

I wake up early the next morning, close to six am and see my sleeping beauty is still a mess of hair and disheveled blankets next to me. She slept in one of my t-shirts last night since she was still cold from our extended bath, and as no surprise it’s twisted up around her waist. I smile at her disarray before snuggling up to her. When I do, I feel like I’ve rolled in something wet so I lift the covers. Oh no, a little patch of blood. Emma must’ve started her period in her sleep and knowing what I do about how she’s been treated in the past, I don’t want her to panic. I ease out of bed to grab some clothes, using my military stealth to do so as quietly as possible. Luckily my girl could sleep through a tornado, but I didn’t want to take any chances. I scribbled out a quick note telling her not to panic, and that I’ve run to the store but I’ll be right back in case she wakes up before placing it on my pillow.

Thank goodness there is a pharmacy about seven minutes from my house. I walk in and try my best to think of anything she might need. I purchase some tampons, pads, painkillers, a hot water bottle, and all of the chocolate my arms can carry. They even had some flowers there and I grabbed those at the checkout. The elderly woman at the register just smiled at me and told me I was a “good man.” This should be the standard for men taking care of their women, but clearly, it’s not. I quickly load everything up and head back to the house. I head to bedroom and Emma hasn’t moved an inch. I take the female hygiene items to the bathroom and place them on the countertop, before going to gently wake Emma up. I hate to do it but I figure it’s likely better to let her only see a little spot of blood rather than a big one and panicking even more.

“Sugar… Hey beautiful.” I stroke her hair away from her face and she gently shakes her head at me.

“uh-uh… no.” She grunts and I chuckle. 

“Darlin’, can you wake up for me for just a minute please?”

“It’s Saturday… and still dark out, Sy.” She says after peaking one eye open.

“I know, and I’ll let you go back to sleep in just a minute but I need your attention.”

She yawns before I continue.

“I don’t want you to panic, so please remember, it’s okay. I’m not like the guys you’ve been with in the past.”

“Sy? What are you saying? It’s too early for riddles.”

“I think you may have started your period last night. Now, it’s no problem but I wanted to let you know so you co”

“Oh my god!” She interrupts, jerking covers up above her head to appraise the situation. 

“Oh my god. I’m so sorry.” She says with tears rimming her eyes as she lifts her head from the covers.

“Now, stop it right there. You’ve got nothing to apologize for. It’s okay, Sugar. Take a breath.” 

“I… um.. need to head back to my house.” She says quickly as a tear falls from her eye.

“I’ve got everything you need, baby, and I’m going to take care of you. Now, head on into the bathroom and take care of what you need to, and I’ll take care of this.” 

“Sy, I’m so embarrassed. I need tampons and I didn’t bring any. I will replace the sheets.”

“No need, I’ll just toss ‘em in the washer and it’ll be just fine. I bought tampons and pads. They’re on the counter.” I help her out of bed and lead her into the bathroom. 

“I tried to get a little bit of everything since I don’t know what you prefer so you just do what you need to do, baby girl. Nothing to be embarrassed about, I promise.” I kiss her forehead and she nods as more tears streak down her face. I want to scoop her up and stop her tears but figured she might just want a minute alone to collect herself. I hear the shower turn on as I close the door behind me.

I walk out and quickly strip the bed and throw the sheets in the washer before making the bed up with clean sheets. As I’m making the bed, I get angry thinking about her douche ex-boyfriend who made her feel so ashamed for her body doing something that it is supposed to do. The more I think about it, the angrier I get as I’m shoving the pillows into the new pillowcases.

“Um, thank you, for the stuff.” I hear Emma whisper as I quickly turn around and see her there. She looks so small as she wraps her arms around herself.

“Is what I got okay?” I ask and she nods before going to her bag and pulling on some new panties, t-shirt, and sweatpants.

I pat the clean bed and she crawls up next to me before I hear her sob into my chest. I can’t seem to get her to look at me as she buries her face into my chest so I just hold her until her breath comes easier.

“Feel better?”

“Not really. I’m just embarrassed.”

“No need to be baby girl. I promise you, it’s fine. I just want you to be comfortable.”

“You make me comfortable. It’s just hard to change how I think after being told it was disgusting my whole life.”

“Trust me, if I ever see that douchebag again I will punch him so hard for ever making you feel like that.” I tell her as I wipe a tear from her cheek.

“Let me take care of you?” I ask and Emma nods with a small smile.

“Good. I got you an arsenal of chocolate, some painkillers, and a hot water bottle too.”

“Why?”

“What do you mean, why? Isn’t that stuff helpful?”

“It is, very much so… I just mean you didn’t have too.” 

“I want too… Sugar, I love you.” I say and Emma sits up to look at me.

“You do?” She bites her lip.

“I love you more than I can even articulate.” I tell her truthfully.

“I love you too, Austin. I love you so much.” She says and I swear to God, I am beaming. 

I love this woman and she loves me. Emma leans forward and kisses me in a kiss so consuming I can picture our whole lives together. After kissing a little, we lay back down and I stroke her hair until she’s fallen back asleep. When she’s thoroughly asleep, I ease up and decide to take the dogs out to get them a little bit of exercise before heading to the kitchen to make us some breakfast. 

Emma saunters downstairs about two hours later seeming more well rested as I’ve got her breakfast plated up. She kisses on the dogs who are eagerly corralling around her legs before walking over to me and kissing me tenderly. 

“Thank you for breakfast.”

“Anything for you, sweet darlin’.” I wink over my coffee cup as Emma fills her cup and adds her creamer.

Emma glances at her phone with an inquisitive look. 

“Everything alright?” I ask.

“Yeah, I just was checking my security cameras. I think the Rodriguez family across the street from me got their teenager a car. It’s been parked out in the street across from the house all day yesterday. I knew he must be close to driving age. It just turned around in my driveway so I got a notification on my phone. That’s all.” She says nonchalantly and I nod at her assumption.

“What should we do today?” I ask her as we eat.

“Maybe go to the grocery store? I figured I could go ahead and meal prep for the week. I also need to get the ingredients to make banana pudding for your Nana and PawPaw’s house.”

“Sugar, you don’t have to go to all that trouble.” I start but Emma shakes her head.

“No, when we talked last week I told her that I wouldn’t mind bringing dessert.” I just about choke on my bacon.

“She called you?” I ask and Emma blushes.

“She did. Is that okay?” 

“Of course, that’s more than fine… I just don’t want her bothering you. She’s a bit of a handful if you know what I mean. I didn’t even realize she got your number.”

“Well, she told me not to tell you because you would ‘whine about her interfering’, but she called the vet clinic and got in touch with me there. She said she wanted to make sure I was joining y’all for lunch Sunday, and then wanted my mom’s number so they could keep in touch.”

“That woman.” I shake my head incredulously. 

“I ask her to not interfere, and she goes around calling you and your family. Good grief.” I chuckle at the audacity of Nana. She’s going to get her way no matter what. She’s never gone to these extremes to contact anyone I’ve dated though, so maybe it’s a good thing.

Emma giggles.

“I think it’s sweet. Anyway, we got to talking about her cooking and I offered to make dessert. If that’s okay with you, let’s go ahead and go to the store after breakfast.” 

“I’ll do anything you want me too, Sugar.” 

We eat and chat a bit before Emma changes clothes and starts gathering her items to head to the store. I head upstairs and throw on some different clothes as well before we load up and head to the store. 

When we get there, I’m in charge of the buggy. Emma has a list on her phone of all the items she needs to get, so I just follow her with the cart as she gathers her items. I also add a few of my own favorites as we are traversing the aisles, such as chips and beef jerky.

Once we’ve got everything on our list, we head to the checkout and I insist again on paying. Emma crosses her arms, jutting out her hip with a scowl that I can’t help but chuckle at. She’s like an angry kitten and I just want to kiss all over her face, so I do. After we pay, we make our way out the doors.

“By the way, you said you wanted steaks one night this week. Did you remember to put those in the cart?” 

“Shit, I totally forgot. Here,” I hand Emma my truck keys. “Let me run back and grab some while you put the groceries in the truck?” I ask and Emma nods. I kiss her forehead before jogging back in the store to collect and purchase the forgotten steaks. 

I skip the small talk with the cashier and head straight for the self-check out so that I hopefully don’t keep Emma waiting too long. After buying our main dinner entrée, I head outside toward my large grey truck, with Syverson Contracting Inc. embossed along the side. Emma must’ve loaded the groceries quickly as I don't see her. I walk over and notice she’s not in the passenger seat before I hear her scream.

“LET GO OF ME!” I drop the bag and turn to look for her. About 30 yards away, I spot someone I recognize. Then it dawns on me who it is. 

Colin.

Part 14

Taglist: @shellyshellshell, @henryownsme, @caramariehurst, @beck07990, @mollymal, @kingliam2019, @syversonswife, @identity2212, @starfirewildheart, @hannah9921, @wa-ni, @kneelforloki, @cutedoxie, @enchantedbytomandhenry, @foxyjwls007, @geralts-yenn, @courtlynwriter, @corrie1013, @squeezyvalkyrie, @summersong69, @livisss, @mayloma, @uunotheangel, @warriormirkwood, @sofiebstar

Author's Note: Ya girl's struggling with a sinus infection right now but I was able to finally get this posted! Had an ultrasound today and baby was healthy and active so I am happy!

[i-magines]

Wildest Dreams: Chapter 3

Pedro Pascal x fem!Reader

CHAPTER 1 | CHAPTER 2 | CHAPTER 4 | CHAPTER 5 | CHAPTER 6  | CHAPTER 7 | CHAPTER 8 | CHAPTER 9 | CHAPTER 10

synopsis: You’re an assistant director in an indie movie set and fate makes sure you keep crossing paths with a certain Chilean actor.  

disclaimer: This is my first Pedro Pascal’s fictional work + the first fanfic I write in English, as it isn’t my first language. Unfortunately, I do not own Pedro and this is all a product of my imagination.

rating: M (keep scrolling if your under 18 please)

warnings: age gap, mature content, fem!reader, eventual drinking and drugs, a little smut but nothing crazy (yet), a bit slow burn but not really.  

word count: 1,509

Over the first month, your friendship with Pedro only grew stronger. You were afraid once the production set was moved to the country, he was going to just disappear, as you were no longer roommates. You’d be lying to yourself if you said he didn’t make you feel anything, especially with how charming and flirting he was. You both had shared a lot of personal stuff over smoking joints and you were already used to hanging out together after a day of filming. But today things were going to be different, because the producers had organized a little happy hour for the crew.

Speaking of them, you had asked Pedro to keep your friendship on the low, at least during the job. You knew what everyone would say and think, mostly about you alone, so you were looking after yourself. He understood that and apparently didn’t care to be sneaking out like a teenager to spend some time with you.

“There you are”, Pedro happily greeted you on the corner of the happy hour room, about two hours into the event. “I almost didn’t get the chance to see you today. How’s everything going?”

At this point, you were certain the director hated you, but thank God he was the only one. Everyone else seemed to really like you and your work, which helped a lot with your anxiety.

“He spent the day trying to drive me crazy… Again”, you told Pedro. “You?”

“I would definitely rather be directed by you, if I’m being honest” he said in sympathy. “But yeah, it won’t take long for me to tell him to fuck off. Super nicely, of course.”

You both laughed. You could see he had been drinking and so did everybody in the room. Somebody turned up the music and Pedro dragged you to the improvised dance floor. You danced for about half an hour, until you saw him going to talk to Donna, one of the producers. They seemed friendly— too friendly, if somebody asked your opinion. You noticed it before, how close they acted sometimes, but at the end of the day, it was none of your business. Flo, the make-up artist that got you the job, got your attention and you walked to her.

“What’s up with that face?” She shot you the question. Flo was in her mid 40s and you got to know her in your first gig, since then she was always trying to connect you with people. You really liked her and, most importantly, trusted her. “You looked like you were about to commit murder on the dance floor. I know Dave is giving you a hard time, but honestly he is doing this to every single soul.”

“I was just wondering, is Donna taken?”, you asked as if you had no intention behind it.

“Yeah, I think so”, she told you. “Why? You gay too?”

“Someti— wait, what?” You stared at each other for a few seconds. “Is she?”

“As far as I know”, she said simply. “And by that I mean I’ve known her for about 10 years now. Sorry to disappoint you.”

“No, you didn’t. I mean, good for her, right.”

You decided you need to put your shit together now on. You excused yourself and went to get another drink — you can be a new woman tomorrow. You took some shots and got a drink to hold while you watched everyone dancing and having a good time. You tried to force yourself to stop thinking about your crush on Pedro.

“I need professional help”, you whispered to yourself.

“And why is that?”

“Shit, Pedro!” You jumped, realizing he was right by your side. “You scared the shit out of me, you shithead.”

“Wow, language, sweetheart”, he laughed at your reaction, putting his arm over your shoulder. “What are you up to?”

“Not much, just enjoying the free drinks”, you replied, also enjoying the proximity of his body. “I can see you’re enjoying them yourself.”

“Nah, I’m thinking about getting out of here, people are starting to get too drunk and God forbid I witness anything I can’t unsee”, he was being playful and seemed happy when he got a smile out of you. “Care to join me? Or you already have plans for tonight?”

“Yeah, you know me, Miss Popularity herself”, you both laughed. “Seriously, though. I’m ready whenever you are.”

“Is it okay if we leave together? Considering your privacy policy”, he whispered in your ear. Only if he knew how weak that makes you. You just nodded. “After you, mi princesa.”

Fuck you, Pedro Pascal, you thought as you made the effort to move your shaking legs. Two options: first, he had no idea of his effects on you, or second, he did know that and he just liked to torture you. However it is, you were not willing to make a move to figure it out. 

The location of the shooting was a huge farm, so you walked together through the open field, towards his cabin. You got inside and took your shoes off.

“Hey, mister ‘I’m just a common worker as everybody else’, tell me again why exactly you are the only one with a private hot tube”, you teased him. He laughed. “Is it because you’re such good friends with Donna?”.

“So that’s what it was about back in the happy hour?” Pedro looked deeply into your eyes. “Such a jealous little girl, uh?”

You looked away, embarrassed. You can’t deny your brain formulated that sentence, but the alcohol spilled it out your mouth.

“Answering your question, I’m not really friends with Donna, but her partner is one of my closest colleagues in the industry”, he said in a patient tone. “And you’re welcome to use the hot tube whenever you feel like it.”

You could feel your cheeks burning. Fuck.

“I didn’t mean to— to be honest, I don’t even know what I meant, so don’t mind drunk Y/N”, you breathed out strongly.

“Why don’t we forget about it and instead go chill in the hot tube?” He offered you a smile. Pedro was so easy to deal with, always trying to make you comfortable. “I have more of that nice whisky you like.”

You quickly put on your bikini in your room and head back to Pedro’s cabin. You could hear the happy hour turning into a party on the back, as you joined him inside the tub. You did your best to not stare at his toned, tanned body. He was smoking a cigar and handed you a glass.

“You know what’s funny”, he started, you already knew you wouldn’t find it funny at all. “This is the second time I see you in a tub.”

“Well, fuck you very much sir”, you held a serious face before letting a smile scape. “That was traumatic.”

“Why is that? I would say you made quite an impression”, he laughed, something different sparkling in his eyes. “Would it bother you if I said I still think about it?”

You felt your body hot, as if the water was on boiling point.

“God”, you whispered. He never took his eyes off yours. “I don’t know what to say, Pedro.”

“It’s a simple question, sweetheart”, he replied, coming a little closer. You got chills all over your body. “Honestly, I don’t know if you only see me as this friendly, older, disgusting man—”

“Are you out of your fucking mind?” you cut him before he could finish. “Feel free to think about whatever you like.”

“Good”, he said quietly, his body even closer, but still not touching yours. “Tell me what you were doing on the tub that day, sweetheart.”

“I-I was, uh,” you felt like you were about to explode, your brain trying to process if this was really happening. “I was touching myself.”

“Finally, princesa”, he let out a deep breath against your neck. “You don’t know how many times I wanted to hear you say this, to be sure my memory wasn’t fucking with me.”

He touched your waist with his hand, putting the cigar away with the other one. You felt delirious.

“What are you going to do now that you know?” The question popped out of your mouth.

He grabbed your arm to move your body, making you sit on his lap. Face to face. He was hard as fuck.

“I will take you back to your cabin, give you a goodnight kiss…” He made a pause. His stare was deep down your soul. “Come back to mine and think ‘bout you while I mind my own business.”

He was dead serious.

“I’m too horny to go to sleep”, you cried to him, all your blood concentrated between your legs. You moved on his lap, rubbing against his cook.

“Trust me”, he said as his hands firmly held your hips down, making you stop and yet feel him ever harder. “I feel the same way.”

He gave you a little forehead kiss.

“C’mon, let’s get you to bed.”

CHAPTER 4 AVALIABLE NOW

TAGLIST: @kyuupidwrites @omg-its-typical-aesthetics-fan @vivibabiez @ivyohmy @sebastianstansimp @tubble-wubble @28cnn @3zae-zae3 @technicallysassyfox @bellatrixyoass @mandolover86​ (edit: i’m not sure why i wasn’t able to tag everybody i’m trying my best here)

[anashins]

Hey babes may I request some rough make up smut with husband Doyoung after a heated argument? Perhaps a bit power play and breeding kink? 👀

-✨ℒ

Pairing: Doyoung x Reader

Genre: drama, fluff, smut

Word Count: 1.3k

Summary: You and your husband have always wanted children - until he starts doubting himself and you have to show him that he has no reason to at all.

A/N: I think this is my first time writing something with such a specific kink? I hope you like it, L 🥺💗

“We’ve been married for almost two years already, Doyoung. And never have I heard you speak about doubting getting a baby.”

“Aren’t I allowed to voice out my opinion?” he asked coldly, and at that moment, you completely lost it. 

With a bang, you slammed the entrance door to your apartment shut, totally furious. “When we started dating, we talked about this, because that’s what couples do before they vow to commit to each other for a lifetime.”

He hurried into the living room, throwing his jacket into the corner. “Opinions can change, okay?”

“But not in front of our friends during a casual gathering! You can’t just throw me under the bus and flat out tell them you’re unsure about starting a family when I was so excited about it before!” you called out in frustration, stopping him by holding him back by his arm. “No, don’t run away now, this is something serious we have to talk about!”

Giving it all to avoid eye contact with you, Doyoung reluctantly let himself get stopped by you, but you noticed how uncomfortable he had gotten after spinning around. There was much more to your husband’s sudden change of opinion, you just questioned yourself what exactly that could have caused. 

“I’m sorry that I made everyone uncomfortable and forced us to go.” His once maddened features had flattened out, his gaze soft and apologetic now. “I just felt under so much pressure when they asked when we plan on having a baby after seeing them with their children. In fact, lately, I’ve been thinking about this a lot.”

You bit into your bottom lip, feeling your heartbeat close to your throat now. You were so, so afraid of the answer to this question that could decide over your entire future together. “And to what conclusion did you come?” You swallowed, hard, a cold shudder running down your spine at the same breath. “Don’t you want a family with me anymore?”

“You deserve the family you’ve always wished for.” You finally locked your eyes and saw all the pain and regret in Doyoung’s eyes. “But what if our children will get all of my bad traits? What if I don’t know how to be a good father? What if I will never be able to give them the life they deserve? What if I can never compare to our friends? That’s what I meant.”

You were totally taken aback. “This is what your doubts are about?”

Your husband let out a long sigh and wanted to turn away in annoyance over how you downplayed all his worries, that was how well you knew him. You cut off his way though, got on tip toes and cupped his face.

“Listen to me,” you spoke slowly with a smile on your face. “All your bad personality traits mean nothing as long as you’re a good person. And you are a good person, Doyoung, so every single one of your future children will be too. Nobody is born a parent, and of course we’ll make mistakes along the way, but as long as we’ll raise our children fair and good, and provide them with the best life and with all the unconditional love we can offer, we will be good parents.”

You wished you were able to capture what happened next. The change in Doyoung’s eyes from worry, to doubt, then thinking and finally insight. Then, nothing but love.

“I don’t deserve you,” he finally said, tilting his head and nudging against your warm palm.

“You do.” You let your hand trail down his arm, reaching for his fingers. “Now prove to me how much you deserve me.”

____

“Not like this,” you whispered into Doyoung’s ear and pushed him away from you. 

“I wasn’t done yet!”

“You’ve finished already, now it’s my turn.”

He landed on his back, totally naked and with wonder written all over his face, but when you pulled up your skirt and climbed onto his lap, that quickly turned into desire when it dawned on him what you were about to be doing. 

“You need a pause before round two?” you mocked jokingly. “A glass of water?”

Your husband let out a laugh and pressed his palms into your sides. “I only need to be inside of you.”

“Okay, one moment.”

You leaned to the side and reached for the nightstand to pull another condom out of the box which would later lie next to the used one from only moments before. 

But Doyoung stopped you. “How about we chance it?”

“What?” You looked at him, totally confused.

He smiled and brushed with his fingers over your cheek in an encouraging gesture. “We’ll take our chance.”

“For a baby?”

“For a baby.”

Overwhelming love flooded through your body, and you bent down to him, kissing him passionately while simultaneously raising your hips. Doyoung moaned into your mouth when he nearly effortlessly slipped into you, and you flattened your palms against his chest, starting to move up and down along his length.

Your husband's fingers entangled in your hair, and the way he subconsciously tugged at the strands encouraged you to move even faster. You threw your head back, red marks showing on his skin where the tips of your fingers had grazed.

“Yes, just like this,” Doyoung murmured. “Good idea of you to go on top.”

“Shut up and enjoy,” you chuckled, bending down and kissing him. 

You alternated your motions between lifting and slamming down, going forward and back, and sometimes even drawing circles which your husband liked especially much as he let out noises you had only heard on very few occasions before.

Your breasts were bouncing in front of him, and he loved kneading them, giving you double the stimulation. It was especially intense tonight as you had done it without protection only once or twice in your entire relationship, and those times had only been the products of accidents.

Now, you felt him deep inside you without any barrier, all on purpose, and it felt better than ever before. Whether it was real or only all in your imagination because you were finally trying for a baby, you didn’t know. But in the end, it also didn’t matter.

You came so fast like never before with the rhythmic movements of your hips that caused sweat to collect all in your cleavage and forehead, and lured a scream out of you of which you were sure could disrupt all your neighbors’ sleep.

You collapsed on Doyoung’s chest, your own heaving up and down before he clawed your bum so hard, it nearly made you scream out in pain. But you endured it all when you noticed how stiff his body had become, an indicator for the fact that he was close to cumming himself.

“A-are you s-sure?” he still managed to ask before it was too late, stroking the back of your head. “I can still pull… out.”

“I want it,” you breathed. “I want your baby, please.”

You couldn’t even finish your sentence before he shot his seed all inside of you with a few pumps, and you laid still in his arms, with a content smile on your face.

Shortly later, when you two were cuddling, you were talking about who the child would come after. 

“You know what?” Doyoung declared after a while, hugging you close to him so that you felt his heartbeat close to your ear. “The majority of the time, it doesn’t work out at the first go.”

“I know.”

“That means we have to try often.” You heard his voice changing to a sinister tone, and when the tips of his fingers slowly crawled across your skin, you knew what he was up to. “We shouldn’t lose any time.”

[goldenbaroness]

𝓑𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓸 𝓢𝓽𝓻𝓪𝔂 𝓓𝓸𝓰𝓼 - Edogawa Ranpo SFW Alphabet

You know what, Ranpo is living in my mind rent free lately, so I thought maybe I should do something about that and write what I was thinking about. I’m writing this after four hour sleep, so any grammatical errors I apologize. I hope you enjoy and have fun! Reader is gender neutral. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?) Very affectionate, but more in private. Ranpo’s love language would totally be “Physical Touch”. He’s clingy, loves to cuddle to sleep, loves to hug you from behind while you’re in the kitchen cooking something. Even showering together too, if you would like. He might be a bit private about it though. Deep inside, he’s scared someone might use you to make him do something. That doesn’t mean you wouldn’t go out on dates and hold hands out in the open, just at certain times and places.

B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?) If Idiots to Lovers was trope, that would be it. You work at the agency as Fukuzawa’s assistant, and from the start you two liked each other. Specially if you’re a sweet tooth as well, then you’ll talk about what’s your favorite chocolate and what’s the best wonka candy. Since you two get along so well, you two also share some stupid feats together. Such as stealing Fukuzawa’s afternoon snack or eating candy inside one of the lockers. The first time you two did that, Ranpo was sure his heart would jump out his throat, even knowing for sure that’s impossible. He even asked what did you do to him, and that certainly became a mystery he would like to solve. Later on, he found the culprit was love and declared himself guilty.

C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?) Absolute cuddle bear. Like I’ve said before, he shows his love through physical touch. So yes, cuddles is a must. Specially before sleeping. I know for sure he loves to be the big spoon.. But I also feel that sometimes after a very bad day, he just wants to be held and never leave. Hugs, kisses, cuddling.. Those are things he would never say no to. 

D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?) Insecure, but thinks about this a lot. He lived most of his life with Fukuzawa, and we’ve seen how he deals with trivial matters. It’s not that he doesn’t know, but he doesn’t want to disappoint you or make you think he’s useless for not knowing something everyone should. But yes, he does want to move in with you. Just afraid that you might see the real him and run away. Absolutely hates cleaning and cooking, but will try to put an effort for you. With a lot of whining of course, that’s just who he is..

E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

Unfortunately, too easy. Ranpo is, foremost, incredibly honest. If he has no feelings for you whatsoever, he’ll just say no and goodbye like it means nothing to him. If you did something that brought him to this moment, he’ll have a hard time doing it so. He’ll hesitate a little, but will talk with you very straight forward. Ranpo might feel sad for a few days, but he’ll recover quickly with all the help from the agency.

F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?) As weird as it looks, he’s really looking forward to it! But still a bit insecure. As mentioned, Ranpo is insecure about his s/o not loving him for who he is. He has a lot of personal issues to deal with and a bunch of mannerisms he can’t change. Marriage is not something that comes to his head very often, but everytime he pictures you in a white dress/suit, Ranpo just smiles alone at the thought. He still has no clue to how you did that to him, but that’s something he really wants. If you’re not into it, he won’t be sad or mad. He’ll handle that pretty easy, actually.  As long as you two live together, that’s fine by him.

G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?) Tends to be gentle most of the time, but sometimes he’s unintentionally rude. Since Ranpo’s so honest and sincere about everything, sometimes he’ll say things you won’t agree or that might even hurt you. It’s not on purpose, poor guy.. He’s just not used to handle people so close to him. The agency is used to it, but they’re friends for a long time. You’re his new partner, so you’re still getting used to certain things. If Ranpo realises he was rude, expect a very heartbreaking sight of him apologizing. You can almost feel the guilt in his voice. After a hug and a sweet kiss, he’ll get back to his old self. But he’ll try to make it up to you at any cost.

H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?) Hugger™. He LOVES to hug you, but you only. Ranpo doesn’t like people touching him too much, but his lover and Fukuzawa can do that anytime. You’ll get hugs from behind very often, no matter how tall or short you are, he’ll be there. Mostly at home, during cooking time.

I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?) The moment he realises what he feels. He just doesn’t know how to hide it. Of course, Ranpo knows you’re in love with him for some time. Will tease you a little, with no intentions of hurting you. But he never felt that before, this is a new feeling. “The mystery of my heart suddenly beating weird around y/n” is a real deal to him. Until one day, you two went out for ice cream and the sun just touched your face in a way he never saw before. The sunset was bright upon your skin, making your eyes shine even more. Ranpo was so mesmerized, so speechless (for the first time in years, perhaps), that the only thing he could say was what his heart told him to. “That’s it. I love you, that’s why my heart is feeling so happy around you, y/n! I should have known”. Like it was nothing. And continued walking, leaving you behind while you had the most shocked face of all time.. Like nothing had happened. Oh, Ranpo… You and your spontaneity.

J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?) Very jealous, but will never admit that. Ranpo will have that grumpy face, his arms folded and looking away. You’ll ask what’s wrong and he’ll just pout, whine, sigh, you name it. When asked if he’s jealous, he’ll look absolutely offended. “No! I don’t need to feel jealous! I don’t have that!”. Poor Ranpo if Dazai sees this scene. Will make fun of him and Ranpo will tell him to shut up and argue over that. You’ll have to make it up to him so he can forgive you for telling a guy on the street the directions to a station. How dare you give someone else attention?! But don’t worry. With candy and a lot of love, he’ll find his way to your arms again.

K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?) Slow, tender and sweet. Ranpo’s kiss is just like him: A little bit lazy, sloppy and very very sweet. The amount of sugar you can taste in his tongue is absurd, almost like you’ve licked a lollipop. He takes his time in kissing you to savour every second of the most tasty candy on Earth (that’s you and your lips, baby). He really enjoys kissing all of your face. But his favorite place is the crook of your neck, when he’s behind you during shower and just gives it a soft peck. Ranpo loves seeing you have goosebumps over that.

L = Little ones (How are they around children?)

Acts just like one, so they get along well. If it’s your kids, he’ll be such a silly dad. Will avoid doing the boring stuff, like he says.. Changing diapers? No way. He’ll shower them since he thinks it’s really fun to splash water all over the bathroom. With other kids, Ranpo will give them some candy and have some fun. Don’t ask him to watch kids movies though, he’ll always say something that doesn’t make sense in the movie, and how inaccurate that is.

M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)

Lazy. Even if he was raised mostly by Fukuzawa that is totally an early bird, Ranpo hates to get up early. So if you two go to work together, expect a lot of whining from bed. “Five more minutes”, while pressing the pillow against his head to protect himself from the light coming from the window. He’ll get up, and drag his body across the house like a zombie. Ranpo loves the smell of your breakfast, though. The smell of your food and coffee in the room is the most wonderful dream he could have. Specially if you make pancakes, dorayaki or daifuku.  

N = Night (How are nights spent with them?) Depends a lot on the day. Ranpo is usually not affected by what happens at work, but depending on the case, sometimes he’ll think things over and get really serious about it. If it was a chill day, nothing weird or big happened, Ranpo will find something for you two to watch. It’s something he likes to do before going to bed: Watching a movie and trying to find out what’s the mystery behind it.. And well, he always get it right. But you love to watch him so happy with his discovery.

O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?) Once he feels he can trust you, he’ll open up his heart. He usually don’t talk about certain things with strangers. Fukuzawa, Yosano and Poe are the ones he likes the most and feels that he can trust fully in them. When you came to his life, he wasn’t sure yet if he could open up about his feelings on the world. It’s hard for him too see the things he sees. So, when you two got together, Ranpo spilled a lot of things that were on his mind after a make out session on the couch. Just felt right. How he saw the world and how he didn’t get people that killed others, how many monsters are out there and he sees right through them. You just caressed his hair over and over, trying to make him feel a bit at ease. Ranpo relaxed a lot after hearing you say “You’re safe with me”.

P = Patience (How easily angered are they?) Short fuse, hates to be teased. This man loves to tease others and make fun of them, specially the cops and how much better than them he is. But try teasing him for anything, and he’ll get mad on the spot. If it’s you, he’ll get more sad than mad. Usually Mushitarou is the culprit to make him so mad, making him feel silly. And of course, our boy hates to lose this kind of game. 

Q = Quizzes (How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?) Ranpo remembers everything. He’s not good with daily things, but when it comes to you he remembers every single detail of your life. How many sugar cubes on your coffee, your favorite food, music, movie, play, game.. From the size of your clothes and shoes, to the most intimate thought you refuse to share. But, Ranpo being Ranpo, he knows. You’re his favorite person in the world, so expect to be surprised by a lot of things he says about you that you don’t remember telling him. He’s the world’s greatest detective, remember?

R = Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?) When you two solved a case together. Ranpo clearly loves spending time with you, even before you two got to date. One day, the officers called in to solve a very interesting case in the eyes of Ranpo. So, of course when you two got there, he already knew what happened. But, to your surprise, he asked what did you see. You could answer most of his question, which left him completely mesmerized. He never felt that before with anyone, not even with Dazai, who is the most smart man in the agency (after him, obviously).

S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect you? How would they like to be protected?) Trying to hide your relationship from the world. He is concerned most of the times, but Ranpo knows you can handle things yourself. Even so, he tries his best to keep your relationship as private as possible. Sometimes he’ll take you on a date, but on a secluded place like a rooftop or inside one of Poe’s novels. Poe is a very good friend to you two, and helps anytime he can, specially if Ranpo asks to keep you safe. During the cannibalism event, with what happened to Fukuzawa, he couldn’t possibly leave you out in the open. Poe did his best to hide you inside one of his favorite novels and keep you as safe as possible.

T = Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?) It’s not a thing he’ll always remember, but he tries. Ranpo is not a man who’s into routine or other daily matters. His brain works too fast to remember certain things, such as cleaning or taking out the trash. Birthday and Anniversaries are included. But, he knows this is important to you.. So he’ll take notes on anniversary and other events that you might want to celebrate with him, to make sure he won’t forget so easily. Also, get ready to always have an amazing gift on those dates, because Ranpo knows everything that you like by memory. 

U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?) Trash Panda. It’s not that he leaves things on purpose, he really forgets. Since Ranpo eats a lot of candy, most of the times you’ll find a lot of candy bags and sweets around the house and in the office too. He just eats and leave it there, because he has more important stuff to do. You’ve asked him a million times not to forget those things, since insects can show up, and he’ll apologize and try to remember.. Except he doesn’t. Like, never. He tries, though.. Be patient.

V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?) Not much, just the basics. Ranpo always smells good and brush his hair perfectly, but it’s not like he has to change his wardrobe every week or go to the barber every ten days. Hygiene? On point. Fashion icon? Meh… You can drag him to go shopping though, he’ll give his honest opinion. But he won’t buy anything for himself, don’t expect too much when it comes to clothing. To perfume though.. Think about a men that has the most sweet scent, the smell of bubblegum or vanilla. The best thing is to wake up in the morning after he showered. It’s like you’re inside a caramel store. 

W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?) Totally empty. He’s used to you so badly, that when you’re not around he’ll just forget everything. At first, might act like he doesn’t care. It’s nothing, after all. He lived without you before, sure as hell can do that now. But at the first moment he sees something he likes, he wants to share with you.. and you’re not there. Ranpo starts to feel that horrible feeling of emptiness and angst. Wherever you are, you need to get back soon before he starts to throw tantrums.

X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.)

He loves puzzles. I know it’s weird.. The guy who doesn’t like daily stuff loves such easy things like puzzles? Yup, he does. When it comes to a case, he can see it clearly, every piece together. A puzzle is not just a matter of thinking, but attention too. So, since it’s something he can work his brain out and also spend some time with you, he learned to like it. And after a few times, he learned to love board games too. But he hates Cluedo.. To Ranpo, it doesn’t make any sense.

Y = Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)

Someone who can’t keep up with him. Ranpo is not expecting someone who can match his wits, but at least someone who can understand him and the way he thinks. Poe is one of his great friends because he always put up a challenge, so if you can challenge him somehow or at least keep up with his thinking and the way he does things, he’ll be head over heels for you. He also hates someone who always scolds him. Ranpo knows he keeps forgetting to do normal stuff, he doesn’t want someone to do that to him all the time like Fukuzawa. He wants a partner that can understand his feelings.

Z = Zzz (What is a sleep habits of theirs?)

Heavy sleeper. Lazy boy is lazy. Whenever he’s not in the agency or spending time with you and Poe, he’s sleeping. Even has a onesie and a dakimakura to be more comfortable. He even bought matching onesies for you two. And whenever he gets the chance, will drag you to take a nap with him. And he sleeps.. Expect for him to wake up only in the next day. Ranpo doesn’t even move from his spot.. He’s just laying there, hugging you and sleeping like there’s no tomorrow. But how could you say no to that cute little face?

[erosastro]

Friends characters astrology breakdown✨

☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞

Disclaimer*

- This is just for fun. I know their birthdays are mentioned in the show but this is just my opinion based on their personalities and character traits they exhibited on the show. Please don’t take it too seriously and if you disagree that’s fine too!

☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞

Rachel

☜♡☞ Sun - Leo

☜♡☞ Moon - Taurus

☜♡☞ Ascendant - Libra/Taurus

Leo Sun made perfect sense to me. I’m sure other signs would too, but this one made the most sense to me. From her fierce personality to her love for shopping and enjoying luxuries in life. That’s also where I saw her possibly being a Taurus moon, being ruled by Venus, Taurus loves luxury, fashion etc. and I’ve seen so many Leo/libra/taurus placements in the fashion industry. Her stubbornness makes me think she does have mostly fixed energy in her chart. Though she loves being spoiled, she’s also a hard worker and independent, which I absolutely see in Leo sun. Libra ascendant I think is displayed by her fashion sense, being a trendsetter, from her hair to her clothes. Plus she was charming and romantic at heart (Taurus moon).

Monica

☜♡☞Sun - Capricorn

☜♡☞ Moon- Virgo

☜♡☞ Ascendant - Cancer/Aries

I’m pretty sure she also has some Taurus placements in her chart, given her love for the culinary. But for her top three, I definitely see those placements. And I know the Virgo stereotype and I hate it too but the amount of Virgo moons that give me the same energy as Monica. The mum friend, taking care of everyone, a bit neurotic but so caring and selfless. She’s also very competitive and Capricorn placements can be VERY competitive from my experience. She’s also very nurturing and drawn to being a mum and good partner. I’d say Virgo moon and Aries/Cancer ascendant could also be swapped around, that being said. It’s only because Virgo moon felt better than Virgo rising to me.

Phoebe

☜♡☞ Sun - Aquarius

☜♡☞ Moon - Aries

☜♡☞ Ascendant - Aquarius

Wonderfully weird and brilliant, intelligent Phoebe! I loved Phoebe. She was so underrated. She screams Aquarius placements. She had her own unique sense of fashion, wasn’t afraid to be herself and step out of the box. She was also passionate about her interests and flirty (Aries moon). She was rebellious and a badass (Aries and Aquarius placements). Whilst she was aloof and not in a long term relationship, when she did commit she gave her all, which is very much Aquarius/aries. She’s also, like the Aquarius, a humanitarian and always had the biggest heart, caring for all. There was definitely a feisty side to her too.

Chandler

☜♡☞ Sun - Libra/Scorpio

☜♡☞ Moon - Gemini

☜♡☞ Ascendant - Sagittarius

I won’t lie I was kinda stumped with chandler’s sun sign. He’s honestly my favourite and he’s hilarious, witty and dark sense of humour. That’s why I felt like the double whammy air placements in his top three made sense lol. So many air placements have a dark sense of humour, however I do think Scorpio could work for his Sun sign too. One of my best friend’s has a Scorpio Sun and Gemini moon and he’s one of the funniest people I know. Once you get to know them though there’s so much more to them. They crave love and affection but can hide it well with a sense of humour, especially if they’ve had traumas they’ve faced previously, hence why these made sense for Chandler. Ascendant in Sagittarius because Sagittarius ascendants are goofy and fun and laid-back but sweet and caring too.

Joey

☜♡☞ Sun - Sagittarius/Pisces

☜♡☞ Moon - Taurus/Libra

☜♡☞ Ascendant - Leo

Joey was the cutest. Honestly his Leo ascendant is because he exudes Leo energy. Majority of the Leo ascendant men I’ve met are some of the most attractive men I’ve seen. He’s outgoing and he has a love for acting and he’s player. The reason why I said either Pisces or Sagittarius sun is because most of guys I know that are Casanovas have mutable placements. His Libra moon made sense because he’s charming and he can be romantic. Taurus could work too, the Venus ruled signs make the most sense and would also explain his love for food. He could also have a Taurus mars.

Ross

☜♡☞ Sun - Taurus

☜♡☞ Moon - Capricorn

☜♡☞ Ascendant - Virgo/Scorpio

I think he may be the least liked character 😅 and I understand why. He does come across as judgemental and stubborn, hence my top three. As a Virgo rising myself I know we tend to come across as judgey but it’s because we’re so hard on ourselves that we can sometimes seem that way to other way. And the same is said for Scorpio risings, I’ve noticed. The incredible stubbornness is no doubt from his Taurus sun + Capricorn moon. I love a Capricorn moon but man they are stubborn cookies and with a Taurus can be very stuck in their ways. His dorkiness and nerdiness can also be explained by Virgo rising, even Capricorn moon. He’s also very career focused but loves with all his heart, up to a fault.

☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞

Extra notes:

☜♡☞ Rachel and Monica being best friends is soooo Leo x Capricorn. These two are always drawn to each other and make a great pair. They work so well together.

☜♡☞ Rachel and Ross being drawn to each other constantly and having a passionate, lovey dovey relationship is very much fixed sign squared energy. And if Ross’s sun was conjunct Rachel’s moon, that would also explain why despite their other relationships, they’d always come back to each other.

☜♡☞ Joey and Chandler being best friends again, makes so much of sense with either one of their sun combinations. Libra x Sagittarius are best friends. Like I’ve always seen that. Even Pisces x Scorpio they tend to understand each other at a deeper level. Hell, even Libra x Pisces, signs who are inconjunct like Leo and Capricorn that seem to have nothing in common can get on like a house on fire.

☜♡☞ with Monica and Chandler, Virgo moons always seem to be attracted to Libra and Sagittarius placements, one being squared but the attraction is definitely there. I’ve also seen Capricorn x Scorpio combo being common in a lot of couples. Plus, all Libra x Aries placements I’ve met are not feeling each other at first but then make the best couple/best of friends.

☜♡☞ Joey and Rachel having similar placements could also be why they were attracted to each other at some point but because of that, that also could be why they wouldn’t work out in the long term.

☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞ ☜♡☞

What do you guys think? Always interested in seeing other perspectives so long as it’s respectful!

[edosianorchids901]

Soar Like the Wind

Ace Omens Hugfest prompt - "jumping into the other's arms hug"

“Angel. Angel. Angel.”

With a huff, Aziraphale put down the pretty rock he’d been examining. He turned, looking up. “What?”

Crawley waved at him from atop one of the nearby mud brick houses. “Hi.”

“Hello,” Aziraphale said cautiously. “What are you doing?”

“Well, I was napping.”

“On top of someone else’s house?”

“Yeah,” Crawley said as if that was normal. He came a bit closer to the edge, swaying slightly. “Anyway, they took the ladder away, guess they didn’t know I was up here. So I’m gonna jump down, and you can catch me.”

“That’s a terrible idea!” Aziraphale rushed over, waving his hands in a likely vain attempt to deter his adversary. “Weren’t you just telling me yesterday that your legs don’t work properly? That they have a tendency to give out? Do you not see a problem with jumping off a roof?”

“Not really?” Crawley frowned a little, inching closer to the edge. “I mean, that absolutely would be an issue if I was just gonna hop off—legs would definitely not like that, especially after sleeping on bricks—but you’ll catch me. So it’s fine.”

Aziraphale pursed his lips. “And what if I say no? We are on Opposite Sides, after all. I think Heaven would be much happier if I simply left you stranded atop the roof, where you couldn’t get in any trouble.”

“Nnnh, probably. But if you really think about it, Heaven would be happiest if you, I dunno…” Crawley thrust a hand up in the air, pointing to the perfectly blue sky. “Called down bolts of lighting to destroy me! But I don’t see you doing that.”

“That’s because there aren’t any clouds.”

“There were plenty of clouds in Eden.” Crawley smiled, and this time it was an awfully soft smile rather than a mischievous one. “But you didn’t smite me. You sheltered me. So, for my money, if I jump off this roof—”

He did not so much jump as slip, hurtling over the edge mid-sentence with a yelp of alarm. Aziraphale yelped too, hurtling forward to catch him.

Crawley slammed into Aziraphale hard enough to have knocked anyone else off their feet. Aziraphale, though, had planted himself firmly, a Principality rooted in place. He caught Crawley easily, both arms wrapping around his waist.

“Whoops.” Crawley clutched at him, eyes wide but a bright grin on his face. “Hadn’t planned to jump quite that soon. But see? You caught me.”

“I think that was much more of a fall than a jump.” Heart pounding, Aziraphale tightened his arms around Crawley. If confronted on whether this was a hug, he would have denied it. But after that fright, he couldn’t bring himself to let go just yet. “Please do not do that again, Crawley. I’m afraid you would have hurt yourself quite badly if I’d let you down.”

“You wouldn’t,” Crawley said with a truly unsettling amount of faith. “Er. You can probably put me down now, though.”

“Oh.” Cheeks hot, Aziraphale carefully set Crawley down in the sand. He caught the demon’s slender arm, steadying him as he swayed. “There. Now, um… I suppose I ought to escort you to the tavern.”

The mischievous grin was back on Crawley’s face at once. “Oh?”

“Yes. Certainly.” Aziraphale gulped. “You see, this sand is awfully shifty and loose, and I wouldn’t like you to fall again when I’ve only just saved you from catastrophe. And besides, if I escort you, I can keep you from committing any more crimes like sleeping on someone else’s roof.”

“Yeah, all right.” Crawley winced a little, bent over, and picked up the pretty rock. He pressed it into Aziraphale’s hand. “In that case… can I tempt you to join me in some beer? Hot day out.”

Aziraphale stared at the pretty rock for a moment, taken aback. He’d forgotten about it in the chaos of tumbling demons. But Crawley hadn’t forgotten. Perhaps it was his way of saying thank you.

“Oy.”

“Yes! Yes.” Aziraphale blinked away a few tears, touched by the gesture. Crawley lifted an eyebrow in inquiry. “Yes, it is quite a hot day out. And beer sounds lovely.”

Grinning again, Crawley set off with his usual odd saunter. “Terrific. Come on, angel.”

Aziraphale fell in step beside him. Yes, he would thwart Crawley’s wiles as much as he could. But in truth, he suspected it might prove more important to thwart Crawley’s creative plans for getting himself out of trouble.

[muzzlemouths]

let your heart be light

December is a hard month and you're being worked to the bone. Good thing you have two sentient animatronics waiting at home to do the unthinkable - give you a very merry Christmas.

Sun/Moon centric // Wordcount: 4582 // AO3 Link

“Three cups of flour?”

“Check!”

“A teaspoon of baking powder?”

“Got it!”

“Salt?”

“Only a pinch!”

“A cup of sugar? One egg?” You fold the old recipe between your fingers, “What about–”

“The butter? A full cup, unsalted. The other things too!” Sun sets a flour-coated palm on your head, dusting it with white, “It’s all there, sweetheart. I haven’t missed a thing.” His fingers smooth over your scalp and bring some ease to your temples, this month already wearing you thin, he offers you a calming smile in your great time of distress, “I’ve got everything taken care of, already, so you needn’t fuss for a moment longer. Moon and I can handle things on our own.”

“Yeah, that’s what I’m afraid of,” your breath passes between clenched teeth, a grimace falling into place, but Sun’s shoulders fall - you don’t outright say you don’t trust them, but you might as well have - and you’re quickly backpaddling to make up for it, “you know I’m just nervous,” you admit with another sigh, forcing a smile that does, eventually, turn genuine, “But I’m probably worrying over nothing. We’ve gone over this a hundred times, right?” You carefully take his hand away and instead tuck it between your own, holding it tight, “You’ve got this.”

His posture relaxes, eyes softening, “We’ve got this,” he repeats with a nod, “I promise you can count on us. Now, how about that recipe?”

“Oh, right,” you hand over the folded square with a certain wariness, “don’t forget to preheat the oven first, okay? And the air will be hot when you first open it, so make sure you aren’t standing too close–”

“Sunshine,”

“–right, okay. Sorry. You’ve got this!” You spot the time from across the room and mutter a bit, “Fuck, I should have been out of here ten minutes ago.” Spinning around like a dog after its own tail, you frantically dig into both coat pockets and come up empty.

Sun raises your keys by the ring with a silent grin, “Language,” he reminds you all too smugly, “try not to lose your head on the way, love.”

You sheepishly swipe the keys from him and jam them into your pocket - where they promptly fall straight through to the floor from a hole in the fabric with an eruption of metal tings. “Ugh, I keep forgetting about that.”

You bend at the waist and reach for them. Sun gets there first, and your hands collide, faces dangerously close.

But Sun knows you’re in a hurry. He begrudgingly keeps his hands to himself, instead retrieving the keys and handing them back over to you with a little peck on your temple and a flourish, “I’m surprised you don’t lose things more often with a coat so full of holes,” he muses, “you’re sure we can’t patch it up for you?”

“Thanks, but no thanks,” the keys fall into your other pocket with a whisper, “This is the only one I’ve got, can’t afford to let you have it for that long. Maybe sometime in the spring you can take a wack at what’s left.” Eyes finding the clock again, your teeth sink into your bottom lip, and you steel yourself for the day, “Okay, I really have to go now.”

Sun ushers you out the door with a wave of his hands, “Off you go, then!” He blows you a big, wet kiss. You catch it at the door.

“Okay, um,” Nodding to yourself, you take in the kitchen one last time, committing it to memory in case you return to it looking like something else, “I’ll be back around eight.” Your voice lightens, “Tell Moon I said goodbye!”

He nods, big and eager, and shuts the door behind you.

Then you’re off the porch, heading for what is thankfully your last shift of the week, leaving the two behind with a working oven and absolutely no supervision.

And that’s fine. There’s nothing to stress over. You act completely normal about it the entire day, not worrying at all.

Not even when you receive a suspicious text from Sun immediately after getting to work.

“Do we have lights?”

Your face scrunches as you read the message over again, attempting to determine what he means, when a second text comes in.

“The little kind with all the colors.” Oh.

You settle into a chair behind the desk and write back, “Christmas lights? I might have some shoved in a bin somewhere in the garage.” Then, thinking better of it, you send a second message with it, “I don’t mind if we put them up but I don’t think I have time to do it tonight. Can it wait for tomorrow?”

More than anything, his lack of a response is what scares you most. Silence for ten minutes, then an hour, then four hours. It weighs on you for the entire shift and more than once you have to stop yourself from running to the bathroom so you can sneak in a phone call. That would prove you didn’t trust them - and you don’t want to imply that any more than you already had this morning.

It didn’t mean you weren’t completely riddled with anxiety by the time your shift ended and you found your way home again, half expecting to follow a plume of smoke to your address.

To your utmost relief, there’s no smoke and not even the smell of overbaked cookies to welcome you home. Surprisingly, there’s no lights, either. You had been sure that Sun would have taken matters into his own hands by now, but it appears that, for once, he decided to listen.

Your keys slide into the lock and the handle turns. You brace yourself for the worst, just in case.

“Guys, I’m home!” Pushing your way inside, you instinctively reach for the lightswitch - but stop dead. There’s no need for it.

The inside of your house looks like a Macy’s parade. Lights of every color hang over picture frames and wind around furniture, bringing a dazzling shimmer to the walls, and a shine to the floors, the rooms transformed into something magical.

“You’re home!” Sun peels around the hallway corner with a short string of lights entangled in his own rays, “Is it eight already? I only just finished setting everything up.”

You cross the room, taking in the sights with a wide open gape, “Did you do all of this?” You gasp, “I didn’t even know I owned this many.”

“Do you like it?” He sounds positively giddy and more than a little proud of himself. “I spent all day on it. Wanted to make sure you came home to something nice.”

A smile crosses your lips, “It’s beautiful,” you tell him, “though I’m a little confused - why did you string them up inside?” Your finger points to the door, “Christmas lights normally go on the outside of the house.”

“On the…outside?” Sun’s thumbs twiddle together, smile faltering, “O-Oh, well, seems my quick internet search could have been more thorough. We can take them down–”

“No!” Your hands fly to reassure him, “I like it this way. It feels…closer. More homey.” You empty your keys onto the kitchen counter while shaking the shoes from your feet into their usual corner, and then take a whiff of the air, suddenly growing suspicious, “Huh. I thought the house would smell like cookies when I got back.”

“Ah…” Sun trails off before he even begins, pointer fingers now pressing together in his thumb’s stead, “About that… I never actually got around to making them.”

“What? Why not?”

“I told you, I’ve been doing this–” he gestures all around, “–all day! B-Besides, this way we can decorate them together!””

Your coat is tossed onto the nearest chair. “What about Moon?” You ask, “Couldn’t he have baked them?”

“Moon’s been busy, too.”

“With?”

Sun’s head lolls to the right with a little sideways smile, excitement building in the jittery line down his arms until he can barely contain it, “Well, it’s a little too bright out here for his liking, you know.” He straightens, then, and gestures for you to follow him down the hall, “Come on, I’ll just show you.”

Following him further into your house, the sight that greets you is something a little less traditional than Sun’s attempt at holiday cheer, but still cozy, nonetheless. The very description of the word, in fact.

There is a pillow fort in your livingroom.

A colossal structure, it spans the entire size of the room, reaching half of Sun’s height - and most of yours - and presumably uses every feasibly available blanket and pillow in your entire house.

Curiously, there’s an extension cord leading from the bathroom and tucked between two of your kitchen chairs with a blanket overlapping them. You can’t imagine that Moon would have the same extensive number of lights inside this humble abode, but the idea of him using electricity in there for anything else is beyond you.

Sun bends to reach the ‘door’ and gives it a few hearty taps, the usual sound of a knock lost against the swaths of blanket, “Moon, dear, they’re home!” He calls out, “May we come in?”

“Not yet.” Comes the immediate answer, muffled from inside. He doesn’t bother to grace you with his presence.

Of course, Sun’s face twists at this with a roll of his eyes and a scold just on the brink of escaping, “Come, now, it’s rude to keep us waiting.” His eyes meet you, that gentle smile seeping in beneath his eyes, “He hasn’t even let me inside yet, you know, so this’ll be a surprise for both of us.” Returning his attention to the door again, he gives the blanket a more sturdy knock, and says, “I’m coming in whether you like it or not!”

A minute later, Moon appears at the mouth of the fort. His red optic peers, narrow eyed, through the crack he’s formed by pulling the door aside, “Impatient.” He scolds with a tsk, “Fine, I’m done.” The blanket returns to its place a minute later as Moon recoils into his fort and out of sight. “Don’t get your rays caught on the top.”

The two of you share a look. A laugh bubbles from your throat and catches him off guard, but then Sun is laughing, too, and retracting a couple of his rays in an honest bid to do as Moon asked. He bunches the door away and politely gestures for you to enter first, and you do, tucking yourself at the shoulders before making your way inside with Sun on your tail. The door falls back into place behind him.

Your feet meet carpet - or, rather, a solid pair of blankets acting as such - which soften the floor and keep things cozy. Pillows border the sides with a few being scattered on top of more loose blankets, and a number of your stuffed animals have even made their way inside.

Over your head, lights cling to the ceiling blanket in clean lines of sparkling blue. Paper stars and snowflakes hang in between with the evidence of their creation - a pile of scraps and a pair of scissors - still bunched in his corner of the fort. "Try not to be too impressed," Moon smirks over his shoulder. But his attention is elsewhere, hunched over something that you can't see until you're climbed over to his side. "Wait, is that my laptop?" "No," says Moon, readjusting your laptop, "just let me finish this." "Ohh, did you get it working?" Sun, bowed at the head to properly fit, claps his hands together with excitement, “I sent you the link to my favorite one.” A minute later your screen comes to life with a weak crackle - not your failing battery, for once, but the specific crack of old, burning wood - the image of a cozy fireplace coming into view a moment later.

Your shoulders bounce with a snicker, “That’s clever,” you tell him, “but–” your smile dims as you look at the two, “are you sure? It’s pretty and all, but I don’t want something like this to make you uncomfortable - what with the, um,” you gesture towards the screen, “with the fire, and all that.”

Sun gets himself settled into a cozier position and Moon follows soon after, Sun with his legs crisscrossed, hands in his lap, and Moon slumped lazily against a mound of pillows with one of your blankets tossed haphazardly around his shoulders.

They share a look, but it’s Sun who speaks up first.

“We’re sure, sunbite,” he reassures, “Moon and I talked it out beforehand. It’s not so scary like this - being just a screen - and if it becomes too much we can always turn it off.”

“Besides,” Moon cuts in with a lazy hand wave, “We’re not doing it just for you. Sun wanted to try out the traditions and this just happened to be one of them.”

“Hey! Don’t give all of my secrets away.”

You blink, all the puzzle pieces clicking into place, “Wait, is that why you were asking about the lights?”

Sun gives you a hearty nod, “Righto!”

“And the snowflakes, too? Does that mean you have–”

“Presents?” Moon finishes for you.

“That’s right!” Sun answers.

They exchange a grin with each other. “It was Sun’s idea,” Moon admits.

“But I only thought of it this morning, after you left for work–”

“We were a little pressed for time.”

“So don’t expect anything big!” Sun winks at you and shifts onto his knees, then half-walks, half-crawls past where you’re sitting, “I’ll go and get them,” he squeals, giddy like – well, like a kid on Christmas — “Moon, can you get the music?”

“I thought we agreed you would do that?” he grumbles.

“Well, now I’m getting the presents, so you’ll have to put Mr. Pout away and find Mr. Happy Holiday Cheer, instead.”

Your hands fly up, “Wait, wait,” Sun disappears out of the fort a minute later, so your attention turns to Moon, who’s already (begrudgingly) fiddling with something in his system, “It’s sweet that you two got me presents - I mean, it really wasn’t necessary, you know that, right?”

“Sun insisted.” Moon shrugs.

“I’ll thank him for it later, however” you pause, attempting to go about this question delicately, “how, exactly, did you get me a gift? I’ve been stuck at work all day.”

Moon doesn’t answer immediately. He avoids your eye and tucks the blanket closer to his shoulders as a way to fill the silence, knowing you’ll figure it out on your own if he only gives you a minute. And you do. It takes thirty-two seconds for it to dawn on you.

“You–” Gasping, your eyebrows scrunch together, “you snuck out, didn’t you? What did I tell you two about leaving the house on your own?” Your exasperation is justified, you think - it would take all of a minute for a company like Fazbears to retrieve their state of the art equipment if they were spotted out in the wild.

“Don’t lecture us,” Moon rolls his eyes, “He wore a disguise the whole time and was only gone for half an hour. Popped into a convenience store and was back here before anyone noticed a thing out of place.”

“He– ” The strain in your voice goes from annoyance to straight panic and you clutch at your head, eyes wide with disbelief, “He went alone?”

Sun’s head pokes through the entrance a second later. “I took the time to get those cookies in the oven, so they’ll be done in just a few minutes now!”

There’s presumably only one gift in his hand; a medium sized box, wrapped in blue christmas paper and folded neatly at the corners, the bow on top small but beautifully pearlescent. His smile disappears (along with his rays - sucked in the second he lays eyes on you) when he enters the fort to the sight of your eyebrow twitching. Immediately, he turns on the other, “Ah, shnookerdookies, Moon! You weren’t supposed to tell them I snuck out!”

“I didn’t,” Moon answers somewhat honestly, hands up in a show of peace, “and they would have found out eventually.”

You exhale with a pinch to the bridge of your nose, wishing and hoping - praying, at this point - that the two of them would stop giving you heart attacks on the daily. “Sun, what would make you think it was a good idea to sneak out? And beyond that - to do it alone!”

“Well… I really wanted to get you something.” Sun again sits down across from you and begins to tap - the pointer finger on both hands - against the wrapped box in his lap, a pingpong of sound from one finger to the other. You learned not too long ago that it’s calculated, this nervous habit of his, not just brainless noise. Less of a need to fill the silence and more of a way to get his feelings out without the exposure - like swearing in a language the listener couldn’t understand.

You could understand it, was the thing - had been extensively training yourself to, actually, not that you’d had a chance to tell them yet - and you count out the zeros and ones he imitates with each tap like you’re lipreading.

“And,” he continues, “I didn’t know how to ask you for a drive to the store without telling you why.” 1100111 1110101 1101001 1101100 1110100 1111001 “I didn’t go far though, pinky swear!”

Your shoulders deflate some as the letters count themselves out. Sighing, you try not to sound too angry with him. Because you’re not - angry, that is - you’re just scared.

These boys meant the world to you. It would be crushing if you lost them over something as trivial as a present. It’s obvious, however, that Sun doesn’t view it that way. The present is important to him. And he is incredibly important to you. So that meant, of course, that you would be lenient.

“Why didn’t Moon go with you?” You gesture for him. Moon is back to cutting stars out of paper, and he barely spares a glance towards the conversation.

Sun’s rays droop with a more dramatic flavor this time, and when he speaks it’s with a whine, “He already had a gift ready for you,” - this, of course, has Moon freezing in place - “but I wanted to get you something, too!” 1101110 1100101 1110010 1110110 1101111 1110101 1110011 ”I think you’ll really like it. I - I hope you do, at least. But it’s okay if you don’t!“

His behavior - that is, the heat on his cheeks and subtle spin of his rays - leads you to believe it’s not something easy or practical.

You could take a deep dive on what all that suggested, but right now your focus is glued to Moon, who is practically hidden behind his knees with how far he’s slumped into the pillows. A wolfish smile crosses your face. “Moon, you had a present for me this whole time?” You coo, “Why didn’t you say anything?”

He shoots Sun a glower - it’s received with a knowing smirk, taps falling silent - and he tosses a paper star into your lap, “Don’t get a big head about it,” Moon huffs, “I made it in my spare time. It just so happens that I finished it this month.”

“Wait,” your expression turns from smug to soft in an instant, “you made it?”

His eyes grow like saucers and he freezes, attempting to backpaddle, “It’s not important,” he’s quick to say, looking back to Sun, “Why don’t we talk about Sun’s present instead?”

Snorting, his counterpart shakes his head with an all too warm smile, “Ohhh, no, buddy, we’ll have plenty of time to talk about my present afterwards. Why don’t we have them open yours first?”

A noise crackles from Moon’s chestplate - static, then a melody, the lyrics to ‘You're a Mean One, Mr Grinch’ tuning in soon after - all three heads turn to look in its direction. Evidently, his music has decided to interject at the funniest possible time.

You roar with laughter - Sun loses himself in a fit of giggles, too, and it isn’t long before Moon is joining in with an undeniable snicker. It feels a little ridiculous. Here you are on Christmas eve, in a pillow fort of all things, laughing under blinking lights as these two rile each other up. “Okay, enough teasing,” you say through the laughter, “hand over the present already. I’ll open that one first.”

Sun gently slides it across to you, still lost in his laughter but clearly excited for this moment to happen. Moon, on the other hand, has already returned to silence and looks ready to bury himself beneath a pile of blankets.

Plucking away the bow, you gingerly pull apart the wrapping paper and then spring the box’s lid open with a vocal pop. Your hand digs through a mountain of tissue paper before finding the treasure hidden inside and drawing it into the light.

It unfolds piece by piece to reveal a granny square sweater - knitted by hand - each square a different color on an expanse of dark blue. The yarn is soft between your fingers, its weight comforting. Your arms fall only enough to look at him behind the gift. “You…you really made this?”

Moon won’t look at you, but you can see the color spreading across his cheeks from here. He rests his chin into the palm of his hand and decisively looks anywhere but in your direction. “Maybe.” he grunts, “You can toss it out if you don’t–”

“No!” You clutch the item close to your chest, flattening it against your heart, “It’s beautiful, Moon.” Already, you’re swinging it over your shoulders and slipping your arms into the sleeves, “I love it, I really do. I can’t believe you would go out of your way to–”

“Just in my spare time,” Moon remains you - at least now, he’s looking your way again.

“Right,” you smile, “Well, either way, I’m really grateful.”

He shifts, looking briefly unsure, then a small grin sneaks into his expression, “Your old one’s gone to shit,” he says, “It hardly keeps you warm anymore. So - maybe you’ll finally be able to toss it out.”

Nodding, your smile only widens, “I’ll be sad to see it go, but you’re right. Besides,” you give yourself a squeeze, feeling the warmth of the yarn hug back, “I think this one will be a wonderful replacement.”

His eyes soften, smile warming, and he makes a noise like there’s more to be said but then falls silent eyes suddenly shifting to the other side of the room. The fond look on his face turns into a sneer. “Your turn.” he coos at Sun, who - for all intents and purposes - looks twice as nervous now.

“A-Already?” He asks, fumbling over himself, “Maybe we could wait until after the cookies–”

Your hand reaches for him, fingers winding between his own, “Sunny, I’m going to love it no matter what,” you assure him, “I promise. Now, let’s see that gift!”

Sun lets out a whiiiiiiine, long and procrastinating, then finally he relents. His spare hand dips into the pocket of his apron (still caked with flour, mind you) and draws from it a small plastic bag with santa and his reindeer printed across the front. “They said paper wrapping might damage it,” he sighs, “but they gave me the bag for free! It’s–” His fingers pinch together beneath the bag handles, eyes flickering between his knees and you, “–well, I just hope you like it.”

“I told you already, didn’t I?” You take the bag and settle it into your lap, one hand to steady it while the other dips inside. It’s featherlight - and you think, for a moment, that maybe it’s a practical joke and he’s wrapped up air - but then you feel it. “I’m going to love anything you give m–” Leaves. A ribbon.

You pull mistletoe from the bag.

Looking up with a start, you find both of them looking in opposite directions, “I–”

“We don’t have to do anything with it,” Swiftly, Sun assures you, “We can just throw it in the trash! I – we will understand.”

Your heart thunders like a persistent drum against your chest, all at once, your cheeks and all the way up to your ears feel flush with heat, and your hand curls sweetly around the small plant in response, “I was just going to say,” their eyes snap to meet you, looking hopeful and worried at the same time, “that if you wanted a kiss that bad you could have just asked for one.”

There’s a pause, a moment of quiet where you’re sure their systems are buffering. Then, suddenly, Sun leaps from his seat and practically scrambles over your crossed legs, swiping the mistletoe in a heartbeat, it’s barely above your heads before he melts against your lips.

You fold under his warmth and give into it, tasting sugar. Sun pulls away only to crane his neck in another direction and plant a kiss there, too - the space beside your mouth, then another to your cheek, and another, still, at your jawline, touches that pepper down your throat with unyielding fondness until you are quite literally swept away –

into the arms of Moon, who sits where you were a minute ago and tucks you into his lap, arms wrapping around yours, he makes an impatient noise against your ear before dipping his head low and going about your skin himself - a kiss to the cheek and the cusp of your ear, one to your temple - then he wraps a firm hand beneath your chin and tilts it to meet him, discovering the warmth of your lips.

Sun’s hands replace his a minute later, the warmth in them drawing you out of the haze they’ve caused, he’s already closed the distance and shows no intention of stopping.

“Guys–” you gasp, breathless, finding yourself pulled back into soft laughter, you feel paper-light and happier than any holiday card could ever make you feel, “Hey, st– come on,” another laugh escapes you, “you can’t tag-team me like this, that’s not fair–”

But Sun finds the space beneath your chin and Moon dips himself against the back of your neck, embracing you in perfect tandem, and the sensation lights you up like a christmas tree. Engulfed in endearment, every kiss, every eager caress sends a warm shiver down your spine.

Then an alarm blares from outside the fort - the screech of an oven - and Sun shoots up so fast his ray nearly rips a hole in the ceiling. “The cookies!” He scurries from the fort with a shrill of panic.

Moon’s own enthusiasm doesn’t come to a stop all together, but he slows, allowing you a breather to the distant sounds of Sun fussing over and arguing with the oven. He gingerly tucks away the sleeve of your sweater and slips a kiss to your bare shoulder, then sets his chin against it, looking up at you with a smile. Shimmering blue lights reflect in his eyes like stars in the sky. “Having fun?” he asks.

“Very much so,” sighing somewhat wistfully, you allow your full weight to relax against him, “you’re both big saps, you know.”

“Mh,” his arms hug tighter around you, hands pressing wordlessly into yours, “Merry Christmas,“ he murmurs, ”our dearest star.“

[theluckywizard]

In the Shattering of Things, Ch. 60: Under the Lake

Chapter summary: The Inquisition gang heads beneath Crestwood Village to see about resolving the undead crisis once and for all.

Fic summary: Lady Rose Trevelyan's idle, aristocratic life blinks out in a haze of irrelevance when the breach destroys the Conclave. She may be soft and coddled when she joins the Inquisition, but there's a fierceness inside her she's yet to fully recognize. Armed with only a few relevant skills and the mark that makes her a legend, she is thrust onto a path delivering hope where it’s long been scorched away and finds comfort in the grumpy, handsome stick in the mud charged with her protection and training. As she stumbles her way across southern Thedas, she begins to realize she's tangled at the center of machinations she barely understands, and she's not alone in that. Enter Hawke.

Excerpt and art below the cut 👇

Glorious art of Hawke and Rose by my favorite, @crunchyncrumbly! (not an illustration of this particular chapter but I still thought it fit a lil bit). Just look at that gooey look he's giving her. Excerpt:

At breakfast, Hawke plunks down before me, taking in the curious glances before shrugging them off. He sits there comfortably like I hadn’t turned down his invitation last night, smoldering at me from under his brow. I suppose he said we’d carry on as we always have and his flirtatious looks have been a feature since the evening I hit him with a rock. I refuse to shrink from his look and lean my cheek against my rapidly cooling cup of coffee to assess him. He looks as scruffy and mischievous as he ever did.

“Ready for this rift, Lady Violet?”

“I don’t know,” I answer. “It feels stronger than the others. I’m worried about what new and novel monsters will come out of it.”

“We’ll take care of it. You’ve got an unmatched group of companions to back you up. And if it makes you feel better, I’ll stick by your side.”

“I think it makes you feel better.” When I say it, my cheeks spring into a mortified flush. And I’m sure that I’m right , but to hear it? From my own lips? A laugh slips out of him and his brow twitches up.

“You are entirely too perceptive,” he chuckles and then glances up at the scar on my forehead. “And I still feel like shit about the other day.”

“No. I won’t let you,” I insist. The corner of his mouth turns. “You did what I asked you to do.”

“Terrible orders. Just atrocious,” he teases me with a mouthful of breakfast. “Maybe I’ll keep an eye on you anyway. You won’t be able to stop me.”

“You’re right. Technically you’re not part of the Inquisition.”

“I do like to keep my commitments off paper. But you have my shield, Rose,” he says with a meaningful press of his cerulean gaze. “As long as you need it.” 

When his hand moves halfway across the table toward me, mine slides to meet it, my fingertips grazing his but I catch myself, glancing around with burning cheeks to see if anyone had seen. Instead I return his earnest look with a regretful smile. He huffs a tiny sigh and picks up his spoon again to stir his porridge.

“Will you come with me after? To talk to Mayor Dedrick?” I ask. “To arrest him if needed. To present the evidence. I’m afraid I’ll muck it up. That he’ll slither out of it.”

“Of course,” he says. “I remember what the Blight was like. Every day a desperate scramble for survival. Even as one who lived through it, it’s easy to judge from here, ten years later. I’m sure the mayor thought he was making the right decision at the time. Maker knows I’ve had to make morally questionable judgments in a pinch. But thousands?” He exhales lingeringly with puffed cheeks. “I’m not sure what I would have done. These people aren’t warriors or soldiers. They’re farmers, craftsmen, tradesmen. They wouldn’t have stood a chance against even a small horde.”

“And yet here they are,” I say. “They made it. Because of the choice Dedrick made.”

“And he stood by them,” he says. “He made a hard decision with unfathomable consequences and kept on because people needed him. And there should be a judgment against him because he lied. But leadership meant he had to make that impossible choice.”

“Back in Haven when the red templars attacked I rushed from home to home, insisting that they stay. That they shelter in place. It was a mistake that cost them their lives. They were sitting ducks as red templars breached the village walls. And then the dragon…”

“A desperate scramble for survival,” he says, his words deliberative and loaded. “But you saved the rest. And you’re going to fix the world. I’ll do everything I can to make sure of it.”

I bump the toe of my boot into his under the table appreciatively, the surge of warmth that envelops me fits too nicely to shake away. He lifts his toe and traps mine with his, smiling rather timidly across at me. What a comfort it is to have the support of such a legend. I watch him with restrained amusement as he peels a boiled egg, scrunching his brow at it and cursing when he makes a mess of it.

Such a legend. And yet he’s just a man.

I grab another egg from the bowl on the table and peel it for him deftly, holding it out. He regards his massacred egg and then laughs at it, accepting my offering.

“You won’t let me wallow in my messes, will you Rose?”

“You wouldn’t let me either.”

“True,” he says, squishing my toe under his foot gently.

Read the rest here

Start the fic here

DAFF Tag List:

@warpedlegacy | @rakshadow | @rosella-writes | @effelants | @bluewren | @breninarthur | @ar-lath-ma-cully | @dreadfutures | @ir0n-angel | @inquisimer | @crackinglamb | @nirikeehan | @oxygenforthewicked | @mogwaei | @exalted-dawn-drabbles | @melisusthewee | @blarrghe | @agentkatie

[wellthebardsdead]

Sylas: *3 weeks into being infected with vampirism and no cure in sight, laying alone in his and taliesins bed looking heartbroken, muzzled like a feral dog in case the hunger takes control again* Mm?

Taliesin: *walks in dressed only in a blanket, visibly trembling as he lets it slip past his shoulders, his hair free from his usual strict ponytail and hiding the tears welling up in his emerald eyes* I can’t take this any longer. I’m hurting you and I can’t stand it- I- i-… *drops the blanket and walks to him gently grabbing his muzzle and undoing the straps* I want you to feed on me.

Sylas: *sits up and grabs his hands, shaking his head and letting him go so he can pull up the blankets to cover him again* Mm!!

Taliesin: Sylas… please…

Sylas: *holds still meeting his gaze, heart already breaking expecting him to look away in fear again, only for him to resume freeing his mouth from his restraints*

Taliesin: *removes the muzzle and sets it down before climbing into his lap and moving his hair to the side* please?… I can take a potion after, or we can find a cure together… I can’t stand being without you any longer, I’ve never felt so lonely… please…

Sylas: … *shifts him from his lap and lays him against the pillows, knowing not to question Tali when he’s this committed to his decision* get comfortable sunshine… please… I… I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.

Taliesin: *relaxes into the bed and reaches arms up to him, wanting to be held, very obviously afraid* w-will it hurt?…

Sylas: it… hurt when Harkon bit me… but I’ll try as hard as I can not to hurt you… I know your neck is sensitive… if you think I’m taking too much please… push me away… I’m… I’m begging you.

Taliesin: *seeing past the daedric glow that’s now corrupted his once diamond blue eyes and witnessing the fear he holds towards the disease that’s taken him, that’s changed him* I will, love… I know even know you’d respect my safe word…

Sylas: teacup as usual then… yes?

Taliesin: *nods* teacup.

Sylas: *nods and leans down, nuzzling into his neck with soft kisses and gentle feathery touches before sinking his fangs into him with an icy, painful but blissful, bite*

[mal-urameshi]

Can we please get more of Riri asking Mama Okoye for relationship advice also I love your fics ❤️

🤎🤎🤎🤎

Chronicles of Mama Okoye and Riri! XIX

“Riri, do you see us being together for a long time?” The  couple was enjoying the sunrise, but the soft morning glow and stillness of the newborn day had Shuri in a deep contemplation.

Riri looked over to Shuri, who had a serious expression painted on her face.

“Where’s this coming from?” If Riri didn’t know any better, she’d have thought she was going to ask to break up.

“I just want to know where your headspace is when it comes to us.”

“Yea, I see us being together for a long time.” Riri rested her weight on her elbow and played with a few blades of grass.

Shuri opened her mouth, a stifled syllable escaped past her lips before it was blown away with the wind, “So you wouldn’t want to see other people?” 

Riri’s head snapped back up to Shuri. “See other people? What do you mean? I just want to be with you. Why are you bringing this up right now? Do you want to see other people? Are you talking to other women? Do you want to entertain other women?” Riri sat up so she could properly regard Shuri. Her eyes better had not started to wander.

Shuri held out her palms, “Riri! Riri relax. I’ve just been thinking about us and where we should be going with our relationship.” 

Shuri rubbed her face and anxiously bit her lip, was now the proper time to bring this stuff up?

“I was just thinking about our future together. Like engagement. Marriage, children. Moving in together?” Shuri looked over at Riri to gauge her reaction.

Riri didn’t reply for a while, which caused Shuri’s heart to sink,” Riri?”

Shuri waved her hands in front of her face.

“I blanked so hard Mom! I didn’t know what to say!” Riri sat down on the couch before getting up again.

Okoye couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped her, “You went from being ready to bite her head off at the thought of seeing other people, but couldn’t answer her about the next steps of your relationship. I tell you.” She shook her head.

“Ma! I’m being serious here!” She sat down and dropped her head in her hands before looking over at her mother.

“I thought communication isn’t an issue with you and Shuri?”

“It isn’t!” Riri groaned and worried her bottom lip.

“Do you not want marriage and children with Shuri? You’ve been together for quite a while now. How many years, again?”

“Four, almost five.”

Okoye slowly nodded and flicked her wrist, “And you’ve known each other for longer. Are you afraid of commitment?”

Riri made a face, “I ain’t scared of commitment. Else I wouldn't have been with her all this time. I don’t mind moving in together.” She shrugged, “Having some privacy would be nice.”

“So you aren’t opposed to getting a house with her.”

Riri shrugged.

“Shrugging is not an answer Rire. It is either yes, or no.”

“No. I’m not opposed to it.”

Okoye turned herself on the couch so she could face Riri properly.

“I want you to be honest with me, Riri. Do you want to be with Shuri for the long haul? As in when you turn old and grey?  Getting on each other’s nerves more than you both do now, navigating all life has to offer from now until your deathbeds?”

Riri nodded her head, “Yea, I do.”

‘Well, Shuri asked all those questions because she’s trying to be practical. When it comes to relationships, the couple has to be on the same page, as you know.”

Riri nodded along with what her mother was saying.

“And since you both want to be together and not see other people…” Okoye clasped her hands together, “She’s wanting to set things in place.”

‘Every relationship has a goal, Riri, and Shuri’s endgame with you is to build a proper life together.”

“But don’t you think getting married is a bit too soon, Mama? I mean, I ain’t even 20 yet and there’s stuff that I still want to do before I tie myself down with kids and such. You know?” Riri gripped the couch cushions as she felt her heart rate elevate.

Okoye affectionately pat Riri’s knee, “Every relationship has milestones, my love. And it has reached the point where Shuri wants to set things in motion in that direction. Now, I’m not saying to jump into getting married immediately and having children. But you should be open to communicating this with her so that she’ll be on the same wavelength.”

“I won’t lie, it seems like she’s ready for all that, right now.” Riri shrugged.

Okoye quirked an eyebrow, “Are you sure? Because what you related to me was that you heard about marriage and kids and then you blanked.”

Riri slapped her palms against her cheeks, “Well okay, yes. But I thought she was gonna like…propose to me or something.”

Okoye sucked her teeth, “There you go, jumping to conclusions again like you always do. It sounds like she wanted to have an open conversation. Expectations and all that?”

Riri rubbed her palms on her thighs, “Like timelines and stuff?”

Okoye snapped her fingers, “Exactly! Whatever plans the both of you have, either if it pertains to your personal growth and otherwise, you set goals. Whatever reservations about certain topics you both have, you iron it out and try to work around it.”

Riri nodded, “Okay. Okay. I won’t lie. My ass really was clapping when she mentioned marriage. It’s not like I don’t want to marry her. I’d just like it to be when we’re a bit more settled and mature.”

“And I’m sure Shuri won’t mind it, given that she’s so busy herself. But again, my Pebble, you shouldn’t be scared about these types of things. There is a thing called compromise. I’m sure there will be things that  you want at a certain point in time but she won’t. And vice versa. But that’s the beauty of dealing with your partner. It keeps things spicy.” Okoye winked.

“Oh, Bast. Umama. Don’t wink like that.” Riri covered her face.

Okoye wrapped Riri in a hug and kissed her cheek, “Are you okay now? Is your little heart at ease now?”

Riri nodded, “Yea. It is.”

“Okay, good. Then I think a bery adult conversation with your Princess is in order.”

Riri smiled and nodded, “Yea, Mama. I’ma get on it.”

Taggies: @somethingcleaverandwhitty @karimwillia @neptoons1998 @pantherheart

[emmabaginskyartwhimsy]

Dear creative humans,

Do you keep having fun and interesting ideas only to shove them aside? Are you stuck in the all-too-familiar trap of “maybe one day…”

NO MORE! I’m tired of doing that and this is how I’m going to do it.

The Project

An idea for a Silly Goose Themed Tarot deck popped into my head last week, and I was like, oh absolutely. Then I started sketching, and I knew it was over for me. I needed this thing to exist.

The only issue is I’ve never attempted a project this big. A tarot deck has 78 cards in it. That’s s e v e n t y - e i g h t individual drawings AND a booklet that describes each card. This would be a serious undertaking.

The first step in starting a project is figuring out: why?

The “why” is the most important step. People seem to forget that these creative projects are a lot of hard work. If you don’t have a satisfying enough “why”, your brain will throw every excuse at you as to why you should logically give up. A silly little defense mechanism our organic vessels came up with to protect us from anything painful. Even when it’s good for us.

The problem is that growth is painful. So if you ever want to grow, you’re gonna have to get used to being uncomfortable.

Your “why” should be (mostly) internally motivated. Remember, the only thing you can control is yourself. If the reason for your creative pursuit is external validation (e.i, Internet likes & money), you are giving away your power to forces you have no control over. So inevitably, when you only get a handful of likes, you are much more likely to give up and think “what’s the point?”

The point is creating something that never existed before! There are things in your soul that will never be made unless you take the leap.

Reasons why I am undertaking this project:

#1: This is a fun concept that needs to exist

I love tarot and think it is a helpful tool. Making my own deck will help me connect with the cards, especially because I have to research the card meanings.

I really want to hold the finished deck

Improve my digital painting skills

Starting and finishing a project like this will allow me to build skills that I need for future BIGGER projects.

I will have a cool product to sell at Art Fairs!

My mind, body, and soul are all on board 👍

“I am not afraid of a little hard work” (if you know, you know)*

Not only am I going to be making a tarot deck, I am also committing to documenting the process on social media. This adds another layer of difficulty.

Reason why I am posting on social media:

#1: Recording the process and writing everything down will help me process my thoughts. Which will hopefully make condensing my thoughts into the booklet easier.

Sharing my interest with others! I might get people interested in tarot & teach people a little bit about tarot cards.

Internet footprint: If my legacy in life is being the “Silly Goose Lady,” that's a win.

Documenting growth. A good way to visualize progress.

Grow an audience that vibes with me

People might like it and want to purchase it when it’s finished

Inspire others to make their own creative projects

Okay so, now what? Wanting to do something and actually doing something are two entirely different beasts. The only thing standing between me and my goal is me.

How to control chaos incarnate?

The chaos goblin inside me hates the idea of structure. Nobody can tell me what to do, especially me.

“What if all this planning stifles my creative energy?” Cries the goblin.

This is where self-awareness comes in handy. The goblin loves exploration, which is both a good and a bad thing. If you let the goblin take the lead, you’ll never know quite where you’ll end up. My goblin is easily distracted and, more often than not, has led me to a bunch of dead ends.

Creating structure is not something you should fear as an artist. Instead of ridgid unforgiving chains, think of the planning process like bumpers in a bowling lane. A good plan will contain the goblin to the task at hand while still having fun in the process.

Making a good plan in 5 Steps

Making a good plan is all about thinking ahead and making most of the decisions now so you don’t get decision fatigue later. Otherwise, things get messy and overwhelming pretty quickly.

1. Set a time frame

If you want to reach the finish line, you need to set a pace. Be realistic. Life comes with many responsibilities. How much time is this project going to take you?

I’m measuring this project by cards per week. I did the math on how long it would take me to finish 78 cards.

1 card/week = 78 weeks → October 2025 [1.5 years]

2 cards/week = 39 weeks → January 2025 [9 Months]

3 cards/week = 26 weeks → October 2024 [6 Months]

4 cards/week = 20 weeks → September 2024 [5 Months]

In the grand scheme of life, whether you achieve something in 5 months or 1.5 years doesn’t really matter. What matters is that you got it done. Aim for a pace that is sustainable for you. Burn out is a very real struggle. Life is all about balance.

As I continue the project, I will be able to readjust my expectations accordingly. I imagine that the rate of production will fluctuate but I’m aiming to complete 3 cards per week.

2. Set project constraints/parameters

Put down that pitchfork, Chaos Goblin, and let me explain.

Limiting yourself is actually good for creativity.

I need each illustration to feel like they are a part of the same world. I’m achieving that goal by limiting things like color palette, subject, and art style.

By choosing to keep the same parameters for each of the 78 illustrations, I am freeing myself from the overwhelming task of making a bunch of decisions over and over again. That’s when a project really gets messy and overwhelming.

When in doubt, simplify.

For my project, each tarot card has a well established meaning that acts like a prompt. The Fool card, for example, is about new beginnings and taking the first step. The creative goblin gets to “silly goose-ify” this prompt without having to deal with the infinite well of choices.

3. Make a process that makes sense for you

How are you actually doing the thing? This is where the consistency really comes to play. A bad system will feel redundant and full of friction. If you hate doing a part of your project, you’re more likely to never pick it up again.

This is why I decided to draw each card digitally. This solves a lot of efficiency issues and will save me a lot of time. Imagine having to drag a tripod and camera around with me anytime I wanted to draw. The logistics of that sounds like my absolute nightmare. I only have one camera battery that lasts for about 30 - 45 mins for filming videos. Then, when I’m done, I have to scan every drawing into the computer anyway. No thank you.

Instead, I have an editing-software that screen records me while I’m drawing on my laptop/tablet. Now that’s easy 👍

4. Make a schedule

If you want this goal to come into reality, you need to put time into it. How much time is up to you, everyone's life situation is different. Remember, small consistent blocks of time are all you need to make significant progress.

I am currently a stay at home parent to a very young child. This comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. I spend most days looking after my son but I’ve carved out a strategy that works well for my situation.

I broke down the different tasks of my projects and assigned them to each day of the work week. This way I know exactly what I should be working on each day.

My work day bounces from nap to nap but most of my free time is at night after the baby goes to sleep around 6:30pm.

5. Set Boundaries & Priorities

Now here’s where I fight back a little on “hustle culture.” Life is meant to be lived, not toiled away. Make sure you take time for yourself. Time spent taking care of your mind, body, and soul is not wasted. The well of creativity needs replenishing, so breaks are actually a very efficient use of your time.

And FOR PETE’S SAKE, GO TO BED. The work will wait for you. Your brain needs to sleep in order to process all the information it took in today. “Sleep on it” is indeed a real thing. You might wake up with a new idea on how to fix whatever ailed you yesterday.

For me, my family takes priority. My husband works during the week, so I try to keep the weekends open for fun family outings or cozy days inside.

Our children will only be young once. I am making it a point to enjoy the time we spend together instead of stressing about a “lack of free time.” For me, my children will always be my greatest work. On the hard days, I remind myself that there will be a time where I don’t have small hands clinging to me as I try to put the dishes away. They will be off on their own adventures and I will miss those small hands very dearly.

Some closing thoughts

Remember that your plan should be flexible. Just because you mess up doesn’t mean you need to give up entirely. Take a second to go back over the plan and change the things that aren’t working. Failure is only a temporary learning state. It is not something you need to carry with you.

So go forth and create some things we’re never seen before.

The only thing left to do is take the leap.

Good luck, I’m rooting for you.

Emma

*Guess that kid’s TV show. Of course it’s Bluey lol.

[tinybirdsupporter]

FLOSSING: A GRADUATION

a graduation from suicidality, it is.

I am no longer afraid of committing to the fact and confronting to the reality that I will live.

I just bought a calendar for the first time in my entire life. I never used the planner they gave us every year in high school (although having the type of brain that desperately needed it), cause using the planner admitted to me that I was indeed scheduling my day away— locking the possibility of something better happening— it would prove to me, in some way, that I am accepting in the conditions of my circumstance, and I’ll actively participate in their existence. school, work, sleep, death.

And I have never been okay with the circumstances of my existence. I have always wanted to die. Childhood depression, yada yada, you grow up and become your person, totally created in misery. Baked in some special sauce. Cooked and burnt and fried.

I have always run away from my foreseeable future. My depression was the type where you weren’t too keen on living in the first place, so every single responsibility added felt like bulky clothes while you’re already drowning, simply another reason that the inevitable were to occur: it’s because you never committed to living in the first place. Every push actually pushes you. The steadfastness of a life force was never there to begin with. Water in wind, rain on concrete. You never stood a chance.

Tonight I did my whole nightly routine. Before doing this, I usually take “consideration time”, 10-15 minutes beforehand (which is to say for 10-15 minutes, I am secretly debating if I should waste my energy in getting up at all, because one night wouldn’t kill me, the whole time I am begging myself to fool myself into thinking I would do it tomorrow morning. Because I don’t want to get up. Because self care, which is self preservation ((even in this minuscule example)) has always been something “extra”— because self care, which is self preservation, means admitting you’d like to commit to living.)

That is the bar. That is how low my will to live is. Genuinely. And I’m not fucking depressed like that, as of late. As I’ve put myself into lovely circumstance, through picking battles, choosing peace, and finding forever friends, I’ve been pretty good, I’ve been pretty great, I would say!

Back to the story— I flossed my teeth tonight, a conscious integrated action preluded by many experiences of preparing for this present-future moment. These moments include: a thought that I should start flossing; a reminder to buy floss at the store; a moment in which I actually executed the action, both by going to the store and separately remembering to buy the floss; bringing the floss to the bathroom, alongside my four other things to remember; shortly thereafter, I finally was there, poised in the mirror, hair back and abound, dutifully flossing. A perfect length of floss, enough to wrap a finger or two around for optimal leverage, functional control, and superior grip. And so I was flossing, and in that moment, I felt that I had graduated. I felt the same feelings as I did while graduating— the heart pushes up in your chest a bit, your breaths are remarkably light, your head pulses with pleasant blood— I felt like I had graduated.

Usually you don’t feel that same pang of self-worth and holy gratitude while flossing. However comma I did, and I still do. The graduation feeling persisted as I wrote down dates in my calendar— only friend’s birthdays, so far. I knew I had graduated from my old way of life. I finally wanted to live, and I would do the hard things any day to do it.

[incendio22]

FOR THE HOPE OF IT ALL

Pt 2 Chapter 6: Bruised

I walk back to the Common Room, having mixed feelings about agreeing to a date with Sebastian. For the first time in a long time, he had put a smile on my lips, but I'm well aware that it's going to take more than just a smile for me to even consider taking him back. However, I won't deny that it's quite exciting to have some options. And neither is a commitment.

I don't know why I told Sebastian that I despise him, when that isn't the case. But something about the small part of me that hates him also makes everything about him so exciting, as if it's a fiery passion instead of a cozy campfire. I down in front of the windows facing the Black Lake, like so many times before. People have even started to make space for me when I show up, since most people seem to recognize it as my place.

Since I read about twin flames, I've had a hard time letting it go. I keep thinking about the separation part, specifically, which might be odd since I'm not really in separation from Sebastian. But our connection is, and I believe that is what they are referring to.

I have come to believe that everyone has, or will have, a person that they simply cannot seem to get over no matter how hard they try. And when we don't have them with us, we're left with a permanent mark. Almost like a scar, but only visible to us and constantly remining us of everything that's not our person. Whenever you try something new, or meet someone new your mind just wanders to them thinking about how the person you're meeting isn't them. And you want to tell them everything, but you can't.

Instead, you're simply left with a permanent mark that will forever remind you of them and it will probably never go away because they made such an impact on you. And after giving it some thought, I believe that Sebastian is my twin flame. I have fallen asleep with the pain of the separation, I have woken up sore from it and lived through days with it. And the most painful part is that you don't know if they did or if they even felt the same way about your relationship. Did our relationship leave a permanent mark on him, too? I will never know the answers and I'm rather sure I don't want them either. Some things are better left unsaid.

The days pass quickly and when I'm getting ready for my date with Garreth Imelda is helping me. She's making sure my hair looks perfect and that I have my cutest outfit on. I go with a skirt and a knitted sweater, which is what I feel most comfortable in. I meet Garreth in the Belltower Courtyard with my broom in hand.

''I'm honored to even get to touch that broom,'' he says jokingly.

''As you should,'' I say firmly with a smile. ''Get on.''

He sits behind me, wrapping his arms around me and we lift off. We fly over the yellow trees and I fly over the Black Lake, watching the sunset. It's stunning. I speed up and Garreth holds onto me even tighter than before as if he's afraid that he's going to fall off.

Eventually I land outside of Hogsmeade and we walk the last bit. He seems nervous, but I don't blame him. We step into The Three Broomsticks and order one beer each. We grab an empty table and sit down.

''That was some ride you took me on,'' he says with a laugh.

''Oh, we can do an even quicker fly home. If you're not scared,'' I tell him in a daring voice.

''Give me five of these and I might consider it,'' he nods towards his butterbeer and laughs.

''Oh, is that a bet?'' I ask with a grin.

''Don't get any ideas,'' he tells me. ''Anyway, you've kind of been the talk of the school ever since you started your 5th year.''

''Is that so?'' I ask in an intrigued tone, eager to learn more.

''Obviously,'' he looks surprised that I don't seem to know what he's talking about. ''I mean, you start later than everyone and just happens to be a quidditch master and save the school a couple of months later. It's more than most of us will do in a lifetime.''

''Don't make me blush,'' I tell him as I laugh.

''No, I'm serious. You're really cool,'' he says sincerely. ''And rather pretty, too.''

I feel embarrassed when hearing him say that. Of course I know it's a date, but it still feels weird hearing someone talk about you like that. It feels good, but I don't feel sparks flying as he says it.

''You don't look too bad either,'' I tell him, feeling rather awkward.

I notice that his cheeks flush, which makes mine flush a little as well. We laugh together and have big sip of butterbeer together.

''I feel like parties are more my thing,'' Garreth says with a laugh. ''This isn't my natural habitat, I feel right at home in a dark dungeon with some good music.''

''Oh, I hear you,'' I tell him with a smirk. ''Are there any going on tonight?''

''There's always a party at Hogwarts for the ones looking for it,'' he says with a smirk. ''The Gryffindors are hosting one, we could go if you want to?''

Said and done. We are heading back to the castle and even though Garreth said I could fly faster if he got five butterbeers, I speed up so we can get back quicker. I hear him screaming slightly behind me and I need to hold a laugh back.

We enter the Gryffindor tower and Garreth leads me to a secret room. As we walk to the door I see students all over the place, drinking as if it's their last night in the castle. Everyone is there, including Sebastian who is talking to Anne by the window. He sees me coming in with Garreth, but he looks away. I feel a lump forming in my stomach, but I also get a sudden urge to make him jealous.

I put my arms around Garreth and we dance close to each other. I like him, but I don't feel any sparks like I used to do with Sebastian. I have no idea what is right or wrong, good or bad. It feels good with Garreth, but I miss the fireworks that I used to sense whenever Sebastian touched me. I move closer to Garreth, leaning my face closer to his. He looks into my eyes as if he's asking me if I want to, and I lean in. His lips are soft on mine and it feels nice. I open my eyes and notice that his eyes are closed, I look around and catch Sebastian's eye. He looks broken and while it breaks my heart to see the pain in his eyes, I hope he's looking carefully so he knows that this is how it will go if he messes up again.

I leave the party rather early and Garreth stays with his friends. We had a good night together, but Garreth is mostly a fun person to be around. He brings out the better in me and maybe we have something to build more on. I wander the castle and see Sebastian ahead of me. I fasten my step to catch up with him. He nods at me to say hi.

''I suspect the date went well?'' he asks curiously. I'd expect him to be upset about it, not seeming genuinely curious.

''It was,'' I tell him in a content tone.

There is something in the air. I can't place it. There is so much tension between us. Without thinking I reach for his arm, pulling him closer to me. There it is. The fiery sensation from his skin. He turns to look at me. I pull him closer, leaning my face closer to his.

''I thought we were friends?'' he asks in a confused voice.

''We are,'' I tell him in a low voice.

''Friends don't do this,'' he argues and takes a step back. ''Y/n, I'm serious about this. I can't kiss you seconds after you kissed someone else. I love you and I want you, but I can't be part of some experiment.''

It's as if he has seen right through me, knowing exactly what's been going on inside of my head. My eyes fall to the ground.

''I'm sorry,'' I apologize sincerely.

Frankly, it hadn't happened intentionally. I had just felt so drawn to him. It was almost as if he was a drug and my body needed more of him. Of course, I knew it was a bad idea to kiss him. But what's the point of denying myself all pleasures in life? I mean, a kiss doesn't have to more than just a kiss.

''You have nothing to be sorry for,'' he says with a sincere smile. ''I understand that this might be a result from what I did to you, so that's why I'm telling you. You don't ever have to apologize for how you choose to put it back together.''

His palms are pressed together and he looks sincere. This is something new to me. Is he... Understanding me? A year ago he would have gotten uspet, but he seems to understand why I kissed Garreth and why I tried to kiss him. Somehow, I'm not angry at him for rejecting my kiss. After hearing his explanation, I understand him and I think it's very mature. However, I won't deny that my lips are aching for his.

Some parts of me wants to hold onto the anger. Not because I'm afraid that without it my judgement may get clouded, because I at this point I'm sure of what I need and want. And how I won't accept to be treated. I hold onto it because there is something that excites me so much about that fiery hatred. It's like a spark I have never felt before and it's more burning than anything and I feel like I might die if I don't explore it.

[nice-and-accurate-ramblings]

⚠️WARNING: Good Omens Season 2 Episode 5 Spoilers below the cut!

Don’t click on the read more if you don’t want spoilers!!

Lmao Shax is NOT getting a legion of hell

“I have a permit” “this just says ‘I can do what I want’” kinda energy

“Can I watch?” Crowley is sooo along for the shenanigans

HE GAVE AWAY A BOOK

TWICE?!?!?!

AZIRAPHALE. WHAT.

Okay no but this circles around to that lovely headcanon that he doesn’t actually mind selling or giving away books as long as it’s to the right people

NOT THE FRENCH AGAIN. AZIRAPHALE PLEASE. SHE IS SO DONE WITH YOU

At least his French is better now

CROWLEY IS SO DONE LMAOOO

Shax scary o_o

“You’ve been together long? You and your partner?”

“IT CERTAINLY LOOKS LIKE THAT FROM HERE”

“HES NOT MY BIT ON THE SIDE, FAR TOO PURE OF HEART TO BE ANYONE’S BIT ON THE SIDE, HE’S JUST AN ANGEL… I know”

MR GAIMAN I AM IN YOUR WALLS FOR THAT ONE

Oh he looks DEEP in thought

Shax is going to commit murders. And then take the stairs

WELL THAT WAS A LOT TO PROCESS BEFORE THE THEME SONG EVEN HIT

Theory while the theme song plays: is it a play by Gabriel and Beelzebub to restart Armageddon? Gabs goes missing, everyone is watching the situation, hell sends an army to attack an archangel, war ensues??

“Smited? Smote?” “Smitten” yeah someone here is smitten alright 👀 two someones actually

*leaves* *grabs the bottle of wine on the way out*

Ohhh Nina honey please please please leave her. This is some Grade A Toxic Shit

I want to give Nina a huggg

CROWLEY. STOP. TALKING. YOU ARENT SUPPOSED TO SPILL THAT SECRET. THAT IS A VERY IMPORTANT SECRET.

Crowley holy shit

Gabriel holy shit

“My head isn’t built for that” kind of like how Job’s wasn’t built for that? Is he human now????

IN A MATCHBOX?!?!

HE TOOK IT OUT FIRST AND PUT IT IN. THE BOX HE BROUGHT HERE.

If it happens again it’ll seem like an institutional problem? GABRIEL WHAT. THE FUCK.

“Do you want a hot chocolate” 🥺🥺🥺

Oh my god the angels know absolutely nothing about humans

MURIEL!!!!

Uriel and Michael have a wonderful silver and gold vibe happening here

Crowley shut the fuck up you are nice

WAIT AND SEE

I HAVE WAITED. LET ME SEE. L E T M E S E E.

OH THAT’S MRS. SANDWICH

oh Aziraphale you are either so oblivious or so incredibly ace or both

Aziraphale really said WE ARE HOSTING A BALL

Ohhh Nina I am giving you the biggest hug. You’re better off, queen 🥺

“For once in your life, trust somebody” “You’re weird!!” Correct response. He is weird. But yeah listen to him.

JIM WHAT ARE YOU WEARING

AZIRAPHALE THIS IS INSANE AND I LOVE YOU SO MUCH

“YOU YOUNG PEOPLE” SHSHDJFJFKG

Oh no Maggie you need to run. Like. Now.

Thank you Crowley 😭

Okay Aziraphale this is uh. Weird. This is getting creepy fast.

Is she… you know… a seamstress 👀

I now understand why choreography was needed for this episode

Aziraphale’s face when watching them dance,, it’s the toesy-woesies face,,,

Gabriel is being flirted with en masse and is entirely oblivious

PERHAPS YOU COULD TELL ME WHILE WE DANCE

I-

I AM

HAJSKDKDKDKFNGKKSKFJGKHLLDKF

Shax I swear if you interrupt this I will find a way to reach through the screen and strangle you myself

“I know I’m hard work” “I’m not afraid of hard work” Maggie and Nina have my whole entire heart agghhh

THEY ARE DANCINGGGGGG

Aziraphale you are really not underestimating how much trouble you’re actually in

Oh fuck oh shit oh no

“You came to me. I said I would protect you. And I will.” Someone explain why I am about to cry.

THE COAT, GABRIEL WHAT

oh no the two tiny half miracles were too effective

T-O-S-T-E. TOAST.

CROWLEY GOING LAWYER MODE AHSHDJDJF

Oh my god he made it up I love him. I love him so much this is 🤌🤌🤌

Oh hi Mr. Brown you’re about to get murdered.

HM. YEAH HE UH. HE DID GET MURDERED.

“Have you got your hand in” “oh I’ve got more than that” “I bet you do”

CROWLEY YOU ARE IN FACT A GOOD LAD. LISTEN TO MRS. SANDWICH

I-

“Make your own plans” “Oh I am! But rescuing me makes him so happy!” I AM GOING INSANE. I HAVE NO WORDS. I JUST. GIVE ME A FUCKING MINUTE.

oh hi Muriel!

“Good job! You arrested me!” “You’re arresting me, why would I be trying to trick you?” If this upsets Muriel I am legally obligated to throw hands

WHAT IS HAPPENING

On to episode 6, I am slowly losing my mind 😀👍

[buddiebeginz]

I just watched Red, White, and Royal Blue for the first time the other day, loved it. I think I've watched it at least 10 times since then. 😝 Haven’t read the book yet so as usual I’m behind everyone else. But I wanted to make this post because I’ve seen numerous comments on social media criticizing the movie for not having lgbtq actors playing the main roles.

As someone who is bi I’m really frustrated that this continues to be an issue the lgbtq community is pushing. I've seen it happen with other movies and shows where actors have been harassed on their social media because they've taken queer roles and they're straight or straight presenting to the world.

I definitely believe we should push for better and more representation for lgbtq actors (especially poc and trans people) in Hollywood but that doesn’t have to mean every lgbtq role needs to go to an lgbtq actor.

For me as a queer person what matters most is that our stories are told by people doing it with the most care and authenticity possible.

One of my favorite shows of all time is Queer as Folk (the original US version from the early 2000's). The cast included a few lgbtq actors (and had lgbtq creators at the helm) but was mostly made up of straight actors. The show isn't without it's faults especially for the time period it was made in but for me personally it's one I most identify with. I never felt like the cast was just doing their job and the relationships especially within the main group felt real and relatable. The show also never shied away from showing true intimacy between their characters. At a time when gay sex was not a thing in media at all let alone on tv QAF was not afraid to be as raw and vulnerable with their characters as possible. No matter where the show took things the cast whether gay or straight always came off as people invested in the scene. You could also tell their commitment to the show when they did interviews back then and again years later when they've done reunions etc.

You can see the same kind of commitment to the story with Taylor and Nick in RWRB. You can see it in the movie and in some of the interviews we've been able to see when they've talked about their roles or working with each other and how much working on this has meant to them.

I get why people want to see queer parts go to queer actors when they don't get cast as much as they should and as I said that needs to change but I think we can push for changes while still praising important moments like this movie being made. I also don't think that actors should be pigeonholed into being hired solely based on their sexuality. The more society pushes for this it won't be helping rather it will hurt lgbtq actors who already have a hard time getting roles that aren't specifically for queer people. Gay men in particular are often passed over for leading man roles because it's a long running stereotype of Hollywood that no one wants to see a gay man as a straight romantic lead or an action hero.

The other problem here is I think we need to stop with this obsession of needing to know celebrities sexuality. Just because a character is lgbtq doesn't mean we need to verify that the actor is too especially if that's not something the actor wants to talk about it.

I think that Nicholas and Taylor deserve every bit of praise for the job they did. I don't think their sexuality matters here whatever that is because at the end of the day they both put their all into telling Alex and Henry's love story. Just as much as they would have if they were acting with someone of the opposite sex more so in some ways I'd argue. You can tell they felt the gravity of what they were making and and how important this story already was to so many people.