#looks so much better with this font❤️

[masquerade-of-misery]

I was in a poetic mood...👉🏻👈🏻

[jobean12-blog]

A Place Made for Love

Pairing: Joel Miller x female reader (No-outbreak Joel)

Word Count: 5,081

Summary: You're new to the small town Joel's lived in all his life and just the sight of you has him feeling a certain way so when he learns that you've bought the old bookshop and you're moving into the apartment above, it turns his familiar world upside down.

Author's Note: This one got away from me. I love the idea of Joel just living his life and doing construction and being grumpy and then reader comes along and really gives him a run for his money. Had to include a bookshop for this because along with Joel, it's one of my favorite things. Thank you all so much for reading! Much love always!❤️❤️❤️Divider by the lovely @firefly-graphics Thank you Daisy! 🥰

PS Bold font means texts and anything italics is like an inner thought lol

Warnings: grumpy Joel, sassy reader, tension, flirting, softness and smiles, fluff and sweetness

Pedro Pascal Masterlist

You trudge down the canned food aisle feeling completely indecisive but hungry and growing more aggravated by the second.

As you round the next corner you’re sifting through the contents of your basket when you walk headfirst into what feels like the wall.

“Ow!” you yelp as you stumble back.

A strong arm wraps around your waist to steady you and you look up, blinking.

“Better watch where you’re goin’ there darlin’.”

Your body tenses at the feel of him pressed against you and you mutter something inaudible under your breath before slipping from his grasp.

“Not even a thank you,” he muses as he turns to follow you.

“Weren’t you going the other way?” you shoot back.

“Just realized I forgot the pasta,” he says, leaning over your shoulder to whisper the words close to your ear.

You force your betraying body to remain calm at his proximity and then ignore the comment.

“What the hell are you gonna make with that mish mosh?” he asks as he peeks into your basket.

“Why do you care?” you counter with a brittle smirk.

He shrugs as the corners of his mouth turn up into a grin.

“Maybe something to poison you with…that would be nice.”

Your sassy remark makes his whole face light up with a smile and it momentarily roots you to the spot.

With one last disgruntled glance you stomp off in the other direction. “Since I’m new here you’d think you’d be a little more neighborly!”

“Fuck,” Joel mutters as he follows you.

“Ok darlin’.”

“Ok what?” you ask as you turn to face him.

“Maybe…” and he paused, studying you. “I could be a bit more friendly.”

He looks back down at your basket.

“You know if you grab some beans and a pepper you’ll be well on your way to making a great chili.”

“Chili,” you repeat.

You look between him and the basket. “That works. Although…”

“You’ve never made it before?”

At his question you fight back a sigh.

“No. I haven’t. But I’m capable of looking up a recipe.”

“Or I could just tell you about some good take-out places.”

You roll your eyes.

“I can manage to cook my own dinner, thanks!”

At the sarcasm in your tone his grin widens before he starts to step around you, his arm brushing yours with the motion.

“Great darlin.’ Just don’t burn the place down or anything. It’s the only bookshop in the neighborhood and we all love it.”

He winks and saunters off.

The urge to turn around and watch him is almost overwhelming but you square your shoulder and keep your chin up. “I can make chili,” you assure yourself.

Joel sits across from Tommy and sips his beer, waiting for his brother to make a dinner choice.

If Tommy notices Joel glancing too many times at the small bookshop across the street, he doesn’t mention it.

“You’re quieter than usual,” Tommy remarks as he drops the menu and leans back. “What’s on your mind?”

Joel grunts before looking across the street again. “Work.”

“This new job we have is a big one. I want it to go perfectly so they hire us for the rest of it.” Joel continues.

Tommy nods in agreement but he’s battling a smile.

“Somethin’ you wanna say brother?” Joel asks.

Tommy grins. “I might have somethin’ to say.”

Joel grinds his teeth and tightens his grip on the beer bottle.

“Heard you had a little exchange with our new bookshop owner at the grocery store this mornin’.”

“Who said?” Joel asks, pinning Tommy with dark eyes.

“No one of importance,” Tommy shrugs. “You’re starin’ a hole through the window.”

Tommy’s eyes glitter. He’s clearly enjoying himself. “Heard she didn’t back down and run off over your…charm.”

“You’re worse than a school girl. Spreadin’ gossip around.”

That makes Tommy laugh and he takes a swig of his drink.

“Still,” Tommy says. “I can’t blame you…she’s real nice to look at and probably a lot of fun when you get her goin’…which you seem to enjoy doin’.”

“Tommy,” Joel warns as his jaw tightens. “Don’t go sniffin’ around any of that and don’t ask me to explain why.”

Tommy dips his head in understanding, his mouth tight in a straight line but his eyes bright with amusement.

“Not a single sniff. You’ve got my word brother…”

Tommy’s head swings around and his attention settles on something happening in the street. “What the hell…?”

Joel jerks his head in the same direction and in matter of seconds he’s out of his chair and charging through the door.

Without thinking he runs toward you and let’s out a breath when he looks you over, the large pot between your fingers and a garbage bag over your shoulder.

“Are you hurt?”

“No,” you breathe, staring at him. “Where the hell did you come from?”

His relief at the fact that you’re unharmed is obvious even as he takes the pot from you and grabs your wrists, turning your hands over to check.

His skin is warm and his fingers are calloused. The sensations cause your mind to go blank and you stand there motionless.

Once he’s satisfied he looks down at the pot and the black contents inside. He’s still holding your wrists.

“I burnt it,” you say quietly. “The whole upstairs apartment smells awful so I thought I’d better get rid of it quick before the shop started to stink.”

“I can take care…” Tommy begins to speak and Joel whips his head around just now realizing he was even standing there and glares so Tommy snaps his mouth shut.

Joel looks back at you and slowly releases you, the loss of his touch something you instantly feel.

Tommy covers a cough and you drag your eyes away from Joel to glance at his younger brother.

“Hey,” Tommy says and extends his hand.

You reach out and shake it to introduce yourself.

“I was saying I could help you out with that but I think my brother here has it under control,” Tommy quips.

“Damn right I do,” Joel says, hands on his hips.

“Thanks Tommy, I appreciate the offer,” you smile.

Tommy tips his head and walks back across the street to the bar.

Joel’s hard eyes turn to you in an assessing way but he remains silent.

“Aren’t you going to make some shitty remark about my cooking skills,” you snip.

His broad shoulders slump and he holds out his hand.

“Here, give me the bag.”

You hand the bag over and watch as he empties what he can of the contents and then stares down at it with pursed lips.

“Might have to…” he starts.

“You can just get rid…” you say at the same time.

He drops the pot into the bag with a laugh.

It catches you off guard and when he meets your eyes again the surprise is evident in your wide-eyed expression.

“No shitty remarks darlin.’ Just glad you’re ok��and you didn’t burn the place down.”

The last part of his comment trails off into quiet mumblings but you still catch it.

“Couldn’t help yourself huh?” you say but you’re fighting back a small smile.

The two of you stand there on the sidewalk for what feels like forever until Joel clears his throat and you look up at him through your lashes.

“Guess your dinner’s ruined,” he states.

“You could say that. I’ll have to go aimlessly walk around the grocery store some more in the hopes of finding food.”

His large hand runs through his already mussed hair before it settles on the back of his head and he shoves his free hand into his jeans pocket.

“Hey uh, listen darlin’…I’m sorry if I was rude earlier…at the store…and the other times before that. It was wrong of me.”

Your expression softens.

“Thank you, I accept.”

Joel hums and flicks his head toward the bar. “I had just ordered dinner before you came running out. Go in and eat it.”

When you stare at him he plays back his words and realizes they came out as a demand.

“If you want to,” he adds. “Join me. For food.”

You smile and slide past him. Your distinct and soft scent wafts up to his nose and he instinctively inhales, his eyes closing briefly before he starts to move to follow you.

He motions to the small table and pulls out your chair, waiting for you to sit before he does the same. His thick fingers wrap around the fork, making it look comically small, before he hands it to you and pushes the plate closer.

You stab a French fry and pop it in your mouth.

“So Tommy…you guys work together?”

“Yeah. Construction. We actually have a big project coming up in the city. Working on one of the new fancy hotel buildings.

“That sounds exciting. I guess it’s not really a 9-5 job then?”

“Nah, not really. Some days we spend doing small, odd jobs around the neighborhood and other times we’ll be on one job for weeks or months.”

You nod. “What do you do in your spare time? Besides follow women around the grocery store and make snarky comment on their food choices.”

“Gonna hold that over my head for long?” he asks.

You look him over and pretend to think about it. “Not sure yet.”

“Fair enough,” he sighs, noticing you stopped eating and nudging your arm with his elbow. “Eat.”

“Are you always this bossy?” you ask as you chew.

His eyes drop to your mouth and the way you lick the salt from your lips.

“Maybe,” he replies, the sides of his mouth twitching with a smile.

“Fair enough,” you tell him, mirroring his earlier words.

The whites of his teeth appear with his lopsided smile

“You plannin’ on trying to cook chili again?”

“Maybe,” you answer, loving the way his eyes crinkle at your repeated and mocking words.

“So now that you know a little more about me why not tell me why you’re here in our little town?”

He settles his forearms on the table and leans in, watching you with intense eyes.

“Well,” you start with a sigh. “I’ve always wanted to run or own a bookshop but my job in the city was keeping me so busy I barely had time to read and of course it’s easier said than done. For a while I didn’t mind…the work that is. Sure I was busy but I figured my life was just what it was supposed to be. Had a nice apartment, steady job, steady boyfriend…until I didn’t. He broke up with me over a text and then refused to answer my calls and explain why. After that, my job became less and less appealing as did living in the city so when his opportunity came up I had to jump on it as scary as all the change is.”

You wait and hold his gaze. “What are you thinking?” you ask.

“I’m thinking a lot of things,” he says quietly before stealing a fry off the plate.

“Like?” you ask.

Like where I can find your ex-boyfriend so I can give him a proper beating.

When he still doesn’t speak you continue talking. “I’m thinking about the renovations I want to make to the bookshop. It’s nothing crazy. Just some minor changes to make it more of a cozy space.”

“That sounds nice,” he answers. “It could use some upgrades.”

“Definitely. And the door to my apartment upstairs doesn’t even lock! I need to get that fixed first.”

Joel’s eyes narrow at your statement. “That’s not safe.”

You smirk and steal the next fry that’s dangling between his fingers as they hover over the plate.

“Maybe I’ll look up some cute contractors online to come help me.”

He sits back, crossing his arms over his chest and spreading his legs wider under the table. Your gaze moves to the way his biceps pop under the tight fabric of his shirt.

“You could. If you wanted the job done poorly.”

“Are you saying you’d be able to do a better job?”

“Damn right darlin.”

Was this still about renovations to the shop?

With that thought still floating around in his brain he watches you stand and pop one last fry into your mouth.

“Thank you for sharing your dinner with me,” you say before rounding the table. “I like it when you’re nice.”

And I even like it when you’re bossy. Maybe too much.

You kept that last thought tucked away and lean down to kiss him on the cheek before lightly brushing your hand over his shoulder and walking out the door.

Tommy drops into the now empty seat, grinning ear to ear.

“How’d that go boss?” he asks.

“Shut it,” Joel growls.

Later that week with the sun just peeking above the horizon you hear a knock at your door. It startles you into alertness and you sit up with a gasp, dropping your book to the bed.

Your feet hit the cool floor and you ask, “who’s there?,” hoping to keep the shakiness from your voice.

“It’s Joel.”

“Oh,” you whisper, now suddenly even more alert but much less jumpy.

Before you open the door you quickly run a hand over your face and scrub away the sleepiness. You turn the knob and have it halfway open before you realize you’re barely dressed, the only thing covering your body is the old tee shirt that hits way above your knees.

You stop and peek through.

“I’m um…I’m not really dressed. I was in bed reading.”

“Shit,” Joel mutters. “Sorry darlin.’ I didn’t even realize the time. I can wait till you’ve put somethin’ on.”

He doesn’t move away from the door and you open it a little wider before slipping away to grab shorts.

“Fuck,” he mutters quietly but not quietly enough and your lips turn up into a triumphant smile.

When you return you open the door invitingly and then notice the toolbox at his feet and meet his eyes.

His cheeks are dusted with pink and not even the scruff lining them can cover it. It’s hard to hide your smug satisfaction but you do your best.

“What’s that for?” you ask.

“I came to change the lock for you,” he explains hoarsely.

“Oh,” you answer, feeling your stomach erupt with nervous energy. “Why?”

“I’m leaving this morning. To go to the city and start on that hotel job. Won’t be back for a few days. I just…”

He kneels down and starts rummaging through the tool box, metal clanging against metal so you can barely hear him when he adds, “wanted to make sure this place was safe and secure.”

Your fingers fiddle with the hem of your old shirt.

“That’s really nice of you.”

“Well.” He stands and starts working on the door. “I saw you hadn’t done it yet and I didn’t want you calling any random guys.”

“Because you can do it better. Right?”

He doesn’t look up from his work and just grunts his acknowledgement.

You take the opportunity to move toward the small kitchen area and start making some coffee.

“Coffee?” you offer.

He looks up at you as you lean against the counter with your bare legs on display. His eyes drag down the length of them before he shakes his head no.

“Already had a cup thanks.”

He finishes the lock and puts his tools away before approaching. His hand moves to his back pocket and he pulls out some folded papers, setting them on the counter.

“I brought some take out menus.”

“It’s probably too early to be insulted.”

“This isn’t me telling you not to cook. These are just in case you don’t want to cook.”

“Ah,” you answer. “I could have just looked this up online.”

“Yeah well I don’t have your number so how would you know the best places to get take out.”

You stare at him from over the rim of your steaming mug.

“Maybe you should take it,” he says abruptly. “My number…in case…”

“I need cooking advice again?”

He makes an affirmative nod and smiles.

“Ok, what’s your number?” you ask as you reach for your phone.

The relief on his face doesn’t go unnoticed by you and he recites the digits as you punch them in.

When you hit dial on his contact his eyebrows draw together as if he’s trying to figure out where the sound is coming from.

“That’s you. Now you’ll have my number too.”

You giggle and the corner of his mouth lifts a little. “Right.”

You set your coffee down and push yourself up onto the countertop.

With one more almost imperceptible sweep of your legs he coughs into his fist and turns toward the door.

“Thanks Joel!” you call after him.

He waves with barely a turn and flies down the steps.

The rest of your day is spent figuring out the renovations for the bookshop space downstairs. You clean, declutter, and really start to map things out in your head. By the time the late afternoon sun is setting you realize you’ve missed lunch and you’re starving.

“I should try chili again,” you say to yourself.

After a quick and much less exciting visit to the grocery store you head back with a bag full of Joel’s recommended ingredients and get to work.

Two hours later you have a large pot of bubbling and unburnt chili on the stove.

Without thinking too much into it you snap a picture of the food and send it to Joel with the caption, “I did it! And it smells amazing!”

Before you even put your phone down his response dings in.

“Wow darlin.’ Looks amazing. Save me some.”

You’re about to reply that you definitely will when another text comes through.

“And I’m hoping you didn’t burn anything down?”

He follows it with a silly smiling emoji and you answer with, “nope! Everything and everyone is intact,” including your own smiley face emoji.

“Perfect. And I meant it. Save me some.”

“Please…” you type and then send another message saying, “so bossy!”

He responds quickly. “Save me some. Please.”

He adds a kissy smiley face and you giggle before sending one back with a thumbs up.

It’s easy to flirt over text. You aren’t overwhelmed by his masculine and sexy presence. By the smell of him. Woodsy and spicy. And his hands aren’t there teasing to touch you.

All you can think of while you enjoy your bowl of chili is how you can’t wait for him to come back this weekend.

When Joel returns from his trip he rushes home to shower and change. It’s already late but he needs to see you and you should have a bowl of chili waiting for him.

When he pulls up to the bookshop and parks his pickup he frowns at the darkened space.

Maybe you’re out? With someone…

Pushing the invasive thoughts aside he gets out and walks to the large windows, peering inside.

Nothing.

The scuffle of feet pulls his attention away and he catches sight of you sitting across the street by the park, your feet dangling along the pavement.

He approaches slowly, making noise so you don’t get scared. You look up and tense but instantly relax at the sight of him.

“Was wonderin’ where you were,” he murmurs.

“You’re back,” you say. “I have chili for you.”

You half smile but your eyes fall.

His chest tightens.

“Darlin’?” he asks before sitting down next to you.

His thigh brushes yours and his arm is close enough that you feel his warmth.

Your sniffle and hug your arms around your body.

Hesitantly he lifts his arm and rests it lightly across your shoulders.

“Hey, what’s wrong?”

When you don’t pull away and instead lean into his strength he tugs you closer.

“I tried to start doing some work on the bookshop. I just wanted to take off the old and peeling wall paper but I think I fucked things up. I’m not sure how to fix it and really I have no idea what I’m doing. It’s a mess.”

Your confession softens him and he runs his calloused fingertips along your smooth skin, sneaking them under the sleeve of your shirt.

“I’ll take a look at it. I’m sure we can fix it.”

You were so soft. It took everything in him not to pull you even closer and wrap you in his arms.

“It’s a mess. I’m a mess. I don’t know what the hell I’m doing!”

“Don’t do that,” he says. “Don’t put yourself down. It pisses me off.”

You look up at him and gasp. “You? Pissed off? That’s new.”

The corner of his lips lift and his eyes sparkle. “I deserve that.”

You wipe your nose and give him a smile.

“Maybe. But only a little.”

You lean your head on his shoulder and sigh.

“We’ll sort it out,” he assures you.

You look at him with soft eyes full of gratefulness. His gaze moves lower…to your mouth and his lips part as if to speak but the sound of a loud car horn makes you jump apart.

“How about that chili?” you ask as you start to stand.

“Sounds great darlin’.”

You walk toward the building, tensing at his side the closer you get, knowing he’s going to see the disaster you’ve made.

He stops you with a hand over yours.

“For what it’s worth,” he whispers. “I think you’re really brave for comin’ here to start over.”

The tension slips from your shoulders and you take his hand, giving it a squeeze.

“You did it,” you murmur. “I’m still upset but…I feel better. More hopeful.”

He smiles before you turn to unlock the door and your hyperaware of the feel of his hard body behind you. It takes everything in you not to turn around and throw yourself at him but you manage to get the door open and offer him some chili.

The next day, being Sunday, should be a day of rest but your new-found determination has you up and out of bed bright and early, ready to conquer the wallpaper debacle and then some.

You’re saved from wondering where to start when the front door of the shop opens and in walks Joel with a tray of coffee and a bakery bag.

“Hey there darlin’,” he says. “Thought you’d be up and ready to work.”

“Hey back,” you wave.

He fills the doorway with his body and you try to focus on the smell of fresh coffee and sugar.

“That for me?” you ask and point to the tray in his hand.

“Yeah.”

He crosses the small distance and places the tray down on one of the old tables. You reach for the coffee and open the top, inspecting the contents of the cup.

“You know how I take my coffee?” you ask, raising a brow.

“I pay attention,” is all the answer you get.

You stood dumbfounded for a moment until you remembered that you had made coffee the other morning when he fixed the lock on the door upstairs.

“Thank you.”

Your gaze travels to his and there is some kind of silent communication between you. You can’t believe how much he can convey without actually speaking. Your breathing becomes shallower as he continues to look at you and you know, by the determined set of his jaw and confidence simmering in his gaze that things have really shifted.

When he finally pulls his eyes away you let out an audible breath and take a sip of your coffee.

“What’s happening here?” he asks as he looks over the mess of a wall. “You want to get rid of this?”

He moves closer and toys with the wallpaper.

“Yes and then I want to…”

You start rattling off your ideas in a long run-on rambling sentence without taking a break and when you’re finally done you find him eyeing you with both an amused and thoughtful expression.

“Right,” he said. “Well I know a good place to get lumber and all that so we can shop later but for now let’s get this cleaned up.”

He turns and strides for the exit, passing your trash bag from yesterday that was too heavy for you to lift.

“You want this out for pick up?” he asks.

“Yes, please,” you respond.

With zero effort, he tosses the bag over his shoulder and walks out. When he returns he’s carrying his toolbox.

You peer through the window and see his pickup truck and one trip at a time, he brings more supplies and tools.

Grabbing the back of his sweatshirt he drags it up and off, bringing his tee shirt underneath along with it, and you catch a glimpse of what’s beneath.

“Shit,” you mutter.

Now that he’s only in a tee shirt you can see the deep cut of his triceps and forearm muscles every time he lifts or handles something.

“Shit, shit, shit.”

“You alright there darlin’?” he asks when he hears your quiet reflections.

“Huh? Me? Oh yeah, just fine thanks. Um…I want to help so just tell me what to do…you know be bossy. You’re good at that.”

He steps closer with a sideways smirk, his warmth coasting over you, and his gaze falls to your mouth, taking it’s time before finding your eyes again.

“Keep ripping that wallpaper down. I know it looks a mess but you’re doing it right.”

The words themselves hold no sensuality at all but the way he says them, the way he leans in close and whispers them along your ear…it sends a shiver right down your spine.

As the days pass you continue to work and make progress on the shop. Some days it’s just you and Joel and other days Tommy joins you both to help. On the days when Joel has to work he gives you detailed instructions on what to do and how to do it. You’re proud of how much you’ve accomplished together but also on your own.

At the end of the week, with the late afternoon sun already making it’s way toward the horizon, you notice the shop is oddly quiet. No sound of the saw or hammer.

“I have something to show you.”

His low and gravelly voice pulls you from your current task of polishing the small table tops and your nerves fire up.

When you stand and walk closer he looks you over from head to toe. You’re covered in dust and your skin is glowing with a light sheen of sweat.

You look down at yourself then back up at him.

“Is it that bad?” you ask with a halfhearted smile.

“You look beautiful.”

He holds his hand out and you take it, letting him pull you toward the back of the shop.

You step behind the last row of bookshelves and stop short.

“Joel…”

The large bay window is now framed by two brand new floor to ceiling dark shelves. The polished wood gleams in the setting sun and every beautiful accent swirl and grain is highlighted.

“It’s amazing! I just…I love it. Thank you!”

He takes the rag from his back pocket and cleans his hands while he watches you from under the dark strands of hair that have fallen over his forehead.

“Glad you like it darlin’.”

“No. I love it Joel. How can I ever thank you.”

“Have dinner with me…and not here…on the floor of the shop like we do some days. A real date.”

You suck in a small breath and curl your fingers together. “Did you think you needed to build me this to convince me to go on a date with you?”

“No,” he says as he shoves his hands into his pockets. “I was workin’ up the nerve to ask you and this was a good distraction.”

“Oh…” You say the words and your mouth forms a little ‘o’ shape. “I…I mean…of course. I’d love to have dinner with you.”

He looks down at his feet and nods firmly, a smile playing on his lips. “Alright then.”

He starts to gather and pack up his tools. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow at six.”

You shake your head yes and realize you’re not speaking and as he turns to walk away you move forward while calling his name.

One second he’s holding the tool box and the next it’s on the ground next to him and he’s turning toward you. Your momentum brings you right into his chest and his arm wraps around your lower back.

He waits for you to speak, his eyes wandering over the features of your face before focusing in on your parted lips. His fingers splayed along your lower back dig into your skin and he tugs you closer as he dips his head.

Your palms land flat on his hard chest and slowly dance upward along his broad shoulders.

“Thank you.”

The words are just a whisper but you manage to get them passed your lips and he looks like he’s about to speak but instead covers your mouth with his.

The kiss is worshipful but you can feel his restraint in the tense and flexing muscles of his body and your fingers find purchase at the back of his neck and comb through his hair.

His hand slides up your back and he presses you closer as he lifts the other to cup your jaw. The callouses on the pad of his thumb scrape deliciously across your soft skin and he moans like you’re the best thing he’s ever tasted.

When the need for air finally takes over he releases your mouth just long enough to look into your eyes before he dives back in, stealing your breath all over again.

The door to the shop opens, the newly installed bell atop it ringing loud and clear through your kiss filled haze.

“Oh shit, sorry,” Tommy says sheepishly when he appears by the window.

Joel breaks the kiss, his chest heaving with harsh breaths and he stares at your mouth for a few long moments while you cling to him. His hand eventually drops away from your back and his fingers trace along your jaw and then down your neck to pull your ear to his lips.

“Tomorrow night,” he murmurs. “Six.”

@hiddles-rose @lorilane33 @lizette50 @littleseasiren @blackwidownat2814 @kmc1989

[lizzyk137]

Hi

Could you please write my idea for jethro Gibbs 🙏

Imagine Gibbs seeing you doing a million steps nightly skin care routine and just laying under the covers and waiting for you to be done and come to bed already and slowly getting frustrated

Maybe a little toddler cuddling in bed with him and Gibbs fake complaining to them about you

“Mommy is taking a long time huh?”

Nightly Routine- Gibbs X Reader Fanfic

Summary: Gibbs' daily night with you doing your skincare routine. Warnings: None, per fluff! Thank you so much for requesting this! I'm so sorry it took so long; I get into funks where I hate everything I write. It's longer than I wanted but i couldn't help thinking about his little family and the adorable dynamics! Hope you enjoy! ❤️

Want to read more, visit my Masterlist!

He watched as you grabbed yet another bottle to spray on your face. This was the third thing that you had sprayed on your face in the past 10 minutes.

He knew every step you did morning and night. This spray was step seven of the night. He didn't understand why you had to do a long skin care routine every day. You were beautiful. Your skin was soft and flawless, unlike his that was full of cracks. He'd remind you every day how beautiful you were and occasionally telling you that you could have it worse, aka his skin, but you'd always shake your beautiful head, the light bouncing of your hair like a halo when you did, and you'd always tell him you loved every line and crack on his face, it was beautiful.

"Leroy Jethro Gibbs."

Gibbs turned his gaze down beside him to look at his youngest son, who was holding his badge. He didn't know where he grabbed it from, which concerned him, but his son was always fascinated with it. He even had asked him to show him how to flip it open and around like a real agent does.

"That's great, baby! Can you read the next line?" You cheered from your vanity as you applied the next cream to your face.

Gibbs smiled at you. Even when you took time for yourself, you were still present with your son. "I think you know these letters so tell me what they are." Gibbs spoke up next as he pointed to the word N.C.I.S in the large font that was at the top of the badge card.

Gibbs had helped sound out every word for his five-year-old on the badge card, and you still were doing your routine.

He sometimes would get annoyed with how long it took, not really because of the time but because he wanted you in his arms, your attention fully on him before he had to leave and capture yet another monster. But you didn't ask for anything. You were raising three of his beautiful, making a beautiful home, went above and beyond at work as a special education teacher all the while taking away any baggage or worry, he has carried back from work and restarting him every day so he could be a better man for you and his kids.

You could've asked for more. Way more. But you didn't. You were young when you had first gotten pregnant. A drunken one night with Gibbs, which eventually led to him falling head over heels for you and asking you to marry him. You were worried since having your oldest that you wouldn't be present enough with your career and taking on the father role when Gibbs worked overtime. He actually had to sit you down and tell you it was okay to enjoy doing your skin care and that those minutes were for you to enjoy and unwind. You felt guilty, but after Nathan turned four and you had another on the way, you were thankful for that skin care routine each morning and night.

Your son was nestled into his side, his light brown hair falling into his eyes as he slept. He gave a quick kiss and looked at the clock. 10 p.m. He waited for the quick pitter patter of feet, and then their door opened, revealing his beautiful daughter, a stuffy in one hand, and a book in another.

"Daddy, could you read this?" She came over and sat beside Gibbs, Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing falling into his lap. His daughter was incredibly smart for her age of ten. She had Down Syndrome, and since day one, she's defied every pressure society has given her, excelling above and beyond and making a name for herself in school and the community. She was far smarter than him on subjects, and he always loved it when she taught him new things. His heart burst every time she told him she wanted a career in the same field as her daddy.

Every night, she comes at exactly ten o'clock and asks him to read her a chapter because her eyes got too tired, and he was happy too even though he wasn't the best reader. He perched his glasses on his nose, her head resting on his chest.

He finished the chapter and looked at the clock. 10:30 and you were in the bathroom blowing your little fan to dry your face. He heard the drawers being opened and you were rummaging through them.

The door opened a peak, and he saw his oldest stick his head in. "Hey, I just got back from Josh's. Where's Mom?" Gibbs just raised his eyebrows in reply, earning a small chuckle from his son. "Ah, skin care."

He nodded as he sat the book and his glasses down on the bedside table. Nathan came over and sat beside Sophie, his head resting on the top of hers as he played with her fingers, something that always calmed him down after a long day at school and practice.

His youngest stirred, his eyes blinking open before asking where his mommy was.

His smiled and chuckled, "Mommy is taking a long time, huh?" His joking tone making even his youngest smile.

He heard you laugh at his joke from the bathroom before coming out, your skin glowing and bright. You placed your hands on your hips and just gave him a look before coming over and putting a kiss on your two oldest kid's heads. Each was falling asleep, and he chuckled over how much room they were taking up. His youngest crawled over him and pushed himself in between his siblings whose hands were still clasped.

You both pulled the covers over your sleeping kids before you made your way over to Gibbs. He was glad you had conned him into a king-sized bed, especially since there wasn't much room left for the both of you to sleep. You crawled in next to him and snuggled into his chest, the last few knots of worry leaving him, and he sighed.

"I took a while because I was trying to get off permanent marker from my face." You mumbled into his chest.

"It's okay, you deserve your time, baby, no need to explain." He kissed the top of your head. "I do think we need to explain to the kids that they're bed hogs."

"Or we could just get a bigger bed." He eyed you before smiling and nodding his head as his way of saying yes.

He rubbed your soft cheek with his thumb, your breathing slowing down, your long lashes fluttering closed before he finally closed his eyes.

[blairdii]

one of my fav things about nortrell is showing up.

i don’t have time to go into a full psycho analysis right now, but here’s a mini version.

as a kid, parents showing up have greatly impacted us on the way we grew up. i mean, i used to give clear instructions to my mom about where to sit for the best view of me, and now i do that in college events with my friends.

max has been with lando practically their whole lives. from karting together to growing up and lando in f1. during karting, max showed up by actually being there and participating. now, showing up is sitting and watching every race, no matter what time it is, or sometimes travelling to places to see it in person.

parents, friends showing up makes us feel like at the end of the day, we have somewhere to go, someone to look forward to, someone to share with what you’ve just done.

lando’s parents and max are specifically that for that. like, how poetic is it that lando’s other friends, aarava and a few more were there to see him win miami, and then zandvoort, his parents got to see him win, and then singapore, where max got to see him win.

they showed up.

it’s a comfort of its own, and despite being 25, i feel lando really needs that. he needs that comfort of knowing that someone’s showed up specifically for him, to cheer for him, to com for him, to just be with him.

max has watched and streamed every race, even saying that he knows what goes on behind the scenes in mclaren because lando tells him. while it’s not much, it’s still showing up from where you can. and i think that’s why lando and max have such a close, healthy relationship.

max understands what lando needs, and he gives it without hesitation. lando understands what max needs, and gives it without hesitation.

like, take for instance, lando telling max to move in with him because max was not well mentally during that time. lando being there as much as he could, getting max out of the house, spending time, making him laugh, all those sorts of things, because he knew what max needed at that time. he showed up.

nortrell have a love language of showing up. that’s a highly underrated one, because the feeling of seeing someone you love show up for you because they love you is the best.

apparently, i did have time to write a semi psychoanalysis on this

-wyr anon

YES YES YES!!!

when i was first getting into f1, i indulged more in quadrant first: watched a few videos, a couple of max's and lando's streams (live and recorded [lando's were mainly the latter unfortunately 🥲]) and the thing that stood out to me was how max was always there. despite no longer being a driver, after being so committed to motorsport for so long, he was still able to supprt lando through quadrant, show up at races, stream him watching races live every weekend; and then i found out that max was offered to live with lando just so max could have someone, and i love that most about nortrell.

they always want to be there, no matter how the circumstances, no matter were they are. they reminded me and my friends and i, all of us had our own problems and challenges, but we never skipped on showing up. it doesn't matter the time in which we message, just needing comfort, we always make sure to be there as soon as we can.

max and lando are just the same person, different fonts. they get each other like crazy, it's beautifully obvious how much they care about each other; they're just ARGHH 😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️

showing up is definitely one thing lando needs. especially now when it seems like it's him against the whole world, those around him being there just grounds him (as stated in your ask; his parents being there for his zandvoort win made everything so much better. there was even a pic they took together at belgium (i think??) and he really looked like that mischievous, shy kid again 🥲). those close to him being there really reminds him that, yes he's lando norris, a driver for mclaren in f1, but he's also just lando, someone's son, someone's best friend, who just happens to be living that dream of making it big. and they'll level his head a bit, simmer down that anxiety and remind him that he loves racing. and he should enjoy it.

all in all, wyr anon you summed this up perfectly and way more articulated than i did, and i love nortrell with everything in me. i can't be more glad at how lando has someone like max, and his other friends too. he deserves the best!!

[mysticum-draconis]

Mini drawing of Lieutenant Uhura from “Star Trek TOS - S02E15: The Trouble with Tribbles” I drew in the note space of June 6th in my 2023 diary, which is when I watched the episode for the second time (although I only drew this last month).

This is my all-time favourite original series episode, and one of the only ones where Uhura has a decent part in, so I just had to draw her from it! It’s my first time drawing her ❤️🖖🏾

I’m aware that it looks like she’s pouting, which wasn’t intentional.

Drawn with B pencil and Lyra Colouring pencils.

Progress pics and references below cut.

Please don’t use or post on other websites without credit or permission, thanks 🙏

I really wasn’t happy with it at this point, but luckily it looked much better once I put colour on it.

I usually turn to my email drafts to give me good title fonts!

[rainscenes]

hi! do you mind me asking what your type/font settings are? i always notice yours look so good in your gifs and i'm curious what i could try doing differently to make mine look better

i don't mind and thank you ❤️! :) i answered this a while ago on my main blog so i'll just copy what i said there since it hasn't changed much. the only thing is that i've started setting my letter spacing to 0 and am slowly trying to increase the font size because sometimes it looks a little too small for me, but i struggle with it then being too drastic of a change. haha

i use arial rounded mt bold with these settings:

i think crisp and smooth also look good, but i don't like sharp. i tend to adjust the font size based on the size of the gif

and i use these layer styles:

feel free to ask if you haven't more questions :) i genuinely love to help

[beatrizjournal]

I'm a new follower and I saw what happened and just want to add - not all zoomers are being disrespectful or a creep. I am a zoomer, and I don't do it to creep on people's lives, I do it to see how people are using their spreads. How much detail they put in their to dos, which symbols they use, what emotions they put in their feelings wheel, if chunks of writing are notes or journaling...Stuff like that. Tidbits to apply to my own. Even the handwriting. There is a journal on IG that I follow that has the tiniest writing and for a while I would zoom just to look at it from a "font" perspective. Sometimes I like to see mistakes in "perfect" writing/spreads bc it makes me feel better about mine not being perfect.

All this to say, I just want you to know not everyone has bad intentions. I genuinely thought anything private wouldn't have been posted or would have been blurred, so I didn't realize it would be an invasion of privacy. And I've always respected and appreciated the openness and vulnerability that creators embrace to share their art with others. I hope you continue to post (within the boundaries of your comfort of course!) and know that there are less creative/organized people out there that are grateful for the inspiration! ❤️

I understand what you are saying, I don’t think you have done it with malicious intentions. It is always nice to hear both sides of the story. But the thing is, I wasn’t expecting people to do this, I thought they cared about the layout and layering of images, stickers, etc. I didn’t think they would zoom in to read my notes, to do list or my habit trackers and emotions. It is my fault for not thinking about it, because the moment you put something online, like you said, you became vulnerable and people can do pretty much whatever they want. I would just tell you, that most of the time, especially small creators (as it is my case) don’t really know this. Like I said, I don’t think you had bad intentions, but it is, in my opinion, still a bit of an invasion of privacy, especially the zoom in part.

Saying this, I thank you for your words and honesty, I don’t mean to offend you, I just don’t really agree with your practice. Hope you don’t take this the wrong way, as I know you didn’t mean anything bad 🤍

[harlowtales]

Reader x Jack have a fight that has reader thinking they are making a mistake getting married ⚠️drama/smut/sweet❤️

You and Jack were doing better than ever. Ayesha hadn’t been a problem for a long time. You were busy making preparations for the wedding to happen in a few months. You got busy tending to every detail down to the fonts for the invitations. The guest list was small considering who Jack was. A lot of family and High School friends topped the list. Your family was small, and the celebrity roster was pretty amazing. Drake, Bryson, Tyler Herro, Pete Davidson, Druski, and others had already confirmed they were coming.

Then there was the engagement party. That was a whole other thing….

“Tell me why da fuk you’re inviting your ex?” Jack fumed one morning as you both were brushing your teeth.

“Because you invited like 6 of yours” you said spitting out a froth of toothpaste and smiling at him. “Keep at it and I’ll invite 2 more.”

“Don’t get fucking cheeky with me.” Jack said frowning “You know we’re all just friends.” He said following you into the bedroom.

“So am I fucking my ex?” You challenged looking up at him.

“No…but….” Jack stuttered

“But what?” You waited for him to say something

“So let’s make a rule. No exes at the engagement party or the wedding.” Jack decided

“Yeah ok.” You said rolling your eyes and walking into the girl’s room to put away laundry. Jack loved that you were a hands on mom. It was kind of turning him on a bit watching you with your hair tied with sweatpants on bending and putting clothes in the drawers but he was happily choosing violence at the moment. This was the regular part of his life he craved. You gave him that. Making the girl’s lunches, picking them up from preschool. You were the apple of his eye.

“Don’t roll your eyes at me.” Jack said getting in your face now.

“You know what Jackman?” You stopped now and faced him. “I want you to want to not invite a whole fleet of women I don’t get along with. Not uninviting them so I don’t invite my ex. You’re being childish.”

“Childish?” Jack repeated angrily “Childish!” He said again as if trying to make sense of the accusation.

“Childish.” You affirmed carrying an empty basket to the laundry room.

“Fuck this I’m going to the basement.” He said, which was where he tended to go when he was stressed out.

“Yeah start shit and run away.” You said in no mood

“Ok. You know why I invited them?” He asked you

“Cuz you’re such a loyal little boy who can’t say no to your day ones.” You said mockingly “Did any of your day ones push out those big heads like yours?” You asked him looking out at the girls running around in the yard with the nanny. “It’s so disrespectful on so many levels. It almost made me…” You stopped, not wanting to hurt him.

“Say it.” He said glaring at you with his arms folded

“Nothing.” You said sitting down in the laundry room and looking out the window at the girls. Sometimes you weren’t happy and Jack knew that. The long weeks away from home and girls everywhere all over him all the time. Jack really loved his fans and you didn’t want to look jealous when you were the envy of the world.

“Maybe we’re making a mistake.” You said wringing your hands.

Jack was silent. He wasn’t quite expecting you to say that. He knew things weren’t perfect but he thought what he had with you was rock solid. So much so he thought inviting the old crew wouldn’t be such an issue. He would never knowingly disrespect you, but he didn’t ask you how you felt about seeing all the girls that made things so hard in the beginning.

He slammed the door to the laundry room and left you there. For the first time in a long time you felt totally alone. Even dinner was quiet. You said not a word to him and just talked to the kids. He brooded looking at his plate and periodically making nice with everyone but you could tell it was taking an effort from him. He looked depressed, and for the first time you didn’t really care. You weren’t going to compete with those girls anymore.

Washing up after you put the girls to bed he wandered into the kitchen. You pretended he wasn’t there and kept washing. Suddenly you felt his arms around your waist and he engulfed you in a warm embrace, nestling his face into your neck. You reached back and played with his hair while the tap was still running. You were struck by his emotions and didn’t say anything. The two of you just stood there in silence.

He turned off the running water and hoisted you up on the kitchen counter and started kissing you while feeling up your dress. He pushed aside your underwear and began feeling for some evidence that you wanted him. That you needed him, because he needed you desperately. The idea that you thought about throwing it all away sometimes scared him. You straddled him with your legs and held his head close to your chest, to your heart.

Let’s go upstairs” he whispered passionately

PART 2

The minute you got into the room Jack closed the door and motioned for you to be quiet. If the kids woke up make up sex wasn’t happening. He went into the bathroom and started drawing a bath for both of you. He added bubbles and got it nice and hot the way you like it. When it was just right he peeled his tank top off, then underwear, then sweatpants. Each item tossed to the side. He was in all his glory now looking at you to undress. You slipped out of your sundress and panties and started kissing and caressing his chest as he towered over you. Your tongues locked and you sucked his bottom lip. A sign you wanted him badly. He dimmed the lights and lit some candles around the tub.

“Alexa play Jodeci” Jack said and “Forever my lady” came on. You put your hair up getting ready to step into the tub. Jack dipped under the water and came up with his long curls hanging wet. He kissed on your neck as he pulled you into the perfect place leaning on his chest as steam rose up from the huge soaker tub he had custom made for his 6”3 frame. He wrapped his legs around you and started sponging you down. As he squeezed water from the sponge it cascaded down your breasts. You put your head back in submission to his will. He took some passionfruit scented body wash and massaged your breasts and body with the lovely aroma filling the air with the steam.

You felt him rising into you back. He moved you away a little for you to turn around. You went down under the water and took him into your mouth. He put his head back and moaned as quietly as he could, but it was difficult to hold in his pleasure and his desire for you. He never wanted to fight with you to the point where you ignored him like that again. That hurt him more than you screaming and yelling. He knew you had to be deeply hurt to pretend he didn’t exist because he knew he was your whole world.

When you came up soaking wet and looking sexy, he couldn’t hold anything in anymore. He bent you over the side of the tub and entered you ramming from behind then drawing you close to his chest skin to skin clutching your breasts and continuing to thrust as you both became enveloped in heat. You moaned in sweet agony as he covered your mouth and drove harder. Your screams went into the palms of his hands.

“We are one.” He said in your ear in a low raspy growl, grinding into you deeper.

“Uughhh!!” You managed to say muffled by his hand still ensuring only he heard your cries. He sat back into the tub taking you down with him.

You sat onto his hard cock and rode him backwards going up and down on him fast. Steam continued to fill the room as the two of you created a whirlwind in the water. “I’m cumming Jack…..” You said faintly as he wrapped his muscular arms around you while you released all the tension you were feeling. He felt you squeeze around him and knew you had reached heights of ecstasy.

He sat you up and out of the tub on the edge and entered you with his tongue sucking your clit aggressively. You held his head in agony and breathed “Jack. I….I can’t….please”

He put you onto his shoulders with you straddling his face, continuing to eat you with no mercy as he you slid off his shoulders facing him now. He looked into your soul through your eyes as he often did. You couldn’t read the storm you saw in his eyes. He was so intense holding you in his gaze. He put his forehead to yours and your breathing became one breath.

“Promise me we’ll never be like that again” he said in between breaths.

“I promise” you nodded eagerly on the verge of tears

“I can’t do any of this without you. I WONT do any of this without you.” He insisted “Everything I do is for us.”

You settled back onto him gathering yourself after that swirl of desire in the tub. He helped you relax and enjoy the calm of the water, the calm of him.

[liptonwashere]

Hello Sam!! I hope you’ve been well ❤️ 1, 5, 6, 15, 17, and 24 for the ask game please, my love!!

Hi Louuu!! ❤️ Hoping the same for you my dear. Thanks for asking :)!!

(1) what are 3 things you’d say shaped you into who you are?

this is going to be sad, isn't?

first, not a thing. my favourite person. she is no longer here, but she's always present to me—in moments, books, and music. she taught me patience and resilience. I am the way I am because of her.

second, I'd say that the brutal dict4torship I've been living all my life. I won't explain it that much. It has definitely had an impact on my personality and perspective.

third, depression; I used to think everything was pointless, and I kind of accepted that life would always be like that. I learned to take one step at a time. Keep pushing :)

(5) what made you start your blog?

that's a good question! last year I saw Band of Brothers with my brother (it was his second time), and I went CRAAAZY. I looked everywhere for a fandom, then I found all of you here... and I decided to be brave and talk. I'm an introvert; it was so hard (and still is sometimes). But it was so worth it. I've met the best mutuals ever.

(6) what’s the best and worst part of being online/a creator?

best part: always learning. I absolutely love learning; there's this rule of getting 1% better every day. I love to use new fonts, different effects, or transitions, combining songs with specific scenes. so much fun. and of course, the community. I think I found a place where I feel comfortable sharing what I create. That's priceless.

worst part: Whenever I get a new idea, I get OBSESSED. can't stop thinking about it. I NEED to make it right now and share it with all of you. That's time-consuming, especially because I am such a perfectionist and I want to give you high-quality content. There's this perpetual pressure to produce new content every week. It must be a habit for some people, so you can imagine that sometimes I just sit in a corner and contemplate life.

(15) what do you think of when you hear the word “home”?

I've never thought of home as a place. For me, home is the people I love. So corny.

(17) name 3 things that make you happy

exercising, listening to music and talking with my lovely friends!!

(24) what’s one thing you’re proud of yourself for?

Last month, one of my best friends shared a pic on their stories, it was a social gathering at her home. I saw myself there and remembered that I took that picture almost two years ago, when I was dealing with depression. I’m proud of my determination to take responsibility for my mental health and try my best to make a positive impact on my life, the lives of my loved ones and anyone who needs it. The girl in that pic changed so much. I'm proud of her :)

[xhudgenssistersconfessions]

VOGUE POSTED

I was expecting her hair to be tied but I was expecting different hairstyle

Vanessa accepted the request, is now in her feed

What does any of this have to do with Zac anon🙄Zanessa is officially dead get over it. better be happy that Cole is such a sweet and wonderful guy who fits Vanessa better than anyone else❤️

I LOVE the details..but i want to see more and I just know we’re not gonna get much.. I wanna know if she did a first look with the girls or with Mama G..

OMG Vanessa looked gorgeous. I mean of course she did but she just glowed. Wow. And LOL at Cole having an entire team for his groomsmen.

I hope she finally posts and I hope there might some new pics we haven’t seen..but she’s been online since vogue dropped and she hasn’t posted so who knows with her..

For how private Vanessa usually is regarding her personal life, I'm a little surprised that she allowed such an intimate moment such as her wedding to be photographed for publication. I wouldn't have expected that tbh. Lol I was also surprised with how plain and boring her wedding dress was. 😕 Had her hair been down and long with extensions, I think it would've worked better. And I'm sorry, but the embroidered veil that says “Mrs. T December 2nd, 2023” in Gothic font is just so tacky to me. 😭 I feel like after all these years of waiting for her to finally get married, the wedding was nothing like I imagined it would be. 😂

Well Vogue and Vera posted so now can Vanessa post alrreadyyyy

“I literally keeled over when I saw Cole and had to take a big breath and had to force myself to keep walking because I could have dropped to the floor," she said. Let me see the tape

Happy for Vanessa, but I’m not a fan of the dress. I’m surprised she went with something so basic. Also I’m surprised Kim and Natalie were not part of the bridal party.

Her dress was not veeery different from her bachelorette party

I never thought Vanessa the Queen of Coachella the Queen of Halloween (which means she is always dress up) would got married in the most basic dress in the store

I thought the place they chose was really beautiful and I loved the color choices. While the dress and hairstyle I found a bit disappointing, it's not a look that I look at and my eyes light up, kinda very normal, Vanessa took a risk she choose chic but ended very basic imo. The party dress looks like any other dress she's worn recently and it's also nothing new, I think she could have worn her hair down at the party. At the end it wasn't a beach wedding but it was in a very beautiful place, I wanted to see photos of the party

It was not random but i wasn't expecting jay at all 😂

There are some groomsmen that i never saw lol but we got it right some of them

Nac it’s not my favorite bridal look but she still looked very pretty on her day.. wish she would’ve done her hair down.. also knew she was gonna do an understated bridal gown.. I just think she could’ve gone a little more glam but it’s her day and obviously she loved how it came out and that’s all that matters

Vera Wang was lazy that day

There are rumors that Vanessa never let her hair down again

cole got 29383838 groomsmen lmao

vanessa managed to get married in the most boring dress in the world, even the dinner one was prettier, at least the place they chose looks beautiful

Vanessa didn't even tried 😭

Omg? what a meh dress

[yokijii]

2014; june 13.

cw;; drug use / mention

“Just do a little, Yi. Come on, you know how much I spent on this party, right? Don’t ruin all of the fun.” His words seemed barely audible to Kit, her ears ringing from the combination of both the way-too-loud trap music and cocktail of various pills in her system. She felt like she could feel herself spinning, struggling to keep her eyes focused on the prepped lines of cocaine laid out on the table in front of her. If it wasn’t for his almost scripted way of begging her to take more, push herself over the edge, she wouldn’t be able to tell who it was who was speaking to her. With a nod, the girl moved her position to better face the direction she’d need to lean in order to comply with her boyfriend’s request.

As if he could tell that she was losing ability to function properly (of course he could tell), he helped her lean over, holding a crisply rolled bill up to their right nostril. She managed to plug her other one with her hand, her eyes falling shut as she inhaled through her nose as hard as she could manage. Almost instantly, she could feel a drip in the back of her throat, and she sat up and grabbed a nearby cup to attempt to wash the taste away. A burn followed the sips, probably an old cup of vodka that she had been working on a few hours prior. She actually didn’t know how long she had been sitting on this couch. With a groan, her body slumped over to rest on the shoulder of her boyfriend, feeling herself falling deeper into exhaustion. 

Ryangyi fell in and out of consciousness, trying her best each time she woke up to determine the time, the.. place? Who was she with? Did she have school tomorrow? When was the last time she called her parents? A question or two would attempt to verbalize itself every now and again but only came out as an incoherent mumble which the older man she’d accompanied would dismiss with a kiss or a drag of whatever cigarette or joint he’d currently be dragging from before turning his attention back to his friends, all who pretended to not notice the high schooler. Which, to be fair, was something they always did. No one would probably notice if she was there or not. 

At what had to be close to 4AM, Ryangyi had managed to pull out her phone, seeing the time. 4:03am. Nice. Her eyes squinted, desperately trying to read out the date that was in a smaller font on top of the time read on her lock screen. When it finally came into focus, a groan came from her and she used what consciousness she had left to unlock the phone, open Kakao, and compose a message. Her typing was slow but deliberate, and caught the attention of her company. Without prompting, he took the phone and read to himself what she had been sending out. He scoffed, looked at her, then locked her phone, placing it into the pocket of his jacket. “Don’t bother, he has better things to worry about today than you.” 

His words luckily held little weight to her in that moment, more due to the fact that she hardly heard them than anything else. A small pout found its way to her slightly chapped lips before she felt herself begin to doze back off, making a mental note to hit send on her drafted message. 

“happy birthday baby ino and my precious sihyunnie!!! noona will come visit soon, promise~!! eat so much cake, just for me!! ❤️🎉🎂"

[poly-mc]

Afrikaans Song #1: "Storm" by Spoegwolf (Translation: Spit Wolf)

Welcome to my first translation and interpretation of my favourite Afrikaans songs. The Afrikaans lyrics will be in the default font colour (black/white), while the English interpretation for each line will be in red. I say "interpretation", because if a different Afrikaans person were to translate and interpret this song, they might have (probably) used different words in English. I also like to use the "translate and interpret" because, a lot of times, if you only directly translate things from one language to another, they tend to lose their meaning and power. So, in order for them to have the same impact, you need to make the words your own in the other language. Therefore (joh I sound like I'm writing college papers again 😭), since I'll be using that phrase a lot in this segment, I'll be shortening it to T&I.

CW: Most of the songs that I T&I will be tied to my feelings for the Obey Me! brothers (thank you, hyper fixation), which is why I'm posting them on this account and not my main account (which could just as well be my alt at this point, since I hardly ever post on there). I also love imagining what it would have been like to share my culture and everyday things of my life with them. So, this kind of like that. I'll also be writing about how some of the songs relate to the poems that I write about/for them and how I view them. So, if my obsession with the brothers and my integration of them into real-life things makes you feel a bit uncomfortable, I get it and you can scroll past, it's fine❤️

That being said...to me this song kind of encapsulates how we (as MC) always want to take care of them and how they are constantly making us feel special in different ways. As someone who (especially as a child) was always made to feel inferior to those around star, this song really speaks to how they make me feel like I'm actually worth something. Like I'm actually worth fighting for. Which, honestly, doesn't happen much in real life. So, when that happens, even if it's in fiction, I'm going to take that and make the most of it. And kind of try to surround myself with it (as it should) and integrate it with my connotations of songs like this. I know it seems unhealthy, but to me, it feels like healing. This is how I heal. I obsess over/fixate on people and things that make me happy.

CUE TANGENT: Along with that, they're also making me feel truly alive during a very difficult time in my life; after dropping out of college and while I'm looking for a job, so that I can finally move out of my parents' house and away from my narcissistic (adoptive) mother. She's not Asmo's kind of narcissistic, though. She's the kind that picks fights, gaslights and will manipulate you in any way that she possibly can. The kind that really doesn't care about anybody's needs but her own. She only pretends to care about other people's needs in order to make herself look good. Asmo actually cares about other people's needs; he just has a different way of showing it. And he would never do anything to the detriment of somebody else. I mean, sure, he annoys his brothers by how self-absorbed he is. But his self-centeredness has never ended up hurting anybody. In fact, he's always encouraging his brothers to take better care of their skin. Yes, that is unsolicited advice and while that's not ideal, you can still see that he cares about them. Honestly, if I had someone in my daily life, helping me to take better care of my skin, it would be a lot less dry. See, in the province that I live in, the winters get super dry (and cold). So, there's no moisture in the air, for your skin, and it's also too cold for you to moisturise your whole body. While the summers get super humid, though the heat does tend to dry the moisture out a bit. So, you still can't really moisturise that much, because heat + moisturiser = constant sweating. Plus, you'll be swimming regularly (if you have access to pool), so that moisturiser will wash right off. But I digress (a little too late for that😂).

TLDR: This song symbolises how important the brothers are to me, especially during a really difficult time of my life.

Ek wil na jou kyk {I want to look after you} ek wil jou baadjie soek {I want to look for your jacket} jy weet ek speel vir tyd {You know I'm playing for time} voor jy uitgaan {Before you go out} en die wêreld face {And face the world} Toe ek jou ontmoet {When I met you} was ek klaar gereis {I was done travelling} Ses-en-twintig jaar lank {For twenty six years}

Ek hardloop uit {I'm running out}* ons dans by die kar {We dans at the car} maar buite tyd {But out of time} jou voete verward {Your feet confused} ons lywe ryg {Our bodies intertwine} toe ek jou ontmoet {When I met you} het die vloer gestyg {The floor started to rise} na ses-en-twintig jaar {After twenty six years}

en dit storm in jou kop vanaand {and it's storming in your head tonight} as jy so kyk {if you give me that look}

Swart soos die see {Black like the sea} skeer dit weer in my {it tears into me again} sien jy al deur? {do you see through it already?} na wat hier aangaan {to what's going on here}

Dit was ‘n koma {It was a coma} maar ek het jou ontmoet {But I met you} en ek het opgestaan {and I stood up} na ses-en-twintig jaar {after twenty six years}

en dit storm {and it's storming} in jou kop vanaand {in your head tonight} as jy só kyk {if you give me that look}

en dit storm {and it's storming} in jou kop vanaand {in your head tonight} as jy só kyk {if you give me that look}

weet ek daar is iets rein in my {I know there is something pure in me} jou in my {you in me} rein in my {pure in me} jou in my {you in me}**

en dit storm in jou kop vanaand {and it's storming in your head tonight} as jy so kyk {if you give me that look}

*could be interpreted as or running out to give your loved one their jacket (which your were looking for) OR running out of time to spend with them

**in my heart and soul. Like having this person be part of you get your mind out of the gutter Think: Beel at the end of the exchange programme goodbyes. Because this person is in your life and is now part of who you are, you now know that there is good in you after all

[ghosttownwherenoonegoes]

🌺 nonnie catchup

Did you add me on Finch?🥺 I keep forgetting to use the app, so I get it.😂 If not, I can give you my invite link again.🥺🥺💖

I'd love to watch Stranger Things with you if you ever wanted to! We could do DMs or video chat or anything you're comfy with hasdfghjkl we're both UK, right? I could totally send you a Hellfire T-Shirt👀 Yeahhhh the tracker I have for my studying is INTENSE but I'm gonna have to do my best to follow it as best as I can because this year it's gonna be my degree AND my job AND work experience in the mental health field AND therapy. And I also need to start looking into learning how to drive as well. I do part time study but honestly it's like 40 hours a week (they say 16 is recommended but I can't even do half the workload in that time so it's closer to 40) and my job is part time as well but I'm one shift away from full time work and I often do overtime anyway so it may as well be a full time job. Plus with my commutes, it's over 40 hours. The Munsons and I are so so SO proud of you and we love you so much!❤️ I miss them.💔

How is everything with work? How are thinga in general? Are you okay? I'm not too in the loop at the moment but I wanna catch up with everything!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️Almost every time I see Eddie, I go weak in the knees and have to sit down or I actually cry, I see him so rarely these days and I don't remember his voice.💔💔💔

Thank you; I hope things go better for me with uni this year too. I'm really scared and I'm leaning on the Munsons so hard.💔I hope everything is going well with you as well, the Munsons are so so proud of you and they love you lots!!!! I'm thinking of you and sending you my love.

I'm gonna reply to your DMs soon, I'm not ignoring you I promise.🥺I'm really sorry I haven't been answering your asks regularly like I usually do. I'm getting back on top of things as best as I can. The Munsons are sooooo so so proud of you and I hope they'd be proud of me as well!!! I'm scared they wouldn't like me.💔

METALHEAD RAPUNZEL IS SUCH A SWEET AND LOVELY NICKNAME AND DEFINITELY VERY TRUE HASDFGHJKL I uploaded an updated video of my hair the other day, did you see it?🥺 How is everything going with work and uni? I've been wondering how things are going for you!❤️

Your heart isn't failing, honey. You're young and healthy but if you ARE worried about your heart, then I'd recommend getting it checked out.🫂You won't have a heart attack from eating a whole box of pringles in one go; I can easily clear two in one sitting if I really want to and the most I'll get is a small stomach ache. Our bodies are very good at extracting what it needs from what we eat, though of course too many snacks isn't a good thing. But it's just moderation!!!! You're gonna be okay, I promise.🫂❤️

I've never seen the Star Wars films; I think I watched half of the first one and got bored so I turned it off. I just never went back to the franchise.😂 What films are on your classic film list?

YOU CUT YOUR OWN HAIR?!!!! YOU BRAVE SOUL OHMYGOD I COULD AND WOULD NEVER DO THAT. I admire the strength and bravery it takes to do something like that. What's your preferred hair length?

I'm so happy you got your hair done at the hairdresser's!!!! hgasdfghjk he was impressed by my hair????? Oh my godddd that's so so sweet of you to mention my hair hasdfghjkl ir's my baby🥺I'd never go to a hairdresser's for my hair, my dad does it with a ruler.😂He's the only one I trust to do it.

OOOH THE OLD OLD MICROSOFT WAS SO EASY TO WRITE ON??? I LOVE ALL THE OLD WORD ART FONTS😍😍😍Iagree, the technology in the 90s-early 00s was sooooo so good and easy to use!! My devices are all at LEAST five models ago but they work perfectly and I hate it when I have to upgrade because the device died a very natural death. Really not a fan of planned obsolesence💀

Doctors 9 -12 are my favourite Doctors; 10 was my first so he's the one I'm fondest of. 12 & 9 were both so sassy!!! I hope you enjoy weatching episodes on Britbox, it was kinnd of your friend to give you their password for it!😍

It turns our my chest pains had no physical cause - bloodwork came back perfectly, kidney was perfect, blood pressure and vitamin counts were totally fine, heart is strong and healthy. They don't know what caused my chest pain. But a coworker had chest pains 12 hours after the vaccine just like I did, so I think it was clostochondritis caused by the vaccine. My symptoms and where the pain was located matched perfectly, and my aunt was with me in A&E that night and she agreed with my opinion. I have to make a report on Yellow Card now - there's several hits so I'm not the only one who experienced chest pains for a week after the vaccine (it went away yesterday - six days after chest pains first started).

That didn't sound self-centred at all, I'm so sorry you had that experience.🫂🫂🫂🫂A&E is absolutely awful but my aunt was with me. I was clinging to Joker and to the Munsons that night, I thought I was having a heart attack hasdfghjkl but I feel better now.🥺

Air fryers are VERY good investments, I have one and I use it almost every night!! It makes dinner so much easier and less clean up if you line the inside tray with foil so you don't have to wash it up after every use unless whatever you're cooking spills over (I make a little dish with the foil by pressing it down into the tray to stop that happening. I still give the actual tray a wipe down, though, just to be safe.)

Oh no!! What happened to uni???? If you want to, update me on this whole thing! You don't have to, but I'm here to listen to you.🫂🫂🫂🫂

Okay, I'm all caught up!❤️

[supernotnatural2005]

Hi again! 👋🏻😂

It already started so fluffy! Damn I'd love to profit from Dean's cooking skills 😍

I know we had some snippets in the show, and I think Dean is such a little chef! I had to include that in this story! 😍

That note was so sweet, too! (And how the hell did you make this? Because it actually looks like Dean's handwriting?? Did you write this? How. I've been pondering this for five minutes now 😂)

Aww thank you! And I used Canva, I just basically found a 'handwriting' font and an old paper template 😅, took longer than I'd care to admit to perfect it, but I think it came out decent! Your comment only making me feel miles better about it 😂😚

Honestly, I hope Dean tells Sam what happened with her, and Sam will knock some goddamn sense into him. Although, my hopes are low for him because the kid couldn't even pre-book a flight 🤣

Yeah... I'm gonna be honest with you now, Sam's a little bit of a hopeless case in this series 😂, Gabriel however, takes the thrown I feel! 🤌🏻

Dean!!! You know better at this point! If you recognize the jealousy, you should be able to make the connection!! Oh, man, killing me here...

I think you know by now these two are just impossible! and I feel your pain, trust me! Though I wrote these mf's 🫣🤣

ABBIE, NOOOOOO!!!!!!! Don't you dare, girl 😆

It might not be as bad as you think!!!! 👀

But them seeing each other in their evening wear was so dreamy! I'm such a sucker for that trope. Love a good "fancy reveal" 🥰

I love a good "fancy reveal" myself! She's all that lives rent free in here 🧠😍

And to everything else.. this is all I can offer you...

😂😂

But also, again, I'm so grateful for your lovely comments Wayne!! I appreciate all the love and the hype so much!! ❤️

The Arrangement - Chapter Four

Pairing: Dean x Reader

Summary: Things are growing tense between the you and Dean, buried feelings seemed to be bursting at the seems. How long until they finally burst? Is the real question.

Word Count: 4.1k

Warnings/Tags: Angst, the usual pinning idiots, fluff.

AN: Okay this chapter became way too long so I had to split it 😅 call it the first half to chapter 5, where we will continue on. As always I hope you enjoy! ☺️

Main Masterlist

Series Masterlist < Catch up here

After your steamy shower escapades, you’d both decided to part ways for the night. As much as you wanted to bask in the aftermath, sleeping together—actually sleeping—felt like crossing an invisible line you weren’t quite ready to acknowledge.

Luckily, you had an easy excuse. You had work in the morning, and Dean had an even earlier start for his long drive out to Stanford. And after a day filled with very thorough extracurricular activities, the moment your head hit the pillow, you were out like a light.

By the time you woke up, Dean was already gone. A small part of you felt miffed that you hadn’t gotten to see him off—not just because of whatever this thing was between you, but because, at the end of the day, he was still your best friend. And you missed him when he wasn’t around.

That little pang of disappointment eased when you spotted the note on the coffee machine, still warm from where he must have made a fresh pot before leaving.

You weren’t prepared for the wave of emotions that crashed into you at the sight of his familiar scrawl. Why did he have to be so…Dean?

Letting out a long sigh, you lightly slapped your own cheek. Snap out of it. It’s nothing new.

Dean had always been like this. A natural caretaker. Your friend. That was all.

You shoved those unwelcome feelings down, drowning them in bites of warm, buttery pancakes and strong coffee. The food did wonders for distracting your heart.

By noon, you were about ready to throw in the towel. Your caseload was piling higher by the minute, the endless spreadsheets and budget reports turning into a blur of numbers. 

As the company’s-chartered accountant, you were used to the pressure—but Roman’s impulsive decision to buy into the Biggerson’s fast food chain had sent your workload into overdrive. You were now up to your eyeballs in audits and projections, making sure the company wasn’t about to haemorrhage money on a half-baked business venture.

A familiar teasing voice broke through your frazzled thoughts.

“Damn, I don’t know whether you need a drink or a cigarette.”

Spinning your chair around, you found yourself face-to-face with your favourite redhead, her signature smirk firmly in place.

“Can I have both?” you deadpanned, rubbing a hand over your already mussed-up hair. “Seriously, why couldn’t he wait until after the holidays for this manic decision? And why the hell Biggerson’s?”

Charlie plopped down onto your desk, crossing her legs as she shrugged. “Yeah, no clue. Although… Frank—”

You arched a brow. “Conspiracy-theory Frank?”

“The very one.”

Of course.

Charlie leaned in conspiratorially. “He’s convinced the company heads are actually cannibals, and this whole buyout is part of some elaborate scheme to fatten up Americans before they, and I quote, ‘chow down.’”

You burst out laughing, the stress momentarily melting away. “Wow. That’s a new one.”

“Right?” Charlie grinned before giving your arm a pat. “C’mon, let’s get some lunch. And then you can tell me why Gary looks like he’s been sucking on a lemon all morning.”

A few blocks away, you and Charlie found yourselves at Rufus’ Deli, home to some of Kansas’ finest sandwiches. Rufus himself was a legend—gruff, no-nonsense, and about as approachable as a guard dog, but no one could deny the man’s skills. His sandwiches were that good, drawing lines down the block every day.

Luckily, you and Charlie had managed to worm your way into his good graces over time. Whether it was your shared appreciation for his craftsmanship or the fact that you never tried to chat his ear off like other customers, he had developed a soft spot for you both. And that meant one very important perk—you got to skip the line.

So, when the lunch rush was in full swing and Rufus spotted you, a warm smile replacing his usual gruffness, jerking his head toward the counter. “What’ll it be today, ladies?”

You gave him your order with a grateful smile, and within minutes, you and Charlie were seated at your usual spot, tearing into your sandwiches.

“So,” Charlie mumbled around a bite of her chicken club, “wanna fill me in on the Gary sitch?”

You sighed, setting your sandwich down and swallowing before launching into the whole story. You kept the details light—omitting the drinking with Jo and the deeper parts of your frustration—but you didn’t hold back on the bare minimum effort Gary had put into your so-called relationship.

Charlie listened intently, her expression shifting from mild curiosity to full-on irritation. When you finished, she scoffed. “Damn. What a prick.”

She leaned back, crossing her arms before her lips curled into a mischievous smirk. “You know… you just gave me the incentive I needed to fill that douchebag’s computer with enough viruses to make it cry.”

You nearly choked on your drink, barely managing to cover your mouth as you laughed.

Charlie worked in the tech department and she was the company’s most valuable asset. The only one who came close to her level of expertise was Frank, and even he admitted she was the best. You’d met her in your second month on the job when she’d swooped in to fix a software issue you’d been struggling with. Not only had she solved it in minutes, but she’d also taken the time to teach you a few tricks that you still used to this day.

The two of you had hit it off immediately. She was a giant nerd at heart—quirky, sarcastic, and fiercely loyal. You’d bonded over your shared love of Harry Potter, both agreeing that Hermione was the real reason Harry even survived half his adventures.

“You know…” you smirked, eyes glinting with amusement. “I wouldn’t hate to see that.”

Charlie grinned, wiggling her fingers as if casting a spell. “Then consider it done.”

The two of you burst into laughter, the weight of your morning stress lifting—at least for now.

After lunch, you and Charlie made your way back to the office, the brisk winter air nipping at your cheeks and turning the tip of your nose red. The cold was sharp, but in a way, it was refreshing—like it was clearing out the mental fog that had settled in after your morning of spreadsheets and stress.

As you neared the building, Charlie shoved her hands into her coat pockets. “You coming to the company Christmas party tomorrow night?”

You blinked, nearly having forgotten about the annual bash Roman Enterprises threw right before everyone was released for their so-called ‘Christmas break.’

“Shit, I completely forgot about that,” you admitted, your breath visible in the air. Your mind had been preoccupied with... well, other things.

“Well, I’m only going if you are. I can only tolerate these people when I’m getting paid for it.”

You laughed at that, shaking your head. “I mean, I guess it’d be the decent thing to show our faces, right?” You shrugged, considering it. “And I do have to admit—Dick throws a damn good party.”

“Right? And there’s always a chocolate fountain,” Charlie said, eyes lighting up.

You hummed in agreement. “Fuck it. Let’s go. I can grab a new dress on my way home later.”

Charlie grinned, clearly pleased. “Oh! You should invite Dean. It’s been a while since I saw that knucklehead.”

That made you hesitate.

It wasn’t that you didn’t want to invite Dean, but an office Christmas party wasn’t exactly a casual setting. And inviting him made it feel a little too much like... a date.

But then again, Charlie would be there. It wasn’t like it would just be the two of you. Three friends hanging out. Totally normal.

“Sure,” you said after a beat, forcing nonchalance into your voice. “I’ll ask him. Though he’s not a suit-and-tie kinda guy.” You chuckled, already picturing his disgruntled expression. Getting Dean to wear anything remotely formal had always been a battle.

Charlie smirked. “Tell him there’s an open bar. I’m sure he’ll be persuaded.”

You huffed a small laugh, shaking your head as you pulled open the office door. “Yeah... you might be onto something there.”

By the time you left the office, the sky had deepened into rich blues and purples, the last traces of daylight fading behind the city skyline. You made your way down to 9th Street, stopping in a few stores to find something to wear for the company Christmas party. Dick Roman always hosted black-tie events, and currently, your wardrobe leaned more toward casual attire, jeans, hoodies, sweatpants—not exactly gala material.

Luckily, it didn’t take long to find the dress. A deep red gown with delicate lace accents, an open back that dipped daringly low, and just enough side-boob to make going braless the only option. It was definitely more revealing than what you’d normally go for, but for some reason the thought of Dean seeing you in it, gave you enough incentive to buy it.

Once you got home, you decided it was finally time you got stuck into the gift wrapping. You slipped into your loungewear and set up in the living room, surrounded by wrapping paper, ribbons, and bows. 

Wrapping gifts had always been something you enjoyed—it wasn’t a chore but a ritual. You loved making each present look as perfect as possible, picturing the happiness on your loved ones' faces when they unwrapped them.

Dean’s gift was the last one left of the night, and it was by far the most meaningful.

You had managed to track down an original pressing of Led Zeppelin II—the very album he’d lost as a kid in the house fire. It had been bad, nearly costing Mary her life, the electrical damage so severe that renovations had taken years. They had lost so much—family photos, keepsakes, and among them, the vinyl his dad had given him on his 10th birthday. 

You could still remember the hours you spent in his room, the two of you lying on his bed, singing along to Ramble On, always a little off-key but never caring. Finding another copy had been next to impossible, but last month, Charlie had tracked one down in a tiny record store just outside of town. You had almost kissed her for it.

Now, as you carefully folded the wrapping paper around the record and tied a bow on top, you smiled to yourself. You hoped he liked it.

Just as you finished up, your phone buzzed. Dean. You ignored the flutter in your chest at the sight of his name and flipped open the screen.

“’Sup?”

“Why did I agree to this again?” Came Dean’s gruff voice.

“Because you’re a massive pushover?” you deadpanned.

“Do you know I’m currently parked out on a dirt road? No motels. Havin’ to rough it tonight.”

You bit your lip, picturing him scowling at his surroundings.

“I still don’t feel sorry for you.” You chuckled, and he let out a dramatic sigh.

“’Course you wouldn’t.”

You smiled into the receiver, adjusting the phone against your ear as you stacked the last wrapped gift onto the pile.

“You do realise Sam has a license and could’ve driven himself home, right?”

Dean groaned. “Yeah, but I kinda only got him some shaving foam and a razor for Christmas.”

Your mouth dropped. “WHAT?! That’s all you got him?” You screeched into the receiver. “No wonder you took, like, five minutes to shop. I thought they were your toiletries, not presents!”

“Yeah, well, now he’s got a road trip with his big bro to add to it.”

“You’re a nightmare,” you scoffed, shaking your head with an amused twitch of your lips despite yourself.

The line fell silent for a beat, the comfortable kind, before you remembered your conversation with Charlie.

“I, uh, had lunch with Charlie today,” you said.

“Yeah? How is the nerd?” he teased, though there was clear fondness in his tone.

“She’s good. She’s also plotting to destroy Gary’s computer with viruses.”

Dean let out a bark of laughter. “Brilliant.”

“She also reminded me about the company Christmas party tomorrow night.”

“Oh yeah? You goin’?”

You hesitated, trying to sound casual. “We agreed to go if the other did… but she also asked if you wanted to come.”

There was a pause. “Really?” Dean hummed. “Do you want me to go?”

Your heart thudded in your chest.

“I mean, I know they’re not really your thing. It’s a black-tie event, super formal,” you said quickly, then mentally facepalmed. Were you trying to talk him out of it?

“Sounds pretty terrible,” he agreed, and you panicked.

“There’s an open bar, though.”

Silence. Your stomach twisted uncomfortably.

“Hmm. Now that does change things,” he mused. “I can come if you want me to?”

Your face flushed at the unintentional pun—although, knowing Dean, it was probably very intentional.

“More the merrier, right?” You shrugged it off, with a lame chuckle, wanting to smack yourself in the head.

Dean chuckled. “Yeah, that’s true.”

Another comfortable pause settled between you.

“I’ll, uh, let you get some rest,” you said, softer this time. “Don’t want you falling asleep at the wheel.”

“Yeah, probably best.” He sighed, and you could almost picture him, all scrunched up in the backseat.

“Goodnight, Dean.”

“’Night, sweetheart.”

The next day, you busied yourself tidying up around the apartment. You didn’t want Dean thinking you were completely incapable of living alone, so you straightened up, wiped down the counters, and even tested out a few cake recipes for Christmas. 

After a few failed attempts, you finally landed on a winner—a pecan upside-down cake. It was soft, sweet, and had just the right crunch from the pecans. For a first try, it wasn’t bad. And that was exactly what Dean walked into a few hours later, when he finally arrived.

“Whoa. What the hell smells so good?”

You turned at the sound of his voice, smiling, and for a second, Dean forgot how to breathe. It had only been a little over twenty-four hours since he’d last seen you, and somehow, he’d missed you way more than he was willing to admit.

“Hey. I was just trying out some recipes for Christmas. Think I found a winner.” You cut a slice of cake and slid it onto a plate before handing it to him.

He eyed it suspiciously, glancing between you and the dessert. “You made this?”

You scoffed, your hands settling on your hips in a defensive stance. “Why is that so hard to believe?”

Dean smirked at your reaction. He lived to rile you up. Still, he picked up the slice and took a big bite. The second the flavours hit his tongue, his eyes fluttered shut, and he let out a deep, satisfied moan.

“Shit, that’s good.”

You swallowed hard.

“Really?” you asked, voice a little breathier than you intended.

His eyes snapped open. “You kiddin’ me? I think I just found my new favourite dessert.”

Your face warmed. That was high praise coming from him. Dessert was practically Dean’s second language—specifically, the pie dialect—so for him to say that about your cake. That was a damn honour.

“Well, that’s that then. Dessert is sorted.” You dog-eared the page in the recipe book you’d picked up while dress shopping, mentally noting to make this again for Christmas.

Dean took a seat at the island as he finished his slice of cake, the two of you making idle chit chat about his trip, and how much LA traffic sucked, when you got onto the topic of Sam and his new lady friend. 

“So, Is he punching?” You asked rather bluntly, a teasing smirk on your lips as you gathered everything coated in cake batter and dumped it into the sink.

“Oh, massively. She’s way out of my brother’s league.” Dean laughed, the sound rich and amused, and you raised a brow.

“Sounds like you’re just as smitten,” you mused, a little sharper than you’d intended. What the hell is wrong with you?

You turned your back to him to cover your idiocy, arms buried in warm, soapy water as you busied yourself scrubbing utensils clean.

It was just an innocent comment. It wasn’t like you cared if Dean thought some girl was attractive. You weren’t overthinking, not at all. Not about how easy it would be for him to fall for someone else, someone uncomplicated, someone not you.

Jesus, girl!

You were broken from your spiralling thoughts when you felt him behind you. His presence was unmistakable heat radiating off of him in waves, his scent a lingering mix of soap, leather, and the faded remnants of his cologne. It made your head swim.

A dish clinked gently as he slipped his plate into the water beside you.

“Do I detect some jealousy in that tone of yours?” His voice was low, teasing, the warmth of it curling down your spine.

“Pfft, you’re joking, right?” You scoffed, but the slight crack in your voice gave you away.

Dean heard it too. You didn’t need to see his face to know he was smirking. The self-satisfaction practically rolled off him.

You placed the last item on the drying rack and turned, only to find him closer than expected. Your breath hitched.

“No. I’m deadly serious.”

Your pulse pounded in your ears as his eyes locked onto yours, heavy-lidded and unreadable. The space between you shrank, an invisible force pulling you toward him. Like gravity, like inevitability.

Dean leaned in; his breath warm as it fanned across your lips. His hands braced against the counter on either side of you, caging you in. The heat between you was palpable, something crackling in the air, something that made your knees weak and your thoughts scatter.

Then—

His ringtone shattered the moment.

You jolted slightly, the haze lifting as quickly as it had settled. Dean sighed, raking a hand through his hair as he pulled his phone from his pocket. One glance at the screen and his expression soured.

“What?” he answered gruffly.

You took that as your cue to leave, slipping away down the hall and into your bedroom, pressing the door shut behind you.

You needed a breather. Badly.

What the hell was that?

He can’t be home for more than five minutes before you want to jump his bones.

And, seriously, “Sounds like you’re smitten?” What were you thinking?

You groaned, rubbing your hands over your face before shaking yourself out of your stupor. A shower. A cold one, preferably. Then you could focus on getting ready for tonight—because the last thing you needed was to be a flustered mess at a party where you were supposed to look put together.

The irony.

By the time you stepped out of the shower, steam curling into the air, Dean had left again. Apparently, Sam had forgotten one of Jess’s bags, the one containing all of her clothes for the next couple of days, in Dean’s trunk, so he had to drive back to his parents’ house to drop It off.

That allowed you to take your time getting ready, without being rushed for ‘hogging’ the bathroom.

You pampered yourself—lotions, perfumes, careful grooming (not at all for a certain green-eyed man). You took your time with your hair and makeup, allowing the slow, methodical routine to settle your nerves.

You’d just finished curling your hair when Dean returned.

Still in your robe, you stepped out of your room to grab a drink, only to nearly collide with him in the hallway.

“Oof.”

Dean caught you, steadying you before you could fully crash into him. Your hands landed briefly against his chest, warm and firm beneath your palms.

He chuckled, the sound low and easy, but then his gaze flickered over you, taking in your appearance.

A slow smirk spread across his lips. “You know, when you said black tie, I didn’t realise you meant the robe kind.”

You glanced down at yourself—silk black robe, tied securely at the waist—and realised what he meant.

Unimpressed, you looked back up at him. “Wow. You’re freakin’ hilarious.”

Dean barked out a full-bodied laugh, clearly pleased with himself as you brushed past him toward the fridge, shaking your head. You twisted off the cap of a beer and took a sip.

“Any more jokes like that out of you tonight, and you can stay home,” you warned, levelling him with a serious stare.

Dean only grinned wider but raised a hand in surrender. “Don’t worry, I’ll be well-behaved.”

But the dark glint in his eye told a different story.

He left you there and headed for the shower, while you worked to calm the nerves still rattling in your chest.

Tonight was going to be… complicated.

Questions would be asked.

Is Dean your date? Are you two together?

And you’d have to say no.

Which meant leaving him wide open for the kill.

The women in HR were like sharks in bloodied water—desperate, predatory, and not the least bit subtle. They’d be all over him tonight. And you weren’t sure if you were equipped to handle seeing it. Because those were exactly the kind of women Dean would bed. And you were basically serving him up on a silver platter.

Lord, give me strength.

By the time the clock neared 7 p.m., you were dressed and ready.

You stood in front of the mirror, taking in your reflection. You had to admit—you looked good. Hot, even.

The dress hugged every curves perfectly, the wide-open back revealing the delicate slope of your spine before stopping just above the curve of your ass. A bold red lip completed the look, matching the rich fabric of your gown. Your hair was swept up in a loose bun, soft curls framing your face.

Satisfied, you stepped out into the living room—only to stop short at the sight of Dean.

He was already dressed, waiting, phone in hand.

And he looked—

God.

A black suit, fitted just right, a crisp white dress shirt beneath. The same suit he’d worn for his parents’ anniversary dinner last year. It had looked good on him then. It looked even better now.

The broad set of his shoulders, the slim taper of his waist—it was unfair how well he filled it out. His hair was neatly gelled, but not too much. Just enough to keep that natural, tousled look in place. And he smelled… incredible.

He must’ve sensed your presence, because he looked up from his phone, and had to do a double take.

Holy. Mother of God.

Dean couldn’t breathe. It was as if you’d knocked the wind right out of his lungs just by existing in that dress.

You were stunning.

And that word didn’t even come close to doing you justice.

His gaze dragged over you, drinking in every detail. The way the dress clung to you, the deep red fabric a striking contrast against your skin. The soft glow of the light catching on the shade of your eyes, making them look brighter somehow. The way your lips—painted that same rich shade of red—parted slightly as you waited for him to say something.

Jesus.

He wanted to say something smooth, something that would make you smile, make you roll your eyes at him the way you always did when he teased you. But his mouth had gone dry, and his brain wasn’t quite catching up.

Dean cleared his throat, forcing his voice to work.

“You…” He exhaled, shaking his head slightly, his lips twitching up at the corners. “Damn.”

Your brows lifted in amusement. “That bad, huh?”

Dean huffed out a laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “Not even close.” His eyes met yours, more serious now. “You look incredible.”

Your breath hitched. He meant it—there was no teasing lilt in his voice, no smug grin. Just honesty, plain and simple.

You swallowed, feeling warmth rise in your cheeks. “Thanks,” you murmured. “You clean up pretty good yourself.”

Dean smirked, but it softened almost immediately. His gaze lingered, his expression shifting into something unreadable.

For a moment, neither of you spoke.

The air between you felt different—thicker, heavier. There was something unspoken in the way he looked at you, in the way his fingers twitched at his side like he was stopping himself from reaching out.

For a brief second, you let yourself sink into it. Let yourself feel the weight of his attention, the warmth in his eyes.

But then, just as quickly, you snapped yourself out of it.

“Alright,” you said, exhaling sharply and breaking eye contact. “We should get going before we’re late.”

Dean blinked, like he was shaking off a daze. “Right.” He cleared his throat and followed you to the door, as you grabbed your coat.

Dean opened the door for you, placing a hand at the small of your back as he guided you out. The heat of his touch lingering long after.

AN: I just want to bang their heads together! but at the same time, where would be the fun in that!? 😂 I hope you noticed I gave y'all a little break from all the spice in this chapter, but fear not, these too can never stay separated long 👀

(Also, if anyone reading this works in HR, it was just an idea I went with, I don't mean to offend or think HR is like that 😅)

If you would like to be tagged in my future works please respond to this >form< so I can add you to the character's you'd like 😊

Dean Winchester/series Tag List:

@bettystonewell @nancymcl @happyfxckinghorrors @ambiguous-avery @jollyhunter @tbgfvfdcb @crooked-haven @chevroletdean @paganvamp @stoneyggirl2 @deans-baby-momma @spnaquakindgdom @ladykitana90 @lyarr24 @impala67rollingthroughtown @jackles010378 @riteofpassage77 @spnaquakindgdom @fangirlingfromdownunder @cevansbaby-dove @star-yawnznn @piptoost @shadysoulangel @deansimpalababy @megara0224 @hobby27 @idontwannabehere7 @maddie0101 @kr804573 @mrs-nesmith @zepskies @ohheyguyss @suckitands33 @ultimatecin73 @mishkatelwarriorgoddess @arcannaa @aylacavebear @bobbdylann @waynes-multiverse @jaredpadonlyyyy @impala67stellawinchester @bonbonnie88 @youroldfashioned

Next Time...

Your fingers tightened around your glass as you watched her laugh at something he said—too exaggerated, in your opinion. He wasn’t that funny. And then, as if things couldn’t get worse, her manicured hand squeezed his bicep. That was the last straw. Charlie had abandoned you to use the restroom, leaving you with no distractions other than to sit and watch Dean practically fall in love with another woman right in front of you. Okay, maybe you were being dramatic. But he looked interested, smitten even, and it made your stomach churn. Deciding you’d tortured yourself enough, you pushed to your feet and manoeuvred through the crowd toward the bar. More alcohol seemed like the only logical solution. Except, before you got there, you walked straight into someone solid.

[shuniverse]

pick me up ,,| l.f

a/n: i’m doing these in a different font style now lol. but i wrote this on the spot because i’m just so done with life rn. i’m not going through personal internal issues, but needless to say this drabble will kinda sum things up. also this is written in lowercase on purpose, just btw

1.1k words

involves felix because he’s one of my biggest comforts next to channie.

the basic gist is of parents fighting and reader having to leave because of it, but it doesn’t explicitly show what they’re saying, so no descriptions of abusive language.

┆ ° ♡ • ➵ ✩ ◛ °

you can’t do it anymore. the constant yelling, the fighting. you wish you had enough money to leave, but seeing as you’re job only pays so much and your parents seem to want you to stay, you’re stuck.

you’re in your room, blankets tucked over your head trying to drown them out as you at least attempt sleep, but it doesn’t work. the banging, the clattering, the constant berating and degrading and just pure hatred seeming to spew out of your parents mouths is too much.

you don’t know what else to do, so you call your boyfriend, seeing as it’s your only option. you pull out your phone, the brightness of your lock screen blinding you momentarily in the dark cocoon of your blankets. once your eyes have adjusted, you unlock your phone and head right to his number.

you: lixie come get me please

lix ❤️🍪: ok honey! what’s wrong? is it happening again?

you can’t bring yourself to answer at first, tears pricking again at your already puffy eyes.

you: yes pls come get me i can’t do this anymore

he sends two thumbs up emojis, and one little heart, attempting at trying to be gentle, which he always is. felix is someone you never thought you’d have, but you’re sure as hell not letting him go.

about 10 minutes later, there’s a text on your screen.

lix ❤️🍪: I’m here baby. take your time, I’m in no rush, I love you

you smile at his text, and send just a heart emoji. he doesn’t press for more of a response.

your tugging on your converse, the ones your mom bought you. they’re dirty, but functionable. you tie the laces loosely, tugging on your (felix’s) hoodie, grab your phone and bbokari plush and leave quietly out of your room. your parents are in the kitchen, and you shrink down while they’re shouting, not even noticing you leave. you sneak out the front door, and jog the small distance to felix’s car.

as you get in, you’re greeted by felix in all his beautiful glory in the drivers seat, looking to be disheveled and anxious. as soon as he sees you and your in your seat and shut the door, he grabs you and brings you in for a comforting, yet very snug, hug, breathing shakily into your hair.

“are you okay? are you hurt?” he pulls away, inspecting your features, his face softening just a bit as he sees the hoodie and plush sticking out of the hood haphazardly. sighing and brushing your hair back, he plants a gentle kiss against your forehead.

you shake your head at his question, and rest your head on his shoulder, tears in dry streaks down your face, your eyes red still. “no, they never touch me when they get like this.” you look up at him, and hold one of his ringed hands. “thank you, lixie.”

he smiles warmly, kissing your cheek. “any time, sweetheart.” his deep, soothing voice comforts you, and you snuggle against his shoulder

“can we go now? i don’t-“

before you can finish your sentence, felix is driving off. he intertwines his fingers with yours, kissing the back of your hand. “let’s head home, yeah?”

you smile. you’ve gotten used to calling felix’s apartment your home, it’s comforting. better than your actually home, where every other night it seems like you’re woken up by yelling.

after 10 minutes of comfortable silence, you’re walking up with felix to his apartment.

you don’t even expect a “come home” text from one of your parents tonight. if they haven’t noticed you leaving, they certainly won’t notice that you’re gone.

sitting on his couch, you’re watching on of your favorite comfort movies, an old Disney movie from when you were young. snuggled up against your boyfriend, you feel a surprising buzz of your phone. you reach for it, and pull it out to see, surprisingly, a “come home. please.” not from your mom, nor your dad. no, it’s from your brother. he never texts you.

you sigh, replying with:

you: im sorry, im at felix’s. you can call your girlfriend to get you?

the question is genuine, and he replies back almost immediately.

brother boy: I’ve tried but she won’t respond. they’re getting louder. can you help me?

you: I can ask one of the boys? I know you’re close to some of them. want me to call jeongin?

brother boy: sure. that works. just anything to get my out of this shit hole

you look at felix, who’s been gazing at you with a curious look in his beautiful brown eyes. “what’s the matter, sweetheart?”

“my brother needs to leave too. can you call innie?”

he nods immediately, grabbing his phone and calling jeongin.

they’re talking, and in a little less than a minute he’s ended the call. “innie’s on his way. good thing him and your brother are friends, huh?”

you nod, a small smile on your face before you look back at your phone for a second. the screen is notification free.

you open your messages and shoot your brother a text.

you: hey, jeongin’s coming to get you. he’ll be there quick, don’t worry okay?

brother boy: okay- oh, I think I see his car on the other side of the street. I’ll climb out the window.

you: no! just go out the door, I went out the back door. they didn’t even notice, you’ll be okay.

brother boy: ok. thank you

you: no problem. have fun with jeongin

he sends a thumbs up. you look up at felix, and kiss his jaw, making him smile. “thank you for helping me, lixie.”

he nods, kissing your forehead. “the least I could do, baby.”

you yawn, and he gently rubs your shoulder before scooting down a bit to lay you both down on the couch, and he pulls a soft blanket over top of you. he snuggles bbokari in your free arm, on the open side of the couch. “let’s get some rest, yeah?”

you nod sleepily against his chest, snuggling into it.

he kisses your head. “I love you, sleep good baby.”

you mumble something, and felix giggles, before wrapping his arms around you, holding you close as you both drift off to sleep.

you wish you didn’t have to run to him every time your parents fought, but you’re glad he’s there anyways. you’re parents fighting is shoved to the back of your head as you fall asleep, but you know you’ll have to talk to them tomorrow.

but tomorrow is the last thing in your mind.

——————————————————————————

hope you guys enjoyed!

please know that if you guys are dealing with things like this, and it’s getting bad, please don’t be afraid to tell somebody. this is a serious thing. my parents aren’t exactly innocent in this department, and I hate to have to hear it, and I don’t want the same for any of my readers or any others living with their parents.

this was a way for me to express my emotions through writing, involving someone who brings me much comfort. call it a coping mechanism, if you will. I hope people who are struggling can find a happy coping mechanism as well, and I wish you all the best <3

stay safe!

[simdertalia]

Extra Swatches Rock Band Posters

First, an update: I really wanted to post everything I was working on as a big set, but I am tending to my health at the moment unexpectedly and am unable to sit at the computer for a long time at once. This recolor was already done, so since it’s taking me longer than I was hoping to feel better I am posting it today. I have more poster types on the way that I am making from TS4 screen-shops of various musicians that I have tried to create in game and those are still on the way!

A @litttlecakes recolor. No mesh needed thanks to Litttlecakes’ lovely & generous TOU, (thank you so much, @litttlecakes!) but the item (and the amazing set it’s a part of) can be found <HERE>. I thought putting stills from Rock Band 4 onto Sims posters was such a cute idea, they match TS4 so well and I wanted to make more swatches to match the other posters in LC’s set.

Sims 4, base game compatible.

10 swatches each for 2 package files. One in English, one in Simlish.

Found in wall art. 35 Simoleons.

To find quickly, type “extra swatches” into the search query in buy/build mode. If you’re like me and have a lot of CC in your game, an easy way to find things is to search for the title of the item you’re looking for.

💗 Anyone here via SimFinds, please see THIS POST

📁 Download my recolors <HERE>

📁 Alternate download <HERE>

*Thank you to all the creators who allow others to recolor their creations and even include their mesh ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

*Thank you to all the Simlish font creators!  1.🍨   2.🥧

~I claim no ownership of the images used for my recolors, all credit goes to the artist(s), in this case Harmonix games, and also credit to Litttlecakes for original mesh and the super cute idea.~

As always, please let me know if you have any issues! Enjoy and Happy Simming!

If you’d like to support me on Ko-Fi, click <HERE>  ☕️

@maxismatchccworld @mmfinds @sssvitlanz​