#like i need to just get some sun and sit somewhere that isn't my bed when i'm drawing lol

[junkdyke]

things i wanna do this year that could be fun inspo if you're looking for things to do outside of the house

go to jazz lounges for live music and vibes, looking all cute and classy sipping wine with my friends

take classes and workshops! Ceramics, woodworking, my friend said he wants to take a voiceacting class, glasswork, welding, etc

go cruising around on my longboard, mainly at the beach along the bike path, looking at the ocean, listening to music, vibing

volunteer now that i have the time post-grad!! I'm hoping to give time to the LGBT center, women's shelter, and a general unhoused center or group

join a knitting/crochet group, go sit at the park and crochet

have more art-making days with my friends, painting or sewing or w/e together

join in on a mural painting

more live music in general, concerts, small local shows

go to some orchestras all fancy with my friends

go crystal hunting and collecting rocks in the desert

go camping, like proper camping

go fishing (on a boat!!!)

find some random, niche conventions to attend

i'm going to a metal show that's in a museum lmao

more community meetups, going to a black queer bonfire this month

start playing guitar again

my friend said he'd learn how to surf with me if i let him teach me how to snowboard

tabling and vending at more markets and conventions

keep an eye out for more small art galleries and popups

just music and vibes and checking out different kinds of events that aren't exactly the usual go-to clubs and events, maybe helping to organize more creative group outings :)

[woozvc]

promises.

pt.2 of this fic - better left unsaid

synopsis - mingyu can't let you go.

pairing — mingyu x gn!reader

genre/s — hurt-comfort,minor fluff??

a/n - this isn't my best work but I had so many people asking for part 2 so I had to write it 😭😭 I'm not good at writing hurt comfort so pls forgive and focus on mingyu <3

w/c - 1k ish

“y/n get up”

you groan and pull the blanket over your head, wanting to block the sunlight coming into the room. your best friend was kind enough to let you crash on her couch for the night, but you forgot she had a life, work in the morning.

“give me 5 more minutes” you snuggle into the warmth of the couch.

“y/n if you don't get up I swear I'll call up mingyu right now- oh okay damn that was fast”

she stares at you as u immediately get up and give her a annoyed look

“did he really hurt you that bad?”

did he? it's something you also didn't know the answer to. honestly speaking you were mad at mingyu but somewhere in your heart you wanted to forgive him. somewhere in your heart made you think that maybe he never meant it, maybe it was really the heat of the moment

“he hasn't called” you look over to your phone, staring at it. it's silent, no notifications from mingyu asking you where you where or anything. it was completely silent

“he's doing what you asked him to” your friend hands you a glass of water

“I have work but you can stay here as long as you want, don't think about the fight too much okay? from what you've told me, he seems like an amazing dude, maybe it really was a heat of the moment thing? anyway don't rot here all day, if you can go out get some sun” she gives you a small hug and a smile. you nod and say goodbye to her.

the rest of the day goes by quick. all you do is sit on her couch and watch some shows. you thought of cooking something but it kept reminding you of last night so you let it go

it's about 7pm when the door bell rings. you get up to open it, fully expecting your best friend to be standing on the other side. but its not. instead it's a man.

“oh”

oh.

you meet his eyes. he looks the same as he did last night. you don't look better yourself, messy hair and puffy face.

“can I come in?”

“this isn't my house”

“then can you come out?

“I don't know”

mingyu runs his hands through his hair and sighs. he looks at you one last time before sitting down right in front of you and looking up at you.

“mingyu what are you doing..”

“what I should've done yesterday” he looks directly at you, his eyes threatening with tears.

“I get you want to be left alone y/n but I can't do this. I need you to know I'm sorry. I can't let you go to bed mad at me. you don't have to speak to me but please just listen to me?” he looks at you pleading. if the atmosphere was different, you would've laughed at him, told him how he looks like a puppy sitting at the foot of the door.

you don't say anything though. you slowly slide down the door and sit next to him, looking away.

“y/n, you're the love of my life. I've never loved anyone like I love you. what I said yesterday…I regret it. I know that's not enough, I know you have every right to not believe me. but I want you to know that I never meant to hurt you. I wasn't thinking, I had too much anger and frustration which just burst on you and I'm sorry okay? you don't have to forgive me but please, please believe me when I say I'm sorry?” his voice was shaking. he was trying not to cry and speak as clear as he could but he was failing. he took a deep breath through his tears

“you don't have to contact me right now, talk to me when you want to, I'll leave you alone for now” he started getting up slowly when you grabbed his arm and made him sit down again. you finally look at him again.

“I'm still mad at you, but I'll let it go for now. I want you to promise me this won't happen again.”

mingyu smiles, wiping the tears off his face

“I promise, I swear on my life I'll never speak out of frustration again, I promise.”

you nod, holding your hand out to him “okay, let's go home.”

mingyu pulls you into a hug, buring his face in the crook of your neck and smiling. you hug him back, just enjoying his warmth for a while.

you hear footsteps and look up

“you guys are so cringe.. ugh you're going to let bugs into my appartment please leave or get in or do something so I can close my door”

you laugh, glad mingyu didn't leave this unsaid.

[theidiotwhowritesthings]

Howdy, so I don't know if you have seen The Last of Us, but if you have, you know the scene where Joel saves Ellie from the hospital and he just ploughs through everyone and its like wow -///-

I just think it would be a really cool like drabble if this was a Din x reader fic? Only if you wanted to write it though!! Also I'm so happy that I'm on your taglist for inevitable because I jump to read it every time that I see that I've been tagged, it has me in a chokehold and the way that you write the reader is so damn good.

Your writing is something that brings comfort to me every week, and the way you interact and talk to your followers is so sweet. I love coming back from a stressful day to sit down somewhere comfortable to enjoy your work.

Anyways thanks for reading this ramble of an ask and I hope that you're doing well :)

[a/n]: combining some stuff here! this is for the anon who asked for this scene AND for @cockscombkingdom who asked for a fic in Din's POV where he takes care of reader and keeps her safe. I started with the plan to make this very sweet and fluffy and I'm not gonna lie a little darkness seeped into it. my bad.

also in case it isn't abundantly clear i am a joel miller apologist thx

Din Djarin x Female!Reader

Warnings: Violence, death, injuries, mild dark!din (if you squint and/or have a problem with murder)

Word Count: 1,440

Summary: You were selfless. You gave and you gave and you gave. The universe planned to only take more, but Din Djarin would be damned if he let it.

LOOK FOR THE LIGHT

.

"you'd just come after her." -Joel Miller (TLOU)

.

Din was worried about you. He was always worried about you because you were always on his mind. It couldn’t be helped. Somebody had to because it seemed like you were perpetually too worried about everyone else. Din admired that about you. He always had. You went out of your way to help anyone and everyone who approached. You had a heart that was always willing to give, and it left you too little to use for yourself.

When the two of you first began traveling together, he noticed that about you. Sometimes you’d get so preoccupied watching Grogu you’d forget to eat. Peli had once put you to work, organizing her tools as part of the payment to fix the Razor Crest, and you had been so focused on getting the work done well that you had taken no breaks and ended up dehydrated and weak under Tatooine’s hot suns. It’s why the mission he was delivering you to made such simple sense to him. You were special, is what you told him. Din knew you were special, felt it, but it was for very different reasons. According to you, there was something in your blood, some type of cell, that could cure a lot of people of some terrible, terrible disease spreading through a world in the Outer Rim.

Din tried to keep his distance from you. Tried to not get attached. But you were so selfless, that it naturally brought out his protective side. He couldn't help but care for you, but caring for you as a responsibility had quickly turned to loving you along the way. Din didn’t know a lot about love. Didn’t have much experience with it, lust was easier to grasp, and that left him confused most of the time. Din had no idea how to express what he felt for you, how to explain it in words, so he did the only thing he could do. Din took care of you. Kept you safe when he stopped to pick up quarries, made sure you remembered to eat and drink water, reminded you to go to bed and when you would eventually forget anyways he’d carry you there himself. Din didn't know what love was supposed to feel like, but what he did know was that being without you made his heart physically ache and protecting you brought him happiness. 

Maybe that’s all he needed to know.

‘It’ll be okay.’ You had promised him with a smile that made your features glow. ‘Shouldn’t take long.’

That had been hours ago. Din delivered you to the medical facility as he had been hired, but when you hadn’t come back out he sought after you. It’s why he now sat in a small room, Imperials flanking the door, as he simmered in disdain. Something was wrong. Something was very, very wrong.

“Mandalorian.” A man stepped into the room. A doctor from the looks of it with thin, round rimmed glasses. The name ‘Pershing’ pinned to his lapel. Din stayed silent. “I was under the impression that you had been paid. Was there an issue?”

“No.” Din replied. “Where is she?”

Dr. Pershing paused and shook his head as if confused. Din tilted his head a bit, an obvious threat in body language, and the doctor was smart enough to realize this. He nervously cleared his throat. “She is being prepared for her operation.” Din narrowed his eyes in confusion. You told him they’d just need your blood. “There is no reason for you to stay.”

“I promised her a ride back.”

There was a tense silence that filled the room at his words. Din watched the doctor squirm where he stood and he needed no further clarification. He shoved up from the table, prepared for a fight, when the Imperials leveled their own weapons at him before he could reach his blaster.

Dr. Pershing held his hands up in a placating manner. “She will be a hero. After we drain her of all her blood, we can make a cure. There’s a 65% chance this will work and save the people of this world.” Din was fuming under his armor. Drain your blood? They were going to kill you. They were going to kill you for something that only had a 65% chance of even working. “She will not be in pain! She’s been put under! She will not feel a thing, and we did not scare her with the news.” Din staggered back as if he had been physically hit. Was this man saying… Dr. Pershing confirmed Din’s thoughts. “We did not tell her this would kill her. We spared her that misery. She went under anesthesia peacefully.”

The words echoed in Din’s head loudly. As if a bomb had gone off right beside him and left him deaf and blind. He walked on autopilot as the Imperials escorted him through the building toward the exit. They were going to kill you. They were going to kill you for a shot in the dark cure. Din was literally paces to the door when his boots stilled. The Imperials shoved him, tried to get him to move, threatened to shoot him, and then Din snapped.

With the practiced precision of a bounty hunter and Mandalorian who spent most of his life in a fight, Din spun and cut down the Imperials in one swift movement. The darksaber glowed angry in his hands, casting threatening shadows down the hall. Never before had the sword worked so well for him, but as Din marched through the facility it was practically an extension of himself. Blaster fire pinged off his beskar and he did not hesitate. If a person stepped into his path he eliminated them. Cold. Ruthless. A predator. Din stalked the medical facility searching for you, and he left a wake of death and destruction in his path.

When he finally caught sight of you, through a window into some kind of clean room. Din felt his heart flutter in his chest. The first twinge of emotion since starting this rampage. It was a reminder of why he was doing this. A reminder that his actions were necessary.

Din stormed into the room, his eyes not leaving your unconscious form as you laid on a table in a hospital gown. The staff in the room panicked in a flurry, and one of them⏤ maybe the doctor maybe a nurse, Din didn’t even register who the kriff it was⏤ rushed him in a poor attempt to stop this onslaught. Din cut them down without blinking. Without taking his eyes off of you. The second you were in his arms, Din felt marginally settled. He wasn’t going to lose you, couldn’t lose you. Din had sworn to himself that he’d take care of you, it was all he knew how to do, and he wasn’t going to stop for the sake of anyone.

Not even the sake of a world.

As Din carried you out of the building it occurred to him that he may be dooming an entire population of people. This world’s chances of survival were dropping from 65% to 0%. He knew that he should care. He knew that this information should bother him. That it should make his steps more hesitant and make his chest ache in indecision, but it didn’t. His choice had never been more clear to him. It was either this world or you. Din was choosing you. He’d always choose you.

When back on the ship, Din had only carried you a few steps when gasping could be heard. He turned around to see Dr. Pershing at the end of the ramp holding a blaster at him. The man was breathing hard, face red, as if he had sprinted all the way here to stop this from happening. Din had to admire his dedication. The man believed in this cause so much he was willing to go head to head with a Mandalorian who had just single handedly cleared out a medical facility. 

“I can’t let you do this.” Dr. Pershing snapped. “You’re dooming this world if you take her!”

A blaster fired. Dr. Pershing stumbled back, a hole in his chest, and Din held his blaster firm in his hand. Your legs draped over that arm had hidden his weapon well. A strangled gasp left the man’s lips and he collapsed into a motionless pile. Din shook his head, responding to a dead man’s words, “I don’t care.”

Din would protect you under any and all circumstances.

 Was that love?

[jhoneybees]

The Cowboy and The Beekeeper.(Chapter 1)

Hello sir🫠

Welcome to the first chapter of my first series!! I'm so excited to see what you all think and hope you all like it :) this chapter is written in a third person's point of view but don't worry the other chapters will be written in a second point of view and the reader doesn't have age regression in the first chapter, they will get it tho, I promise☝️ Thank you to everyone who took part on the poll! I would've had a hard time choosing😅

Taglist: @hooked-on-elvis @scarlettlight06

Characters: 60s!Cowboy!Elvis X Beekeeper!fem!Reader

Warnings/triggers: third person pov, mentions of blood, injuries, wounds,guns, bullets

____________________________________________

Deep red descending from a painful wound on his arm, caused by an enemy’s hot pistol. Elvis wearing a green buttoned up shirt that's torn and in need of repair. He rides his stallion far and long in the never ending landscapes of distant mountains, scattering heights of green trees and grass. He’s exhausted and the blazing sun beaming down on his tan skin isn't helping. Creating an uncomfortably warm sensation in the wound and making his breath heave from the heat.

He’s hungry, thirsty, just wanting somewhere to rest. Riding and riding over hills and through valleys Elvis finally spots a house placed in the middle of a small plain, with a relieved but nervous sigh, he trots down.

Once halted in front of the fence gate, he dismounts and quickly ties the leading rope to one of the posts, making sure to hide his revolver a little in its holster. His bloody hand pressing firmly over his upper arm, Elvis walks through, up to the front door of the unknown house and knocks three times. Getting no response Elvis Disappointedly walks back and just as he unties the rope, a voice calls out “Hey! Can I help you?” Elvis lifts his head and looks towards the direction of the voice, meeting a pretty lady standing next to a group of beehives, wearing beige coloured pants and a buttoned up collared shirt. He sheepishly smiles “Hello! Yeah, if i ain’t botherin!”

the lady snickers and shakes her head “Not at all!” as she makes her way over, she carries a hat with a wide rim, a mesh material draping over. Loudly sighing, she places the hat on a fence post and rests a hand on her hip “What can I do for you?” again she smiles kindly, her eyes travelling down to his arm seeing his blood covered hand, Elvis breathes out a chuckle “Well uh, if ya don’t mind..uh- could I rest here?” raising his eyebrows in question, he nervously smiles earning a nod “Oh! Of course! And something for that as well…” she states whilst pointing a finger. Elvis looking down with a sheepish smile, the lady picking her hat back up, she turns towards the front door. Elvis ties the rope back and follows her inside. Looking around the place, he sighs contently and looks back at the friendly lady closing the front door. She walks past him, unconsciously putting her hat on a nearby table. Waving a hand, she guides him to the guest room. Letting Elvis in to sit at the edge of the bed “Get yourself comfortable, I’ll be right back” at her words he nods and watches as the lady walks off. Taking off his hat and with one hand he effortlessly unbuckles his gun holster, sighing relieved.

Footsteps getting closer and closer, holding a wooden box the lady returns “Alright! Now let’s take a look..uhm, could you take your shirt off please?” She smiles awkwardly earning a small grin from Elvis, taking a seat next to him, she waits for him to finish removing his torn shirt. The lady uncovers the box and rummages inside “How did you get the wound?” she asks, Elvis rubbing the back of his neck “Ah got in a bit of a tussle with some folks…” the lady nods “Hmm was it from a gun?” With a slow hesitant nod Elvis sighs “Yeah…” with a second nod, the lady picks out a wrapped up piece of fabric, unravelling to reveal a variety of tools. Laying a gentle hand on his arm, she inspects the injury. Noticing something shiny buried in the bloody flesh “I’m gonna take the bullet out so just try your best to not move too much” Elvis raises his eyebrows “Ma’am?” the lady smiles reassuringly at him “I’ll be quick” gulping silently, Elvis holds his breath. With a swift and experienced motion, the lady carefully pokes a pair of tweezers inside the wound, earning a pained groan from Elvis, getting a hold of the bullet, she pulls it out and lays it on an old rag “There” Elvis looks down and sees the bullet covered in blood, blinking blankly “Man, you was quick” the lady snickers “Told you, I would be” grabbing a small jar from the box, she opens the lid and swipes the strange substance onto a linen cloth “What’s that?” Elvis questions, the lady lifts her head “It’s a homemade ointment” giving the man a gentle smile, Elvis smiles back “It smells nice..” with a soft hum “It’s made of mostly honey, from my hives” the lady explains. She lightly pats the linen cloth around the wound, careful to not send a sharp sting. Her eyes trail up to look at Elvis who is looking down at the floor “I never got your name” Elvis turns his head “Elvis..Elvis Presley” he smiles, the lady breathes out a laugh “Y/n L/n” shyly chuckling, Elvis rubs the back of his neck with his free hand and rubs his thigh.

Finishing with the ointment, Y/n begins to wrap a bandage around his upper arm. Adjusting the placement as she goes, her eyes wander up to his blue eyes making her gulp quietly and her heart rate beating a little faster. She didn’t really take much notice of his features until now, feeling a slight squeeze in her heart. Her chest rising and falling in one slow breath, her hands gently holding his arm up with her soft fingers, with a soft squeeze she creates an indent from the pressure. Imagining what it would feel like to be held in his arms, breathing in sharply, she snaps herself out of her thoughts and lowers her eyes to the task in hand.

Elvis’ eyes trail around the room, seeing blankets nicely folded upon an old woven chair and baskets stacked in the corner. Bringing his hand to wipe under his nose, he looks at Y’n’s shoes, wandering up to her hands, noticing the bones move delicately under her skin on the back of her hands, wondering if her hands are soft like they present themselves as. Silently letting out air through his nose as his view travels further up to her chest, watching as it rises and falls in a graceful fashion. Clearing his throat when he realises what he’s doing and looks back down at the floor.

The room falls silent as they unknowingly admire each other’s complexion, their breaths, the distant ticking of the clock and birds whistling outside, the only sounds filling their ears until an unexpected meow enters the room. The both of them turning their heads to find a fluffy ginger cat, glancing at one another. Y/n clears her throat “Oh! Rosie, come here baby” Elvis looks at Y/n, the lady looks at him with a sheepish smile “She’s my cat, Rosemary” Elvis nods quietly and lets out a slight chuckle “Oh..” the cat jumping up onto the bed between them, sitting down with her paws elegantly placed in front and her chest out confidently. Looking up at Elvis with her feline green eyes. Smiling small, Y/n snickers “She’s usually quite curious with guests..” Rosemary lets out another meow, making Elvis smile “And quite vocal ” they both quietly laugh.

The feline taking her eyes away from Elvis, she stands up and walks around behind him, sitting down again next to his cowboy hat and gun holster. Lowering her head to have a sniff of the hat only for her to retract her head back slightly making Elvis chuckle “She’s probably smellin’ Rising sun” Y/n cranes her neck a little to see Rosemary then glances at Elvis “I’m guessing that’s your horse?” he nods, keeping his eyes on the ginger cat.

Straightening her posture, Y/n finishes up with the bandaging and puts everything back in the box. Elvis lifts his head as she stands up with the box in her arms “Thank you Y/n” he grins, Y/n nods her head “You’re welcome Elvis” smiling subtly “You’d probably wanna wash the blood off your hands..” Elvis glances down at his hands and nods.”The tap is outside” the lady states “I’ll start on dinner” she shyly excuses herself out of the room.

Elvis watches as she walks away, sighing again he turns to see Rosemary pushing his hat with her little nose. A small smile playing on his lips.

[dullgecko]

I don't know what to do without you. I don't know where to put my hands. I've been trying to lay my head down but I'm writing this at three AM

Francis Forever, Mitski

It's a late night for Riz, but when is it not? The reason this time: he can't contact Fabian. Usually that would be normal for 4am messages, but Fabian hasn't answered all day. And he isn't answering any of the other Bad Kids messages/calls either. When they went to Seacaster Manor, Fabian was nowhere to be seen. So now Riz can't sleep, panicking about the whereabouts of his best friend. Maybe he just needed space? Maybe he went to see his father in hell? Maybe he got kidnapped? Great, and now Riz is even more awake, dragging himself out of his tangled sheets to add to his board.

(Your call where Fabian actually is and whether he is found or returns by himself!)

Riz had messaged Fabian at 4am, nearly kicking himself when he realised the time and quickly typing an 'oops sorry' followed by another 'shit, sorry again' before putting his crystal down and rubbing his eyes. He blinked rapidly a few times to try and clear some of the sleepiness away, hauling himself out of his desk chair and going to shower rather than sleep because he'd have to be up for school soon anyway.

It had been a long day at school. His lack of sleep the night before really biting him in the ass when his favorite napping spot was absent for once. Fabian didnt take days off school very often but when he did it was usually for a good reason. The fact that he wasnt answering his calls or texts usually meant that he was sick so, once the school day was over, Riz took the long trip to Seacaster Manor to check on him.

Two busses and an annoyingly long hike up a driveway later he knocked on the front door, ears flicking as he tried to pick up sounds from inside when it wasnt opened after a few minutes and hearing nothing. Welp, it wasnt like he couldnt let HIMSELF in.

Riz wandered around to the side of the house, clipping his bag to his belt and quickly shimmying up the outside wall until he was perched outside Fabians window. It only took a few seconds for him to pop the catch on the inside and slip through, shutting the window quietly behind him as he peered around the room.

The bedroom was empty, the bed was unmade and Fabians crystal was still sitting on his nightstand. The rogue crept across the floor silently, keeping an eye out for any sort of ambush as he moved over to the crystal. Unlocking it with a swipe of his thumb and scrolling backwards to look at what the last thing Fabian had read was. Apparently it was his message at 4am, which was amusing because it meant that Fabian still didnt have his text notifications muted, but concerning because it meant that ALL THE OTHER messages had been unread from that point.

He put the crystal back down where he found it, heading out into the manor to check for any other signs of a disturbance and coming up empty. It was a total ghost town.

Riz waited around for a few hours afterwards, hoping that Fabian had just gone somewhere for a short while and would be back soon. Once the sun started to set he decided he really needed to head home though, letting himself out the front door this time and locking it behind him as he trudged back down the long driveway to the bus stop. Brain turning over all the possible reasons as to why Fabian would just disappear like that without saying anything.

He wasnt getting very far with his theories though, his lack of sleep catching up to him by the time he finally got home. The goblin resolving himself to getting a quick nap before he tried searching again in earnest. It was a futile effort though, Riz not able to shut off his brain long enough to get some rest as his theories kept getting wilder and wilder the longer he sat on them. Another night without sleep leaving him with with eyebags so dark he looked like he'd been punched in the face by the time the sun rose the next morning.

Riz had been fully prepared to mobilize the rest of the bad kids by the time he got to school the next morning, heading for their usual meet-up spot and stopping short when he spotted Fabian among the group. The rogue stealthing to get behind him without him noticing and biting at his calf in order to vent his frustration about the whole ordeal.

"GYAH! Good morning to you TOO The Ball." Fabian grabbed him by the scruff of his neck to make him let go, Riz dangling in his grip and growling at him a little when he pulled a face at him. "Or maybe not, you look awful."

"Where the FUCK were you? I went to your house and you were gone." Riz flicked his tail in frustration, Fabian depositing him back on his feet. "I was worried."

"Ah apologies. Mama had a little bit of a health complication with the baby and does not trust the hospitals here. We had a little bit of an unplanned trip to Falinel." Fabian explained, holding his hands up when he noticed the worried expressions of his party. "Its fine its fine. She's home now I just forgot to take my crystal with me. It was all very sudden."

[fangirlstorycreator]

I hope you are well 🖤💕 I have an ask.

We all know Fenris is jilted towards mages, understandably so, but what if he falls in love with a mage, sort of like in DA2 but this is pre-Kirkwall before he would meet the champion. He's out exploring and stumbles upon a young mage who is being harassed by bandits and he jumps in to save her, only to find she's hurt, and also quite pretty. He struggles with her abilities at first but then soon sees her creating ethereal style butterflies as she sits in their camp, and he finds himself enamored.

Thank you very much for the ask! This is my first ask that's from my new list and I'm very happy to write this for you! I will try my best for you 💚

Being a mage wasn't easy, with most of the people you've come across on your travels, they didn't exactly take to you very well. You were seen as a danger and they kept their distance, apart from the odd few who would confront you, weather it be on the road somewhere or in public. You had been many places all over the land, and you didn't feel very welcome in any place you visited, so you ended up only going into the public eye to get supplies for yourself. You were able to sleep easily on the road, occasionally helping the odd person hear and there for coin, and it was a fairly comfortable life...but that's not to say that it wasn't lonely for you. You had noone travelling with you, and you kind of wanted that, but if it wasn't meant to be, it wasn't the end of the world. You had just passed a market stall on the edge of Kirkwall and stoped to get some things to make for your dinner tonight, you grabbed some cured meat, vegetables, fresh fruit and a new water pouch. You walked happily back through the market, that was until this sudden thump was felt in your shoulder before you fell to the floor with an aggressive push.

Someone had knocked you off your feet, and you look up to see this arrogant man covered in scars, and 3 of his men behind him laughing at your fall. "Aww what's the matter little mage? Can't handle bumping into a real man?" You hated this man with this single question, you hated arrogant guys like this. You stood up, brushed yourself down and smiled back at him "No I didn't, but when I do I'll be sure to let you know" This mans friends all go "Ooo!" Behind him, this annoys the man who pushed you. "You need to be careful little girl, you know rudeness is not attractive" "Hears a question then? What makes you think I'm trying to attract you?" He was stumped, he looked at you like a deer caught in the light, he wasn't expecting that response. You smirk and walk past them all, leaving the market behind and onwards to your next place to travel, which seemed like the forest in the distance ahead. You were kind of used to that happening to you, not everyone was a fan of mage's, especially if you were a woman too. But because it was such a normal thing, you were used to it and tended to push it to the back of your mind.

You camped up a little while later and made a small fire with your magic, it saved spending money on stuff for it when you could just wave your hand. You had eaten and were watching the sun go down through the trees, it was a lovely end to the day....or so you thought. By the time it was dark, you were just reading a book by the fire when you hear muffled chatter and laughter, from quiet to louder as it got closer to your camp. When you finaly see who it is, you realise this wasn't good "Hello again little mage!" This was the same man and his friends from the market, they seemed a little drunk, but not enough to be properly impared. You just tried to ignore them and continue reading, but they were now in your camp, and you couldn't ignore them now. "Wanna tuck us in little lady?" "No, go away" "Ah come on, hey, if your lucky...I might let you sleep in the same bed roll as me? I think you'll be quite impressed" "You do know, being a dick isn't going to make yours any bigger?" Again, his friends were amused by how you could defend yourself and anger this man. "Watch your mouth mage! I know I can take you single handed!"

"I really hope one day you choke on all that sh#t you talk" "Oh is that right? Well then, it seems we're all going to have to teach you a lesson. Boys!" This man and his friends all charge at you, which catches you a little off guard, but not enough for you to make a protective barrier just in time to push them back away from you. But what you didn't realise, was that they seemed to have planned this attack on you, and you weren't aware of the man behind you until it was too late. You felt a painful blast behind your back, causing you to fall to the floor in pain, where this hidden man jumps towards you and grabs your arms, pinning them behind your back. "Ahaha! That's what you get you little b#tch!" This man and his friends advance on you, and start kicking you and punching you, rendering you helpless and being made to endure all this pain. You weren't able to say a single magic encantation with them punching you in the face, and your hands were being held behind you so your couldn't conjure anything, you were stuck, and scared. "Mages like you don't belong hear! And we're going to make sure you never retur-nngguuhh!"

This mans voice is suddenly cut off by the sound of him grunting in pain, through your swollen eye, you see that a mans fist has gone through his chest. But there seemed to be magic infused into his hand, and they wore a gauntlet of sharp claw like shapes. When the fist is pulled back out, the man holding you throws you to the ground and you fall forward and collapse onto the ground infront of you. Your in so much pain that the sound of fighting is just a white noise to you, and you lie there trying to make sence of what's going on around you. Your vision is blurry, but you see these men falling like flies to this unknown man. You can't make out what he looks like, but you can make out this strange colour from him...it was white...and it seemed to be, almost vibrant against his skin. It was something you'd never seen before, were you really seeing this? He seemed to have white hair, grey armour, and he had eyes like emeralds. You were fighting consciousness, and as the last man gets slane, your eyes are slowly starting to close. This unknown man walks over and kneels beside you, the last thing you remember is the feel of this mans hand against your cheek, before everything went black.

You awake some time later, with bandages on your wrists, one of your shoulders and you can feel healing remedies and oils on your face and skin. You seemed to be safe, but who was it that saved you? You slowly sit up, with your body aching and creaking as you do, this makes the man sitting by the fire notice you, and he moves to sit infront of you. "Woh woh, take it easy there. You've had a few nasty injuries" "You?...your the man who saved me?" For some strange reason he looked a little taken back by that comment, but then he said "Yes, my name is Fenris. I heard a commotion on my way through this forest. And when I investigated, that's when I happend upon you. And those awful men who were attacking you" "What did you do to them?" "They are dead, they will no longer bother you or any other mage anymore" "Well, thank you very much for saving me Fenris, my name is Y/N" "Its a pleasure to meet you" "Just one thing, how did you know I was a mage?" "Well, it was only because I over heard those men saying that you were, I don't normally spend time in the presence of mages, but you were in danger. So I made an exception"

"Thank you for that again by the way. May I ask why you don't like mages?" "Well it's because of a mage who I have had bad experiences with, he uses dark and bad magic. Hence why I don't particularly trust mages. But...I noticed when you were being attacked, you didn't use any dark magic, only a protective barrier" "I don't like the thought of dark magic, I only want to protect myself and others around me.....which I guess I couldn't do this evening" "You were over powered by many men, don't put yourself down about that" "That's kind, thank you" he made sure the bandages were secure and that you weren't in a great deal of pain, after what felt like a few hours of general chit chat, you decided to ask him a question. "Fenris?" "Yes Y/N?" "I wanted to ask you....what are those markings are on your arms and neck? I can sence magic in them, am I right?" "Yes, you are right. I imagine I must look strange to you, I did not receive these markings by choice, even so, they have served me well. Without them, I'd still be a slave" "I'm sorry? A slave?"

"Yes, I'm afraid that my story isn't a nice one, infact my story is part of why I happend upon you this evening. You see, I was a slave to a magister by the name of Danarius, he was my master and I did not want to be his property. That is why I am hear, I have escaped his clutches and I am now being hunted by bounty hunters" "But if he's getting people to hunt you down, what does he want from you?" "Not me, more the markings on my skin. It is Lyrium, burned into my flesh to provide Danarius what was acquired of his pet" "So that's why I met you tonight? Your on the run?" "Not quite, I was on the run. But I have realised that I don't want to run anymore, I don't want to live my life in fear. So I'm looking for my former master Danarius, and I intend to kill him for everything he has put me through" "I take it because he is a magister, he's a difficult man to find?" "That's correct, he is a magister of the tevinter imperium. They hold all the power over the chantry and the imperial court, and he is also a very slippery man who is able to evade many moments where I was very close to confronting him"

"It sounds like you need help finding him?" "That's right, the only thing is, whose going to help an escaped slave looking to kill their former master?" "I don't know? Maybe a mage who you saved? And is now in your debt with the knowhow and abilities to help track someone down" "Y/N, I don't know. This is a dangerous thing to ask of anyone, and being around a mage is difficult enough as it is" "Don't you like that I'm a mage?" "You seem like a lovely woman, but after my history with Danarius, I'm very cautious. You can understand that right?" "Of course I do, you have a very good reason not to trust mages. But you were kind enough to help me, and I would like to return the favour. I have many abilities as well as magic, and if I can, maybe I can show you that not all mages are the same. From the sounds of Danarius, I don't want to be anything like him. Anyone who keeps slaves and burdens them with a body burned with Lyrium, is someone with a cold soul, which I'm nothing like" Fenris looks conflicted, but he also knows he can't take on Danarius alone. "Look, if you do want to help me with my former master, then I am happy for the help. But it will just take me time to trust you, and if your magic is harmful in anyway, I will no longer want you around. Is that understood?" "Understood Fenris" "Alright, then we have a deal"

You and Fenris camped there that night after striking a deal, he was kind enough to save you, it's only fair you offer to help him in his moment of need. You and him traveled through towns and villages hunting down any information on Danarius, all while you were slowly healing from your injuries. Fenris was kind enough to offer his support and help you when you were either in pain or if you struggled with something you were unable to do at the time. After the first week of travelling with him, a friendly bond was made between you both and there was mutual respect on either side. After a few more weeks, the only thing you and Fenris were able to accomplish was slaying more of the bounty hunters and find out what Danarius's next possible moves could be. You and Fenris now got on much better, but you hid from him that you found him quite attractive. He was strong, brave, resilient and clever, and whenever he looked into your eyes, you felt so comfortable and warm. You had heard of women feeling this butterfly sensation when they see a man they have feelings for, but you didn't feel that with Fenris. You just felt calm, you wondered why? You knew more about eachother now, and you knew Fenris was scared at the thought of magic being used, hence why you didn't use any around him.

And if you did, it was very small. One evening, you and Fenris had found a place to pitch up a tent in a woodland area beside a river, Fenris was pitching up his own tent when you had finished and decided to sit on the edge of the soft and slow flowing river. It was a short distance away from the tents, but still far enough that you wouldn't be able to hear him unless he was shouting at you. It had been so long since you had done magic, and it was always so easy for you to do. Hence why when you were by the water, the colours in the water from the moon light and the fire, made you feel magic in your finger tips, and you so easily made an ethereal bunch of butterflies. They were a beautiful dusty blue colour from the water and the moonlight, and a lovely milky yellow underneath their wings, that contrasts wonderfully with the blue. You made about 6 or 7 of these lovely little butterflies, and they just flutter around you and over the water as you smile.

Little did you know, that Fenris was watching you from his tent, but not with fear, but like he was entranced. Ever since he's known you, he has been very honest about his thoughts on magic and mages, and he was very pleased that you didn't do magic around him. But as he got to know you, he had this gut feeling that you were indeed, nothing like Danarius, just like you said. He also grew to like you more from spending more time with you, and when you did use the odd but of magic hear and there, he was pleased you made sure it was only small and nothing damaging or threatening. But right now, he was witnessing you use your magic, and he quite simply couldn't look away. Not just because he was impressed with your skill in creating these beautiful butterflies, but it was your smile that was catching his eye too. He loved your smile, he loved watching you in your element and how happy you were by simply making something so sweet. He had been denying his feelings for you for a long time, and he knew he wouldn't be able to keep them in for much longer, not with him falling even more in love with you everytime he saw you smile.

He walked over to you and sat beside you at the river, which made you very confused. "Fenris?" "Yes? You sound suprised that I've seated myself beside you. Have I done something to upset you in any way?" "No, not at all. I'm just confused" "About what?" "What do you think?" You ask while pointing to the floating butterflies. "Ah, I can understand your thoughts. But I have to admit, that I'm actualy quite impressed by your magic" "You are?" "Indeed. When we first met, you told me you wanted to show me that not all mages are the same, and that you were nothing like Danarius, and in our time together, you have proven just that" "I have always been honest with you Fenris, I wouldn't ever want to hurt you or any other innocent person with magic" "And I know that now, I see that. I see it every day, and I see your kindness and honesty in your smile too.....your smile....the moon, stars and camp fire could all be hidden from view, and your smile will still be the brightest view" "Fenris...that's beautiful" "I'm just trying to show you my honesty. Y/N, I know that I am still a man on the run, but with your help I've managed to get closer to Danarius more than I ever have before and I'm very thankful for that. But during our time, I have found that I have grown a certain....feeling towards you. A feeling I'm hoping is reciprocated, if it isn't I will understand, but I needed to be honest with you if we were going to continue hunting Danarius"

"Fenris? Is this your way of saying you have romantic feelings for me?" "That's what I'm trying to do yes. I do apologise, I haven't been in this situation before and I'm not quite sure how to tell you my true feelings" "Well I can put your mind at ease Fenris, because I feel the same way" "You do?" "Of course I do" "Oh I, that's wonderful" You giggle and blow a butterfly towards his face, making the end of his nose tickle. "I thank you for this" "You do realise you don't have to thank me for liking you back Fenris?" "Yes, I know. But this is just a wonderful thing to happen to me, and I felt the need to say it. But I'm happy, very happy. If there is a future to be had, I will walk into it gladly at your side" "I couldn't quite hear that, could you speak up?" You ask cheekily. "Why don't I make it clearer for you?" He says right before he leans in with a desperate need, and he kisses you with a fiary passion. Holding the back of your head with his hand, and his lips were locking so perfectly with yours, like he craved your touch. Your eyes were closed, but you could sence that his markings were glowing as he kissed you, almost like his body was vibrating with excitement. When he pulled away after you both needed some air, he looked at you with his deeply green emerald eyes, and you were hypnotised. "Was that sufficient for you?" He asks with a little smile. "Hmmm, I don't know. Maybe you should kiss me again, just to make sure" "I think it's safe to say I will never tire from this"

[lumine-no-hikari]

Dear Sephiroth: (a letter to a fictional character, because why not) #208

Today was another very busy day.

Once again, I ended up going to bed a lot later than I should have, last night. And once again, I was woken prematurely - this time, by Br's alarm. It is very loud, and it sounds like this; make sure the volume is relatively low before you play this one:

...That's all right though. Br needs a strong alarm in order to wake up. Some folks are like that.

Hey, Sephiroth? Do you need a very strong alarm to wake up in the morning? Or does a soft one do? I tend to wake up very quickly in response to any unusual sound. And I guess unlike lots of people, the transition between awake and asleep is very abrupt for me, unless it is late and I am fighting sleep. But in the morning? I usually end up waking just before whatever I set my alarm to, and once I'm up, that's all there is to it; it's like flipping a light switch. What's it like for you? And how long has it been since last you slept someplace comfortable, anyway?

Initially, I thought I was gonna go back to sleep, but I decided instead to drive Br home. J sat in the back seat. It was a nice drive to her house. And it was a nice drive on the way home. I snapped a lot of pictures for you; the morning sun sparkling through the trees was absolutely delightful, and... I remembered the way you marvel at nature, so I thought you might like to see. Oh, and, don't worry; Br's road almost never gets any visitors except for us, so it was perfectly safe to stop and marvel:

J also took a few pictures for you:

...He also got a few pictures of me taking pictures, for some reason, hahaha...

...Then he took a few other ones, too, for some reason, hahaha...

...I make such weird faces, hahahahaha! 🤣😅

Near Br's house is a place that J had been wanting to explore for a while now. I don't really see the appeal of industrial settings, but J gets curious about them sometimes. And we had time before I had to go to my friend BB's house. So J took some pictures there, too; I was too busy driving:

...Some of the graffiti one sees on trains is really very amazing. I have no idea how someone can render something so realistic as this with a medium as unforgiving of mistakes as spray paint, but this person managed, and did an incredible job of it. I hope they're working as an artist somewhere...

After all this, J and I were hungry. So J found a spot that was named after his departed brother, and so we decided to go there. But it was a cash-only place, and we only had $18 on hand. We ended up splitting a plate of french toast with sausage and an egg, and it was wonderful! We left the remaining 3-ish dollars behind as a tip, for a little over 20%.

We still had plenty of time before I had to go to BB's house. So J and I went home, and M and J watched some new 3D animated Star Trek show together while I kinda-sorta napped. I feel lucky that J and M will let me nap next to them.

I imagine that if I was zonked out and ended up falling asleep in your general vicinity, I'd probably be safe with you, too. I wonder if you'd sit with me for a bit and enjoy the calmness of the surrounding things.

Anyway, after that I went to BB's house. Some heavy things happened in her life recently (they are for the better, but still heavy), and we talked about it for a while as she did raids in FF16. Once she was all done with that, she showed me the nest that some birds made on her house. These might be a bit hard to see since I had to zoom all the way in, and my cellphone camera isn't the fanciest, but there are babies in the nest:

When we went out to go eat, I took a few more pictures of the birds out the window, too:

Hey, Sephiroth? Do you like birds? If you do, do you have a favorite one? I tend to like crows and ravens and pigeons; no one seems to like these ones, for reasons I don't fully understand. Most people in my world think that ravens and crows are bad luck. And most people in my world think that pigeons are filthy. It's so strange; ravens and crows are highly intelligent and delightful birds. And pigeons used to be companions to humans before they were abandoned to the wilds and shunned. I feel really sad about both of these things, so maybe that's why I love these ones a little extra; it surely seems like they should have a little extra appreciation.

When we got back, we watched videos of this guy called Kitboga, who has made a career of scamming scammers. I wonder if you might find this one funny; you worked in a corporate environment for a while, so I imagine you understand what setting a password is like:

...How nice it would be to hear you laugh in response to something silly instead of something sad. How nice it would be... I hope I get to hear it someday.

I had a wonderful time with BB, and now I am home. Have been for a while. And it is going on 1AM. So I guess I'll stop writing and get to bed; I surely need the sleep.

Hey, Sephiroth? Please stay safe out there, won't you? And please try to take good care of yourself and the people around you. Also, please try to find the magic in little things, like sunlight sparkling through the trees, and in silly things, and in art, and in the flight of birds.

I love you. And I'll write again tomorrow.

Your friend, Lumine

[jhilsara]

Please keep posting more!! I'm loving it so far <3

Can I ask why Erik doesn't use Princess as MCs petname anymore?

Hello! I'm back with another part! 4?

But I don't have Erik use Princess strictly just because I personally don't like it and it kinda nauseates me to write it. I'm not gonna yuck your yum, but it just isn't for me, I can do any other pet name but Princess just gives me the ick for some reason.

~Beach Episode~

It’s finally summer and summer means vacation.

Two weeks into June and MC is itching to do something. LIZARD TIME

She’s been lounging in the sun in the backyard reading and Erik is tanning next to her.

Matthews in the grass holding a portable fan on his face and Damien’s sitting in a chair with a big sunhat listening to the audiobook of the same book as MC for their little summer book club

James was inside making a light lunch and Sam was just coming home from working out.

“Oh, I see we’re all outside today and no one invited me?” Sam “You were working out. MC mentioned sun bathing and that was all I needed.” Erik “Except its hot as balls out here!” Matthew whines. “I wish we had a pool!” “The beach could be nice.” Damien “Oh my god I haven’t been to the beach in ages!” MC jolts up in excitement. Sam laughs and ruffles her hair. “Calm down no one said we’re going.” MC pouts. “Who said we’re going somewhere?” James “Damien suggested we go to the beach.” Erik “…why not? We could go next week.” James “Seriously?” Sam James shrugs, “I don’t really want to sit in a week-long meeting with her dad glaring holes into my head. Pushing back the meeting will also just piss him off so this is a win for me.” “So…. The beach?” MC “Why not? I’ll get the flight scheduled for us. We can leave Sunday.” James “Finally, a vacation!” Erik

They get on a short flight to end up in Savannah GA and Tybee Island.

They get a connecting room with 4 beds in total. MC sleeps in her own and Sam too…mostly cause he’s a bed hog and will kill anyone but Damien.

It takes the group very little time to throw their things down in the hotel before running to the beach.

James goes to spend his first day looking for sharks teeth.

Erik is sunbathing and listening to his own music.

Matthew and Sam are swimming together and probably trying to drown each other.

Damien is sitting next to Erik listening to an audio book and drawing in the sand.

MC starts by sunbathing with Erik and Damien

She’s laying on her stomach, sunglasses on, and stretching over her towel. “It’s so nice out today!” MC “Perfect weather for a vacation. I’m already looking at restaurants with patios for this evening.” “Damien can you hand me a seltzer?” The cooler hidden under the umbrella is filled with alcohol. Damien grabs one to hand to her. “Make sure you eat with those. The sun’s hot today you’ll get dehydrated.” Damien mentions. “I’ll be fine I brought sandwiches in there too!” MC

After baking in the sun and 3 seltzers and 2 mini sandwiches she’s dozing off on her towel.

Until water starts dripping on her face.

She looks up and sees Sam hovering over her, dripping the ocean all over her.

He’s smiling at her and shakes his soaking wet hair like a dog, all of it landing on her. “Ew! Sam gross! I was almost asleep!” She sits up and swats at his legs. He just laughs and sits next her, making her scoot over on her towel to make room. “Did you not bring your own towel out here?” MC He’s pressing his wet body against her and reaching past her to grab a seltzer and a sandwich. Her face is tomato red. “Yea but you’re already here and sharing is caring or whatever.” Sam “Well you’ve now soaked my towel.” She says irritated trying to hide her blush. Sam inhales his sandwich, “Perfect, so you can get in the water now.” He gives her a toothy grin. She rolls her eyes playfully but agrees. “Only if you help me reapply sunscreen to my back I can’t reach.” She reaches back to grab her bottle and Sam’s face blushes. “Uh yeah. Totally. Can do that, yup.” Sam She reapplies her sunscreen and waits for Sam to finish his drink. She sits still and waits for Sam’s hands on her back. Sam gently massages the sunscreen on her back and actively is avoiding the intense stare he is getting from Erik. Erik and Damien are just like… mmhmm definitely no sexual tension with these two idiots

Matthew, Sam, and MC are in the ocean and actively attacking each other with salt water.

Matthew’s trying to jump Sam to throw him in the water, but Sam just tosses his over.

Sam captures MC by the waist and pulls her further into the water with him.

“Sam! I don’t wanna go that deep!” She tries to wiggle out but he keeps her locked in. “It’s fine I won’t let you go promise! Just want some distance from Matthew he won’t swim this far out.” Sam “Fine but let me at least hold on to your neck, I feel unstable.” MC Sam easily adjusts her, she’s facing him now, arms locked firmly around his neck and he’s holding onto her waist with one and under the crook of her knee in another. “Is this, uh better.” The playful nature has left and they both are flushing. “Yeah… uh” she swallows hard, “This is better.” They have stopped moving out deeper and Sam keeps them afloat as they drift with the waves. “You guys are too far out and Erik’s stressing out! Get back over here!” Matthew is yelling at them but also getting hit by the wake. Sam groans and throws his head back in irritation, “We’re coming!” he shouts back. “Jesus, can’t get a second of peace around here…” he mutters. She’s chuckling and shoves her face in his neck. “Not really no.”  Back on the beach Erik lectures her and Sam but they’re barely listening. They are laid out on their towels catching their breath. James finally comes back to the group with a container containing a few sharks teeth. He looks like he’s happy so probably a success. “Back to the hotel to clean up then dinner?” James suggests to them. “Yes please!”

Between 6 people and 2 bathrooms they all take turns to get ready. But it is a race to see who gets to shower first.

The restaurant they pick is chill, fresh seafood, and an amazing patio. She is sitting in the sun and her sundress gently floats in the wind.

Everyone talks about their great day and what the plans are for tomorrow. 

They’re only staying for 3 days but they are ready to fill it with activities.

Mc, Erik, and Damien plan to go to some of the strip outlets and shop most of the morning/early afternoon the next day.

Then her afternoon MC is making everyone play a family game of cheesy beach mini golf.

To say they were competitive was an understatement. They were FOUL

James is actively keeping score, but also actively trying to knock others balls away from the hole. Erik is the only one playing fair and just trying to get this over with. Sam will hit the ball way too hard and has broken two different objects on the holes. He also is constantly accusing James or Matthew of cheating. Matthew is either trying to ruin Sam’s game or he’s just obnoxiously good at getting a hole in one. Damien is also way too invested and definitely ruining everyone’s game by blurting out whatever strategy they think of.

MC is just trying to win by pinning them against each other, but also actively going before Sam and bending over just enough to peak her ass out of her skirt. Damien at least doesn’t blurt out her plan there. But every time he is actively giving her a look of disappointment.

She feels a least a little shame when he does make eye contact with her.

The last day on the beach they all go back to the ocean to basically rinse and repeat their events of the day prior.

MC does start her day planning on getting day drunk though.

By mid afternoon Sam comes back from the water and he does sit on his own towel this time. He sits next her and leans back on his hands soaking up the sun.

MC is 5 drinks in and feeling t i p s y

It’s only her and Sam by the group’s belongings. Matthew and Erik and trying to teach Damien how to swim and James is halfway across the beach hunting for sharks’ teeth.

She readjusts after Sam sits down. She flips over onto her stomach and uses her arms as a pillow and lays on Sam’s legs.

“Comfortable?” Sam jokes MC just mumbles in agreement getting herself comfortable. “Hey doofus, I’m talking to you.” Sam She smacks his leg lightly. “I hear you. I’m just resting my eyes.” Sam pushes her hair out of her face and looks at their trash bag seeing the cans. He laughs and looks down at her, “Are you drunk?” he asks her. “Nooooo, I’m just a little tipsy Sam. I’m fine, I just need a nap.” She keeps her eyes closed as she snuggles closer to him. Sam raises a brow and pats her head. He looks up and sees Erik coming back to them. “Yea well you’re gonna take a nap inside.” Sam “But you’re so comfortable!” She whines. “Yea but you’ll be comfier inside, on a bed.” Sam chuckles standing up and easily helps MC up to carry her back to the hotel. He puts her on his back and she easily wraps her arms around his neck. He hoists her up and hooks his arms under her legs “Only if you nap with me like last time.” She mumbles. Sam rolls his eyes, “I’ll shower first and if you’re still awake I’ll lay with you alright?” “No. You’re just gonna trick me into passing out in the bed without you.” She pouts. “Caught me red handed.” Sam smirks “Please Aomaris.” She whispers into his back. A chill runs down his back and his grip tightens a little. “Yea.” He swallows hard his mouth dry, “I’ll lay with you for a bit.” “Yay!” She nestles more into his neck making his heart race. “Yea, yea, you win.” He mumbles red in the face. Sam drops her onto the bed and she bounces softly and giggles to herself. He rolls his eyes but is smiling at her joy. He turns and sees her smiling broadly up at him. It’s like the sun with how bright she is. She makes grippy hands at him. He laughs, “What are you, 5?”  She pouts but continues, “Just get in the bed already I’m tired.” He listens and nudges her over as he gets in.  “You’re so pushy!” She doesn’t respond and just throws her arms over him, wrapping around his neck and pulling him closer to her. Se rests her head in the crook if his neck. Sam goes rigid and doesn’t move at all. They’re still in their swimsuits and her breasts are wrapped in a bikini pushing against his chest. She peeps one eye open to look at him, his brain clearly trying to catch up. She sighs. “Sam you can hold me you know?” He chokes for a second before responding, “Uh yeah, just uh, didn’t want you to think I was being handsy cause you’re drunk.” She moves herself back to look him in the eye, “I’m not drunk, and any buzz I had you just ruined. Sam, I’m asking you to lay in the bed with me and hold me. Okay?” Sam almost chokes on his own spit. He’s blushing. “Yea, uh yea. Got it.” He hesitantly wraps his arms around her waist. She settles back down and gets comfortable. Her eyes shoot open before she can actually try to nap, her heart beating a mile a minute. “Unless you don’t want to and I’m totally forcing you to do this, oh my god.” She lets go of him and uses her hands to cover her face from embarrassment hiding in his chest. He starts laughing loudly. Sam grabs her and rolls them over so he’s flat on his back and she’s laying directly on top of him. He grabs her hands and moves them down from her face. He’s smiling at her and still laughing, “MC, I’m good. I want to hold you, I’m nervous I wasn’t expecting you to just throw yourself at me.” Her face goes tomato red. He’s still holding her hands so she can’t move them to hide her face in embarrassment. “I did not throw myself at you!” Her voice pitches in response. “I’m teasing you, calm down.” He’s laughing still. “Saaaaaaaaam!” she groans in irritation. “Calm down doofus,” he pulls her hands up to his lips and kisses them. “let’s just take a nap now alright?” Her face is still burning hot but he lets go of her hands and flips them onto their sides and throws the blanket over them. He grabs her waist and pulls her into him. She sighs and readjusts wrapping her arms around his waist and settling herself under his head. “You’re such a dick.” She mumbles into his chest. She feels him chuckle and tighten his grip and kisses the top of her head. “You like it.”

They sleep until everyone else comes back in from the beach and its Matthew that wakes them up. Well more like his very noisy presence wakes them.

When he comes in he throws his stuff down and starts talking loudly, he doesn’t even notice the two sharing a bed, or that they’re very asleep.

When he does notice he gets l o u d e r. Making all of the brother notice.

Sam throws a pillow hitting him square in the head.

They end their vacation having a nice dinner at one of the nicest restaurants.

Sam and MC sit across from each other almost in their own world the whole night.

They go home the next morning and things between MC and Sam and definitely different.

That was the beach mini episode that I added in. Diana comes in the next part but I also reworked a lot of that and slide into the second game pretty quickly. There's more notes so just let me know! This does make me wanna sit down and actually write more. I need to finish parts of the notes/draft though... I'm not positive what I'm doing with the second game completely yet.

[nancypullen]

SPRING!

Spring has sprung and I've got an itchy trowel hand. I'm dying to get stated in the gardens. Raise your hand if you think I need at least one raised bed for herbs.

I chose those baseball players because it's also baseball season! Opening day is March 28th. Hit 'em where they ain't boys! Name that movie. Here's a hint.

If I sound chipper today, it's because I am. I HAVE A DAY OFF! Hallelujah! This job has become all-consuming and honestly, not fun. With spring in the air I'm longing for home and time spent playing in the dirt. The flower beds in the front of the house wave me off every morning and greet me every night - and I miss them!

Those gorgeous irises ae from Stoner Creek Elementary where I spent many years working. When a tornado wiped out the school some of my sweet teacher friends dug up and divided irises from the grounds. My dear pal, Dina, gifted me with several and they're thriving. The tulip bulbs were sent by my sister-in-law last December. I put them in the ground and, lo and behold, all 40 bloomed! Isn't it special when you can look at parts of your gardens and feel a rush of love for the people who made it possible? Double the pleasure. Our high today is just 47 and there's a chilly wind blowing, but the sun is bight and skies are blue. No complaints from me. I spent a little time cleaning up winter debris from the flower beds and making plans for what I'll grow this year. Every fall I swear I'm not planting sunflowers again, and every spring I come across seeds that I saved and I'm pulled right back in. Of course I'll plant them. They did really well on the east side of the house last summer, so that's where they'll go again. I surrounded them with zinnias for extra color (is there anything easier to grow than zinnias?) and the grandgirl liked making bouquets with them. I'll do that again. My Zepherine rose bush arrived last week and went into the ground, crossing my fingers that she'll really show off. Of course, this is her first year so I shouldn't expect too much. I shouldn't, but I will. I need to do a lot of things with my time off, but I have a feeling most of it will involve dirt. I'm okay with that. I just want to wear old t-shirts, make things grow, and feed the birds and squirrels. I've become an old swamp witch. There are worse ways to spend my time, right? I've got a roast in the crockpot, I'll roast some broccoli and mash some taters for dinner. We eat a lot of salmon and salads, generally avoiding red meat, but I thought the mister deserved a big hunk of cow meat tonight. He has been absolutely wonderful about keeping things tidy and making dinners. I know, I know women do invisible work for decades and no one ever applauds or thanks them. We're criticized when we don't do it all, but never thanked. Still, I appreciate that he's not leaving everything for me to do, so I will shower him with beef. I know it's been forever since I posted, and I really hate it. HATE it. I ask myself at the end of every nine hour day at the library why I'm doing this. I just wanted to volunteer somewhere and meet some nice people.

I know that most folks don't see what happens behind the scenes in a library, it seems like quiet people just sit at desks and check books in and out. There's constant work to be done, lots of big plastic tubs of books coming and going that have to be processed, inter-library loans,etc. I also spend time at the information desk which is always wild. Some of the questions that people call with would blow your mind. I enjoy working in the children's room, that's always fun. I really love when I can put the right book into a kid's hands and they come back and ask for more like it. Shelving never ends...ever. I'm already working on April's displays , two in the main library and one in the children's room. I just really wish that the days weren't so long. This week is a short week for me and I am delighted. Next week will be long. If they'd just have me come in from 9 to 1 daily, I could knock out all of my work plus others' tasks and still have a life. I work every hour that I'm there, others do not. If I have down time I will float around and pick up the slack in other areas. If everything is caught up, I'll clean. I never thought I'd be that senior citizen that complained about "young people today", but my gosh there's a whole lot of dead weight on staff. Seems like everyone has a special reason why they can't complete a task or show up for work. Ugh. They're all making more than me and getting health insurance, why am I the only one worried about the work getting done? I'm the part-time granny! Okay, I'm not going to end this happy blog post with whining about work. It has been good for me to get out and meet people, I'll stick with the positives. I skipped lunch today because I was working in the yard and now I'm feeling snacky. Since we're having a big dinner I guess I'll just have some cucumbers or a cup of yogurt. That'll keep me from wasting away to normal. Might even sit down and watch some murder tv. I've really been missing my shows! I have to catch up on all of the heinous things people do to one another. I wouldn't be surprised if someone calls the library asking how to dispose of a body, I'll just consider this research. I'm off for a couple of days so I'll blog again tomorrow. Hooray!! I miss the old days of steady blogging. Until then... Stay safe, stay well, HAPPY SPRING! XOXO, Nancy

[umemiyan]

HI ROBIN!!!

8 & 42 for tanjiro

11 & 23 for gumi

5 & 20 for both!

HI THANK U FALLON!!!

8) What happens if one of you gets sick?

if tanjiro gets sick, he's trying not to be a burden at first and is probably pretending he's alright until it starts hitting him harder. he's not too bad, but he's not likely to just lay down and pretend like he's dying right off the bat. he'll fight it a little bit at first, but then he'll be like… okay i need to chill.

i do my best to take care of him, but ngl i have pretty bad health anxiety and getting sick freaks me out a lot LOL so i'm kinda keeping my distance while making sure he gets what he needs. i'll cook, give him all the right meds, etc., just like he would for me even if he tells me some things are unnecessary! he really appreciates it tho. but unfortunately i'm not cuddling him or anything until he's past the point of being contagious lmfao. and he definitely doesn't want me to get sick either!

42) What’s their favorite type of weather to enjoy together? (getting snowed in together, watching thunderstorms, etc.)

tanjiro's not picky, but he does love a good spring day where the sun is out but it's not too hot yet and there's a nice little breeze. and as long as my allergies are over with for the season, i very much enjoy it too lmao. i think it would be nice to take a walk somewhere quiet, maybe by a lake or something <3

11) Do either try to hide their emotions if upset? Can the other still tell?

yes for both of us LOL but megumi is a little more prone to hiding feelings. once i'm comfy, i'm a bit more expressive, but i certainly have my moments where i keep shit to myself when i'm super upset and it's not just something little. but i can usually tell when he's upset because i'm rather good at picking up on such things. he's not quite at my level of observation, but he gets better with time.

23) Who’s more likely to convince the other to stay in bed come morning?

that would be me. megumi's better at the whole 'early riser' thing and is mostly ready to get up and go. i, however, will lay there for an extended period of time if i don't have to get up for something lol

5) Describe your cozy night in.

tanjiro — tbh i could kinda see us doing a bunch of diy projects?? like we're always tinkering and creating things to make stuff easier or more interesting. all while watching something on tv or listening to music and chatting!! it's just something fun to bring us together and also liven up our space!!

megumi — tbh megumi and i can just sit together in silence while watching a movie or doing different activities. we'll be reading separate things either cuddled up or just in the same space, enjoying each other's company until a conversation potentially sparks! as long as we're both in mutual understanding and one of us isn't like one-sided ignoring the other, things are fine lol (nothing pisses me off more than someone being like "let's watch a movie" or whatever and then they just get on their phone the whole time)

20) Choose one song that perfectly describes your relationship.

tanjiro — glitter in the air by p!nk

megumi — bloom by the paper kites

selfship asks

[stuffnonsenseandotherthings]

Watch It Or Drop It - A 2024 Drama Challenge

As always, the impending chime of a brand New Year just around the corner is stirring up the age old urge to Sort My Life Out somewhere deep inside me and rekindled the burning flame of No I Really Mean It This Time once more.

So far this has meant deep cleaning my house with a fervour rarely seen outside of the pages of the most fanatic of Cleaning Tiktokers (something which will definitely have faded even before the clock strikes 12), setting up a planning and organisational system so that my life can go smoothly for once (that will probably last until summer after which point I'll be so sun addled I'll stop caring about to-do lists altogether), and forcing myself to confront my mountain of unread books (by placing them accusingly next to my bed so I can wake up and fall asleep to them until the growing sense of guilt forces me to hide them in a cupboard).

No a bad start if I may say so myself. It's not even 2024 yet and things are already looking Sorted.

Joking aside though, while there are, as there usually are, big (potentially life changing) goals that I want to work towards this year and which will take a fair bit of work and/or courage on my part to make happen, there are also smaller ones. Manageable ones. Silly ones. Ones that'll make the whole year just a little bit more fun. For example: clearing my MyDramalist Want-To-Watch list.

Because there are 84 dramas on that list and while some of them haven't aired yet, over two thirds of them are fully complete and sitting patiently, ready for me to watch at my own leisure whenever I want.

And, unfortunately, up until now I've been so over-faced with how many dramas there were waiting for me that I didn't want.

At all.

As in I was actively avoiding watching anything off my Want-To-Watch list.

As you can imagine this has been frustrating because 1) this is the opposite of what a Want-To-Watch it's for (I put the dramas on there for a reason after all) and 2) not very conducive to making the big, scary number go down, quite the opposite in fact.

So I've found myself at a bit of an impasse.

And to break that impasse I have come up with (what I hope is) a foolproof solution (because there is nothing more fool than having to trick yourself into doing something you want to do anyway).

The Watch It Or Drop It Challenge

Rationale:

I have been avoiding watching dramas on my Want-To-Watch list because:

1) I'm feeling overwhelmed with the amount of dramas currently on there and end up feeling time pressured to watch them all.

2) Linked to this, I'm worried about making the "wrong choice" (i.e not enjoying which ever drama I pick and being disappointed about something I was previously excited for, being in the wrong mood for a drama I would have otherwise enjoyed) leading to analysis/choice paralysis where I end up being unable to pick anything at all.

As such I need a system that:

1) Takes aways the element of choice, at least in the initial stages.

2) Removes some of the pressure to enjoy every drama I pick and allows me to celebrate both a "watch" or a "drop".

Rules:

1) Dramas are selected completely at random using a random number picker (this random number picker to be precise, isn't she gorgeous?).

Unless it hasn't aired yet (in which case I obviously can't watch it, I'll do a lot for this challenge but not bend time and physics) I have to give it a go. I can't spin the wheel again. What I get is what I watch (or drop).

2) I watch it or I drop it (self-explanatory, really, given the name of the challenge but it's something my brain clearly needs reinforced otherwise we wouldn't be here in the first place). A drop has just as much "value" as a watch in terms of continuing my learning curve about my drama tastes and there's no shame in not liking something I thought I would enjoy.

3) I can take as long as I need to decide if it's a watch or a drop, the only condition is that if I am watching it, I actually have to be enjoying it. This is not an endurance test or an exercise in how long I can guilt myself into watching something (5 minutes before the end of the final episode is the current record by the way, incase anyone's interested), this is me making sure I...

4) ✨ Have fun ✨ There are many things in life that aren't fun, watching dramas should not be one of those things (although they are allowed to make me so uncontrollably, that I will allow, nay even encourage).

🎉 And there we have it! My own little challenge for 2024 🎉

I'm feeling very pleased with myself but let's see how long I can keep it up, unless something drastic happens I'm planning to start a little early and pick the first drama tomorrow. I'm going to be post the whole challenge here (which dramas get picked, pre-watch thoughts, whether I watched or dropped it and why, etc) for accountability's sake because I know myself well enough to know that if I don't then this whole meticulous plan isn't happening. I also think it could be a nice little momento, if this whole challenge is successful, something to look back on from the time I bravely took on and defeated a list of my own creation.

And so without further ado,

[scribhneoirtuirseach]

In The Summertime

a song-titled/inspired Welcome Home one shot (also on AO3)

featuring: Wally Darling, Julie Joyful, Barnaby B. Beagle, Frank Frankly, Poppy Partridge, Howdy Pillar, Home

wordcount: 726

my other WH fics!

It's yet another sunny day in the Neighborhood, and the warm weather has brought some plans to Barnaby's mind!

"You look like a neighbor on a mission!" Julie remarks when he passes her path, deciding with a hop, skip, and a jump to join him. "What are you doing, pal?"

"I'd like to spend the day at the beach!" Barnaby answers, shifting his sun umbrella and folded chairs under his arm. The rainbow monster beside him squeals with excitement. "I'm going to check on Wally to see if he'll come too, he's been in Home for a long while now."

"You're right…" Julie hums thoughtfully. Why, she can't quite remember the last time the three of them spent a day together. It's been far too long, she decides, making it her own mission to get Wally out of Home. "I'll run ahead and ask him!"

With that, Barnaby is well and truly left in the dust.

"I'm sleeping," Wally announces from his bed for the umpteenth time this morning, staring up to the ceiling. "I'm sleeping, I'm sleeping…"

A sudden bout of loud knocking on Home's front door, makes him blink, sit up. Does knocking hurt home?

Watching the door open up, Julie does her darnedest not to seem too perplexed by the sight of the Wally she's met with. Still in his pyjamas, hair a mess… He's certainly looked better. But like a good neighbor, she keeps these thoughts to herself.

"Barnaby's coming to ask you to the beach, Wally." She informs cheerily, hands held behind her back.

"Oh," Now, there's a thought! That… is very quickly interrupted by a faint whistling somewhere further in Home. "I don't think I can come, Julie. Sick. Cough, ahem." Yes, he literally says the word 'cough', professional deceiver over here.

Julie isn't buying it, eyes narrowing as she tilts her head, foot tapping impatiently. Have her horns always been so sharp and pointy? "Your best buddy went out of his way to ask you in person," Her words indicate patience but her tone… doesn't. Wally's head hurts. "You're going to the beach."

Even Home stills and silences with this shift in energy.

"Oh dear, I wouldn't want to be a bad neighbor to my best friend…" Wally stresses, looking over his shoulder. Home will have to forgive his absence today; He has been neglecting his friends as of late, hasn't he? "Maybe the fresh air will help me! With my, cough, sickness."

"That's the spirit!" Julie cheers, hands thrown up in celebration before she drags Wally into a hug. "You get ready and I'll wrangle up the others, we're going to have a great day!"

In what feels like the blink of an eye, Wally finds himself knelt in the sand and in the middle of making little towers of wet sand.

Grimacing just a touch at the texture, much too strange and gritty, he's quick to rinse off his hands in the small hole of water he finds beside himself— Did he make that too?

"I don't feel better." He announces to the water, before looking around to find— Yes, every neighbor going about their own activities, Home visible in the distance. Watching.

From under his umbrella, Frank glances over. Frowning, as usual, but an undoubtedly concerned furrow in his brow.

"What's that, sweetheart?" Poppy coos from behind Wally, long neck extending down to meet his much shorter height.

"Hometime." Wally swallows, arms raising in request of uppies— Swiftly finding him bundled up in gentle feathered wings. "Losing time."

Bumbling over, Barnaby rests a paw on his friends forehead. "He does feel warm."

"It's a warm day." There's Howdy, fanning himself off. A much easier task to accomplish with so many hands, of course. "Maybe he needs a drink!"

Shaking his head, Wally covers his ears and shuts his eyes tight. "Home." And that way he stays, until he feels a sensation of relief washing over him.

When he opens his eyes again, he does indeed find himself home, not another neighbour in sight. More time lost, more unexplainable changes, but he still feels better. That's all he can focus on right now.

"Back to bed, I think. Maybe I wasn't acting after all about being sick," Wally muses to himself and to Home, grasp unsteady on the railing as he heads up stairs. "Ha, ha, ha."

[companionwolf]

Like Real People Do - #1

Or: here is my first peice in this 'Garden!F/O!Central suddenly exists in reality' verse.

If you're wondering why he's like this, because of his verse being what it is, he's a lot more me and a lot less of any Central, even F/O!Central. It's... a bit convoluted, even to me lmao. I think it is like... I have that way of seeing him, but that isn't the only one? I dunno.

Also the weird not AU not a verse how I see him sort of iteration of him is called Garden!F/O!Central now I guess.

Under the cut for convenience.

Central is, isn't, it doesn't really matter, until all at once he exists, and not just in the garden -- he exists like they do, and he is not them anymore, not in the way that's correct and important. 

It's wrong is all he can think numbly, assaulted on every front of every sense by every iota of human life that he only ever pretended to have.

It's all so wrong.

Central is curled up somewhere dark and warm and woodem, head near his knees, breathing rapidly. The scent of autumn air sweeping through from somewhere makes his hyperventilating go down a tick -- he knows that smell, that's a good thing, he likes that.

Right? He likes it? Or was he just made to? Does that matter? Before it didn't, but here, here--

His head feels weird, dizzy, light. Black spots float in his vision. Central tries to deliberately slow his inhales and exhales, tries to do for himself what he would do for them, what they'd do for him in this situation. It isn't working.

Frantically he uncurls, gets to his feet. He's in a shed of some sort, with late afternoon sun through unseen trees dappling the aged wood. He looks around, noticing how empty it is. Someone could use this, he thinks blearily.

That's not important, though. Central tries to reorient himself. He's got to find the Commander; they'll know what to do. They have to. If they don't, then they'll be able to help, right?

He pushes open the shed door, cringes at the sun in his eyes, lifts a hand to shield from it. 

He steps out into a backyard that's been kept fairly under control, that has a collection of raised garden beds nearby, that has a screened porch and someone sitting there reading a book.

They look up--

Central smiles in relief.

"Commander!"

His commander blinks, squinting at him. They look once, then again. Their face twists in a expression he can't understand at all. "Central?"

He nods enthusiastically, coming toward the porch. Then he stops.

The Commander looks...

Afraid?

They're afraid? Of him? Something in his chest feels bad, aches. They shouldn't be afraid. Well, anything is okay with feelings, so he can't say shouldn't, but they know him-- he is them. Was.

Wait.

Is that the problem? That he's here? The same as them? They're staring at him now. He stares back, lost. We can't both exist, he thinks numbly.

It's not quite true, but for them it was always part of the deal, part of why he is and was and they're going to not want him. They don't want him.

It hits him then, that they're scared of him, that they will not want him here because he is real.

Central feels his throat tighten. "I don't know what's happened," he calls to them. "I was ... me and you and in the garden and then I was here and I don't know what's happened and -- "

The Commander looks conflicted.

"You can come onto the porch," they say finally.

Central comes up slowly, fumbles with the sliding screen door. He stands there, unsure. The Commander stands, gets a little closer, eyeing him. "Tell me," they say, "something only he... that I would know and nobody else. Or I will..."

They falter. They look downright terrified. His chest does that thing again, where it feels so bad it's physical, and he wants to apologize. He didn't try to come here, it wasn't intentional. He doesn't know what happened, why he's here.

He's not supposed to exist. Not in this way.

Central takes a breath. The Commander is waiting for his answer. "You need me to save you," he says, and his voice shakes. "I can't do that....I think that's still true, actually. Anyway, I can love you. You can love me. It has to be enough...it won't be."

Their eyes moisten. "It is you," they say softly.

"Some iteration anyway," Central says in a mumble. "I'll-- I'll go. I know you -- the me that I am, was, you -- being here isn't good, isn't right."

They look conflicted again. "You're right," they say slowly, "that I don't...I want you but not enough to where you can hurt me. That means not being real. That's why we can't both exist."

He nods.

"But you're here," they continue. "Probably better it's you-- a F/O!Central who's not would probably be even more overwhelmed, less able to cope. In any case I am not just going to leave you to wander off and do Dog knows what-- how much do you even really understand about being, and human at that, when you're here like me now?"

Central hesitates.

They meet his gaze. "It's okay if you're confused," they say quietly. "I'd be too."

"It...hurts," he says, and it's a whine.

The Commander frowns. "Hurts?"

He nods.

"What do you mean?"

He tries to put it to words -- "There's so much I'm feeling in my head and in - in my body. Everything I felt I was just emulating from how you feel, how you experience. I wasn't ever -- I've never felt any of this, not really. I'm not meant to." His voice wobbles, and he looks away.

The Commander's face softens.

"We'll figure it out," they say. "I'm sorry I wrote you the way I did; doesn't help you much here."

Their hand reaches for his. And Central laces fingers together with theirs for the first time.

[life-of-clexa]

Let me just say that this is the first time I’ve ever written something like this, I’m not the best writer but I am proud of it and wanted to post somewhere. Please give me some tips on how to improve it, and also don’t be afraid to tell me if you don’t like something.(Sidenote: Clarke is not dead, I know it seems that way, but she’s not I swear. Also it won’t turn out to just be platonic I promise) I’d love to continue this but it would require me having some help from somebody. If you’re interested or have any ideas for how to continue please let me know!😊❤️

THEN: The first thing she remembers is blue. Just blue. The kind of blue that artists paint the oceans with, or crystal clear water. So much blue she thought she could die right there, staring at a complete stranger with luscious blonde hair, and deep blue eyes, a woman whom she had never met before, but felt like she had known her entire life. A hand reached out to shake her own "Clarke. Nice to meet you." "Lexa, nice to meet you too. Have you been here before? I feel like I know you..." Blue eyes stared back at hers with a glint in them. "No, but I get that a lot, I think it's the eyes, people tend to find comfort in them I guess." "That makes sense" Lexa responded, "Well I guess we better get to work then huh?" she questioned. All she got was a small, but polite smile in return. From then on they were the best of friends. There wasn't a single day that they weren't together, and there was nothing that could keep them apart.

NOW: Tired green eyes cracked open to see the sun peeking through the window, they explored, made note of the dresser across the room, the familiar face in the lone picture frame. Blue eyes squinting with happiness, smile so wide she could swear she saw it touch the ears of the beautiful blonde subject of the photo. They shifted over to the old sketchbook sitting on the edge. Memories came flooding back of sneaking glances just to see the beautiful drawings that the artist created. They jumped to the nightstand next to the bed, the phone that sat on it, quietly buzzing. A long arm with quite a unique tattoo climbing up the bicep reached out to grab it. "Hello?" a hoarse crack in the words. "We're going out tonight, be ready by 10!" A voice shrilled from the other end of the line, "Anya I really don't feel like it. It's just too soon." she rasped and hung up the phone. It rang again. She ignored it. This went on for about twenty minutes until she finally picked up the phone again. "Alexandra Hope Woods!" Her sister berated her for hanging up, "It's been a year, you have to get out there at some point." "Exactly Anya, it's been a year, exactly one year since my life was torn to shreds. Like a tiger devouring its meal." Lexa reminded her. Anya sighed and shook her head, though the other girl couldn't see it, she knew what she was about to say. "If you don't at least try, you're never going to get back on your feet..." she whispered. "Anya I don't want to! I was happy then, and that was taken from me, so unless you can reverse time and draw my past back to the present, I'm never going to be able to get over it! The only reason I stayed is because I made a promise, and I'm not breaking a promise to someone that isn't even here to defend it." She hung up the phone again. Lexa felt bad for yelling at her sister, so she decided to shoot her a quick text. "I'm sorry. I'm just not ready yet. I don't know that I'll ever be. I just need time." And that was the end of it.

[unhingedwomandiaries]

Last night my brain decided to turn my REM sleep into some sort of twisted game show called "Who Wants to Pee in Public?"

I hate whatever part of my subconscious that thinks bathroom anxiety needs a fucking scoreboard.

I'm desperate for a wee, the kind where you're doing that subtle knee-squeezing dance that makes you look like you're trying to crack a walnut between your thighs. Normal enough, right? Wrong.

There's a massive basketball timer on the toilet door, counting down like it's the final seconds of a championship game. Because apparently my brain thinks bladder relief should come with a side of competitive sports.

Ugh. I detest dreams that turn basic bodily functions into Olympic events.

But wait, it gets better. I'm finally sitting there, mid-stream, doing what any normal person does in a toilet (solving world peace, obviously), when people start wandering in like it's fucking happy hour at Wetherspoons.

They're just... settling in. Making themselves comfortable. Like I've accidentally stumbled into some sort of toilet-based social club. "Lovely weather we're having, isn't it?" Yeah mate, perfect for a chat while I'm literally pissing, thanks for asking.

Why don't dream people understand basic bathroom etiquette?

One woman actually brought in a fucking tea set. A TEA SET. In a public toilet. Started pouring out Earl Grey like we're at the bloody Ritz. "One lump or two?" How about zero lumps and get the fuck out of my cubicle?

Anyone who thinks public toilets are appropriate venues for afternoon tea are crazy.

The worst part? I'm sitting there trying to finish up, but every time I think I'm done, more people squeeze in. It's like a clown car situation, but instead of clowns, it's random strangers wanting to discuss their weekend plans while I'm on the bog.

Is this what my subconscious thinks of society now? That we're all just one unlocked door away from turning every private moment into a bloody social media livestream?

Maybe it's a metaphor for something deeper. Or maybe it's just what happens when you drink three cups of tea before bed and fall asleep watching episodes of "Would I Lie to You?"

Either way, I woke up needing an actual wee and checking the bathroom for hidden tea sets and unwanted guests before I dared sit down.

At least nobody tried to start a book club meeting in there. Though knowing my brain, that's probably scheduled for tonight's showing of "Toilet Tales: The Sequel."

P.S. If anyone ever tries to serve me tea in a public toilet in real life, they're getting the cup somewhere the sun doesn't shine.

[casspurrjoybell-33]

Wreckless - Checking in... checking out

*Warning Adult Content*

Emmett

I expected him to run to the house, jump into his trunks as soon as soon as possible and be begging me to take him back to the beach already but he's a little bit tired.

"Are you sure you don't want to nap? We could lay down together for a few minutes."

"That would be nice. I think it's the heat wearing me out. I'm used to air conditioning."

"Yeah, the sun can wipe you out hard. Want to get in bed or on the couch and watch something?"

It doesn't really matter to me, I just want to close my eyes for a few minutes but he might get some better sleep on the bed.

"Rhys is taking a nap too so we won't be late. Okay, can we find a cartoon?"

"Sure darling."

Fifteen minutes later I have my head tipped back and he's lying on my lap sawing logs.

It's one of those cool recliner couches so my feet are up and I really could not be more comfortable.

I need this couch for my place.

It's one of those things I never knew I needed until this very moment but now it's a mission and will happen somehow.

Considering what a workout my couch is getting lately, it's going to need to be replaced sooner rather than later.

Part of me is regretting everything that happened at the mini-golf place.

I meant what I said, I thought it would be a super good idea for Finn to get to know another little but he has not really been in little space since they met.

He's skimming near it on occasion but nothing like he was this morning and yesterday.

I don't mind, it's not a problem that he's not except that I feel like it's my fault and he wants to be but isn't just because of meeting Rhys.

If anything I expected him to be living it up but I was obviously wrong.

I would cancel this afternoon if I could but I don't have Quincy's number.

We could just go to a different section of beach but that's lame and wrong and maybe it'll be fine.

Maybe Finnegan just needs some time to get brave and come out of his shell... I hope so.

He sleeps for about forty five minutes and wakes up slow.

"I'm so groggy," he complains.

"We don't have to be there for an hour, you're fine. Want a drink?"

"Yeah, I'm thirsty. Thank you."

I help him sit up and grab a Yoo-Hoo box from the fridge for him and a soda for me.

We need some groceries but I'll just manage until tomorrow and pick stuff up in Baltimore.

Seems silly to drive it the whole way back here but I'll have time to go while he's working.

"Will you be okay here for a few minutes? I want to take some pictures from our balcony."

What I really want is some sunrise photos but that may not happen.

My plan is to get a few that Finnegan really loves and frame them up for him for Christmas as a reminder of our trip.

Maybe they'll end up in his new office once they're up and running.

Either way, I think he'll like them.

"Hmm."

He's not quite sitting up anymore and he may very well be asleep by the time I get back.

I decide to grab our suits and take them down with me so that he doesn't have to come upstairs and I'm surprised that he's up and getting himself snack.

"Hey darling, are you okay with seeing Rhys and Quincy this afternoon? If not we can go somewhere else or stay here and play in the pool. If we see them again I'll tell them that I got horrible food poisoning from the cheeseburger."

He smiles at me and finishes his banana.

"I think it'll be fun, I'm just nervous. I don't know how to explain it."

I open my arms and he falls against my chest.

"I don't want you nervous, I want you to relax and enjoy your vacation."

"I am Emmett... a lot. This has been wonderful. I really hope we get to come back tomorrow."

"Me too. What about this? I am not going to bring up the slides tomorrow although Rhys probably will. If he does I will look to you for a decision. You don't have to say anything, just let me know what you want to do. Either way is fine with me, okay?"

"Okay, thank you. I mean, it could be a lot of fun but we haven't even used our pool yet."

"Exactly. We will have fun either way so no worries. Finnegan, can I butt my nose into your business for a second?"

"Um, sure."

"I think you should try to be in little space this afternoon if you want to be. Rhys and Quincy sure aren't going to judge you and maybe you'll have a lot of fun if you just let go and play with someone."

"I play with you."

"Yeah, and we have fun but I don't think it's the same as playing with someone closer to your age."

I keep waiting for him to break the hug but he just stays here a few minutes.

Finally he says

"I know this sounds stupid but I'm sort of afraid to play with him. What if I say something that really upsets him?"

More than the spanking he's getting?

Finnegan's not mean so I doubt that will happen.

"I guess you just apologize, just like Quincy apologized to you. I mean you're still people, I think the same basic rules apply."

"Okay, you're right, I'm being stupid."

No... I push him away enough to see him.

"You're not being stupid. This is new and you're right, we don't know all the rules but they might and we could learn a lot from them. And if not, and all it is is a fun afternoon with another little, that's not a bad thing either. If you want to come home just tell me you're tired and we'll come back. Okay?"

"Thank you Emmett. Let's get dressed, we have a castle to build."

There's my boy.

We get back to the beach and situated not far from our usual spot.

I look around for Quincy but don't see him yet so I turn my attention to Finnegan.

"Okay, do you have a plan, Finn? What should it look like?"

"Big. And I want towers and a moat."

That we can do.

"Seems reasonable. How big?"

He stands up and starts scooting his toes through the sand in a big circle.

"This is the moat on the outside and inside is ALL castle."

And now it's no longer reasonable.

"Finn, that is a six foot circle."

I could lay down in it.

"Yep. Can you fill the buckets with wet sand?"

We're ignoring the size, are we?

"So I'm gonna be the mule and bring you a thousand packed buckets?"

"Not a thousand. Like a hundred. We have two."

He hoists them both by their handles and gives them to me.

I take them from him and can't help but laugh.

"So only fifty trips, no problem."

"Exactly. And I'll do all the little ones. I'm gonna make the tops, where the archers stand to shoot. And I'll dig the moat. See? Fair and square. I'm a good boy."

Him calling himself a good boy does things for me that should not happen in a swimsuit.

I go down a bit further towards the water where the sand is wetter and fill both buckets.

One has a flat bottom and the other one has turrets built into it so that when it flips over, they're on top.

"No clue why they don't make the buckets round, they're impossible to stack this way."

I set them down next to him but he doesn't seem to know what to do with them either.

"Unless you only want it one level."

That will be less work.

"No, big."

He flips over the plain one and then grabs some sand to try to pack around and make it into a cylinder.

"And now we put the other one on top," he says, grabbing it.

I'm amazed when he tips it over and it stays.

"Wow. Didn't think that would work. Okay, two more buckets?"

"No, ninety-eight more please."

He's too cute.