#making good on my promise of a cute moth

[ineffable-kelpie]

Chapter 3 is up!

Rating: T

Chapters: 3/9

Wordcount: 13,538

Summary: After leaving Crowley to return to Heaven, Aziraphale Falls, certain that no one will help him pick himself back up. Crowley proves him wrong.

(Updates every Sunday)

[tteokdoroki]

Denji blushes when you hold his cock hand

☆༉ — DENJI. pretty boy.

about. let’s pretend this ask isn’t years old but yeah actually he does omg :( !! started writing this ages ago but finished for @miguelism mwah <3

warnings. minors, blank and ageless blogs do not interact. characters aged up to 20s, smut, nsfw, handjobs, exhibitionism, praise kink, college!au, gn!reader, roommate!denji.

“denji…”

“uhuh— i mean, uh, yeah?”

“has anyone told you, you’ve got such a pretty cock?”

you feel the entirety of denji’s length twitch within your hold— his head full of sunshine blonde hair falling back on the wall you’ve caged him against. your fingers are soft, pillowy around his thick shaft and your thumb presses to his leaky slit curiously, watching his face for a reaction. “y-you’d be the first…ah—fuck!” denji whimpers, golden brown eyes falling away from the world as you give your wrist an experimental flick, testing the waters on what you can do to him. “that’s nice…that’s real nice.”

you giggle, his precum oozing into the seat of your palm the more you start to jerk him off in the right space of aki’s bathroom. “yeah? i want you to feel good, denji.” you doubt that your roommates would want to be woken up by slick sounds and whiny whistle tone moans, so you step forward and reach out into the dark�� pressing your lips against your boyfriend’s in a slow, syrupy kiss.

it’s adorable how he chases the warmth of your mouth, like a moth drawn to a candle flame, when you pull away to check the door only briefly. “come back, baby…please,” he pleads while he feverishly fucks your hand as if he’ll never get the chance to do so again. “feels good when you’re close…when you kiss me ‘n you use…shit, y-your t-tongue on me!” pleading turns to soggy, pathetic whimpers that are muffled by your tongue as you push your way back into denji’s mouth to shut him up.

you make denji feel like he’s going fucking insane, desire ripping through is chest, lewd squelching noises from his cock bleeding arousal all over your hand overlaying his soundtrack of moans and tongue lapping over tongues. opaque white slings around your knuckles as it drips from his creamy tip, only serving to guide your fist up and down his throbbing a little easier — as if it were a makeshift flesh light.

he really is so cute like this — pliant and needy underneath you, his body seizing up at your sensual ministrations and his skin shiny with sweat under the moonlight. the chainsaw devil can’t help but hiccup loudly despite how you pacify him with sweet, loving smooches. tears slip down the apples of his cheeks and track salt along your tongue too where they land at the corner of denji’s mouth. “you look so pretty with your cock in my hand,” praise for denji comes easily to you — he deserves to be cherished, to know that he’s good and loved. squeezing the base of his length, you push your thumb through his seedy slit just to see him cry, circling his bright red and mushroomed cockhead in order to lube him up more.

a pink flush blossoms across the expanse of his milky skin with every pump of his dick and his his head falls back against the wall with a dull thud. you lick your lips at the sight of his adam’s apple bobbing and his body shuddering, revealing to the naked eye just how desperate denji truly is.

“do you think you could cum for me, denji?”

the stutter in his hips tells you the answer, but you want a verbal one anyways — so for a moment, you stop palming his dripping wet cock and wait for his response.

“well?”

“please, i can do it,” he pants, eager to please — his honey brown eyes crazed and delirious. “j-just call me pretty again. ‘nd i promise i’ll—“

even with his back pressed right up against the wall and his shoulders quivering in anticipation of his impending high — denji still towers over you. so you stand on your tippy toes, languidly flicking your wrist to get him off, in order to whisper your command into the shell of his ear. “make a mess for me, pretty boy.” you simper, mouth falling open to mock his moans like you’re right on the edge with him.

denji cums with a shout and his release spills into your spoiled palm like a stream of molten igneous rock, painting your knuckles a gooey white. you have to cover his mouth with your remaining hand, muffling any sounds that escape him since his brain quite literally short circuits, reducing the poor blonde to nothing but tears and brainless babbles.

you do your best to keep him quiet while he twitches through the aftershocks — after all, it would be a shame if some else got to see your pretty boy blushing with his cock out.

꒰ end. — all rights reserved © tteokdoroki 2023. do not copy, repost, translate & recommend elsewhere.

[sincerelyrki]

everyone should know

your boyfriend couldn’t just sit around and watch another man shamelessly flirt with you. he had to do something, even if it meant revealing your relationship.

pairing : idol!secretbf!sunghoon x fem!reader

warnings + genre : suggestive themes. secret relationship. jealousy. reader is said to have hair long enough to braid.

wc : 626

a/n : i struggle with writing drabbles but i hope this one turned out alright <3 i’m trying to update (almost) everyday whether it be a new miniskirt chapter or a oneshot (tmr it will be a miniskirt update, promise)

perm written taglist : @vousty

Sunghoon’s unmoving glare seemed to have no effect on his eldest member, his attention drawn to you like a moth. 

A flirty smile sat on Heeseung’s lips the entire time the two of you conversed, knees bumping as your body was bent toward each other.

The entire dinner Sunghoon had to listen to your cute giggles, watching as you playfully knocked your shoulders against the man sitting directly beside you.

He struggled with restraining himself, his legs almost shaking the entire table as they unrelentlessly bounced. 

His hands were in no better condition, knuckles ghostly white as he clutched his utensils tight in his palms. 

“Your hair is so pretty, did you braid it yourself?” The second Heeseung’s hand gently tugged on one of your braids, Sunghoon snapped.

The entire table flinched in shock as Sunghoon’s fork came slamming down, his plate chattering due to the force that suddenly came down around it.

Sunghoon rounded the table, his fingers wrapping around Heeseung’s wrist as he pulled his hand away from you.

 “I did it.” He declared a little bit too loud, looks getting thrown your way from the staff sitting around the neighbouring tables. 

Heeseung raised his hands in retreat, eyebrows raised as he matched Sunghoon’s look. “It looks good, but I think I could’ve done better.”

He gave you one more glance, winking at you as he finished his sentence, “much better.”

Everyone shared a look, their legs pushing their chairs out as they prepared to jump in between the two males before they could begin fighting in front of their entire staff.

“Oh really?” Sunghoon mused, head tilting to the side as he pretended to think about the possibility of Heeseung’s words being true.

Heeseung confidently nodded his head, his hands lowering to cross across his chest, his chin held high as he looked up at the two of you. 

Sunghoon moved his head to face you, his hand coming up to trace along one of the braids. “Now that you mention it, she was moving quite a lot.” 

Your jaw dropped at Sunghoon’s obvious innuendo, heat rushing throughout your body as everyone seemed to understand what he was referring to.

Sunghoon didn’t wait to see Heeseung’s response, turning his back to him as he gently entwined your hands. 

He led you back to his seat, his hand never leaving yours as he once again sat down.

He spread his legs, his knees separating as he slid his hips lower down the chair. “Sit,” He patted his thigh once, his hand tugging against yours as he pulled you forward.

Sunghoon helped you sit across him, his arms wrapping around your waist as he tugged your back taut against his chest. 

“Isn’t it so much more comfortable over here?” Sunghoon purposely breathed down your neck, his cocky smile growing as he felt your body shiver. 

“I guess he hasn’t realized that you’re my girl yet, I think we need to make it a little more…” He trailed off, his hands tightening around your waist before he began placing small pecks along the base of your neck, “obvious.”

“No one knew, they wouldn’t have sat me beside someone else if they did.” You almost started defending your close friend but automatically backtracked after realizing how angry Sunghoon was.

“That’s the problem, everyone should know.” 

“Should they?” Sunghoon knew you were just teasing him at this point, riling him up for your amusement. But he still took your words seriously, imagining the look on Heeseung’s face after he finds out about the sincerity of your relationship.

“They’ll all know by tonight.” 

It was safe to say that they all knew about the two of you by the time the sun set, Heeseung getting the hint right away.

[sugaryplum]

LENKA'S ULTIMATE FICS HALL OF FAME ༉‧₊˚.

i’ve been reading fics on tumblr for a whileeeee. many years. i went through many phases, celebrity crushes, fictional crushes and obviously, fics related to them. only some stuck with me through all this time and well, here there are!!

what’s important, i’ve done this type of post before only with theodore nott in mind. i was asked by anon to recommend some more so here you can find him, as well as many different characters across many films, books, tv shows, genres. i lowkey recommend reading most of them honestly, even if you don’t know the characters. some are just in alternate universes so the name or context of the character doesn’t really matter :)

i’m picky and particular with fics so i promise these are best of the best 🤍 well written, in character, super cute all that. and like 80 percent is fluff

SO have a lovely time reading!! let’s start

(if i tagged a character and there's no section for them, they're for sure down at the bottom in "misc" – with poe dameron, regulus black, scorpius malfoy, jake peralta and some more <3)

spencer reid

i love baby steps by @sinfulspencer !!!!! i love domestic spencer

also can't let go by the same author i remember being lovely

fluffy cute ass blurb by @tinyluvs

asleep spence by @in-another-april <3

i looooveee @radiant-reid ! for example this little fic

and this omg

oh and these season 7/8 headcanons!!

theodore nott

i might accidentally repeat myself from my theo recs post, sorry:( most of them should be new recs though

speaking of repeating myself, first i'd like to repeat myself on purpose. if @artytaeh has no fans i am dead, i swear to goddd. i stand by what i said last time. best characterisation of theo, everything seems like it's made with so much care, no misses in the masterlist. read it alllllll

i mentioned veryberryjelly in my last theo recs too. here are some more of my favourites :) this and also this i ordered hehe. also i don't remember if last time i linked blair witch or tangled in lights so here you get them both

little dragon by @retrobutterflies super so very sweet

i remember the cat chronicles by @obsessedwithcelesteare being very cute 🌟 i love theo + cats combo always 

like a moth to a flame by @julesinsummer angsty!!!!! but so good

honestly i'm pretty sure i talked about it in theo recs already but in case i haven't you need to read this by @agirlsguidetolove

i remember loving fools by @luv4freddie !!! cute

this by @darkmagic-s was super silly and fun i love silly and fun things yayay

i for sure i talked about @cassiopeiasdaughter but did i talk about mirrorball specifically? i requested this and i loooveee it

this unhinged smut by @theostrophywife i love i stan

also silly little smut hcs by @sucka4thepuss hehe, most of them i agree i love em

😣😣😣<3���

alright done with this smut section just this too let me link

cute and silly reminders of marriage thing by

@wordsarelife made this cute thing that lol im like 70% sure i may have requested???? and the ask looks like something i would ask for hehe

@suugarbabe makes really good stuff :)

cedric diggory

golden by @sapphicwhxre (love the username btw) might be my favourite cedric fic? first date cedric loooooveee

plain sight by @softboyluvr too oh my god! love this as a scenario

rainy summers as well as just you by @mirclealignr i think im just all for pure cedric diggory fluff (well written too!)

godsend by @pariahsparadise with sick reader super very sweet

@mistress-riddle made this lovely thing (and she's also btw soooooooo unbelievebly great with tom riddle fics if thats your cup of tea, i love all of them)

ced yule ball hcs by @styleswithaseaview are so sweet and there are also lovely petnames ones by the same author <3

cuuuute girldad!ced called pigtails by @mayabooowrites

post hogwarts cedric just so so so sweet by @iliveiloveiwrite, here's lighthearted domesticity

misc (all the other characters)

there's a bunch of my phases passed a long long time ago but some fics are just waaay too good to not keep rereading and recommending them. i think they're all pretty universal and can be imagined with anyone as the main love interest so please read them even if you don't know the character. and DON'T judge me ;(((( for the characters !!! i'm exposing myself enough. these were found by young me from a long while ago

this by @wizkiddx is the sweetest ever tom holland blurb about how he's a clumsy mess trying to measure reader's ring size while she's asleep

i think destined by @thirst-refinery is the cutest soulmate au made, even though i don't think the story was ever finished? but i love it still and honestly i am very not ashamed to be in love with poe dameron

black leader shutting up by @starryeyedstories also greattttt poe dameron fic

clingy fluffy sugary sweet scorpius malfoy in dinner by @blog-of-a-multitude-of-fandoms <3

🤎🤎 regulus black bunch :) here and here as well as here and here

....or maybe i just love timothee chalamet? like here and also here and definitely here

out of my hamilton phase a few years ago came out my love for this fic which might be one of my favourites ever, i legit have this text copied to my notes just in case it ever gets deleted

my alex turner moment was brief but so fun

OH AND this long jake peralta fic by @ongaku-ato-kakikomi is oh my god SOOO much fun please read it

also another poe dameron fic, this one is so good, by @absolutelyfizzing, kind of angsty also!!!!

DALI ON TUESDAY charlie dalton fic by @rostovs-loveralso one of my favourite things on this whole app. love love love love

YAY THATS ALL. this took so long. you've got my whole collection now. all of the all time favourites and more. love love you, hope you love reading them as much as i did<3🌜🌟👼 night night

[faith-forgxtten-land]

Blush | Leonardo

this isn't me being modest or fishing for compliments, but i found writing this surprisingly difficult to write for some reason? and i'm not exactly ecstatic with how it ended up, but i've spent a while trying to edit and improve it (and of course tumblr decided to not save my edits, TWICE) and i honestly think this is as good as it's going to get because the more i edit and worry over it, the more difficult it becomes! with that said, i do hope you enjoy it!!

2007 universe!!

warnings: making out? there's not much honestly, leo being a little unhinged and possessive? she/her pronouns used once or twice, everyone is 18+!!

summary: leo likes it a little too much when you blush

word count: 1930 (honestly surprised by the length)

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

The first time you meet the turtles, you feel faint even after all the preparation you've done with April. She'd told you all about them, yet she hadn't mentioned how intimidating and handsome they were, and you stumble over your introductions, stuttering and blushing, feeling small and unimpressive, like you're back to being a schoolgirl with an unattainable crush.

You have to repeat your name, your shy mumbles too quiet even for their mutant hearing, and you flush as Leonardo smiles patiently at you and ignores Raphael’s eyeroll. Donatello is kind and tells you to not to take his brother’s grumpiness to heart, and Michelangelo talks so much that you don’t have to for the rest of the evening.

From then on, Leo makes an effort to be kind to you; he's always patiently listening to you even as you trip over words, especially on the days where you can barely glance in his direction without blushing, leaning close and bestowing you with an intense attention you're not sure you'll ever get used to. 

And maybe sometimes Leo plays up how soft-spoken you are. You are quiet, and you do have a tendency to mumble your words, yes, but he’s not deaf and he really doesn’t need to invade your personal space as often as he does. It’s just so cute the way you fluster without fail every time he leans in, his breath fanning against your face as he asks you to repeat yourself. 

His brothers and your aunt aren’t as oblivious as you; Donnie shoots him pointed looks that he pointedly ignores, Raph’s eyes are permanently rolling, and by now Mikey, who had initially been supportive, has begun to find it sickening, miming puking in the background each time Leo so much as looks in your direction. Even Splinter has joined in, completely unsubtle in his offhand mentioning of grandchildren whenever he sees the both of you, whether you’re alone or together. And April... well, she had cornered him in the dojo and promised that he'd be running back to the rainforest she found him in if he ever did you wrong. 

He had no intention of ever hurting you, or letting anyone else hurt you, for that matter. You’re just so endearing; so precious and shy, a snowflake that has yet to feel heat, and he so desperately wants to be the only one to light that fire within you and watch you melt.

Perhaps it's a little obsessive, but everything you do, usually unknowingly, draws him in like a moth to a flame. And it’s a little mean, maybe, the way he delights as you fluster and flush with only the tiniest hints of encouragement from him, but it sends a thrill through him each time. You’re so shy, so innocent and trusting, it’s impossible for him not to take advantage of that (even if April’s threats ring in his ears whenever he does).

So he invites you over, a movie night with just the two of you because of course Mikey is busy doing something silly and senseless that you won't be interested in, and you know Donnie's always busy doing something painfully nerdy that's way too boring to be fun, and Raph is busy doing something boneheaded with Casey that's far too dangerous.

It's just you and Leo.

You're both quiet for the most part, but keenly aware of each other's presence. It would be impossible for him to miss the way you practically stop breathing whenever his leg brushes oh-so lightly against yours, and he knows you're not paying much attention to the movie because he isn't either, and you're not exactly subtle with the way your eyes keep flicking away from the screen to sneak a peek when you think he isn't looking. 

The eleventh time you do this, he decides enough is enough, and lets his eyes catch yours.

He keeps eye contact for a little too long to be casual, heart racing at the way your eyes dart away awkwardly but seemingly can’t resist finding his again no matter how embarrassed you feel. God, you’re so cute, he wants to squish your cheeks and eat you alive. He must not be doing a very good job at hiding that desire because Donnie shoots him a warning look as he passes by to grab something from the kitchen, and Leo elects to ignore it, sticking his foot out suddenly and smiling innocently as his brother stumbles and glowers but continues his walk without comment.

He slides his arm casually over the back of the couch when he’s certain you’re alone again, unable to cover his smirk as you stiffen and your breath hitches. He’s not even touching you and he wants to laugh at how innocent you are; he feels like a wolf waiting to pounce on a lamb and it really shouldn’t excite him this much. The thought makes him shuffle just a little closer, disguising his movements as a casual adjustment in his seating. He flashes you a kind smile. “You okay?”

Your smile in return is tight and nervous, and you can’t bring yourself to make eye contact this time. You nod quickly, not trusting yourself to speak without humiliating yourself further. That, of course, is ruined as Leo drops his hand to the bare skin of your shoulder from where your shirt has slipped, rubbing your warm skin gently. You jump, a squeak slipping past your lips, and you feel your face grow even hotter.

Leo looks at you with feigned concern, lips rolled together to hide his grin, pushing an earnest façade to conceal his amusement. Your skin is so soft, he thinks, brushing his fingers over it again. “You sure?”

You swallow thickly as his palm flattens and trails towards your neck. “Y-yes.”

He’s even closer now, muscled thigh pressed against yours as he peers at you. “You’re looking a little flushed…”

You look up and meet his unfaltering stare; his eyes are dark, pupils eclipsing warm brown irises, and you feel like they’re swallowing you whole the longer you get lost in his gaze. His hand slides up and you shudder as he cups your jaw gently. There’s only an inch or so between your faces now, and you’re not sure when you got so close, but it’s hard to focus on anything other than the rush of blood in your ears as your heart beats erratically. “Leo,” you whisper uncertainly, and his eyes darken before he presses his lips to yours.

You’re still for a moment, frozen as butterflies flutter so violently in your stomach you think you might vomit – which would be the most mortifying thing to ever happen to you (and you’ve had a lot of mortifying things happen to you) and you might have to take a leaf out of Leo’s book and head to Central America and cut all contact with everyone you know.

You're not really sure what you're doing, and your actions feel delayed, like you're moving in slow motion or you're underwater and your movements are sluggish despite your best efforts, but you must be doing something right because he groans quietly against your mouth and the sound makes your abdomen clench. He pulls back and your lips are tingling as he catches his breath. 

He looks the way you feel; a mess, flushed with his chest heaving, and you feel a little smug even as you blush further when he smirks at you. He doesn’t say anything, just keeps smirking at you because he’s insufferable like that, and you realise he’s waiting for you to meet his eyes. 

It's a Herculean effort, but you manage to return his heated stare. 

“I want it all.” Leo is gazing into your eyes in complete seriousness and, as much as you want to look away and bury your face into your hands, something keeps you transfixed.

"All?" It's a miracle that you find your voice, even if it's the weakest it's ever sounded, wheezing and as soft as the skin under his calloused palms.

Leo's eyes somehow darken further. "This isn't just a game to me, or a one-time thing. I want everything with you."

You swallow the reticence that threatens to burst from your throat and lick your lips, the taste of his own a heavy weight against yours. His eyes follow the movement, the intensity of his stare making you feel dizzy. “I’ve never done this before,” you admit, heat crawling up your neck. “I’ve never even been in a relationship before."

Leo smiles at you, a knowing curve of his lips, crooked and tender with a hint of mirth, eyes dancing across every inch of your face with your admission as if he can’t decide which spot deserves his attention more. “I want to be your first and last,” he says honestly, voice a little uneven as if he hasn’t yet caught his breath after your kiss.

He’s nervous, you realise, cheeks darker than usual and inflicted with the same timidity that's nestled in your chest – not that he’ll admit to it. His eyes keep flitting about, not in a loving caress, but in a nervy flutter. You make him nervous. You can’t stop the giggle that leaves your lips and, almost instantly, Leo’s nervousness melts away as he raises a non-existent brow. “Something funny?”

Your face is flushed, and you can feel that shyness threatening to rear its head, but you push through and beam a little bashfully at him. “I want that too. I want it all. With you."

Leo blinks slowly and leans in close again. It takes everything within you not to pull away; your face is scorching, and you wonder if it’s actually possible to burn your skin from blushing so fiercely. “Can I kiss you?” His voice is lower than normal, soft and rough at once, deep and dark like it’s filtered through gravel and dripped in honey at the same time, and you kind of want to faint.

“Haven't you already?” you mumble, eyes dropping from his as another wave of heat rushes to your face, resolutely staring just beyond the turtle that’s practically on top of you.

Leo laughs softly, hand on your jaw once more and directing your embarrassed gaze to him. He’s smiling wide and then he’s kissing you again.

It’s still sloppy and tentative, you’re still entirely unsure of what you’re doing and it’s almost embarrassing enough to make you retreat, but then his tongue, long and thick, traces the seal of your lips in question and your brain shuts-down. Hesitantly, you answer, your own tongue shy as it brushes against his and easily forfeits the short fight for dominance, letting him lick your mouth with practiced ease. Any remnants of anxiety over your own inexperience dissipate with every flick of his skilled tongue, and you melt into his embrace.

“Oh my god, Leo’s eating her face.”

Leo pulls back and you squawk, mortified and covering your face as embers of confidence sputter, fleeing from you while Mikey dramatically projectile vomits his nunchucks across the room where they hit the wall with a thud. Your face is on fire, and you die a little on the inside as you realise that the glistening around Leo's mouth is mostly your spit. 

You die a little more and make a mental note to book a flight to Costa Rica when Splinter arrives to investigate the commotion, his son still pressed against you on the couch, and simply murmurs about grandchildren before winking at you.

[stardustrebels]

More of You- Chapter 5

Pairing: Joel Miller x fem!reader

WC: 1.7k

Rating: 18+ for eventual smut, MDNI

Series Masterlist | Blog Masterlist Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Tags: No outbreak!AU. Coffee shop meet-cute with a slow-ish burn. Sickly sweet fluff with eventual smut. Joel Miller just deserves a good life, you know? Joel and reader have a teeny tiny age gap- Joel is 42, reader is mid 30s. Sarah is 19. No use of Y/N, minimal descriptions of reader. She has hair long enough to tie back and she wears skirts and dresses.

A/N: Joel Miller’s very bad no good morning pre-chapter 1. I just want to give this poor lonely saddie daddy a big hug. Of course, like a moth to a flame, the man’s drawn in by exemplary woodwork and the promise of good coffee. I hope you enjoy!

The first time Joel Miller saw you, it was a Monday. 

The kind of Monday that he guessed was going to be shitty from the moment he opened his eyes. He woke up half an hour before his alarm went off and stared at the ceiling, cursing the sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach, like the day had already gone wrong. 

The sun had barely risen, casting a faint orange glowing beam across the room through a gap in the curtains and straight in to his face. He groaned, slapping the top of his alarm before it even had a chance to sound. 

Seconds after he stood up, he stubbed his toe on the edge of his bed frame, cursing under his breath before limping his way to the bathroom. 

He got dressed and made it downstairs without further injury, sulking as he entered the kitchen, hoping to at least have a decent cup of coffee before leaving the house. He opened the cabinet and reached up to where the coffee tin usually sat. The coffee tin that wasn’t there. The coffee tin he’d forgotten to pick up a replacement for at the store yesterday. 

He gripped the edge of the counter, letting out a frustrated sigh and hung his head momentarily in silent defeat.

It was the type of Monday that would make anyone want to climb back in to bed and try again tomorrow. 

It also happened to be his birthday. 

And despite everything else that had happened so far, that fact was hands down the worst thing about today.

Sarah had left for college two weeks ago, and this was the first birthday he’d spend without her since she was born. 

The first time she called after he’d dropped her off, she said she would come back to spend his birthday with him. He’d insisted that she should be focusing on making friends and having fun, not worrying about her old man. After some back and forth, she’d relented, settling for sending him a picture of a hastily written I.O.U for ‘one amazing birthday celebration’ on a pink post-it note after they’d hung up.

In lieu of any coffee to drink, he leaned against the breakfast bar with a glass of orange juice and sifted through the small pile of birthday cards until he found the one with Sarah’s handwriting on it. The card had an obnoxiously large badge on the front- ‘it’s my birthday’ emblazoned on it in giant red letters. He huffed a laugh at it, shaking his head. 

Inside, she’d written that she’d told her Uncle Tommy she wanted picture evidence that he had worn the badge to the office. He sent her a text, despite knowing she wouldn’t be awake for hours. 

Thanks for the card, kiddo. And the badge. Not sure it’s clear enough though, could be bigger. Love you.

He placed the badge securely in his jacket pocket, ready to pin on his shirt when he got to the office. He figured if he didn’t, he’d never hear the end of it. 

By the time he left the house that morning, Joel felt unusually lonely. He’d been doing fine the last couple of weeks, or at least that’s what he told himself. 

The day after he dropped Sarah off, he’d realised just how quiet the house was without her. He had immediately thrown himself in to work, spending long days at the office, doing out-of-character site visits and offering to take Tommy’s client meetings. Anything to stay busy. 

By the time he got home every night, he had just enough energy to heat up some dinner and fall in to bed. It felt like the old days, when Sarah was younger. The days where he would work every hour God sent just to keep a roof over their heads, making himself sick with stress. Except this time around he didn’t get to see her little smiley face every morning to remind him that it was all worth it. 

Joel tried to ignore the little lump in his throat as he climbed in to his truck that morning, earlier than he would normally leave. The house felt emptier than it ever had. 

The traffic on the way in to the city was a nightmare, and he had to park a couple of blocks further away from the office than he usually did because of road closures. By the time he found a spot and turned off his engine, he was utterly miserable, the idea of trudging to the office against crowds of other commuters did nothing to improve his mood. He grabbed his jacket and slammed the truck door shut, muttering to himself.

He groaned inwardly as he immediately hit the don’t walk signal at the first crosswalk. As he waited, the building on the corner next to him caught his eye. He took a moment to admire the dark wood and worn decorative trim around the windows. He squinted through the bright morning sunshine at the sign above the door. Harrison’s it read, in gold handwritten letters. 

The crosswalk signal sounded, but he didn’t move. He glanced through the pane of glass in the wooden door. It was a coffee shop. He hesitated a moment, standing on the sidewalk as people brushed past him. The faint smell of fresh coffee wafted out as the door opened and closed in front of him. He glanced at his watch; he had meetings stacked like bricks and emails waiting to be answered, but he could spare a little time. 

“Screw it, why not?” He muttered under his breath, pushing open the door. A bell chimed above him as he stepped inside.

The place was cosy; not too modern but not stuffy either, with dark wood floors and mismatched tables and chairs. Shelves filled with old books lined the walls, peppered with sepia-toned photographs and various pieces of historical- looking memorabilia. Eclectic but not overwhelming, 

He ordered a black coffee at the counter, unable to return the barista’s cheery smile as he paid, and decided to settle in a seat near the window, thinking how nice it might be to just watch the world go by for a little while.

He stared down at his wrist, at the watch that Sarah had fixed for him all those years ago. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it meant the world to him. He missed her. Missed the sound of the music drifting from her room, the clatter of her hurried footsteps when she was late for school, the terrible movies she made him watch, even the endless chatter about her friends, classes, and the soccer team she was part of.

He knew that this was the way it had to be. She was nineteen now, finding her independence and figuring out who she was outside of their little family unit. That had always been the goal, hadn’t it? To raise her to stand on her own two feet. She needed space to grow, to succeed and stumble, and she needed to do it without him hovering. He knew that.

Still, it didn’t make it any easier. 

The barista arrived with his coffee, pulling him from his thoughts. He muttered a thanks and took a sip, letting his eyes scan the other customers around him. 

Then he saw you. 

As soon as he laid eyes on you, it felt like everything around him exploded in technicolour and the world snapped in to sharp focus all at once. You were sitting a few tables away, staring at your computer screen, entirely engrossed in whatever was on it, oblivious to anything going on around you. 

Joel’s heart was suddenly thrumming in his ears as loud as waves. Everything surrounding you seemed vivid, bathed in the yellow glow of the sunshine streaming in through the window. 

A lock of hair slipped over your shoulder as you tilted your head, causing a gentle shadow to fall across your face. You tucked it back behind your ear with delicate fingers, focus unwavering. You were the the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. 

He blinked, the thrumming in his ears was joined by an unfamiliar feeling swelling right under his sternum. His palms felt sweaty and goosebumps started to spread up his arms. He felt hot and cold. He needed air. 

He downed his coffee, grimacing at the stinging heat against his tongue, grabbed his jacket in one hand and the empty coffee cup in the other to place back on the counter as he passed it, making every effort not to draw any attention to himself. 

He pushed past a queue of people waiting for their coffees and out of the door, bell jingling behind him as he stepped back in to the morning air. He sucked in a deep breath. The feeling in his chest- the one that had hit him like a freight train - was still there. 

He braced his hands on his hips, head tilting back to stare up at the pale blue sky. A little voice in the back of his mind pointed out it looked bluer than it had before.  

“Get it together, Miller,” he muttered towards the heavens, willing his pulse to stop racing.

It wasn’t like him to get flustered. He wasn’t the kind of man who let his emotions run away from him. He’d just had a tough morning, that’s all. He mused that this might be brand new biological perk, unlocked with another year of his 40s. 

He took another deep breath, willing the tightness in his chest to ease as he began to walk, eyes fixed on the concrete in front of him as he passed the windows.

By the time he made it to the office, he’d convinced himself that the strange feeling had been because of his bad morning and the sudden change in temperature from the coffee. A delayed reaction. A ‘funny turn’, as his Grammy used to say, nothing more. 

He stopped outside the glass doors, frowning at his faint reflection in them. He reached in to his jacket pocket and took out the badge Sarah had sent him. He pinned it to his shirt and took a deep breath. 

Weirdest damn birthday I’ve ever had he thought as he pulled open the door and walked inside. 

Next Chapter

[kandisheek]

FIC REC WEEK 53 – 2024 FAVORITES

Darling, Darling, Stand By Me by Carsonian

Pairing: Steve/Tony Rating: T Words: 8,662 Tags: Romantic Comedy, Light-hearted, Oblivious Tony

Summary: Tony links arms with Steve, and the world wants to know if they're together. They're not, of course. But maybe they should be.

Reasons why I love it: I love absolutely everything about this. The dialogue, the characterizations, the plot, the humor, the tension, the conclusion – everything is perfect, 10/10, no notes. Treat yourself to some goodness and read this one, I promise you won't regret it!

Staying Sanguine by itsallAvengers

Pairing: Steve/Tony Rating: T Words: 7,669 Tags: Whump, Protective Steve, Angst with a Happy Ending

Summary: They're trapped, and help is too far out to be helpful. Tony's dying. Steve needs to save him. No matter what, Steve needs to save him.

Reasons why I love it: This fic is SO GOOD. The action and gorey bits are just fantastic – tense and suffused with a genuine sense of fear through Steve's PoV that just tears at your heartstrings. And the romance is downright adorable. Poor Steve deserves every happiness in the world, just as Tony does. Check this one out if you haven't yet, it's brilliant!

Ground Untread by Anonymous

Pairing: fem!Steve/fem!Tony Rating: T Words: 5,431 Tags: Canon Divergence, Gender Identity, Jealousy

Summary: Eve Rogers likes to put the Captain first in this time, a hero who has a duty, who this body was made for. It's easier that way, and besides, after Rebirth there's never been a place for them both to co-exist. But the world has changed and for Eve it holds possibilities she never could have dreamed of before. Up to and including Toni Stark, who seems to need no extra effort to send her spinning into a whole new kind of trouble.

Reasons why I love it: This fic has a special place in my heart, not just because it was literally written for me as a gift but because it incapsulates everything I love about sapphic Stony. Eve struggling with her identity after rebirth, her being drawn in by Toni's raw magnetism, Toni's insecurities about getting to keep Eve – it's all fantastic. Definitely check this one out, it's amazing!

My light in the darkness by BladeoftheNebula

Pairing: Steve/Tony Rating: E Words: 4,635 Tags: Pre-Serum Steve, Meet-Cute, Mothman Tony

Summary: Steve gets an unexpected nighttime visitor to his cabin in the woods.

Reasons why I love it: Neb never fails to make even the most outlandish concepts endlessly entertaining. And to say that Mothman Tony has my entire heart would be an understatement. Give this one a read if you haven't, it's as hilarious as it is sweet! And you don't want to miss the moth man smut ;)

Accusations False and Otherwise by Carsonian

Pairing: Steve/Tony Rating: T Words: 7,768 Tags: After College AU, Getting Together, Misunderstandings

Summary: Tony hadn't meant to make a habit of reassuring Steve's partners that his relationship with Bucky was totally and wholly platonic. It just happened to fall to him once, and then kept falling to him; Tony simply went along with it. A couple years down, he had talking points and everything. So when Steve's latest partner asked to speak with him, he assumed it was (once again) because they felt insecure about Bucky's presence in Steve's life. Imagine his surprise when it turned out they felt threatened by him.

Reasons why I love it: Carsonian just can't go wrong in my eyes. Their writing style is impeccable, their voices for Steve and Tony are both very in character and hilarious, and this fic made me giggle so much I was practically kicking my feet. Definitely check this one out, it's as sweet as it is entertaining!

[miraculouswolf99]

Ranking Every Miraculous Ship

Categories: OTP/One True Pairing, Love, Like, Good, Don't Mind, Eh, Dislike, and Hate.

I remind everyone that these are simply my own opinions. If you don't like it, then that is your choice. These are simply the ships that I like and don't like.

OTP/One True Pairing: Luka/Adrien- I love these two as a ship so much! Luka's calm and relaxed personality would totally balance Adrien's organized, stressed, and chaotic personality that he has from being Gabriel's son and Cat Noir. Plus, I feel that Luka would help give Adrien the confidence to stand up to Gabriel while Adrien would be the shoulder that Luka would need so that he did not need to be everyone's therapist.

Nathaniel/Marc- They're adorable in so many ways! When Marc was dragging Nathaniel to the stadium in the Penalteam episode has to be one of the cutest things I have ever seen on the show. It's also really cute how the two of them fit together so well. They are both so shy but opened up once they discovered all they had in common. They would be the power couple of comics! An artist and a writer is such a cute artistic pair!

Juleka/Rose- Another really adorable pair! The two obviously care a lot about each other. Especially with how Juleka was one of the few people who knew about Rose's secret illness. Plus, Rose was also really sweet about wanting to help Juleka overcome her photo curse back in the Reflekta episode. Plus, they show that two people who look so different can still get along great. Rose is all pink and cheery while Juleka is goth and shy. They are literal opposites, yet get along like peanut butter and jelly.

Jagged/Penny- They went through their own journey as characters and people. Jagged first comes across as an arrogant celebrity with Penny as his "yes, sir" assistant. But, then we see how the two of them really do have a special bond. They care about each other a lot. Plus, when Penny was understandably stressed from work during the Troublemaker, Jagged grew to understand her more. They have more than just a "boss and employee" relationship. Penny is also an adorable second mother figure to Luka and Jagged.

Tikki/Plagg- First, I love their nicknames for each other! Tikki is "Sugarcube" and Plagg is "Stinky Sock." While they do sometimes appear like siblings, they also sometimes act like an old married couple. Plagg gives me vibes of being the cheerful and fun side of the relationship with Tikki being the responsible "voice of reason" side. They balance each other in every sense, which really makes them even better for each other.

Love: Adrien/Kagami- These two have so much in common. From their love of fencing to their desire to step away from the forceful hands of their parents. The two brought out a lot of good things about each other. Kagami helping Adrien realize how awful his dad's treatment of him was and Adrien helping Kagami embrace her artistic side even when her mother doesn't approve of it.

Alya/Nino- Probably the least problematic couple on the show. Once they spent time together while locked in a cage during the Animan episode, they found out how much they had in common and how good they would be together. Nino might have had his moment of jealousy when he thought Cat Noir was flirting with her, but both have had plenty of moments where they showed how much they cared about each other. During the start of the Scarlet Moth attack when both were promising to take the other to the movies once everything was over, it was adorable.

Luka/Kagami- Another pair that would be all about balance while also sharing a lot in common. Both of them have such calm personalities. They would definitely be one of those couples that could happily sit together quietly for hours while simply enjoying each other's company without the need for constant talking. They both also have senses of elegance about them. Kagami with her fencing and Luka with his music. Luka would certainly also help Kagami relax her "I need to be perfect" train of thought.

Tom/Sabine- They are the definition of a healthy marriage. There is not a moment that is not completely sweet when they are together. They are probably the best parents on the show with how much they both obviously love Marinette. While a little cliche, it makes sense for the owners of a bakery to be as sweet as sugar.

Adrien/Nino- I am a sucker for friends-to-lovers stories. While Adrien and Nino are definitely great friends who give off big "bro" vibes, they would also make such a sweet couple. Nino has already made it clear how much he cares about Adrien given how often he tries to help him stand up to his dad. Especially when Nino tried to get Gabriel to let Adrien have a birthday party in the Bubbler episode. Adrien has also shown Nino support when he needed it, such as going with him when he was on The Challenge show in the Simon Says episode.

Like: Kim/Alix- These two have such a fun dynamic. They would be one of those couples that like to compete with each other but also would have a very nice relationship. Plus, their height difference would only make their relationship even cuter.

Sabrina/Chloe- Given actual character development and they could be a good couple. When Chloe had been trying to get better, she did show that she was protective of Sabrina. Such as when in the Ladybug episode, Chloe shielded Sabrina from the scarlet akumas. We also saw in the Miracular episode that the two did have a sweet friendship before Chloe got even more toxic. It would have led to a very sweet friends-to-lovers story.

Ivan/Mylene- Another of the most solid couples on the show. They were the first teenage couple on the show, actually, since they were brought together in the Origin episodes. And they have always been shown to be incredibly sweet. Mylene's nickname for Ivan, Teddy Bear, is very adorable! Plus, Ivan is also shown to be incredibly protective of Mylene.

Kim/Ondine- Kim is the loveable idiot while Ondine is basically his brain. The two are a great match with Kim's energy and child-like attitude balanced by Ondine's seriousness and maturity. Plus, Ondine helps Kim grow as a person when she helps him realize how harmful his past actions have been against Marinette. Not to mention also helping him see that jokes are better if everyone is laughing rather than just him.

Adrien/Plagg- Obviously, I am thinking about this with the headcanon of kwami having human forms. If that were true, then the two of them would make a cute couple! Plagg would help Adrien embrace his more chaotic side while also helping him stand up to those like Gabriel, Lila, and Chloe. Adrien would also help Plagg find a balance between his love of chaos and a more sensitive side.

Luka/Nathaniel- Two artists being together would be nothing short of adorable and cute! Luka's calm and gentle personality would fit very well with Nathaniel's shy and quiet personality. I can already picture how adorable it would be for Nathaniel to be leaning against Luka and sketching while Luka would be playing a soft melody on his guitar.

Adrien/Nathanial- I mostly enjoy these two together because of my headcanon that Adrien is a big anime fan. Given that Adrien did pose for Kagami when helping her with her art, he would definitely do the same thing for Nathaniel. Plus, it would be really cute for them to have moments where they are simply in a comic book store and geeking out over finding comic books they enjoy. And given his love of anime, Adrien would certainly want to help Nathaniel with his comic. It gives Adrien a chance to be himself rather than being the "perfect model" while giving Nathaniel the chance to open up by being with such a bright and cheery person.

Rose/Prince Ali- It's the little details that make these two work. Since learning that Rose has an unknown illness, it made even more sense why she admires Prince Ali for his charity work. Because charities like his probably were a bright spot in her life when her illness was worse. Plus, being with Rose would give Prince Ali a break from royal life when Rose would show him how to live like a normal teenager rather than always having to act like a prime and proper prince.

Adrien/Nathaniel- Two adorable boys who both have different kinds of shyness. Nathaniel is the usual kind of shy while Adrien is more the kind of shy where he is socially awkward, which leads him to not be as open as others. I headcannon that Adrien is a big fan of anime, which would give him something in common with Nathaniel. It could also allow Adrien to help Nathaniel with his comics and art. Plus, despite not being a designer, Adrien would have been around the fashion world for long enough to help Nathaniel with the designs of some of his creations. Also, maybe give him some fashion advice so that Nathaniel would STOP WEARING THOSE AWFUL PURPLE PANTS!

Nathaniel/Luka- Another artistic pair. An artist and a musician. Plus, Luka's calm personality would help a lot with Nathaniel's shyness. He would know when he should push Nathaniel out of his comfort zone and when he should simply let him be. Nathaniel can also help be Luka's muse for his music. Not to mention also help create looks for Kitty Section and give great ideas for music videos they could do.

Good: Marinette/Alya- Friend-to-lovers is one of my favorite relationship tropes. It's adorable in so many ways. Plus, the two are very good together. Alya always helps Marinette go outside her comfort zone while Marinette helps keep Alya grounded whenever she goes too far with her ambitions.

Alya/Ladybug- Aside from the obvious hero worship Alya feels for Ladybug, the two have shown to have more than that. Alya has seen the human side of Ladybug when she helped her with Damocles when he tried to be a superhero. Plus, Alya has also shown that she is still willing to put herself at risk to help even when she knows there are heroes around. Which is the reason Ladybug gave her the fox miraculous.

Marinette/Kagami- Despite Marinette first being jealous and also trying to sabotage Kagami, the two later formed a really good friendship. Plus, Marinette has tried to encourage Kagami to stand up for herself against her controlling mother. Plus, Kagami's organized way of life is a perfect balance to the chaos of Marinette's life and general personality.

Marinette/Nino- Nino did have a crush on Marinette before Ladybug locked him and Alya away during the Animan episode. If he never got over his crush, the two could have been a cute couple. Especially since they are childhood friends, which makes it an even cuter take on the friends-to-lovers trope. Plus, Nino is also a naturally relaxed person, which definitely would help balance Marinette's chaos.

Don't Mind: Gabriel/Natalie- The two could be cute as long as Gabriel would get over his obsession with his wife. If he simply moved on, he could see how close he and Natalie had become, which could naturally grow into a relationship. It does help that Natalie is already a surrogate mother to Adrien.

Nathaniel/Alix- This could be a cute friends-to-lovers story. Alix could easily balance out Nathaniel's shy nature, helping him to open up more and take him out of his comfort zone. Nathaniel could also help Alix calm down and not be as competitive as she usually is.

Sabrina/Max- They would be a fun brainy couple who could be that nerdy couple that likes to spend time reading the same book in the library together. Plus, both of them tend to avoid confrontation and enjoy being on the quiet side. They would be the type of couple who prefer to stay inside to watch movies or read books than to go out to clubs or parties.

Nooroo/Dusuu- They would bond over their shared trauma of having to deal with Gabriel. They would probably spend long nights complaining over Gabriel and his lack of fashion sense. They could have a lot of fun making fun of him, his lack of fashion sense, and his horrible akuma designs.

Wayzz/Trixx- Wayzz would be the calm and thoughtful one while Trixx would be the wild and reckless one. Another couple who would balance each other out very nicely.

Wayzz/Pollen- I just think they would be cute together. Especially since they are both similar with how they hold a lot of respect for their holders. Even if their holders do questionable things. Aka, most of Chloe and Master Fu's actions. But, their loyalty is something to admire.

Sabrina/New York Boy- She was shown to have chemistry with him. Even if they did not have a lot of time and he did not even get a name, giving Sabrina any development beyond Chloe is great.

Eh: Adrien/Juleka- The two are great friends, but there is only a little potential for them to be a couple. The most that I can see would be Adrien helping Juleka get more confident because of his more open and optimistic personality and Juleka could help Adrien learn to rebel against his father.

Chloe/Lila- Talk about a match made in hell. They would probably only end up together when they would realize that no one else would ever be able to want them.

Marinette/Cat Noir- The best side of the love square, in the opinions of most people. They have had fun together while also being able to talk to each other about their worries and insecurities. But, they did both really overdo it during their "fake date" which caused Marinette's dad to become akumatized.

Marinette/Nathaniel- They are both artistic types and would probably make great art together. Marinette could even be able to help him design outfits for his comic.

Max/Alix- The pairing of a nerd and an athletic girl is cute to think about. It also is cute to think of them together because they are two of the class "shorties." Just two small teens getting together. Very cute.

Ladybug/Queen Bee- It might actually give Chloe the chance to become a better person if she were to get together with her hero. Or, it could end in disaster because it would make her believe that she really could have whatever she wanted.

Chat Blanc/Dark Ladybug- It would not be the first time that two villains would end up together and fall in love with causing chaos as a pair. It would be like a more "healthy" version of Joker and Harley Quinn.

Dislike: Ladybug/Chloe- A hero and a civilian would never work! Especially since Ladybug never did much to stop Chloe from being a bully. After Chloe nearly crashed a train by using Venom, Ladybug should have put her foot down and never gave her the bee miraculous back. Giving it back to Chloe only encouraged her in the worst ways.

Marinette/Chloe- I have no idea why people ship these two together. It's a bully and their victim. Why does anyone think they would be good together? I have never understood that whole "bullying someone means they secretly like them" trope. It never made sense to me and it makes even less sense for these two. Chloe tormented Marinette beyond just simple bullying. They would NEVER work together.

Ladybug/Luka- Again, a hero and civilian would never work. Especially since we saw how Monarch specifically went after Luka when he learned that Luka was aware of Ladybug and Cat Noir's identities. A hero dating a civilian would only make an even worse situation to that. Plus, if they did not work as civilians, then they wouldn't work as a hero and a civilian.

Lila/Sabrina- Sabrina already is basically a slave to Chloe. Lila is shown to also hate work in any form. So, any type of "relationship" between the two would mostly just be Lila taking advantage of Sabrina and using her lies to make Sabrina do all of her work for her while likely making Sabrina think she was "helping" because she was doing something for "such a charitable person."

Marinette/Tikki- Unless kwami have a human form, I highly doubt that it's possible. Plus, Tikki doesn't do much to rein in Marinette's worst personality traits. So, they would be a slightly toxic couple.

Marinette/Max- Marinette already has been shown to not think about Max's feelings when she joined the video game tournament just to be close to Adrien despite how much she knew Max had practiced for it. I doubt she would fix things even if she and Max got together.

Marinette/Marc- I am one of those who headcanon them as cousins, so that is mainly why I don't ship them.

Alya/Adrien- I like them as friends, but I don't see them as a couple. I wish they had more moments of friendship between the two of them rather than having Marinette and Alya being the friendship that shines through the most.

Felix/Marinette- Literally the first time they met was when Felix pretended to be Adrien and tried to force a kiss on her/Ladybug. Not exactly the best way to start a relationship.

Hate: Adrien/Chloe- Chloe clings to Adrien as if he is a piece of prized meat. She treats him like a trophy to be won and doesn't care about him as a person. While they may be childhood friends, that only has made Chloe think she has some type of claim to him. Also, she brings out a lot of the worst parts of Adrien's passive side since he did make excuses for a lot of her behavior until he fully learned how abusive her bullying was.

Adrien/Lila- They are very similar to Chloe/Adrien in how Lila also clings to him. And unlike Chloe, Lile had not known him for long enough to make it acceptable in any way. She also treats him like a trophy to be won and openly acts like that when she uses her lies to try and get close to him. Also similar to Chloe, Lila doesn't care about Adrien as a person. She only cares about him as the "perfect model" that his father forces him to be. Plus, she had also teamed up with Gabriel to spy on Adrien and use her lies to try and isolate him from "bad influences." Which basically translates to anyone who is not her.

Marinette/Lila- Is there really any reason to explain why this is an awful ship? It's even worse than Marinette/Chloe. Even if Marinette was not aware that Lila is a liar and was simply kind to her, Lila would likely use that to take advantage of Marinette's kindness while also manipulating her feelings. It would be like an even worse version of Chloe and Sabrina's "friendship."

Marinette/Adrien- I have made it clear how I feel about these two. Marinette is a stalker! The schedule she keeps of Adrien's activities, the presents she has planned for him up to his fiftieth birthday, the wall of pictures of him, the plans for their children right down to how they look, and the video she sent to him on the anniversary of his mother's disappearance to confess her "love." It's all awful! It's one thing to have a celebrity crush, but it's another to be as obsessed as she is. Adrien may have a file of pictures of Ladybug and a bunch of her merchandise, but it's nowhere near as extreme as how Marinette behaves with him. Plus, as a superhero, there is no doubt there are tons of people who have the same stuff for Ladybug.

Luka/Lila- Did the two of them ever even officially meet on the show? People usually have Luka as one of those who remain on Marinette's side when others turn against her because of Lila. But, I don't think Luka has ever even met her. But, despite that, I don't think they could ever work. Luka is the best character on the show. He's calm, kind, empathetic, and protective. He's the opposite of Lila in every way. Given his ability to hear the inner songs of the people he meets, he would likely get a headache from being around Lila and forced to hear whatever noise her inner "song" would be.

Kim/Chloe- Chloe would bring out the worst in Kim. And she has done so before. She was the reason Kim had been a bully when she influenced him to do that awful prank against Marinette by using her fear of bugs against her. Plus, it's hard to forget that even when Kim did have a crush on her, Chloe stomped on his heart by insulting him and the gift he got her, which got him akumatized into Dark Cupid.

Ladybug/Adrien- Ladybug's common sense pretty much goes right out the window whenever Adrien is involved. During Volpina's first appearance, when she created an illusion of dangling him off the Eiffel Tower, Ladybug was incredibly close to giving up her earrings if it hadn't been for Cat Noir destroying the illusion. Ladybug knew Volpina's powers were illusions and still believed it just because it was an illusion of Adrien in danger. Also, Ladybug abused her powers during the Bubbler episode when she used her lucky charm to stop Adrien from slow dancing with Chloe. Also, with Adrien, it's never a good idea to date your celebrity crush. It's bound to end badly.

Luka/Chloe- Another pair that never officially met on the show. The only time the two have interacted was during Miracle Queen when Chloe had Luka under her control and she used him to fight against Ladybug and Cat Noir. And while she did say he was cute, she also immediately insulted him by saying he looked like he got his clothes out of the trash. Luka would never put up with any of her bratty behavior and would call her out every time she would act like that. Plus, once he would hear that Chloe was the reason Juleka was akumatized into Reflekta, on two different occasions, he'd never want to date her.

Luka/Marinette- The two of them failed completely as a couple on the show. For starters, he had only been Marinette's rebound when she tried to get over Adrien and failed completely since she honestly did not try very hard to get over him. Luka gave her his whole heart, including the most adorable confession of love I have ever heard. But he always came second to Marinette whenever she had a choice of anything else over him. There was also the episode with Desperada when Jagged Stone came to the houseboat for a new guitarist. Marinette didn't even give Luka a glance before taking his guitar, one of his most prized possessions, and handed it to Adrien to audition for Jagged despite knowing full well that Adrien played piano and not guitar.

Chloe/Prince Ali- Very similar to the issues with Adrien/Chloe. Chloe would only treat Ali as arm candy and a walking bank. Plus, Chloe would definitely abuse the power she would get from being a "future princess." She's bad enough as the mayor's daughter, so she would only be even worse as a princess.

Chloe/Kagami- Every time the two have interacted, it has not gone well. The biggest example being when Chloe teamed up with Marinette to try and sabotage Kagami at the movie premiere of the Ladybug and Cat Noir movie simply because Kagami was there at the invitation of Adrien. There has never been a single good interaction between the two of them.

Chloe/Nathaniel- The argument against these two begins and ends with one word. Evillustrator. That entire episode basically summed up why the two would never work. One, Nathaniel is way too shy and soft-spoken to be with someone as loud and proud as Chloe. Two, she would want him to quit doing his hero art and only make drawings of her. And three, she humiliated him on his birthday and defaced one of his drawings that she stole.

Ladybug/Cat Noir- Cat Noir's crush on her did get in the way of him being a good hero multiple times. I do think he was a better hero than Ladybug, but that doesn't mean I don't see his flaws. Especially with the way he acted during Frozer and Glaciator. But, at the same time, Ladybug could have treated him so much better. She treated him like a sidekick and not a partner. She constantly left him in the dark and used him as basically a human shield. She gambled with his life multiple times and never once saw anything wrong with it.

[cup1dt3a]

Well, I had an idea for you, and if besides yandere wally there is another yandere for the reader... The reader before meeting Wally had a Yandere in real life who pursued them and who still pursues him.

How would Yan! Wally react to another yandere? What if that other yandere kidnapped the reader before wally took them?

( this yandere you can choose the characteristics of what type of Yandere they are )

Tysm for the request I’ll make this a little darker than the rest of my fic’s so hope you enjoy 💖

⚠️Warning: Unhealthy relationships

“ Dearest!” His voice rang in it throughout the empty house.

“ In the kitchen!” You replied knowing your clingy boyfriend would panic if he couldn’t see you.

You learned that the first month after being with him. He was always such a good friend to you you’ve known him since you were born. He was always so kind and anxious but as soon as you got into a relationship he was even more anxious. Always so worried about you always reluctant to leave you home alone. Always just so overbearingly caring. Sure it was sweet how much he cared but you just wanted some space every once in a while. Everytime you tried to get some space he would start having a breakdown.

Stating you must hate him, you nuts not even love him, you just do t want him in your life at all. You didn’t but you hated how much he would cry. And so on to avoid this you just stopped trying to have space. Stopped asking to call or parents, friends, or even anyone you knew. Just to avoid him panicking. Sure this was an oddly normal occasion but you loved him. You loved him right?

You and him were out in town at the moment. His arm wrapped around your waist in an almost too tight grip. People were even staring at you seeing your discomfort.

“ John, you’re hurting me could you loosen your grip please.” You asked .

“ Oh no! Dear, I would but I don’t want to lose you in this big crowd you’re too precious for me to lose honey.” He said tightening his grip.

You wanted to say something but didn’t. Not wanting to upset him. Throughout the whole way home you just dealt with his right grip sure it bothered you. But as soon as you got home he apologized.

” I’m so sorry honey are you upset? Please don’t be upset with me! I love you. I love you so much my precious dear.” He said constantly kissing you from your wrist to cheek murmuring praises.

With his hot breath fanning your ears you gulped blushing. Even as you indulged into his sweet promises you had failed to notice the peering black pupils glaring at your lover. Almost sneering as you watched you press a kiss to his cheek. Oh how he wished that was him. Kissing you all over worshiping your skin from head to toe as you deserved. God you’re just so perfect and sweet.

After he constantly praised you he finally stopped at the suggestion of watching Tv. You had put on The Notebook. You had cried all night and fallen asleep on the couch. Your lover had decided to go onto bed leaving you on the couch half asleep.

Rubbing your sore eyes after crying you looked up at the TV while it emptily stared at you. Why not watch something else maybe it’ll help you feel better. As you clicked the on button the screen blinded you with its bright display. While trying to adjust your eyes the first thing they adjusted on was this yellow puppet. He had swirly navy blue hair, red scarf on his neck, a blue sweater, and rainbow pants his color scheme was oddly very pleasing to your eyes making you smile as the character gently spoke. It was a nice thing to hear since the only voice you ever heard screamed at you. It seemed to be a kids show from its childish aesthetic. You sniffed happily at how cute it all seemed. Julie and Frank were your favorite duo so far. The extroverted friend who’s always happy and the introvert who’s obsessed with moths. A trope you never knew you needed but here you are.

As the show continued you couldn’t help but get drawn towards Wally. It was just something about him that made you smile. Could it be the bright colors? Perhaps his gentle voice? You didn’t know but it brought you some joy so it didn’t matter. As the show continued you couldn’t help but get drawn towards Wally. It was just something about him that made you smile. Could it be the bright colors? Perhaps his gentle voice? You didn’t know but it brought you some joy so it didn’t matter.

“_____! Dearest where are you?” His voice rang out.

You hurriedly answered and turned the TV off getting up brushing dust off your clothes. How is it mornings already wasn’t it just midnight? Oh well you must have gotten so infatuated with the show you lost track of time

It was once again late at night but you were alone again with your computer. It’s been ages but you just had to! Ever since you watched that show you’ve been hooked! There was even a website fully dedicated to the show. And Wally was on there. Wally was most definitely your favorite. The website even had him interact with the viewer. It was adorable little thing. You even found others who enjoyed it too. But whenever you would talk about Wally interactions you had everyone seemed confused. It was odd.

“ So dear what have you been doing?” Your boyfriend asked as you were happily watching an episode of Welcome Home.

“ Oh it’s nothing just this show I found.” You replied eyes glued onto he screen displaying Wally.

“ You’ve been doing obsessing over that show for a while why not give it a break plus it’s for kids isn’t it?” they told you.

“ Yes…but I just got invested in it. You know what I’m tired I’m going to go ahead and get some sleep.” You said yawning as they rolled their eyes.

“ The hell do they even watch this for it’s a fucking baby’s show.” He angrily nagged while he watched welcome home.

“ You know neighbor I don’t think you’re being very nice.” Wally smiled at him through the screen.

“ Wow I have great timing. Heh… what the fuck is the TV doing.” He arched his browl as it started to glitch out.

If only he knew the horrors of what Wally had planned for him.

“ Oh no no neighbor it isn’t the TV. Ha ha ha! You’re so funny~!” Wally smiled.

As you went to the living room you first noticed the TV gone. It made you panic seeing that your only comfort was now gone.

“ John! Were’s the TV?” You panicked trying to find him.

“ Oh, don’t worry the TV had decided to start glitching out so I got rid of it. Plus you’ve been watching too much TV either way dear.” He said with a kiss to your cheek.

“ Oh no…it was working fine last night. Do you think you could get us another one. Johnny?” You told him trying to butter him up for a possible new TV as you rubbed circles onto his chest.

“ Well, I was planning on getting a new one either way.” He blushed as you clinged onto him.

As you tried to butter him up you hadn’t noticed the envious eye’s glaring at the man. You then kissed his cheek hugging him out of glee for a new TV.

You waved him goodbye as you bounced with glee knowing that you’ll finally get a new TV. Sure your old one was glitchy and you have been asking him countless times for a new one. And it finally happened! Things have been going so well lately you hope it never ends.

As you were about to fix yourself something to eat a sudden familiar voice. It was a bit muffled but out of curiosity you had decided to go and check it out. It sounded as if it was in your basement. Wow the most basic white move in any horror movie. As you went down the stairs you had soon seen the TV John said was broken and glitching out. But it was still plugged up down here. And Wally was displaying onto it with no glitching.

“ Hello Neighbor how are you?” He asked with a tilt to his head.

You chuckled rolling your eyes as you replied just for some fun since you were alone.

“ I’m doing great how about you?” You giggled.

As time went on Wally seemed to feel as if he was more alive by the moment. As you chatted with the puppet while he mysteriously answered on point. You had begun to wonder where the other characters were. Usually Julie and Frank were to show up by now. As you asked he all the sudden seemed a bit off.

“ Oh, don’t worry about them. Just focus on me for now ok? I have a surprise for you!” He said.

Ok this was weird now. He is actually responding to you not just some scripted shit no he was having a full on conversation with you. How did you not notice this. Everytime you saw him on screen you would just blank out. It was weird how much little awareness you would have.

“ Aren’t you excited?” He asked as you nodded not saying anything.

“…WALLY! I told you to wait!”John screened startling you.

“ Awww, Jealous? I’m sorry they were just so adorable this morning I couldn’t help myself neighbor.” He sighed looking down onto you through the TV.

“ What…what did you two do?” You voice shook.

They had then explained the occurrence of their first meeting. John had decided to see what you liked about Wally’s show so much. And as he was about to get rid of the TV everything went down hill from there. But they both eventually came to an agreement. It would be so much better if they just shared you. For instance while John wasn’t there you would be able to be accompanied by Wally. And when he was there they could both just have you to themselves. A wonderful idea right?

“ Aww, don’t be scared! It’ll be fun I swear my dear.” John said holding you close to place a kiss on your cheek.

“ But how would-” he then pressed a finger to you shushing you “ We’ll figure it would dear right now all that matters is you.” He sighed.

“ You always smell so goood! God Dear you’re just so perfect aren’t you?” He praised as you shook.

“ Oh don’t brag John!” Wally pouted crossing his arms.

“ Now who’s the jealous one? I mean just look at them so perfect, so just so beautiful, and so cute~. Sometimes I wonder if I could just eat you up. God you’d be such a sweet delectable treat dear.” He mewled almost drooling as he tilted your head up.

“ Oh stop it! You’re teasing the poor thing they can bearly speak.” Wally said.

Oh geez what is happening?!

Hello and hope you all enjoyed! Writers block is trying to get the best of me I swear but I had so much fun writing this. Hope you’re all having a good day/night or that it gets better!

Tysm for the request hope it was was up to your liking!

Sincerely- Cup1dT3a 💌

[trans-librarian]

Good Mornings and Model Kits

Tags: M/M, Fluff, Domestic, Established relationship, Team Fortress 2, Medic, Engineer, EngieMedic, Science Party, German Engineering

WC: 1.5k

CW: None this is the fluffiest most self indulgent garbage I have ever written. We die like mercs choking on the sugar of this fluff. You could consider a line or two hinting at suggestive buuuuut it's nothing explicit

Translations:

Mein Leibe - My love

mein bärchen - My teddy bear

A/N: Sooooooo I always promised myself that I wouldn't start writing fanfic because like idk I told myself that it would be cringey to write fanfic and that anything I wrote would suck but to be cringe is to be free and this image was too strong in my brain not to write and gods I gotta let myself be and create what I want instead of what I think is good enough.

I was super inspired by @creedei and his engiemedic art. I was low-key inspired by these posts: (I also love popitdontdropit on AO3 they're transmasc engie fanfic will make you ascend to a higher plane)

https://www.tumblr.com/creedei/727483531127914496/sketch-dump (third image)

https://www.tumblr.com/creedei/721589317420695552/cute-aggression

https://archiveofourown.org/users/popitdontdropit/

Also its not noted in the fic or relevant but my engie is transmasc I need everyone to know because its my favorite hc. I fell in love with creedei's engie. He's mad gender euphoria for me as a transmasc guy with the same body type (also because i simp hard for medic so seeing the character I project onto with the character I like is just *chefs kiss*). And pyro who is mentioned in passing uses they/she pronouns because I like when this shit is as queer as possible and I get to choose what happens in this story.

I'll probably also cross post this on AO3 at some point and link it here. Anyway, Enjoy!!! *runs and hides*

A quiet dawn begins to trickle light into the Red barracks. All is quiet on a seldom day off for the Red Team. Medic drinks in this treasured time. With a cup of tea in hand he turned towards the infirmary where the notes from his most recent experiment await review. He definitely needs to reevaluate the actual size of a gorilla liver before putting it into Demoman again. The muffled sounds of snores creates a lulling tune that echoes in the halls until...

tink tink tink clunk

tink tink tink clunk

"Hm?" Medic's ears perked up to the quiet sound

click click

tink tink tink

"Vhat is zhat?" Medic turns to follow the sound.

A tiny symphony of clicks and clacks emanates from deep in the halls past the common area and the majority of the bedrooms. Medic follows the sound through the hall.

tink tink tink clunk

tink tink tink tink clunk

tink tink clunk

Medic finds himself at the Engineer's workshop.

"He never usually vakes up zhis early on a day off at least not vithout vaking me for some.....private time" Medic smirks to himself thinking of Engie and his previous day off exploits in Engie's room, Medic's room, the infirmary operating table, the shower... Medic gets lost for a moment in a glow of those steamy memories and shakes his head bringing him back to reality. "Vonder vhat he's doing?" Medic thinks and slowly opens the door and sneaks into Dell's workshop.

Dell's back is facing the door as he sits at his desk. The small bulbed lamp on his work desk illuminates a halo of light around the man. The soft sweater he's wearing adds a comforting warmth to the glow. An etheral god tinkering with his realm. Like a moth to a flame, the medic slowly crossed the room beelining to the one place where he slots in perfectly. Once within reach, Medic wraps his arms around Engie leaning his head on Dell's shoulder placing a gentle kiss before resting his head.

"Good morning mein leibe" Ludwig cooed "What's got you up so earl-" tink "Ow! vhat vas zhat"

"Sorry darlin' sometimes the little bits go flyin' because of the nippers," Engie turned "Where did you get hit?"

"Why?"

"So I can kiss it better." Dell smiled.

Ludwig groaned at the horrible pickup line and smirked "I got hit right here" and points to his mouth.

"I'm very sorry" Dell chuckled. He grabbed the Medic's chin with his gunslinger with the lightest touch only he is capable of and gave him a gentle kiss. "What brings you by the workshop this early, dumplin'?"

"I was getting some tea and I heard the sound of..."

tink tink

"Ow!" another small piece of plastic hits Medic in the forehead. "...Zhat. I heard zhat and started following and it brought me here, mein bärchen. Vhat is zhis anyway?"

"Sorry again. The lil bits that come off the model kit pieces can go flying in unexpected places."

"Model kit? I didn't know you even were interested in these let alone where to find them."

"Pyro turned me on to these last time we went to town. They begged me to take her to this store with all these fancy plushies that are imported so they could get a new one for their collection. Real quality y'know. She ended takin' a while but ended up choosing this nice bear fox thing that I learned is called a tanuki and then there was this other one that was an armadillo and I was thinkin' about it but I realized I would never use-"

"Sveetie. You're rambling"

"Thank you" Engie laughs, "what would I do without you?" He places a hand on medics cheek and places a kiss on the other. "So Pyro showed me these model kits they have and they said I would love these and I grabbed a couple to keep 'em around. This is the first chance I've had to put one together."

"Interesting. Vhat's it going to be?" The Medic looks at the subject of their boyfriend's focus and sees....well a lot of pieces that will make something? Small red and black pieces of plastic twinkle under the work lamp. A large pile of injection mold sheets loom next to Engie's work area. Pieces are in various states of progress some starting to take shape like limbs.

"It's gonna be a robot. A lot of these kits are different robots couldn't tell you much because I can't read the Japanese on the box, but it'll look neat when it's done based of the pictures." Dell informed his boyfriend as Medic snuggles closer to listen to the Engineer tell him about his latest project. "This piece is gonna be one of the arms and it bends like this so you can pose it and change out the hands. And this is gonna be the leg."

"Can I stay and vatch vhile you vork?"

"Of course, moon pie!"

Ludwig pulls a stool over behind Dell so he can stay in his current position arms wrapped around the engineer sinking slightly into his plush yet muscular tummy and rest his head on his lover's strong shoulder.

The symphony of click and tinks resumed as Dell settled into a new rythmn of work. The sound of Engie and Medic quietly talking, giggling, or just enjoying the intoxicating calmness together.

Ludwig watches Dell's hands deftly click the plastic pieces together. He marvels at the precise and delicate movement of the gunslinger. The same robotic hand capable of crushing bone and tearing metal also able to pick up fragile things with ease truly is one of the greatest miracles the Medic has ever seen. He can't help and feel so much love when with Dell. He could just...

"Gah! Ludwig, did you just bite me?" Engineer cried out grabbing the side of his neck.

"I couldn't help it." Medic chuckled "You looked so perfect and it's so cozy. I had to bite."

"You're lucky I love you, moon pie"

"I know. Love you too leibe"

Dell refocuses as a faint set of teeth marks bloom on his skin.

tink tink tink clunk

tink tink clunk

tink tink tink clunk

click click click

click click

clunk

"Leibschen you put the thing on upside down."

"Are you sure? this looks right, dumplin'."

"Look at the picture the angular part of the kidney shaped piece should be pointing towards that half frisbee piece on the big piece"

Dell picks up the instructions and squints closely at them. Ludwig reaches his hand over and turns the upside down instructions right side up.

"Oooooooh. I see what you mean"

clunk click claclunk

"Thank you, sweetie"

tink tink clunk

tink tink tink clunk

click click

"Finally finished" Engie and Medic look at the little robot model in all its completed glory. The small figurine shined in the now brighter lit room each piece sanded perfect and each sticker placed precisely. The angular crimson robot sported a long bazooka in one hand and a clenched fist on the other arm. The sleek robot stands posed with one fist raised triumphantly.

"Let me try" Medic gently picks up the robot model and begins to fiddle with it. He pops out the gun hand and puts in a fist. He bends one leg while straightening the other completely. The arms are folded in front of it. After, carefully balancing the model on the table. Medic reveals the robot in a Katosky Kick. Dell and Ludwig chuckle looking at the cutely posed robot. They look at each other. Such a nice moment together. Engie leans forward and kisses Medic lovingly.

"Thank you for spendin' time with me, darlin'." Dell cooed warmly, "havin' company really made my mornin'." He gently places a hand on Medic's cheek and strokes it with his thumb.

Medic places a hand over Engie's. "Of course, my bärchen. I couldn't think of a better way to spend my morning."

Dell and Ludwig bask in each in this moment. Engie looks at his lover and sees the passionate and ambitious doctor he always fell for and keeps falling for every day. Medic sees the strong and beautiful inventor that fought to be here in more ways than one.

"Now vhat?"

"I don't know. Wanna go make a real robot?"

"I've got the perfect spider monkey brain I've been saving for a rainy day!" Medic squealed "You get the supplies. I'll get the brain and bring it back here" Medic planted a hard kiss on Engie's temple before running off.

[cheynovak]

Buckle Bunny Blues

part 7: Tipsy

Summary: Tess is a plus size girl who joined her friends to a rodeo. Here she meets Kayce, a washed up country singer who is back in town to support his little brother and father on the ranch.

*This story is my own original story, please do not copy my work, reblog/comments/likes are appreciated* 

-> Storylist: <-

--

Kayce POV

"I won’t be in your way. Just don’t leave me when you get back home."

Leave her?

I gritted my teeth, staring at the road ahead, her words settling in like a rock in my gut. Like hell I’d leave her. I might’ve avoided her these past few weeks, kept my distance so I wouldn’t say something stupid or do something worse—but leaving her? Leaving her alone? Letting something happen to her? No chance in hell.

I stole a glance at her.

Damn.

I’d never seen her like this before—elegant, but still cute in that way that was just… her. That dress wasn’t anything flashy, nothing a girl like Monica would wear, but it still made my mouth dry. And the way she had her hair pinned up, little loose strands brushing her neck—hell, it shouldn’t have made my stomach tighten like this.

But more than that, she was out of place. Too soft, too good for the kind of bar we were headed to. And I knew exactly how the men in this town would look at her.

Like a damn prize.

Like a moth to a flame.

The thought made my grip tighten on the wheel again, anger curling in my chest. I wasn’t sure if it was at them, or at myself.

The bar was dark, thick with cigarette smoke and the deep hum of country music. I noticed how Tess took it all in, her big eyes scanning the place like she’d just stepped onto another planet. She didn’t belong here, and damn, she knew it.

Before I could say anything, Mary came barreling in, throwing her arms around me like I’d been gone a decade instead of a year. Maybe it had been that long.

"Kayce, where the hell have you been?" she laughed, holding onto my hand like she might never let go.

I barely got a word in before she was dragging me toward the bar, where Brett and Jack sat, but not before I caught a glimpse of Tess slipping away, making good on her promise to stay out of my way. She sat alone, back straight, fingers running along the rim of her glass like she wasn’t sure what to do with herself.

Mary was talking, her voice bright, familiar, a reminder of nights spent in this very bar before I left. I used to think she was too young for me—hell, she still was. But looking at Tess now, I realized they were probably the same age. Funny, I never thought twice about Mary that way. But with Tess…

I shook my head. Don’t go there, buddy.

I focused back on my drink, on the laughter around me, until Mary leaned in, brushing her fingers along my hat like she was testing boundaries she already knew damn well.

"Easy there," I muttered, pulling back with a smirk.

She grinned, not deterred. "Just wondering when I can switch from horse to a handsome cowboy." She winked, the kind of wink that used to mean something to me.

I chuckled, lowering my voice so only she could hear. "Pick one, sweetheart. Anyone but this cowboy."

But his eyes landed back on Tess, who drank another shot while trying not to be obvious, but oh so obvious looking at him.

--

Tess wasn’t sure what exactly snapped inside her, but watching Kayce lean in, whispering something into Mary’s ear while she giggled and twirled her damn hair, made her stomach twist in a way she wasn’t proud of.

She drowned another shot and then without thinking, she pushed back her chair and stood up so fast the legs scraped against the floor. She stormed outside, the cool night air hitting her flushed skin as she walked away from the bar, muttering under her breath.

“Oh, I’m Mary, I win horse races,” she mocked in a high-pitched voice, rolling her eyes. “I’m Miss Texas, I can ride a horse better than any man. When can I ride a cowboy?” She huffed, crossing her arms. “God, give me a break.”

The sound of boots crunching against gravel made her stop.

"Hey!"

She turned just as Kayce stepped out from the bar, his expression a mix of frustration and amusement.

“I promised not to leave you,” he said, shaking his head. “But you leaving without me? That ain’t fair either.”

Tess scoffed, crossing her arms tighter. "I'm sure someone else will go with you, Kayceeee." She dragged out his name the same way Mary had done all night.

"Come on, get in the truck," Kayce said, his voice softer now. "I’ll drive you back."

She hesitated for a moment, staring at him, trying to figure out what the hell she was even mad about. But his green eyes were steady, his jaw tight, and for some reason, it made it impossible to say no.

With a sigh, she walked past him and climbed into the passenger seat, slamming the door a little harder than necessary.

--

"What's wrong?" Kayce asked after getting out of the cat. "Nothing!" Tess bit back, he watched her getting towards the house. Almost tripping over her own feet.

Kayce smirked, the corner of his mouth lifting just enough to show he knew exactly what she was doing.

“Oh yeah?” he drawled. “’Cause it sure sounded like, I don't know... jealousy.”

Tess scoffed, shifting in her feet, turning her head so she could look outside. “Don’t flatter yourself, cowboy,” she muttered.

Kayce chuckled, shaking his head. “Right. So you just decided to storm out of the bar, talkin’ to yourself about Mary for no reason?”

Tess groaned, throwing her head back against the seat. “You heard that?”

Kayce let out a full laugh this time. “Oh yeah. Something about Miss Texas and ridin’ cowboys?”

She covered her face with her hands. “I was just—ugh, never mind."

He didn't saw much anymore and once home went to his own bed in the bunkhouse. A little later he woke up from a weird noise, he was almost sure it was the sound of the barn doors opening.

What was that?

--

The cool night air did little to sober Tess as she led the horse toward the open stretch of pasture. The barn was quiet, the ranch asleep, and her heart pounded from a mix of nerves and determination. If Mary could do it, if every other girl in this town could do it, then so could she.

With a deep breath, Tess grabbed the saddle horn and awkwardly pulled herself up, nearly slipping before finding her balance. The horse shifted beneath her, exhaling loudly like it already knew this was a bad idea.

“Alright, boy,” she whispered, patting its neck. “Just… go.”

Nothing happened.

Tess frowned. She nudged the horse’s sides with her heels the way she had seen people do in movies.

Still nothing.

“Oh, come on,” she huffed, trying again—this time, a little harder.

That worked. A little too well.

The horse lurched forward, breaking into an unexpected trot, and Tess immediately regretted every decision that had led her to this moment. She gripped the reins, panic rising in her chest as the world bounced around her.

"Okay, okay—slow down!" she pleaded, but the horse had other plans. "Just STOP!"

“TESS!” Kayce’s voice cut through the night, sharp with urgency. Rushing towards the other horses to follow her ASAP.

--

Kayce’s heart pounded as he pushed his horse faster, the wind whipping past him. The last thing he saw was Tess’s figure disappearing into the dark tree line, her horse moving too fast for someone who didn’t know how to ride.

“Damn it, Tess,” he muttered under his breath, urging his horse to close the distance.

The woods swallowed the sound of hooves, branches clawing at the sky like skeletal fingers. His pulse roared in his ears as he scanned the darkness, listening for anything—hoofbeats, a cry, anything that would tell him where she had gone.

Then he heard it. A sharp yelp followed by a rustling crash. He saw how she crashed into the river nearby. Her horse stood at the side. Alone

He ran down the river seeing how her body drifted with the stream. Her head bleeding.

Kayce veered toward her, his stomach twisting, pushing through the water to grab her unconscious body.

And there she was, held in his arms, he walked back to the horses. Holding her body close to his, the nightfall made the woods pitch black and the river ice cold.

The alcohol would quickly react in her body, the little wound near her eye already bleeding hard thanks to the alcohol.

He needed to make sure she got warm soon. Kayce took of her wet clothes and wrapped her in his flannel shirt and took a blanket from her horse.

"Tess, wake up. Can you move?"

She groaned, blinking up at him. “I—I don’t know.”

She tried, wincing. "Come on, let me get you on the horse. Kayce lifted her on his horse before tying hers to his saddle and taking place behind her.

His arms around her, his back steady against hers, giving extra warmth she desperately needed.Kayce exhaled sharply. “Jesus, Tess. What the hell were you thinkin’?”

She let out a shiver. “I was thinking… I wasn't."

Kayce sat back, running a hand over his face. “You could’ve gotten yourself killed, Tess.” He shook his head, his voice edged with something Tess couldn’t quite place.

She looked down, embarrassed

Finally, Kayce sighed and slid his arms under her, lifting her effortlessly. “Come on. Let’s get you home."

--

Taglist: @leigh70 @roseblue373 @sherlockstrangewolf

[dreaminonao3]

Fic Prompt: see you later kisses! - Chaggie

Kisses, Questions, And A Lot Of Rain (AO3)

Angel Dust scrolled through one social media site after another from his favorite spot on the couch in the Hotel’s parlor, bored out of his mind. It was his day off from the studio, Cherri was off doing whatever she did when she wasn’t hanging with him, Husk was ignoring him from behind the bar, Niffty could be heard scuttling around upstairs (please let that be Niffty and not a really big bug), and Alastor (his current crush but that was strictly between Angel and God) was no one knew where.

Feminine laughter from the stairs was enough to make him stop scrolling and peek over the back of the couch. Charlie and Vaggie were coming down the stairs, holding hands and laughing over a shared joke. When they were at the front door, Vaggie helped Charlie into her raincoat and boots.

“Are you sure this can’t wait?” Vaggie asked as she handed Charlie her umbrella from the stand. “It’s pouring.” From her tone, Angel could tell this wasn’t the first time she’d asked.

“Rosie said one of her cannibals wants to be redeemed but his partner is abusive, so it would be a lot easier for me to meet him at Rosie’s than for him to come to us.” Vaggie opened her mouth but Charlie just smiled fondly. “And we went over this – if anything goes wrong, I can handle myself.”

“Somebody should still go with you. With Alastor off on ‘business,’ whatever that pendejo meant by that, someone needs to stay to keep an eye on things here but I still don’t like the idea of you going by yourself.”

Something compelled Angel to raise a hand. “I’ll do it.”

Vaggie raised an eyebrow at him as he got up then rounded the couch to approach them. “You? Have you ever guarded anyone in your life?”

Angel rolled all eight eyes. “Vags, I’ll have you know I was my old man’s enforcer.”

“Not the same. You have to be willing to lay down your life for the person you’re protecting, not just be willing to beat someone up.”

“In case you didn’t notice, there ain’t a person in this hotel who wouldn’t be willin’ ta die for Charlie.”

“That’s so sweet, Angel,” Charlie gushed. “Thank you!”

“You’re welcome, Princess. Now, lemme just grab my raingear and we can go.” His cotton candy pink raincoat coordinated with Charlie’s red one but his clear umbrella was a direct contrast to her black one. Angel grinned at her confusion. “Don’t wanna hide my face from my adoring fans, even in the rain.”

Vaggie rolled her eye then she turned to Charlie and smiled fondly. “Be careful out there. Don’t take anything at face value. And if Angel tells you to do something, you do it, querida, no questions asked.”

“Aww, I promise, Vaggie,” Charlie said happily.

Vaggie gave her a quick kiss then she glared at Angel. “Falla y nadie encontrará jamás tu cuerpo.”

Despite not knowing Spanish, he still got the gist. “She’s safe with me, Vags.” He grabbed Charlie’s arm and they headed out the door, opening their umbrellas against the onslaught.

“Why’re we walkin’ instead of catchin’ a cab or somethin’?” he asked after they had walked half a block. Then he noticed Charlie still had the dreamy smile and flushed cheeks from when Vaggie had kissed her. Angel chuckled. “You and Vags have been together how long?”

“Three years, six months, five days, and-”

“And you still blush when she kisses you? That’s so cute.”

Charlie stuck her tongue out at him. “It’s good that I still get butterflies.”

He smirked. “In this case, I think we’d have to call them moths.”

“Moths, butterflies, call them whatever you want but I heard that when they’re gone, that’s when you need to get the spark back.” She eyed Angel then smiled slyly. “So, Angel, who is it that gives you butterflies?”

Alastor’s face came instantly to mind but he set it aside. “Nobody.”

“You’re almost as bad a liar as Vaggie.”

“Ouch! Now that’s an insult!”

Charlie rolled her eyes. “No, it’s sweet – she’s a good, honest person, and that always comes through.”

“Uh huh. So, when you gonna pop the question?”

“Don’t think I haven’t noticed what you’re trying to do, mister.”

Angel smirked again. “Please, you love talkin’ about Vaggie. Now, only one of us can evade a question at a time so spill, Princess.”

“I have the ring, I’m just waiting for the right moment.”

“Uh huh. Trust me, Charlie, the ‘right moment’ is like a G-rated Valentino film – it doesn’t exist.”

She eyed him. “And what do you know about romance?”

“I’ll have you know I know plenty.”

“You say that but you haven’t asked Alastor out yet.”

He could feel a blush rising. “You, er, noticed that, didja?”

“The whole hotel noticed, except Alastor.”

“Yeah, well, crushin’ on an ace has its advantages.” He huffed. “My situation is nothin’ like yours.”

She smiled sympathetically. “We’re both looking for the right moment to ask.”

“Okay, so they do have somethin’ in common…” Feeling overheated, he tipped the umbrella and his head back to feel the rain on his face for a moment before moving them back and looking at Charlie. “Tell ya what – I’ll find the balls ta ask Alastor out if you find the ovaries ta ask Vaggie ta marry ya.”

Charlie grinned as she held out her hand. “Deal.”

Angel laughed as he shook it. “Tonight.”

She stared at him. “‘Tonight?’ That soon?”

“Yes, Charlie, that soon. We’ve both dragged our feet long enough.”

“Okay.” She took a deep breath then repeated herself. “Okay. I can do this. We can do this.”

“We can,” Angel said, nodding firmly then he saw Rosie’s in the distance. “C’mon, let’s save this poor sucker. Or, I guess if he’s a cannibal, that would make him a poor biter.”

Charlie rolled her eyes fondly. “You’re impossible.”

“One of my better traits.” He led the way into the emporium after they shed their raingear. Helping Charlie save another sinner was fulfilling, even if he didn’t admit it to anyone but her, but it was the prospect of finally seeing where he stood with Alastor that had him nearly buzzing in anticipation.

It’s gonna be a good night, I can just feel it.

[orpheatelos]

Morale Reasons

“I’ve fulfilled one of your requests.”

Elizabeth looks up from her book. “Oh?” she asks, as cheerful as ever. “What do you have for me this time, Yuki?”

“A Mothman,” I say, holding my hand out. A translucent playing card materializes, hovering a few centimeters above my palm. The picture is a gray moth, its yellow wings tucked behind its back.

“Excellent!” Elizabeth says. “Can it cast Fire spells?”

“It can,” I say. The card turns around, Mothman’s portrait facing me so Elizabeth can read the wall of statistics displayed on the back. She smiles, satisfied with my handiwork.

“Marvelous as always,” she says. “As thanks, may I gift you some clothes? They’re more suited for one of your friends, but I’m sure you’ll find them appealing as well.” She gives me the most stilted wink I’ve seen in my life, then reaches into her handbag and pulls out an entire maid costume. “Well? What do you think?”

“Thank you,” I say, my voice unsteady. I’m not sure how to react. “Where did you get that?”

“Fragments of human desire wash ashore in my realm,” Elizabeth intones. “This outfit is one of them, a symbol of some deeply coveted object or status. I haven’t a clue what place it occupies in the collective unconscious, but for it to arrive intact, its allure must be strong indeed.”

“You could say that,” I mutter, my face heating up. “I’ll take it.”

“Glorious!” Elizabeth says. “Have a wonderful day.”

After a meal at Hagakure Ramen, I return to my dorm room and empty out my school bag. I’d crudely folded the maid outfit Elizabeth gave me and stuffed it inside, but it doesn’t seem to have wrinkled too badly. I’m not sure what to do with it, though. Among the girls I’m friends with, it looks like it would fit Mitsuru best, but she would never wear a maid dress. Besides, it would be inappropriate to give as a gift. The recipient might think I was pressuring her to wear it for me.

I hang the garment up in my closet. We’re going to Tartarus tonight- someone’s wandered in again- and I need to get ready. But as I’m about to shut the closet door, an idea hits me.

Mitsuru and I are about the same height.

A few minutes later, I walk into the main lounge, dressed in the maid outfit. The skirt is more modest than I’d expected, and it even came with black tights, but I still feel vulnerable.

“Is everyone ready?” I ask. Everyone turns to face me, and six pairs of eyes widen in unison.

“Leader…” Mitsuru says politely. “Surely you don’t intend to wear that to Tartarus.”

“I do,” I say. “It’ll be good for morale.”

“Maybe if it was a girl wearin’ it,” Junpei complains. “This is just weird.”

“You can call me a girl if it makes you feel better,” I retort, grinning at Junpei.

“Not gonna happen,” Junpei says. “You’re one weird guy, Makoto.”

Aigis looks puzzled. “Your attire does not appear to provide any tactical advantages,” she states, “and it most closely resembles the uniforms worn by female servants at Mr. Kirijo’s vacation home. Why have you chosen to dress as such for a field operation?”

“Because I look cute in it,” I say. “Right, Yukari?”

Yukari’s face gets red. “N-no!” she insists. “I can’t believe I’m agreeing with Junpei, but seeing you in girls’ clothes is just weird. Especially since it’s a maid outfit.”

“I’m still gonna wear it,” I say. “Now, is everyone ready?”

As we’re walking home from the rescue operation, Yukari catches up to me. “There’s something I want to say to you,” she says, “but it stays between us. Got it?”

“Yeah.”

“You look cute in a maid dress,” she admits. “It’s a little weird still, ‘cause you’re a guy, but you wear it well. And… okay, maybe seeing you like that did boost my morale a bit.” She glares at me. “If you tell anyone I said this, you’re dead. Got it?”

“Your secret’s safe with me,” I promise. “Thanks, Yukari.”

[aesethewitch]

I come to assign you some Touhous that, should you ever choose to pursue a Touhou PCP path, I think would fit you! (For context to others coming across this, Aese consented to this I promise I'm not just waltzing into their inbox and trying to convert them, this is for all intents and purposes a joke!)

Long ask below!

First up, Eternity Larva. She's not quite a moth, but she's close enough and is often considered moth-adjacent as a butterfly and considering she as a fairy embodies death, rebirth, and the metamorphosis of insects. She may or may not be a Goddess/Kami, Touhou lore is... unclear on that! She becomes dormant during Winter, but is a very friendly and sweet fairy, though she may be as mischievous as other fairies, we just haven't seen it yet. Reasons for picking: moth. that's it that's what I got.

Next up, Chimata Tenkyuu. Now, she's definitely a Goddess/Kami. Her ability is to make people relinquish ownerships, and she is the Goddess of "special event marketplaces" - think temporary stores or things like that. Reasons for picking: I think that she'd get a major kick out of Advertisement Adversaries considering her main goal is that special event marketplaces run well and smooth and plenty of things get sold. I also just think she'd enjoy watching scammers get scolded lol

Next, Mike Goutokuji. I just can't resist sponsoring my favorite depressed capitalist cat with trauma! Mike is just a bakeneko (a cat youkai) who trained (but failed) to become a lucky money cat, but her ability is to draw in either customers or money, she can't do both (she tries her BEST.) Reasons for picking: All good sellers deserve a lucky money cat. Also Advertisement Adversaries would probably interest her too.

Finally, Patchouli Knowledge. Patchouli is a "Eastern Style Western Magician", meaning she's from a Western place but practices/performs Eastern magic. Her ability is manipulation of fire, water, wood, metal, earth, sun and moon, the five Chinese elements plus sun and moon, making her the "One-Week Girl" (it's... explained better on her wiki page, but basically each element + sun and moon correspond to one day of the week each). Reasons for picking: Major reader and you're an author, occultist and magician. While she canonically mostly reads occult texts, I can see her (and in my PCP experience) reading any book that interests her. She's also been a help to me with my creative endeavors with her knowledge of books. As an aside, I theorize that Patche wouldn't be much into tarot personally as it's a Western system, but that's also a point in reasons for picking.

Thanks for entertaining me and my endless love for Touhou Project and Touhou PCP! Have a great rest of your day, Aese!

[devours these wiki pages]

Hohohohohoho I love them all!!! Particularly into Eternity Larva and Chimata Tenkyuu -- my love of moths is equal only to my love of butterflies! I love that she's a little swallowtail butterfly, that's so cute. The death/rebirth cycle is also a big deal in my practice, so that doubly makes sense as a choice!

And Chimata??? I also hate when people prioritizing maximizing profits and their own gains over the well-being of their patrons. Like, man, fuck off if you're not going to operate in good faith. Money's a fine motivation to do business, we all gotta live and eat or whatever, but we should be holding ourselves to some level of standard decorum. You know what I mean??

All very very very good fits, honestly!! You've got me pinned, I think, lmao. If I ever end up on a PCP/PCM kick, I have a good starting point 👀 Being included/participating in this special interest is very special and a big honor to me so thank you!! (:

[mothdust23]

⟢Growing Up⟣

CW: really bad vent poem, i barely slept last night and today was stressful and i just.. chrh..

In my mind

Is a cage

With a thing

Inside

And

It claims that

In its heart

Is nothing but

Endless hatred

For all things.

For my sisters.

For my love.

And it screams

And it claws

And it insists

It will tear

And renounce

And ruin

What I've become

And

Leave me while

The darkness creeps

In around me

As the dark

Always does

In the night

When my sisters

Are asleep.

It is lying.

It is afraid.

It is sorry.

It does not

Want to feel

Such terrible things.

But it cannot

Help but feel

Them day after

Day after day.

Because it had

To become

A monster.

To protect itself

From a greater

Crueller

Scarier one.

A monster

Who told it

That anything different

Unique

Queer

Special

Happy

Is wrong.

And sick.

And evil.

And despite her

Endless cruelty

Towards it

It believed her.

I do not

Hate it for

It chose to

Sacrifice its innocence

To be strong

And to survive .

And I doubt

It expected me,

Me, of all

People, to take

Its place.

It pushed me

Down for so,

So, so long.

Because it was

Ashamed of what

I am.

Ashamed of what

I represent.

Ashamed of everything,

In a sense.

I do not

Hate it.

I love it.

I hope it

Heals one day

And passes its

Spark onto me.

The remains

Of its hopes

And dreams

And innocence

Like a pearl

Kept safe

In the center

Solidified

Around a shell

In pain.

But until then

I am just

An empty space

Trying its best

To bring joy

As it is

My purpose.

And it is

What brings me

Endless joy.

I love you,

Child me.

I am sorry

For what "mother"

Did to you.

I am sorry

For replacing you.

I will make

You proud.

I promise this.

I will become

What you said

To yourself was

Never, ever going

To be.

A girl.

A moth.

A beautiful

Endearing

Lovable thing.

A sister.

A creator.

An author.

Cute

And sweet

And kind

Despite the cruelties

Of the world.

I

Will be happy,

And I promise

I'll take good

Care of everyone.

..if you stop

Clawing at me,

Maybe, just maybe..

I'll let you out of the cage.

..If only for

A little bit.

If only so

We can have

That childhood

She stole away

When she decided

To be cruel.

You can heal.

I can heal.

Please stop saying

I'm bad.

I love you.

⟢Maxine⟣

[drmarune]

Mortifer meeting he’s new Onkel for the first time

Summary

Nozel finde out this Asta and Noelle adopt a child wo looking like the young ver of the death demon king Lucifero himself but cute???looking????(platonic of curse)

——————————————————-

Nozel whas just finding out he is a Onkel again this time adopted Noelle and Asta a boy

He looking painfully familiar too him he would mean he looking like a cute child ver of the king of devil himself wo they killed many years ago

Nozel stare at child wo staring back like „what do you want?“

Noelle: this is Mortifer Brother he is now my child“smile

Nozel:how long have your the boy?“staring at the boy

Noelle:well three moth now…..sorry we waited this the boy live in whit us bevor we make him official ur child whit other family member…..there he is not use too all of us……

Mortifer looking at them talking

Nozel looking at Noelle sish at he’s little sister:well I see……good how is your Name boy?

Mortifer:Morzifer star sir but it’s now Mortifer silver…..I guess……well nice too meet your sir“looking at him straight back

Nozel:well good don’t bring shame into this family boy“stare

Mortifer: as if sir or more Onkel…………anyway I would don’t do something stupid just moron‘s do get in trouble

Nozel staring at the boy and then to he’s sister: he isn’t a trouble maker isn’t he? Be true Noelle

Noelle just laughing a Little: just a harmless one Nozel but he didn’t get so fare in big trouble as fare we know…..

Mortifer:this the point as fare your know“smile cheeky

Nozel just shaking he’s head: yes you know what? Sure……..what is one problem child more………..I take my go….

Noelle smile:is ok brother

As so go Nozel away

And then going Mortifer to the ground:holy fuc€…he is scary…………

Noelle laughing:I know what you mean but he is a nice one Mortifer I promise

Mortifer looking at Noelle and staring up: good too know Noelle

Noelle smile at him :well good to know you warming up my dear child“smile at him warm