#meghan trainor knows what she’s doing!!

[sesamestreep]

Matt/Foggy, 36

From this Spotify Wrapped Prompt Game: #36. Made You Look - Meghan Trainor (🫣 I am not immune to a viral tiktok audio earworm…)

“Are you capable of exercising any self-control at all?” Foggy asks, voice dripping with annoyance as it carries across the room.

“I—” Matt pauses, as he tries to figure out the right response to that question. “I’m literally just sitting here,” he finally offers, weakly, because it definitely sounds like he’s in trouble, he’s just not sure why.

“I know that,” Foggy says, coming back to sit on the edge of the bed. “I’m talking about what happened last night.”

“I was under the impression that you enjoyed what happened last night.”

“Matt…”

“In fact, I distinctly remember asking if you were enjoying yourself and you said—”

“You don’t need to quote me,” Foggy says, evidently excited or embarrassed by the memory—or both. “I remember.”

“Well, then, I’m confused by your sudden change of heart.”

“Not a change of heart,” Foggy clarifies and Matt is very often thankful that Foggy can’t hear his heartbeat and now is one such moment, because the way it immediately calms down from relief is genuinely a little embarrassing and he’s glad no one else has to know about it. “Just confronting the very frustrating reality that I’m going to have to do the walk of shame in a shirt open to my navel because someone tore half the buttons off of it in his haste to get me undressed. Again.”

Matt shrugs, very deliberately casual now that he knows this isn’t a real argument. “It felt like an urgent matter at the time.”

“Matt, I don’t even know where any of the buttons ended up!”

“Thank God. It’d be really embarrassing if you’d had the presence of mind to keep track of that while I was…well, you know.”

“I don’t know why you can’t just unbutton my shirt patiently like a grownup,” Foggy complains, which is the exact opposite of what he was doing last night, but Matt doesn’t bring that up.

“I don’t know why you insist on wearing those fancy suits with like eighteen layers I have to go through,” Matt says, instead. “Getting you naked is like breaking into a Swiss bank.”

“They’re three piece suits, you infant,” Foggy retorts, laughing. “And I’ve been told by everyone on Earth except you that I look great in them.”

“I’m sure you do. But for my purposes, they’re a nuisance.”

“You’re a philistine, Matthew. And I’m going to tell Luke that you don’t appreciate well made clothing and get you on his bad side for all eternity.”

“Please don’t,” Matt says, grabbing Foggy’s wrist like he might go for his phone right away. The downside of meeting Luke through Foggy is that he always has this extremely viable threat in his back pocket. “You have no idea how hard it is to find a good tailor these days.”

“Oh, I’m intimately aware,” Foggy cries, and there’s a shuffling noise as he (Matt’s guessing) shakes his injured shirt at him. “And speaking of Luke, you can’t claim my clothes are a nuisance to get out of when you run around in your leather daddy body armor all the time. There’s just no comparison!”

Matt doesn’t point out that he rarely shows up to see Foggy in the suit because it usually ends in them arguing rather than fucking—or, at least, arguing for a while before they get around to fucking. That’s not going to win him any points at the moment, he imagines.

“Leather daddy?” he asks, incredulously, instead.

“God, shut up,” Foggy says, still embarrassed and excited about it.

Matt takes the shirt out of Foggy’s hands, gently, and then, not so gently, shucks it to the other side of the room. “Maybe I just like who you are under your clothes more,” he says, carefully. “Did you ever think of that?”

“You’re so full of shit,” Foggy says, and, Matt’s not really sure how, but his voice fully gives away that he’s blushing.

“You could borrow something of mine…”

Foggy snorts. “Yeah, I don’t think you have anything in my size here, sweetheart.”

Matt lets his hand trail up Foggy’s side. “Oh, well. Hot guy in a tight t-shirt. What a sad fate for all of us to endure.”

“That gimmick only works when it’s guys like you. On me, it’ll just look delusional.”

Matt frowns, not liking the sound of that one bit. He slips his hand around the back of Foggy’s neck and pulls him close until their foreheads are pressed together, relieved by how easily Foggy complies despite his purported annoyance.

“Then it looks like your only option is to stay here forever,” Matt says, solemnly. “Completely naked, of course.”

“Of course,” Foggy says, laughing softly. “It’s the only plan that makes sense.”

“I’m glad we’re in agreement,” Matt replies, leaning in to kiss him. He conveniently doesn’t mention that he has one sweater, three sweatshirts, and no less than five t-shirts that he’s stolen from Foggy that he could just as easily return to him and solve his current predicament. He likes his solution better.

[universalitgirlsblog2]

🧁🍥SONGS FOR SELF-CONCEPT/SELF-LOVE🍥🧁

🧁ME TOO BY MEGHAN TRAINOR

" If I was you,I'd wanna be me too"

🍥7 RINGS BY ARIANA GRANDE

" I see it , I like , I want it , I got it "

🧁I AM THE BEST BY 2NE1

" I am the best "

" Who? You are better than me ? No No No na na na"

" I am hot hot hot hot like fire "

🍥FANCY BY IGGY AZALEA AND CHARLI XCX

" I am so fancy "

🧁ESPRESSO BY SABRINA CARPENTER

" I can't relate to desperation "

" My " give a f**ks" are on a vacation"

" Walked in and dream came trued it for you"

🍥IT GIRL BY ALIYAH INTERLUDE

" I-T G-I-R-L , You know I am that girl "

" While y'all busy hating, I am flying across the country "

🧁YES AND BY ARIANA GRANDE

" My tongue is sacred, I speak upon what I like "

" Yes and ? "

🍥I AM BY BABY TATE FT FLO MILLI

"I am healthy, I am wealthy, I am rich, I am that ,I am gonna go get that bag and I am not gonna take your s-"

" I am protected, well respected, I'm a queen, I'm a dream I do what I wanna do and I'm who I wanna be 'Cause I am me"

🧁HEY , MICKY BY BABY TATE

" Oh, Mickey, you're so fine! So fine, you blow my mind,Oh, Mickey, you're so fine! So fine"

🍥ON A ROLL BY MILEY CYRUS/ ASHLEY O

" Hey, yeah, whoa-ho, I'm on a roll , Ridin' so high, achieving my goals"

🧁QUEENCARD BY G-IDLE

" Queencard, I am hot , my boob and booty is hot"

" I am a star,star , star "

"Look so cool, look so sexy like Kim Kardashian Look so cute, look so pretty like Ariana"

🍥AFTER THE STORM BY KALI UCHIS

"Whatever goes around eventually comes back to you So you gotta be careful, baby"

" But everybody's gotta go on , Don't they? (Yes, we do, baby), So if you need a hero (if you need a hero) , Just look in the mirror (just look in the mirror) No one's gonna save you now,So you better save yourself"

" But you just can't give up now, 'Cause you gotta save yourself"

🧁FEARLESS BY LE SSERAFIM

"I'm fearless a new bitch, new crazy climbing up, next one"

" If my scars are a part of me, I got no fear, no fear"

🍥BORN TO BE SOMEBODY BY JUSTIN BIEBER

" I was born to be somebody, Ain't nothing that's ever gonna stop me,I'll light up the sky like lighting,I'm gonna rise above,Show 'em what I'm made of,I was born to be somebody,I was born to be, And this world will belong to me"

" Feel it , believe it , Dream it ,be it "

🧁KNOW YOUR WORTH BY KHALID

" Find someone you know will put you first ,Find someone who loves you at your worst"

" Gotta keep, gotta keep, gotta keep your head up"

🍥WATCH ME SHINE BY JOANNA PACITTI FROM LEGALLY BLONDE

"I will prove I can conquer anything,So from my head to toe I'm taking full control"

" Better watch out,Going for the knockout,And I won't stop,Till I'm on top now,Not gonna give up,Until I get what's mine,Better check that I'm about to upset,And I'm hot now,So you better step back,I'm taking over,So watch me shine"

🧁WHO SAYS BY SELENA GOMEZ

"Who says, who says you're not perfect?Who says you're not worth it?"

" Who says you don't pass the test?Who says you can't be the best?Who said, who said?Won't you tell me who said that?Yeah, who said?"

🍥DANGEROUS WOMAN BY ARIANA GRANDE

"Don't need permission,Made my decision to test my limits'Cause it's my business, God as my witnessStart what I finished,Don't need no hold up,Taking control of this kind of moment"

" Somethin' 'bout you,Makes me feel like a dangerous woman"

" Nothin' to prove and I'm bulletproof andKnow what I'm doing"

🧁LOOKING AT ME BY SABRINA CARPENTER

" If you think they're looking at you,They're looking at me"

🍥FASHION BY BRITNEY MANSON

"She's so gorgeous, she's successful "

" Style icon, size zero,And my boots from Valentino,I'm a self-made runway queen,And my dad is Alexander McQueen"

🧁LOVE DIVE BY IVE

" Narcissistic, my God, I love it"

🍥TOMBOY BY DESTINY ROGERS

" I'm a girl's girl, I'm a boss in a man's world"

" My mama said, "Marry a rich man" ,And I was like, "Mama, I am that rich man"

🧁LOOK AT HER BY SELENA GOMEZ

" Of course she was sad,But now she's glad she dodged a bullet"

🍥KILLSHOT BY MAGDALENA BAY

" Can you make my heart stop, Hit me with your kill shot baby"

🧁CONFIDENT BY JUSTIN BIEBER

"She's got my attention, she's confident"

🍥GO HARD BY TWICE

" We just go hard,We just go hard till we see the light"

" Even if the waves hit and sprinkle thorns, I'm the winner in the end,Even if you shake and push me, I'm unbreakable,My opponent is Woman in the mirror,I told you no matter how much the world tries to put me down,You make me feel special"

🧁PROMISCUOUS BY NELLY FURTADO

" I want you on my team,So does everybody else"

🍥UNSTOPPABLE BY SIA

" I put my armor on, show you how strong I am,I put my armor on, I'll show you that I am"

" I'm unstoppable,I'm a Porsche with no brakes,I'm invincible,Yeah, I win every single game,I'm so powerful,I don't need batteries to play,I'm so confident,Yeah, I'm unstoppable today"

🧁GOD IS A WOMAN BY ARIANA GRANDE

"When all is said and done,You'll believe God is a woman"

🍥TELL ME SOMETHING I DON'T KNOW BY SELENA GOMEZ

"Everybody tells me that it's so hard to make it It's so hard to break in, there's no way to fake itEverybody tells me that it's wrong what I'm feelin'I shouldn't believe in the dreams that I'm dreamin'I hear it every dayI hear it all the timeI'm never gonna amount to muchBut they're never gonna change my mind, noTell me, tell me, tell me something I don't know"

"I'm on my way,I know I'm gonna get there someday,It doesn't help when you say, "It won't be easy"

🧁ANTIFRAGILE BY LE SSERAFIM

" Riding over the trail of thorns,You made me boost up "

" Walk like a majestic lion,Eyes glinting with so much desire "

" I'll climb higher,Top of the world I itched for ,No biggie if I were to fallI'm antifragile, antifragile "

🍥I WANT IT ALL BY ASHLEY TISDALE FROM HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL

"Imagine having everything we ever dreamed"

" You've gotta believe it"

" Bigger is better And better is bigger?"

"You've got to have your star on the door,You want the world, nothing less,All the glam and the press,Only giving you the best reviews"

🧁OBSESSED BY MARIAH CAREY

"And I was like, "Why you so obsessed with me?"

🍥KINARE BY MOHAN KINNAN FROM QUEEN

" Even if all the boatmen together become strangers to us(that is, even if everyone turns against us)Then we will become oars ourselvesand cross (the sea) on our own"

"Why others, we'll ask ourselves only,about the path to followWe'll find it here somewherein the waves only"

🧁SUE ME BY SABRINA CARPENTER

"So sue me, For looking too pretty tonight"

" But I'm not gonna dull myself because you dull yourself"

" Feelin' myself can't be illegal, illegal"

🍥SUCCESSFUL BY ARIANA GRANDE

" Yeah, it feels so good to be so young,And have this fun and be successful, yeah,I'm so successful, yeah"

🧁I AM BY IVE

"That's my life is a beautiful galaxy, Be a writer, the genre is fantasy"

🍥ECOUTE CHERIE BY VENDREDI SUR MER

"Écoute chérie"

I don't know about lyrics but I like vibe of the song !

🧁GIVE IT TO ME BY NELLY FURTADO AND TIMBALAND

" I'm the Wonder Woman, let me go get my rope,I'm a supermodel and mommy, sí, mami"

🍥THE HYDRA BY LE SSERAFIM

" Do you think I am Fragile?"

"I am not afraid of storms,For I am learning how to sail my ship"

🧁CHERI CHERI LADY BY MODERN TALKING

I LOVE THE VIBE OF THIS SONG !!

🍥ECSTACY BY SUICIDAL IDOL

This song vibe reminds me of those mog edits lmao , you can listen to this song to upgrade your beauty self-concept!

🧁BARBIE GIRL BY AQUA

" Imagination, life is your creation"

🍥DANCE THE NIGHT BY DUA LIPA FROM BARBIE MOVIE

" Diamonds under my eyes"

🧁JUST LIKE MAGIC BY ARIANA GRANDE

"Manifest it (yeah), I finessed it (I finessed it)"

"Just like magic ,I'm attractive ,I get everything I want 'cause I attract it"

🍥16 SHOTS BY STEFFLON DON

AGAIN THIS SONG MAKES ME FEEL LIKE A BAD BITCH !!

🧁COPINES BY AKAMURA

I LOVE THE VIBE OF THIS SONG !!!

🍥MY SATISFACTION BY IVE

"I'm just in love with myself,Crush on me "

"I'm sure of myself every moment,I'm more confident than scared,I'm unaware about fear,I hope you and I will always shine"

"Trust me more than anyone else ,I make myself shine "

"Love myself so that I don't lose myself,I don't mind such prejudice that never end,I'm satisfied with myself reflected in your eyes"

"I'm my own wannabe,I'm a masterpiece for me"

"The confidence in me shines more on me,You always shine on your own,My satisfaction that will make me shine more perfectly"

🧁BEAUTIFUL LIAR BY BEYONCE AND SHAKIRA

It is all about the vibe !!

🍥BABYDOLL BY ARI ABDUL

" Call me babydoll "

This song can help with beauty self-concept.

🧁WASABI BY LITTLE MIX

"Love to hate me, praise me, shame me,Either way you talk about me"

"I'm glad to be your inspiration.Who, baby, who's (guess who?)The topic of your conversation?,I am "

🍥GIMME MORE BY BRITNEY SPEARS

I don't even need to explain this one lol !

🧁LONG WAY TO GO BY CASSIE

GOOD VIBES !!!

🍥QUEEN BY TWICE

"I know what you are,Uh you’re a queen"

"You are the main character,You are the bright one,You’re a queen"

"No matter what anyone says,By yourself,You’re a queen"

🧁IDOL BY BTS FT NICKI MINAJ

"I know what I am (I know what I am),I know what I want (I know what I want),I never gon' change (I never gon' change)I never gon' trade"

"You know I've been a boss for my whole career"

🍥PERFECT DAY BY HOKU FROM LEGALLY BLONDE

"On this perfect day,Nothing's standing in my way,On this perfect day,Where nothing can go wrong"

🧁BOSS BITCH BY DOJA CAT

"I'm the whole damn cake and the cherry on top"

"I'm a bitch and a boss, I'ma shine like gloss"

🍥MALAMENTE BY ROSALIA

I like the vibe of the song !

🧁SHE LOVES CONTROL BY CAMILLA CABELLO

"She doesn't cry anymore, no looking back"

🍥I HAVE GOT MAGIC BY BARBIE

"Life has its dings,Oh, thanks for the wings!"

"It is my fate to be so great!"

🧁BADDIE BY IVE

"I'm a baddie, ba-ba-baddie, baddie,Pretty little risky baddie"

🍥SOLO BY JENNIE

"This time I'm only lookin' at me, myself and I,(I'm goin' solo) I'mma do it on my own now"

"Like the flowing wind,Like the stars above the clouds,I want to go far away, I want to shine brightly"

🧁BARBIE WORLD BY NICKI MINAJ AND ICE SPICE

"All of the Barbies is pretty (damn),All of the Barbies is bad,It girls (It girls) and we ain't playin' tag"

🍥KICK IT BY BLACKPINK

" Never needed nothin' else,Just a lil' love from myself"

🧁CIRCUS BY BRITNEY SPEARS

"Don't like the back seat, gotta be first"

"All eyes on me in the center of the ring just like a circus"

🍥FOCUS BY ARIANA GRANDE

"I know what I came to do,And that ain't gonna change,So go ahead and talk your talk,Cause I won't take the bait,I'm over here doing what I like,I'm over here working day and night"

"Let's find a light inside our universe now,Where ain't nobody keep on holding us down"

🧁ANSWER:LOVE MYSELF BY BTS

"You've shown me I have reasons,I should love myself"

🍥KITSCH BY IVE

"I live the way I want, what more do you want, That's my style

"Who cares if I only do what I like, huh,This ain't your life,Useless thoughts can go away"

🧁MONOPOLY BY ARIANA GRANDE FT VICTORIA MONET

"Bad vibes, get off of me"

"Treat my goals like property,Collect them like Monopoly"

🍥MIKROKOSMOS BY BTS

"You shine brighter than anyone else One"

" Shine , dream , smile "

🧁SHAKE IT OFF BY TAYLOR SWIFT

"And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate,Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake,I shake it off, I shake it off "

🍥SUPERMODEL BY JILL SUBOLE FROM CLUELESS

"When I'm a supermodel,And my hair will shine like the sea,Everyone wants to look like me"

"Cause I'm young and I'm here and so beautiful"

🧁OUTRO: WINGS BY BTS

"I believe in myself,My back hurting is for my wings to come out,I believe in you, even if things are bleak right now,The end will be great"

"I made a decision, I will have unconditional trust"

🍥THAT'S MY GIRL BY FIFTH HARMONY

"You've been down before,You've been hurt before,You got up before,You'll be good to go, good to go,Destiny said it, you got to get up and get it"

"Get mad independent and don't you ever forget it"

🧁MANEATER BY NELLY FURTADO

" You either wanna be with me, or be me"

🍥RICH GIRL BY GWEN STEFANI

"If I was a rich girl,See, I'd have all the money in the world, if I was a wealthy girl,No man could test me, impress me, my cash flow would never ever end,'Cause I'd have all the money in the world, if I was a wealthy girl"

🧁STEP ON UP BY ARIANA GRANDE

"You say I'm sexy,So bad, they should arrest me"

🍥FEELING MYSELF BY NICKI MINAJ AND BEYONCE

"Feelin' myself, I'm feelin' myself, I'm feelin' my"

🧁FABULOUS BY SHARPAY EVANS FROM HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL

"The whole world according to moi"

"All things fabulous,Bigger and better and best"

🍥CONFIDENT BY DEMI LOVATO

"I'm the boss right now"

🧁I'M THAT GIRL BY BEYONCE

"It's not the diamonds, it's not the pearls,I'm that girl, it's just that I'm that girl"

"From the top of the morning, I shine"

🍥PRETTY & RICH BY SASWEETIE

"Y'all study my fashion, it shows in your pics"

"I look better in person, you'll see when we meet"

"I been in my Birkin, I stay on my grind,I stay on my hustle, I stay on your mind"

"Ooh, I'm so perfect, I make them nervous"

"Prettiest out here, that shit for certain"

🧁HARD WHITE BY NICKI MINAJ

"I'm the trophy of the game, everybody tryna win me"

"Uh, I'm who they wishin' to be"

"I'm a prodigy, R.I.P Thun-Thun '

🍥BO$$ BY FIFTH HARMONY

"C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T,That's me, I'm confident"

🧁SUPER LADY BY G-IDLE

"I am the top, super lady"

"Those irresistible eyes are savage, got all qualities of a Queen, The Baddie"

🍥NICE TO MEET YA BY MEGHAN TRAINOR FT NICKI MINAJ

"I am blessed by the Heavens"

"Now I'm givin' myself,Nothing but love"

"Please, no comparisons, 'cause you know they can't"

🧁PERFECT NIGHT BY LE SSERAFIM

"I got all I need, you know nothing else can beat,The way that I feel when I'm dancing with my girls,Perfect energy, yeah, we flawless, yeah, we free,There's no better feeling in the whole wide world"

[ronearoundblindly]

Hideout (1)

touch-starved!Nomad Steve Rogers x motel employee!Reader

Puppy, (see premise post or series)

Summary: An ultra-shy man named Grant arrives with various friends to your family-owned motel. He opens up slowly over the months...and grows a fantastic beard. 🤭

While this part has no mature situations, this series will be 18+ only. MINORS DNI. This is mostly pure setup for the smut in every future chapter. Your media consumption is your responsibility; please choose for yourself if these matters trigger you. If so, there is plenty for you to read on my Light Masterlist, but this work is not it! WC ~2k

He first arrives with only his friend—two fit fellas, one white, one black. They pay in cash, share a double room. The most information you get is Tom Smith, the more open of the two, joking that you’ll have to excuse Grant’s shyness.

Grant doesn’t seem to respond to his own name.

He’s a beefy blond, and your impression is the man doesn’t need to have a lot going on up top to get by in life. You do try not to judge, though. Your job is more about keen observation and recognizing the needs of your guests.

These two guests need privacy. They aren’t unfriendly, but they are not chatty. They go as quickly as they came. One night. The room is slept in, but they were clean enough.

The next time they show up they need three rooms, but you only have two available. Tom and Grant bunk up again, and a couple are with them who do not come into the office. The woman has beautiful auburn hair that she covers with a ball cap, and her very tall beau—whose hand she holds—shields himself in far more clothing than necessary this time of year.

They all sleep (you assume) during the day and only socialize at night when the other guests aren’t around.

Not that the party is loud; they simply seem more at ease when it’s harder to see. They stay three or four days, leaving rather suddenly early one night after paying for the time already.

Sporadically, this continues.

Once it’s only the couple. She is very reserved and he is very awkward, but again nice enough. They stay for nearly two weeks, enjoying hikes in the area, always holding hands. The woman relaxes significantly. It’s quite lovely to see.

Mister and Misses Durham, you know them as. They don’t always respond by name either.

Another visit makes five guests with the addition of a beautiful young woman. Her hair is cropped and bleach blond, and she is by far the most at ease.

It’s this visit that you realize they are just staying in their rooms during the day not sleeping, and you find the karaoke machine to take to Tom’s room.

He’s thrilled, thank goodness, because you don’t normally offer up activities to those who don’t ask about them, but Tom bangs on the doors of the other two (you think) couples so they can join him.

You’re about to leave when he asks you to do a duet with him.

Grant throws out that Tom enjoys Marvin Gaye. It’s the most you’ve heard him say, ever.

“I do,” Tom agrees, “but I don’t mess with the master.”

So you have the idea to sing Marvin Gaye—the song—with Tom as Charlie Puth and you as Meghan Trainor.

It’s quite a lot of fun, belting as best you can, finding Grant’s intense gaze on you for the lyrics:  I’m like a stray without a home… I’m like a dog without a bone…

Just as quickly, however, you have to go back to the front desk. Duty calls and all.

You make sure they know the machine is all theirs for as long as they want. Their rooms are too far down the line of the building to hear if they do enjoy it for long, but you get no complaints about noise. You hope for the best.

Later that night, Grant comes by the office, carrying the machine with a smirk on his face and the most genuine appreciation on his lips. He has a lovely deep voice you never knew about.

He just talks to you.

It’s all superficial conversation about the area, the weather, what activities you like on your days off, but even that seems a struggle for him.

Tom was not kidding. His friend is extremely shy. He has trouble thinking up casual questions. He can’t look you in the eye until responding, and he doesn’t give more than a few words in answer to anything.

You laugh--you have to—when Grant asks if he can walk you to your door, which…is ludicrous because you live in the house a whopping fifty meters past the main motel. Your family has owned and run this place for three generations. You’ve walked that path your whole life.

“I like walking,” he shrugs, though from the sheer muscles on him, he does way more than just walk. “I was gonna do a lap or two anyway.”

“Well, I have to wait for Clark to show up, but—“ you look him up and down “—okay.”

Grant is so sweet but so stiff. He holds himself with purpose when actively thinking, but you catch him having these distant moments. He withers like a violet, a shell that’s too small for his big body. He seems lost and lonely.

You’re glad to do whatever keeps him company. Your goal for the night is to make Grant smile as much as humanly possible, but that’s difficult when he won’t let you know anything about him.

Twenty minutes later, Clark, a local stoner kid who hardly looks up from his phone, waltzes in, stepping around Grant like a wall that’s always been there and throwing a “hey, man” out with zero regard for a response. Classic Clark. That’s why he’s on night shifts.

So you grab your bag and let Grant hold the door open for you.

Maybe you’ve been watching the Durhams too much when they come around, but you feel a compulsion to hold his hand. You don’t, obviously, because you only just heard this guy speak for the first time today. It would also be incredibly awkward to hold Grant’s hand in the dead silence that follows on your way up the gravel path.

You’re so consumed by figuring out what to say next that you don’t notice till the beast is right there.

An elk walks right in front of you, taller than Grant. From this angle the animal blocks the entire view of your house it’s so big, and you jump back, slamming into your startled escort’s chest.

You both freeze as it moves slowly at a diagonal to the other side of woods, bringing it and its gigantic horns closer still.

It squawks like some sort of awful banshee and stamps huge hoofs. You throw your weight backward and spin to flee, clambering over Grant’s body.

Why you’re so scared, who knows; you should be used to the wildlife, but no creature has ever done this before.

The most shocking thing, however, is how strongly Grant tries to hold you immobile.

The harsh grip on your waist and the way he hisses through his teeth for you to stop should be your hint, but instead you cling to him harder, asking quietly if the animal is gone.

“Uh…” Grant tenses against you. “It’s…it’s just—“ he shudders when you wriggle “—yes, gone,” he bites out, pushing you away by the hips.

He takes a second to breathe, buries his hands in his pockets, and leans forward, gathering himself.

It was scary. That could have turned nasty very quickly. You were lucky Grant was there and calm…except he was sorta the reason you were distracted in the first place.

Finally composed, he sighs and motions forward. “Let’s get you home.”

Two months later, Grant’s initial five o’clock shadow has come in nicely.

You’ve learned the routine of their check-in. There’s only one room available, unfortunately, but if they stay more than two days, there should be another open.

Tom shrugs and offers a playful, “we’ll see. We go where the wind takes us.” He smooths his palm over a fresh fade at his nape and the sharp angles of his goatee.

“And you, I see, have stopped in for a cut with Terrence in town. He loves the three slices like that.” That's how the barber marks his work. Terrence's shop is very popular.

“It’s a good signature. Wish I could'a convinced this big lug to get a trim.” Tom elbows his friend who stares at his feet.

Grant runs his fingers through his golden locks and swallows. “Yeah, well, maybe next time.”

Without realizing what you’re doing, you stand on the rungs of your stool behind the counter and reach for his lusciously full beard.

“Don’t you dare get rid of this,” you chide, fingertips grazing the skin of his cheek beneath the course yet soft hairs.

You should apologize. You should let go and sit back down. You should professionally hand them their key and be done with it, but instead, you linger, watching his blue eyes darken with a primal devastation.

He’s prey caught in a cage.

You release Grant’s face with an awkward laugh and a shake of your head.

Tom makes his own, very knowing face, and winks.

“You should do that more. Touch him. He could use it.”

Grant clears his throat harshly and blushes, mumbling something about which room number you said they had and that he’ll bring the other bags from the car. He leaves. Tom takes the keys with another wink and a sassy tap on the hardwood.

“Thank ya, ma’am. We appreciate it.”

It’s about twenty minutes later when your pen rolls off the edge of the counter, you find a small duffle left where Grant stood.

“He was joking. It was a joke,” Grant blurts when he finds you standing there to give it back.

You just smile and say Tom isn’t wrong.

“So, if you ever just want a hug…” you mutter, taking a chance to scratch at his bearded chin again. “Not like you’re gonna hurt me.”

He looks back inside, as if seeking permission or checking to make sure his friend is still in the bathroom, singing in the shower.

Grant can’t seem to meet you halfway, but he does inch forward, struggling to word a simple ‘yes.’

The tentative embrace starts with only the top of his chest touching you, bent so his butt is out, no pressure on his hands at your shoulders, so you push a little more and a little more. You get close enough he needs to wrap his arms around you instead. He has to stand straight so his chin doesn’t poke your forehead. He whimpers slightly when your own arms encircle his tiny waist.

A few breaths later, he relaxes into a lovely full-body hug, his rough fingertips on your bare skin where your shirt bunched up. You’re both being human, no more, no less, tangled in simple comfort.

Grant tucks his face into your collarbone suddenly and squeezes, not so hard that it hurts but not gently either. The move tickles you with his beard, your hands pawing up his back as you giggle, and he whines like wounded prey.

“Hey, it’s okay,” you soothe. “I can be here, if you want, to hold. It’s okay.”

That has the opposite effect you intended, knocking him out of some soft reverie and launching him back a foot, a necessary but unwelcome distance.

Grant looks guilty, needy, and resigned as he thanks you for returning the bag and sees you out the door.

dividers by cafekitsune and firefly-graphics

A/N: This will be the shortest (probably) of all the parts, and yeah, we get into some smuttier moments pretty quickly... Stay tuned!

[Next Part: Sweet Baby]

[Main Masterlist; Ko-Fi]

@supraveng @1950schick @patzammit @whiskeytangofoxtrot555 @yiiiikesmish @ashesofblackroses @jaqui-has-a-conspiracy-theory @brandycranby @buckysprettybaby @ellethespaceunicorn @rogersbarber @spectre-posts @bucky-fricking-barnes-reads @fallinallinmendes

[fictionalreads]

Hello do you think you could do this one the reader and Mike are married and she knew about Lockwood but Mike didn't believe her because of Rita, reason, and they had an argument he said something that he should never said and she got kidnapped while being months pregnant 😦😦😦😦

A/N: HIIIII!! I'm so sorry this took so long, I was out of town and then had to get back in the rhythm of things once I got back. Writing for Mike (where it's his story and he's not playing the role of narrator for the sake of Armando) was different. I included Rita but I just couldn't make her the reason he didn't believe reader, I just felt like she and the reader wouldn't have beef so that was changed but I tried to stick to the rest of your request. I hope you enjoy this! 🥰 Title from Forget How to Love by Meghan Trainor

I Know Your Words Shouldn't Hurt Me, But They Hurt Me

Fandom: Bad Boys Movie

Pairing: Mike Lowrey x reader

Warnings⚠️: Um... Relationship issues? canon typical violence even though its mostly talked around

You knew when you married Mike Lowrey that he was used to doing things alone, that moving as a unit didn’t come naturally to him. Sure he had Marcus and they were a well oiled machine, but it didn’t start that way and at the end of the day Marcus had a family that was his priority no matter how much he loved Mike.

But Mike was your priority, you’d go through hell for him.

He knew this, but after relying on himself for so long, he didn’t always come to you first. His initial reaction to anything was to internalize and figure out a solution, only coming to you after he failed on his own. You were used to it, but it didn’t make it less hurtful every time he did it.

You on the other hand, preferred talking it out with him. You liked to explain the issue to him, not looking for him to fix it, but rather to vent it out to someone you trusted, someone who would let you think through it all out loud, sometimes offering his own two cents. You usually were able to solve the issue on your own while talking it out, but having him as a sounding board made you feel less alone. Mike was good at listening to what you had to say.

Which is why you were so surprised when he was dismissive about your concerns.

“I’m telling you, something is off with Lockwood,” you insisted.

“The man is one of the best U.S. attorneys I’ve ever worked with. He’s part of the reason AMMO exists and has tried a lot of high profile criminals that nobody else would touch cause they were afraid of the blowback.”

You shrugged, having already thought of this too. “The best criminals hide in plain sight, gain your trust and make sure you’d never think of them.”

“This ain’t Scooby Doo, alright? This is the real world, let’s get back to reality please.” You knew he didn’t mean anything by it, not really, but it felt like a dig.

“You don’t believe me? You think I’m making it all up?” You were defensive, ready to 

“I never said you were making it up, I’m just not convinced. What proof do you have?” He placated.

He had you there. There was no concrete evidence, nothing specific that made you feel like Lockwood was hiding something, but you just knew he was.

“I don’t have any, it’s just a gut feeling. Intuition or whatever you want to call it.”

“Intuition? You want me to investigate a man who will probably be the next mayor of Miami cause you feel something?”

He was being dismissive at best, belittling at worst. It irked you, especially because you knew he had done exactly that for others before. So why not for his wife?

“Would you do it if it was Rita?” It was a bit bitchy to ask, considering Rita had been nothing but kind to you despite being Mike’s ex. You had thought she’d be a point of contention for the two of you when you first started dating and you found out he worked with her all day, but it wasn’t. You weren’t using her now to pick a fight, just to prove a point. You knew if any of the AMMO team had come to him with the same amount of information you had, he’d chase every lead until there was nothing left.

“What?”

His surprise was warranted so you clarified, “would you look into it if Rita came to you and said she felt something off about Lockwood?” 

“Why are you bringing Rita into this?” His evasive answer made the hairs on your neck stand up. Why wouldn’t he answer the question? You were prepared for him to say yes and for you to point out the hypocrisy of his answer, but him refusing to answer? It put you on edge.

“Why are you ignoring the question?”

“I’m not.”

“Then answer the question. Yes or no?”

“Where is this coming from?” Another avoidance.

“Yes or no Mike?”

“Yes! Okay? Yes I would.”

“Why?”

“Why what?” He knew exactly what you were asking and honestly you were almost afraid of what this was leading to, but you couldn’t seem to stop yourself, to diffuse and come back with a calmer head so you pushed some more.

“Why would you do it for her and not me?”

“Don’t do that.”

“Is it because she’s a cop?”

“Y/N,”

“Or because you’ve known her longer?”

“Y/N,”

“Is it because she’s dating him and therefore closer to him?”

“Because I trust her!”

And wasn’t that a slap in the face.

“And you don’t trust me?” You whispered.

“Y/N,”

“What are we even doing if you don’t trust me Mike? What was the point in exchanging vows and being together if you can’t trust me?”

“I didn’t mean that.”

“You still said it.” Mike was at a loss for words, staring at you, hoping you’d understand but you couldn’t. The man you loved just told you he didn’t trust you. You had never felt so unmoored in your life. Everything about your relationship had just shifted in your view. “I’m gonna go stay in the guest room for the night,” you managed before turning away from him.

That had been the last time you saw him before he became a wanted man and you were kidnapped by McGrath. What you wouldn’t give to go back to that night and talk it all out instead of allowing hurt feelings to run the conversation. Now you could be killed before you got the chance to fix things.

You had faith in your husband’s abilities but McGrath held you and Marcus at gunpoint, blocking Mike’s view of himself.

“What you don’t know is one of ‘em can’t die.”

What the hell? Since when did one of you become immortal? What the hell was he doing? You missed his and Marcus’ exchange because you were so confused by the first statement, only jolted out of your thinking by the gun going off. Mike had shot Marcus to get him down and then shot McGrath. It was over, and Mike was running to you.

“I trust you, and I love you. I’m sorry I didn’t believe you before,” were the first words out of his mouth. He cut your restraints, pulling you into his embrace.

Too high off the adrenaline of the past day, you couldn’t have a real conversation about it with him so you let him know it was okay with a joke. “Bet you’ll never doubt my intuition again.”

He laughed and went to say something when you both heard Judy over the comms saying she’d found Armando. He looked at you in a panic, clearly not wanting to leave you but needing to get to Armando. “Go, I’ll check over Marcus and get us back to the team.” He didn’t waste another second, running to find his son.

It was later when you were escorted to an ambulance that you saw him again, rushing to get to you.

“Everything alright?”

The medic looked at you for permission to speak. “It’s okay he’s my husband.”

The medic nodded, answering his question with, “Its just a precaution sir. We just want to make sure there’s no hidden wounds that are being masked by the adrenaline.”

You were helped onto the back of the ambulance and the medic began her examination, checking your head for wounds and asking if you were hit at any point, blacked out or fell into something hard. You answered in the negative, stating you were pushed around a bit but not hit or thrown into anything. Any falling was the result of trying not to get hit by a bullet or the chopped that crashed. When it seemed she was about done with her examination you spoke up.

“Is it possible to do an ultrasound?”

“Ultrasound?” “Of course.” Mike and the medic spoke at the same time.

You reached out to grab Mike’s hand, tears in your eyes. “Yeah, an ultrasound.” Mike looked dumbfounded and you continued to look at him even as you spoke to the medic, “My OB said I was about nine weeks.”

The medic noted the information and readied the ultrasound. Before long the sound of your baby’s heartbeat filled the air and the fear you’d been holding back burst through you in the form of relief. Uncontrollable sobs wracked your body knowing you had managed to keep your baby safe. Mike held you closely, trying to calm your breathing.

You knew the two of you had some tough conversations in your future but right now all that mattered was that your little family was safe.

[chrysalis-the-butterfly]

Sir Pentious perhaps?

Certainly, my dear!

Send me a character and I’ll list:

Favourite thing about them: His dorkiness! I like how he starts out trying to be intimidating so he'll be thought of as a formidable foe, and then learns to embrace his naturally dorky self and be a better person. Maybe there's a message there about toxic masculinity? Or maybe I'm reading too much into it.

Least favourite thing about them: That so-called 'joke' in Episode 6. You know the one. I mean, you can't have a whole episode taking sexual assault seriously when it happens to Angel Dust and then turn it into a joke when it happens to Sir Pentious. I'd have preferred it if, instead of Pen being dragged into the sex room, Valentino overheard his "sex with everybody" line and started offering him a job at the porn studio and making him flustered, and that was what motivated Angel to stand up for his friends.

Favourite line: "The only cool thing here is to say 'No' to drugs! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to not have sexual intercourse before marriage!"

brOTP: I like the enemies-to-friends thing he had going on with Angel Dust! My favourite moment is in Episode 5, when Pen is trying to shield his cookies for Lucifer from Angel's grabby hands, and then he has to stand up straight to salute Lucifer with a quick, "Your majesty!" before he goes back to shielding the cookies, but it's too late because Angel's taken one, but Angel doesn't make a big deal of it, he just says, "Heya, short king," to Lucifer as if there's nothing out of the ordinary going on. They're like brothers! Pen is the responsible one and Angel is the naughty one, but at the end of the day, they've got each other's back. It's fun to watch!

Also, now that Sir Pentious is in Heaven, I love the thought of Emily becoming his new best friend! She could show him how Heaven works, and he could teach her what he knows about Hell, and together they could try to find a way to let Charlie know that redemption actually works.

Plus, there's the angst potential of Sir Pentious interacting with Molly - he knows who Angel Dust is, and she knows who Anthony is, but they don't know they're talking about the same person... I'd love to see a Pen/Emily/Molly trio going on escapades in Season 2!

OTP: CherriSnake! I wasn't sure about the ship at first, but it's grown on me. It's a neat example of the enemies-to-lovers trope, where Sir Pentious' admiration for Cherri as a worthy opponent turns into something more romantic. And they could have bonded over being inventors - Pen with his gadgets and Cherri with her "brilliant explosive contraptions". Too bad he only confessed his love a few seconds before his heroic sacrifice...

I think I like this ship for its potential. What will Cherri do now that Pen is gone? Will she find out he's in Heaven? Will that motivate her to stay at the Hazbin Hotel, to get redeemed herself and be reunited with him? It's rife with story possibilities!

nOTP: Sir Pentious and Vox (StaticSnake?). Mainly because Vox told Pen to kill himself in Episode 2. That was unacceptable.

Random headcanon: Sir Pentious has a son! Remember that moment in the pilot when Angel said, "Harder, Daddy!" and Pen replied, "Son?!" I think Pen did actually father a child when he was alive, and he'd been scouring Hell trying to find him again. (And for a moment there, he thought Angel was declaring that he was his son.) Pen never found his son in Hell, but now he's in Heaven, maybe he'll have better luck...

Unpopular opinion: I actually quite like Sir Pentious' singing voice! It's nowhere near as bad as people make it out to be. And I much prefer it when characters' singing voices match their speaking voices, instead of being wildly different. (Looking at you, Vaggie.)

Song I associate with them: @hazbinned made a video of Pen being kept awake at night by Angel blasting out "Made You Look" by Meghan Trainor, so now I associate that song with Sir Pentious! LOL!

Favourite picture of them:

[chiiyuuvv]

Hey~

I was wondering if you'd be able to write how xiker's members would react to y/n being insecure about being very chubby/ very slim (still healthy tho) to the point where y/n would want to change herself (but because she's insecure about how others see her and not because she really want's to) and how the boy's would comfort her, what they'd do etc.

You can choose whether you'd like to do it as a headcanon, imagine or anything else!

Thank you!💚🦊

WHEN YOU THINK YOU'RE OVERWEIGHT

• PAIRING — bf!xikers x gn reader (uses some she)

• GENRE — comfort, fluff, i dont think i implied the angst, comfort, comfort, comfort

• WORD COUNT — 758

• AUTHOR'S NOTE — i am so, so, so sorry about the long wait. True was, me and my team had no idea what to write 😭 but after looking up some coping skills, we got to writing. I just wanna say that you are beautiful just the way you are, fuck other people. And if you dont believe me, xikers certainly will ♡

MASTERLIST! – JOIN THE TAGLIST!

MINJAE ☆

Minjae could see on your phone various workout methods that guarantees losing lots of weight in 2 weeks or so

Was a little confused on why you were so interested in that so he decided to comfort you

It broke his heart when you kept calling yourself fat and chubby bc what?? No you arent

And since he knew the workout methods and supplements were a scam, he suggested that you worked out with him

Praises every little thing you do with a big hug and kiss ♡

JUNMIN ☆

Junmin felt a little chubby when he was growing up so he understood how you felt

After researching, he found that setting small goals really helps your mental being

So he decided to do just that

This week, you should at least eat a apple everyday

Next week, you would go for a 30 minute walk

Does everything with you so you dont have to feel alone ♡

SUMIN ☆

He'd be all ears

Hes kinda like minjae too; his baby?? Feeling fat???

But would still let you rant everything out without him interrupting

Wipes away your tears if you start crying

And when you're done, he would go on a rant about how beautiful you are, and even though you dont feel this way right now, you will feel this way in the future ♡

JINSIK  ☆

As soon as you open up to him, hes gone

Then you hear a big crash

Throws away (stomps and slams) your bathroom scale

Along with anything else that triggers you

Then would go on a long rant about how you shouldnt compare yourself to others ♡

HYUNWOO ☆

You told him when you thought he was sleeping because it would be too hard telling him when hes awake

Immediately sits up when you fall asleep, his heart breaking as he rubs your back

And then bolts out of the bed

Spends the next 30 minutes placing sticky notes in random places for you to find, using affirmations like "youre so pretty" or "you are worth it"

And when you see it the next morning you almost break down, hyunwoo restating the note over and over ♡

JUNGHOON ☆

Junghoon feels like hes not good at using his words and would accidentally offend you

So he creates a playlist

You know those body worship songs like i love my body by hwasa or any meghan trainor song?

Hes got them all in one playlist for you to listen too

And he even sings along ♡

SEEUN ☆

Seeun knew you werent one for exercising, so why not some yunmy healthy food to eat?

He knows hes not the best at cooking but he will try

And if not he'd recruit another member

Wont force you to eat all the vegetables but once he does figure out what healthy foods you like to eat. Its over

For dessert, he would hand feed you some fresh fruits ♡

YUJUN ☆

"What, no you arent." Would be yujuns first words but he knows words dont matter actions do

So with lots of kisses, he would drag you to the bathroom

Makes up a self care plan for you to do everyday, teaching you to love your body just like how he loves you

Speaking of love, he looks at you with so much love in his eyes, you feel like melting

And if you let him, he would kiss every part of your body, and pressing extra ones in the places you feel insecure ♡

HUNTER ☆

We all know how hunter journals his emotions just when hes about to go to bed

And so he requests that you do the same

Writing down your feelings makes you feel more connected to yourself, and pinpoints how you started feeling this way

And just like yujun, if you let him, he would kiss all the places where you feel insecure

And cuddles you, whispering in your ear that you are so beautiful and you should not think of yourself that way. And even if you do, hunter would do everything in his power to change your mind ♡

YECHAN ☆

Yechan thought you were joking at first

But his smile immediately drops when he finds out that you werent

Yechan would spend the next few days talking about self acceptance. Making you talk out your feelings and acknowledge your abilities

Would give examples on how this relates to him too, like when he was younger, he thought his rap was terrible

But would reassure you that what youre feeling will not last forever, and that you will see some happier days ♡

[urdreamgirls-dreamgirl]

i told my roommate to listen to chappell roan’s new song and he said he doesn’t like her because she reminds him of meghan trainor and i said literally what song have u even listened to that ur making that comparison??? and he said the song abt bronies????? do u know what he’s talking abt????

[winter-leftovers]

Til The End Of Eternity || Chapter ten: Relics (10/?)

(Douxie Casperan x f!reader)

Summary: Y/n is trying to figure her life out but is going to be hard since her brother is the new trollhunter and she is plagued by dreams and feelings she doesn’t understand.

Chapter Summary: Jim learns about her sister’s secret. Y/n gets a book and a suprise.

Word count: 2838

Warnings: no

(Season 1 Episode 18,19 )

Song?: Little talks by Of Monsters and Men// Kindly Calm Me Down by Meghan Trainor

Previous - Next

Masterlist

Y/n was laying down on the couch watching tv when the feeling caught her. A shiver ran through her spine. Her heart felt hollow. She sat down on the couch with her feet on the ground trying to shake the vertigo she was suddenly feeling.

She looked down at the ground but the carpet was no longer there, instead, there was tall grass hiding her boots, boots that she didn’t remember putting on.

She was walking to the edge of the cliff, to a man wearing heavy armor that was kneeling at the edge looking down at the sea.

“What have you done?” Her own scream shook her bones. She ran to the edge, trying to prove herself wrong. She looked down but the body was already being washed by the sea. The image made her anger start to boil inside of her.

“What have you done?” She whispered not taking her eyes from the water. The violent waves imitated the turbulence of her heart.

Her legs quickly gave out. She felt like someone was reaching through her chest and ripping her heart.

“No” a broken sob escaped her lips.

She stretched her hand down towards the ocean like it would return what she lost, like it would fill back the hole where her heart used to be.

The voices of her brother and friends started to fill the room, bringing back Y/n from her haze. The carpet was under her feet again but so was the grief and a cold space next to her.

The trollhunters were returning triumphant from their second quest with the second Triumbric Stone.

“Y/n you won’t believe what happened!!” Toby screamed.

Y/n turned to them. She couldn’t see well, her view was blurry. She could recognise each of them by their clothes, their voices. She was dizzy like she had just stepped out of the most violent rollercoaster.

Toby gave a nudge to Claire and she slowly took out a stick that looked like stone.

“Y/n, are you alright?” her brother asked after noticing the pain on his sister’s face.

She nodded with a smile and got closer to see what the teenagers were showing her. What Y/n believed to be a long piece of stone opened into something longer, a gray staff made of quartz taller than her.

Something in Y/n shifted. Her vision was blurry but she could see the staff clear as day. The dark quartz shining with purple reflects, the handle made of black stone.

“The shadow staff” her raspy voice was full of anger, of grief “How did you get this?” She said louder.

She didn’t understand a word of her brother's explanation, just one name, Angor Rot.

“He shouldn’t have this. You shouldn’t have this” She laughed incredulously “Why’d he had this? It’s her’s” Y/n screamed and took the staff from Claire’s hand.

The grief she felt during her vision grew. She felt the tears fall to the ground. She couldn’t see, the pain had made everything dark.

“Sorry, sister” a woman whispered, making Y/n drop the staff and fell to her knees letting out a guttural scream.

—

The heavy darkness became a warm soft orange light. In the tall ceiling, Y/n could see the shadows dance and for a moment, no grief existed. But the moment was cut short by the sounds of glass clinking, the heaviness returning to her chest.

“Ah, I see you’re awake” Vendel walked to the head of the stone bed “ Do you know where you are?”

Y/n nodded sitting up.

“TrollMarket” it hurted to talk.

“Do you know who you are?”

“Do you know what you are, Y/n?” A woman’s voice screamed at her.

Y/n knew it was just Vendel and her. She knew the voice came from inside her brain.

“Y/n Lake”

Vendel nodded.

“Do you remember what happened last night?”

She knew. She could see clearly now, see the confusion, the fear on everyone’s eyes, on her brother’s eyes. She also remembered the anger, the sadness, the hot tears in her eyes, her mind chanting ‘She died. He killed her’.

“Yes” she said between tears.

“You’ve been under a spell” Vendel explained “There’s a barrier in your head dividing your memories, between who you are and who you were” with his finger he drew a line in the air.

“I know” Y/n took her hand to her throat.

“You know?” Vendel shifted his cane to his right hand. He was surprised.

Y/n nodded.

The troll was about to ask another question when a loud meow erupted from TrollMarket.

“Alfred, no!” She heard Jim running but the cat was faster.

Al ran to Y/n’s lap and started to rub their faces together. He was relieved.

“I see” said Vendel.

Jim stopped by the entrance. His eyes focussed on her sister.

Y/n felt the shame rise. She was afraid. What if Jim was mad at her for keeping a secret and almost hurting his friends?

“Y/n” Jim ran to her sister, hugging her with all his strength.

Y/n was confused she was prepared for Jim anger, but not this.

“Jim” she caressed his head, brushing his hair with her fingers.

Her brother held her even tighter in response “I’m sorry” he said.

“No, you shouldn’t be sorry. I’m sorry, Jim. Last night was scary and I should’ve…”

Jim shook his head.

“It’s my fault. I dragged you into this…”

“Jim, is okay. This was going to happen even if I didn’t knew you are the trollhunter”

Jim lifted his head from Y/n’s side.

“She is right” Vendel interrupted “The spell has a expiration date. Even if you didn’t told her she would have this reactions to the reminders of her past life”

“So, it wasn’t my fault?” Al peeked his head from between the siblings.

“Woah” Jim jumped back “He talked”

Y/n laughed.

“No, it’s not your fault” Vendel said.

“He talked. How can he do that?” Jim pointed to Al.

“Yes, I did. I’m Y/n familiar” Al sat at Jim’s feet.

“Familiar?”

“Is like a wizard assistant” Vendel explained.

“Wizard?” Jim’s eyes shifted between Alfred and Y/n.

Y/n smiled. She was still just as confused as Jim.

“So the red light, that was you and not the staff?” Jim asked remembering the night before.

Y/n looked at Vendel with her eyebrows furrowed.

“Yes. Y/n used to be a powerful wizard”

“What?” The siblings said at the same time.

“I don’t think we should push anymore, Vendel” cautioned Alfred.

“I think we should work to make the barrier fall. After all, having Y/n next to the trollhunter may be of great help” The troll looked at Y/n “I could try help to return to who you were in exchange of your help against Gunmar”

“Of course” Y/n answered immediately. There was nothing to discuss, she was going to help magic or not magic.

“That’s settled then. I’ll see you tomorrow”

“I’ll see you tomorrow” Y/n smiled and left with Jim and Alfred.

“Y/n, are you sure?” Al asked once they were far enough from Vendel.

“Why wouldn’t I?”

Al didn’t answer.

“So, you can do magic?” Jim asked.

“Yes, I mean, I only tried moving stuff”

“Awesome” Jim said “that’s so cool”

They laughed.

The walk was cut short by a scream.

“Y/n!” It was Toby.

Y/n turned around and was tackled by the younger boy.

“Oh god, I’m glad you’re okay” he held her tight “I was so worried”

Y/n chuckled, reciprocating the hug.

“I’m sorry, Tobes. I didn’t mean to scare you” Y/n said through the pain in her throat.

“I’m glad you’re okay too” Claire said. Her eyes fixated on the ground.

Y/n lifted a hand from Toby’s back and grabbed Claire’s hand with a smile. The girl lifted her eyes.

“Thank you” Y/n mouthed.

Claire smiled back.

—

Y/n was browsing the back of Douxie’s bookstore. Those last bookshelf that no one ever looks at.

She had never heard of some the books and that didn’t surprise her. What did surprise her was the top shelf. The first three books didn’t have its title written on it, they looked old, worn, loved. The three that followed were a couple of her favorite books, books that she had loved with all her heart. They were old, even the most recently published seemed loved.

Y/n stroked the spine of all the books in the row, her finger stopping on a small red book, like the first three, it was old and didn’t have the title written on the spine. Y/n grabbed it. It didn’t have the title written anywhere. She traced the golden details but before she could open it, Douxie came looking for her.

“Hey, love” he said after a customer closed the door.

Y/n smiled.

Douxie and her had been taking things slow. After their talk they’d hang out a couple times a week until Y/n got “sick” after the shadow staff episode, then they started hanging out every day.

One afternoon, Douxie called Y/n after she left several texts unanswered and Barbara answered. She told him about Y/n “sickness” so he stopped by. He sat at the foot of the bed and talked with her. At first it was just him doing the talking. He would tell her about the rude customers, about that old lady that went to the library with her dog and how Archie almost got his tail bitten but mostly he would talk about music. Douxie would show her his new favorite song and the new songs he had written.

By the time Y/n got her voice back they would sit side by side at the head of her twin bed with Alfred between their legs. Y/n enjoyed Douxie presence. She found comfort in the small domesticity he had created

“There’s something about him” she told her mother over tea one night after Douxie left for his shift at Benoit’s when her mother commented on Y/n and Douxie’s relationship.

Douxie had caught her staring a couple times during one of their lazy afternoons. She would look at him. Just observe him. She would follow the bridge of his nose with her eyes, having to stop his fingers from doing the job. She would imagine how his soft disheveled black and blue hair would feel between her fingers.

Y/n tried to engrain every little detail into her head. How his eyes would close when he smiled, how he would mindlessly scratch Al’s head, how he hums while making any task, how he knew how to make tea the way she liked, how he would scratch his head when he was nervous. She tried to embroider his little actions into her brain because a voice deep in her heart would remind her how easy it was to forget.

“But how could I forget those hazel eyes?” She would ask but the voice wouldn’t answer.

“Doux” Y/n turned around with the book in her arms.

“What’d you have there?” He furrowed his brow.

“Ummh…I don’t know” she gave him the book “Sorry, I was shamelessly snooping”

He chuckled and took the book from Y/n’s hands. When the book left her hands a piece of paper fell to the ground.

“It’s okay” Douxie smiled “You can do anything you want”

Y/n crouched down and opened the folded piece of paper. It was a music sheet. The paper was really old. Y/n was afraid to touch it too much and break it. The ink where the title was written was smudged but she recognised the piece instantly.

“Oh, I really like this one” she whispered to herself.

“You know it?” Douxie asked.

“Yeah, it’s my…” Y/n brows furrowed.

“It’s my sister’s favorite” almost fell from her mouth.

She shook her head.

“Well…It’s not really my favorite but I really like it” she corrected.

For a moment, Y/n thought about the incident that happened the other day. Thought about the sadness that the shadow staff would bring every time she would look at it and, most important, what that voice had whispered to her ‘Sorry, sister’. Could it be that she left someone so important behind that now they were trying to claw their way out of the exile of her memories?

Y/n gave the paper back to Douxie.

“I would like to hear you play it sometime” He smiled.

“Sure” Y/n smiled back, her cheeks slightly red.

Douxie looked the book on his hands for a second and looked back to Y/n and said:

“You know, this is a really good anthology. It could be really good to start reading again. Would you like to check it out?”

Y/n smile grew. She had told him she wanted to start to read for pleasure again when she found out that he worked on a library. She couldn’t believe he remembered that.

“Yes” She took the book and started walking to the couch but before she sat down she retraced her steps and stood in front of Douxie once again.

“Thanks” she kissed his cheek.

Douxie smiled, his cheeks turning crimson the moment her lips touched him.

Y/n carefully flipped through the yellow pages, inspecting the small letter and finding some illustrations but what surprised her the most was a short note on the last page: ‘I’m so sorry about your book. I hope you love this version too. —H.C”

Y/n smiled at the relic in her hands and wondered if the previous owner of the book loved it as the one they lost and if they ever forgive H.C. She stood up to go to Douxie and ask him but before she could her phone rang. It was her alarm reminding her about her appointment with Vendel.

In the last week, Vendel believed he had made some progress on Y/n spell but she wasn’t so sure. The visions she’s been having disappeared and her nightmares too but no memories appeared. And for a moment, she thought her lack of nightmares were a good thing but she quickly found herself missing them too. She missed the people inside her dreams: the tall man that would walk with his hands behind his back, the woman that was always too far off her reach and that soft blue light that seemed to follow her everywhere.

She found the hole in her chest growing and could only be ignored when she wasn’t alone but she wasn’t sure how much she could be this clingy with the people she loved.

“Hey, Doux. I have to go” She grabbed her purse and walked to the registry.

“Oh, okay “ For a moment Y/n thought she saw him deflated “I’ll guess I’ll be seeing you soon”

She laughed.

“I’ve actually been seeing you a lot this week” he chuckled.

Y/n smile fell. Maybe her fear was becoming true.

“Yeah, bye” she faked a smile and started to walk to TrollMarket.

Her mind repeated her last week with Douxie. Maybe it was too much.

—

“So how are you feeling?” Vendel asked while he tinkered with some vials.

“Fine” Y/n answered from her place at the bed made of stone.

They had the same routine for the last couple days. He would ask how she was and she would say ‘fine’. She wasn’t lying, she was fine, just fine. She hadn’t remembered anything yet. She had hoped that by now, at least, a small memory would’ve returned.

“Still no memories, huh?” He kept working with the vials.

“No” she saw him stop moving for a second but he kept doing what he was doing.

“Have patience. It’s a process” he turned to her, knocking a vial with his elbow.

“Careful!” She stretched her hands from her seat on the other side of the room.

Vendel didn’t took his eyes from Y/n, smiling proudly when he saw her shocked face.

The glass vile was floating four centimetres from the floor, a faint scarlet light surrounding it.

“Put it back on the table” Vendel asked.

With a small movement of her fingers she put the vial back on the table.

“I can’t believe it “ she looked at the palm of her hands.

“I told you to be patient” he got closer to her.

Y/n looked around the room. Everything seemed different. She recognised the stones around her, she could name most of the stuff inside the vials, she could even read the book in trollish that was next to her with ease.

“Thank you” she smiled and hugged Vendel.

The troll went stiff when she touched him, making her back up.

“Sorry” she chuckled.

“It’s okay, Y/n” he patted her shoulder making a small streak of electricity run through it.

A/n: i really like this one for some reason ☺️ in the next post I’ll be uploading the playlist!!!

[newlyy]

chappel roan needs media training asap. she's still everybody's fave but she's on thin ice, she's like 2 bad takes away from people deciding she's hobby lobby meghan trainor.

I think she’s already there. It was inevitable from her rising so quickly that she’d fall just as quickly and just as hard. People like to do that to women, I know that.

But also, and this is just my opinion. I think she’s kind of an asshole. And I don’t think I think that because she’s a woman and I find it annoying that when people are rubbed the wrong way by her—and like it’s a lot of people who are—that the response is just “what, because she’s a woman who won’t be taken advantage of? 😡” No. Because she’s a woman who yells at her fans from stage when they don’t do her little dance and she’s a woman who makes tiktoks and Instagram posts about how people expecting a famous woman to accept that she will be recognized and interacted with in public is the same as people believing a woman who wears a short skirt deserves to be raped. That’s ridiculous and insulting. She strikes me as immature and kind of mean and I like her music but she’s turned me off so hard from her as a person that when I hear her songs now I’m just like 🙄 skip.

[mindelectricdemofour]

if I want a man, then imma get a man

March 13: Solidarity / Hobbies (the hobby is mischief and lying)

Prompts: @mcyt-aro-week // ao3 Link: if I want a man, then imma get a man // Title: meghan trainor - no

It was a Thursday afternoon and Grian was experiencing shrimp emotions.

“Ugh-” The waters splashed as a book (Bane of Arthropods II) hit the surface, soon sinking under.

Grian stared at it with utter contempt.

“I mean, we've been through so much, and- I mean you treat me like I'm what- like I'm disposable!” The fishing rod was long forgotten. Grian's lips were pursed, eyes never leaving the book. “You are the worse, I hate you- no, please take me back!” 

He wasn't one for relationships, but right now, it felt like he was in one. One that ended in bitter divorce and fighting over who would care for the kids on the weekends. All because the ocean refused to give him a simple Mending tome. Really how hard could it be, to get one? Scar even got one! It was like the ocean was purposefully keeping him from it, cackling at his many failed attempts while throwing Mending at Scar and Gem. Anyone but him. 

He could imagine it now. The toxic relationship, the fighting, the begging. It felt like he could write a poem right now. Or a rock ballad.

He hadn't even noticed he was on his hands and knees. Although he was fully preparing to dive into the ocean if the next catch wasn't Mending, so he supposed the position reflected his mental state.

“Uh. What's wrong with you.”  “Ah-!” Grian jolted, eyes wide staring at Joel. The other man had seemingly materialised beside him. Joel wore a blank, uninterested stare.

“You scared the heck out of me, jesus-” Even as Grian explained, Joel still stood, waiting for him to answer the question.

What exactly was Grian doing? Did he even know? Moping and whining wouldn't get him closer to that Mending book.

He may have sat here too long. He'd lost track.

“Feuding with my ex wife,” was what came out his mouth, instead of any semblance of clear thoughts.

Joel glanced between him and ocean.

“...the sea?”

Grian nodded. Fuck it, he was dating the sea now. Instead continuing whatever weird bit they'd gotten themselves into, Joel just accepted it.

“Wow. That’s rough…” He blinked towards the ocean once more before glancing at Grian. “Well. Have fun getting mending from your… ex.” He squinted his eyes on saying ‘ex.’ “...I may have married your ex in a past life. Sorry-”

Before Grian could even process that Joel had said anything, (and what he’d said, because what the hell did that mean?) he was gone. Vanished with the wind.

But he’d left Grian with an idea.

An idea he couldn’t help but capitalise on.

//

“Fish endorsed by the Ocean. Ethically sourced,” The sign on Grian's post read. He was rather proud of it too. He adjusted it a little, thinking with a finger on his lips before adding the price.

Five diamonds seemed fair. If they were endorsed by the sea itself. They weren't ethically sourced of course, but he figured nobody would call him out on it.

“What's all this then?” He barely heard Mumbo's footsteps as the other man approached. There was barely any time to respond, as Mumbo was already reading his sign. “...Sourced by… the sea..? One would hope so… Also who is paying five diamonds for fish?”

Mumbo's eyes glanced back to Grian. Suspicious.

Grian swallowed his doubts and put on his act.

“Yeah, so I found out recently that the sea is my ex wife.” Grian hopped onto a barrel beside the sign. “I know, I know, horrible thing to forget but the sea is cold and unforgiving and I'm not that so I put it out of mind…”

Mumbo looked skeptical, (as he did most of the time Grian talked,) but hadn't interrupted him yet. Grian counted that as a win.

“...so then come to I remember the other day, our passionate love for each other, the coldness she treated me with, everything. But I'm doing this as I'm cooking up fish right-”

“I thought you didn't date?” Mumbo finally interrupted. But Grian had figured this out too.

“Yeah that's why we broke up,” he answered as flatly as possible before continuing, not letting Mumbo's mind dwell on it for more than a few seconds. 

“And I cook up the fish while I'm remembering and I look down. Because, I didn't remember that while we dated, we had kids.”

Grian lent in, eyes wide, putting his hand on Mumbo's shoulders. He had to sell this. “They were my kids Mumbo. I was cutting up my own fishy children, and oh-” He pulled away, fake sobbing. “-I can't even think about, just take them. Five diamonds for a stack. I can't be remembered for this awful deed.”

Mumbo did not look nearly as convinced as Grian had hoped. However he did look towards the price and then at Grian again. “I guess five diamonds isn't that much in the grand scheme of things.” He lent towards the barrel, Grian quickly jumping off, and sorted through the fish.

And then stopped. 

Grian grew nervous. Mumbo had thought of something.

“Do you have a permit for these..?”

…

Shit.

 He forgot to figure that part out. Grian deflated. “Uh-”

“That's what I thought.”

“I'd figured everything else out though. And you were ready to buy them because of my trials and tribulations.” It felt so upsetting to see his whole routine go to waste. And Mumbo was about to buy too! He could see the way his eyes became enraptured as Grian talked about the sea and lost love and whatever other poetic words sprung from his mouth. 

..

And then Mumbo spoke.

“We don't have to throw the whole thing away.” Grian hadn't even noticed his friend’s mind deep in thought. One hand was clasped around his chin. Eventually Mumbo looked away. “How about we adapt it a little for our wart blocks?”

...

Grian felt his face light up. He could work with that.

[artycomicfangirl]

Couple Songs Playlist Headcanons - Mareach and Luaisy Edition

When I was more active in the JoJo’s Bizarre adventure community on Instagram around 2019-2022, I was part of the art and ocs community.

Many people started doing stuff like making Spotify playlists of songs that describe their Oc and other oc relationship aspects. I remember finding this SUPER fun to do. And I miss it. So, I decided to try it out with Mario and Peach first! (Just a teeny break from my much-loved Luaisy fixation!)

So without further ado, here’s a list of songs based on what I can find in my (Many) Spotify playlists. A bit challenging to find good ones!

This will have labels indicating indicating who’s mostly singing about who. Either one person referring to the other, or a Duet that includes both at the same time.

❤️MarioxPeach🍑

- Mario to Peach -

On one side, Mario would have the thought that Peach is simply so amazing. Someone so elegant, pure and beautiful. Someone just way out of his league. These thoughts would often show through hints of resistance at first. He and the Princess are just friends…right?

But the moment he fully accepts his feelings, he becomes so outspoken of his love. So some songs I’ve decided to choose from my playlist, tend to be about wondering if Peach feels for him, like he feels for her. A bit of doubt. But other than that, he shows protectiveness, Being her shield to danger. Also A bit more impulsive, energetic and upbeat in some parts. But with no matter what, he will always give her words of reassurance to make sure everything is okay.

• Accidentally in Love - Counting Crows

• Dance - Tim Halperin

• Aquaman - Walk The Moon

• I’ll Always Return - Bryan Adams (Rock Version)

• Nintendo - Todd Carrey (This is more of a comedic tone to it haha)

- Peach to Mario -

Very sweet, reflective and thoughtful. The type of love that whenever she thinks of her hero, she gets so fluttery and bashful on the inside. She is more reserved her feelings though, so some songs may reflect her denying a bit. But ultimately, they all lead to just wholeheartedly accepting her feelings.

• Fallin’ for you - Colbie Callait

• Tightrope - Michelle Williams

• Lover - Taylor Swift

• Next to You - Jordin Sparks

• I feel the Earth Move - Olivia Ong

- Duets -

• The Fighter - Kieth Urban Ft Carrie Underwood

• Waiting for a Star to Fall - Boy Meets Girl

• Am I Feeling Love? - Steve Lively and Bobbi Page ( The Thief and The Cobbler unfinished film, titled ‘Arabian Knight’ for the Miramax version where this song is made.

———————————————————

💚LuigyXDaisy🌼

- Luigi to Daisy -

Luigi is the more sentimental type. One who thinks about the deeper meaning of his feelings. The one who’s able to find sweet comparisons and words when describing love with Daisy. He knows how timid he is. How easily scared he could be. Which is why He holds such admiration of how much of a free-spirited character she is. So some of his songs will reflect almost awe in her character. How much her presence alone just brings his feelings to life.

• Crush - David Archuleta

• Nothing I’ve ever known - Bryan Adams

• So Close - John Mclaughlin

• All That you are - Goo Goo Dolls

• Into the Night - Santana Ft Chad Kroger

- Daisy to Luigi -

The theme I tried to go with Daisy is of a supportive figure, or one that drives Luigi to improve and be the best of himself. Her words may seem to be a bit more forward with some songs. But mostly, she’s the one who has more of her feelings on her sleeve, and will have no problem expressing them more. She reflects more of the intense passion.

• Better When i’m Dancing - Meghan Trainor

• I’m Feeling You - Michelle Branch

• Brave - Sarah Bareilles

• My Superstar - Jessie J

• Kiss me Crazy - Kaci Battaglia

- Duets -

• Wild - Troy Sivan Ft Alesia Cara (A bit more of an intimate song?)

• At the Beginning - Richard Marx and Donna Lewis

• Don’t Let Go - Bryan Adams and Sarah Mclachlan

[tessa-liam]

Marabelle 

Your Breath of Freedom -5-

The Beaumont Bash 2 

Book: Choices – The Royal Romance, an AU series 

Series Premise: An American teenager from New York City is introduced to the world of a small European country and its society of royalty, nobles, and commoners. How will her life story be transformed? Will this new adventure bring her happiness...or regret? 

Catch up: Masterlist 

Main Pairing: Liam Rys x F!OC Sophia (Sophie) Taylor 

Other Pairing: Maxwell Beaumont x M!OC Daniel (from NYC) 

                           Drake Walker x F!OC Melanie Smithson 

Most characters belong to Pixelberry 

Series Rating: M*🔞Warnings: this series will have NSFW material, crude language & innuendo 

                          Not Beta’d; Please excuse all errors. 

Category: Alternate Universe/on-going series/angst/fluff 

Words: ~2500 

Your Breath of Freedom-5-

The Beaumont Bash 2 

Chapter Summary: Sophie is introduced to the Royal court, Maxwell meets Daniel. 

Music Inspiration: I Gotta Feeling, Black Eyed Peas 

                                 Better When I’m Dancin’, Meghan Trainor 

                                 Unchained Melody, Righteous Brothers 

A/N1: My submission for Choices June Challenge, prompts: Food – Gala, ice cream, chocolate, Cocktails, Cake @choicesjunechallenge @liaromancewriter 

A/N2: My submission Choices flashfics, Week #36, prompt 1 - “That’s really all I want and need. Some time with just you.”” @choicesflashfics 

A/N3: Bethany Beaumont, Maxwell’s mother, is originally from the U.S. and is Barthelemy Beaumont’s second wife. Annabelle Beaumont (deceased) was Bertrand’s mother. 

A/N4: Social Season in this AU series refers to a traditional period in the spring/summer for royalty and members of the court to take part in balls, dinner parties and charity events. 

Beaumont Estate, Ramsford, Cordonia 

Snapping his fingers, Maxwell was in his element. Music sounded from the tower speakers by the dance floor as guests mingled. The ballroom was filled with the usual members of the court, but to his delight, fresh new faces were also in attendance, including Sophie’s best friend from home who agreed to join as a surprise.  

Daniel chuckled at his new friend’s enthusiasm as he sat down at the bar to order a beer. Sophie’s description of her cousin was spot on, almost. She did not mention how hot he was; however, Daniel was quite sure that her thoughts were distracted and focused on someone else.  

Meanwhile in Max’s mind, the chemistry between him and Sophie’s best friend was electric.  

“What is it like to meet people and date in New York City? In nightclubs or parties? If I were to visit there, let’s say.” Maxwell asked. 

“Well, it is much different than here. That is for sure,” Daniel grinned. “In America, there is no social class system. Everyone mingles together.”  

“That sounds refreshing. Here if someone of a lower station speaks to a noble, it is considered an insult.”  Maxwell sheepishly admitted. 

“I guess that makes me the black sheep in the group.” Daniel shrugged his shoulders, taking a swig of beer. 

“Come on, let’s go and say ‘hello’ to Sophie.” Maxwell stood and looked hopefully at Daniel. “Stick with me and I will give you the rundown of everyone here and introduce you to all the cool people.” 

Sophie was stopped at the threshold as photographers snapped pictures. All eyes watched in interest as she walked into the ballroom with Bertrand. 

“There are so many people here. Do you know them all?” Sophie whispered to Bertrand. 

“Sophie, Look at you!” Savannah ran up and greeted the pair, taking her hands. “Bert, doesn’t Sophie look beautiful?” 

“Yes, yes indeed.” Bertrand beamed at his cousin. It is time to introduce you, Sophie, to all the members of the court. 

Sophie smiled at her older cousin happily as they started to pass through the tables, often stopping for introductions as Bertrand gallantly walked with her towards the head table. 

Spotting her Aunt Bethany standing by the dais, Sophie smiled softly when she spotted Liam standing beside her. 

Sophie felt her pulse quicken as she watched Liam interact with her aunt. She did not feel nervous at all when she met him for the first time at the ranch, but now, noting his regal appearance, he looked so handsome, so resplendent. A prince. 

Sophie took a deep breath, starting to feel nervous, butterflies going wild in her chest. 

 She watched as a tall blond-haired man and a tall, slim blond woman, who was latched onto the man’s arm, move into view to join her aunt and Liam.  

“Duchess, it is lovely to see you this evening.” Bethany dropped down to curtsy to Crown Prince Leo, as he took her hand to place a kiss. 

“Your highness, it is an honor to host the start of the social season. Countess Madeleine, it is lovely to see you again,” Bethany cordially smiled at the Crown Princes' betrothed, Madeleine Amaranthe. 

“And you as well, thank you, Duchess. I am looking forward to meeting your niece this evening. I have heard nothing but lovely comments.” 

Leo clapped Liam on the back. “So, little brother, I hear the Cordonian Quartet is going to make an appearance tonight.” 

“Yes, well, I haven’t seen Drake arrive yet, so I might have to commission you to join,” Liam joked, chuckling at Leo’s expression. 

Leo smirked, “in that case, I better start getting ready and get a refill. Madeleine, do you care to join?” 

“Why yes, Leo, thank you.” Madeleine tittered, slipping her hand on his arm. 

“Liam?” Leo turned, looking expectantly at his brother. 

Liam caught sight of Sophie walking with Bertrand, moving closer. 

“You go ahead Leo, get yourself ready. Liam chuckled at his brother. 

Liam resumed his watch, admiring the leggy brunette moving closer.  

*** 

“Look at those blue cocktails! I want to try one of those please.” Penelope ‘batted’ her eyes at the bartender after watching Maxwell pick up two highball glasses of his signature secret recipe concoction. 

“Kiara, you should have one too.” 

“Pour moi, non merci. Chardonnay s’il vous plait.” (For me, no thank you. Chardonnay please) 

 Drake smirked at Rashad, turning his head so that he would not be overheard.  

“How much will you bet that drink will put Penny ‘under the table’?” 

“Yes, well, that is why I stick to whiskey neat.” Rashad joked. 

“Walker, you are too predictable. There is more to life than sitting at a bar all night.” Leo mocked. 

“Rys, always a pleasure to see you.” Drake scoffed but hesitated upon seeing Leo’s expression. 

“What? Why are you smiling at me like that?”  

“Have you spoken to my brother yet?” Leo cocked his eyebrow, smirking. 

“No, why?” Drake replied, with a confused expression. 

Leo chuckled, “or to Bertrand or to Maxwell? 

“Yes ...No... wait... ahhh, hell!” Shaking his head, he looked up at the ceiling, pushing his chair back. 

“Fuck me”, Drake muttered under his breath, while Leo doubled over in laughter. 

“What I do for you nobles.” 

“Yeah, be careful, I overheard Adelaide talking to Bethany....talking about ‘getting some tonight.” 

“Leo, darling, guests are starting to notice you.” Madeleine chastised.  

“I don't give a damn, Madeleine.” 

*** 

As Sophie moved to the last table, a tall, red-haired woman stepped into her path and offered her hand. 

“Lady Sophia, welcome to Cordonia.” 

“Sophia, I would like to introduce to you the Duchess of Lythikos, Olivia Nevrakis.” Bertrand graciously acknowledged. 

“Your grace, it is a pleasure to meet you.” Sophie nodded in respect, taking her hand. 

Olivia was just about to ask a question, when Maxwell appeared behind Sophie, holding his cousin in place. Olivia raised her eyebrow curiously, as she noticed an unknown man waiting to speak. 

“Soph, I have a surprise for you!” Maxwell sing-songed. 

“Turn around.”  

Pivoting to face Maxwell, Sophie’s eyes went wide as she saw her best friend hold out his arms for a hug. 

“Oh, my gosh! Daniel!” Sophie gushed, wrapping her arms quickly around Daniel’s neck. 

“Hey, Squirrel....Happy Birthday!” Daniel chuckled as he returned the hug. 

“Sophia, let us now take our places for dinner.” Bertrand took her hand to lead her to the head table, which was beautifully adorned with fresh flowers and tulle. 

“Dan, save me a dance?” Sophie called, looking over her shoulder. 

“For my birthday girl? ...anything!” Daniel winked as Sophie walked away with her cousin. 

Noticing the pair moving toward him, Liam stood to move a chair away from the table for Sophie. 

“Hello, Sophie.” Liam smiled, taking her hand to place a tender kiss. “You look lovely tonight.” Liam spoke in his deep baritone voice as he helped her to sit. 

“Thank you so much, Liam. It is wonderful to see you again.” Smiling in response, the butterflies went wild once again. 

Taking his seat alongside Bethany, Liam formally introduced Leo and Madeleine, as Bertrand and Maxwell took their seats flanking Sophie. 

*** 

As the waitstaff cleared the dinnerware, Madeleine slipped into a chair to sit beside Sophie. 

“Sophia, I would like to extend an invitation for you to consider. I am hosting a garden party at my duchy next Thursday, and I thought that would be the perfect opportunity for you to socialize with the other ladies of the court.” 

“Oh, I see. Thank you for the invitation. I will ask my aunt if she was also thinking of attending.” 

“Yes, please do. Your Aunt Bethany and my mother get along famously. 

Have you met Kiara and Penelope yet? They are my ladies in waiting.” 

“I was introduced briefly tonight.” 

“Splendid, I shall see you on Thursday.” Madeleine replied. 

The hum of dinner conversations in the ballroom was interrupted by the sound of tinkling glass, as Sophie looked over to see Bertrand calling for everyone's attention. 

Behind him stood Liam, with Drake and Maxwell. 

Sophie smiled reservedly, whispering to Madeleine, “what is happening?” 

Leo stood up, “Welcome to the start of the Social Season. Thank you to the Duke and Duchess of Ramsford for hosting this annual event once again at House Beaumont. Tonight, before the festivities begin, we will be entertained by our very own Cordonian Quartet.” 

“Thank you, your highness. gentlemen …", Bertrand began. 

Liam, Maxwell and Drake gathered around Bertrand at the microphone. 

In perfect harmony, the sounds of “Happy Birthday to You”, sounded throughout the ballroom, with members of the court joining in at the end. 

As Liam, Drake, and Bertrand took a bow, Maxwell rushed over to the head table to present Sophie with a dozen pink roses. 

Sophie, smiling and laughing, stood to thank the guests formally and gave a flawless speech...impressing everyone with her confidence and charm. 

Madeleine softly clapped, with Leo standing up yelling, “bravo”. 

The orchestra began the beginning notes of ‘Happy Birthday to you.’ 

And then as the ballroom lighting went dark... 

With the only lighting inside the ballroom coming from the candles in the centerpieces of each table. The guests fell silent. 

...and then, a very clearly agitated Bertrand shouted, MAXWELL!!! 

The sounds of murmurs from the guests were quickly replaced with clapping and cheers as waitstaff filed into the ballroom with dessert platters of flaming baked Alaska made of chocolate and vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries to set down on each table. 

*** 

Sophie was having an enjoyable conversation with Maxwell and Daniel at the head table, when all the waitstaff standing close to the table bowed. Leo, followed by Liam both stood and approached Bethany and Sophie, respectively, as the beginning notes of the Cordonian waltz was played by the orchestra. 

Liam offered his hand to Sophie, “My lady, may I have the honor of a dance with you this evening?” 

Her heart was beating so fast...Sophie was positive that Liam surely could hear and feel her heartbeats as he lifted her hand and led her to the center of the dance floor alongside Aunt Bethany and Leo. 

Thanking Maxwell in her head, Sophie knew how to begin this courtship dance with Liam. Gazing at one another, Liam led Sophie around the dance floor in a silent conversation that ended with Sophie in Liam’s arms as he twirled and gently pulled her to his chest. 

Sophie was still in Liam’s arms, when the second song began to play over the sound system. 

This dance was more intimate as Liam wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close. 

His thumb softly stroking her bare back, Sophie had to remember how to breathe. 

Taking her hand in his, he placed it on top of his heart, wrapping his hand over hers.   

Sophie gently moved her left hand to rest on his arm as the chorus began and they started to sway in time to the music. 

‘Oh, my love, my darling.’ 

‘I’ve hungered for your touch, a long, lonely time.’ 

As the song ended, Liam whispered, “Happy Birthday”, kissing Sophie’s cheek softly. 

“How has your day been so far? Has it been everything you wished for?” 

Sophie looked into his eyes, “honestly.... This dance with you, that’s really all I want and need. Some time with just you.” 

“Let’s get this party started!” Maxwell howled into a microphone as the beginning thrums of the song, ‘I gotta feeling’ began.                                    

Raising his eyebrow, Liam asked, “dance with me?” 

Sophie beamed with delight, “I would love to.” 

*** 

It was time for the ceremonial tradition of the ‘slicing off the cork’, as guests stood at the base of the main staircase outside the ballroom eagerly waiting for the Beaumont cousins. 

Bertrand, standing on the top landing of the staircase, once again thanked the guests, as Maxwell held a bottle of champagne out for Sophie to do the honors. 

“Ok, everyone ready?” Bertrand asked, stepping away from Sophie comically. 

“One... two... three!” Sophie raised the sword and swung it down, striking and cutting the neck of the bottle in one try. 

Cheers, whistles and shouts erupted from the crowd as champagne poured out of the bottle. Waitstaff with trays filled with champagne flutes began to circulate the foyer. 

Sophie elegantly bowed and looked down to see Marabelle walk past the ballroom doors, along with Maxwell’s family of peafowl. 

Sophie squealed, laughing with delight as she stepped down to greet her black beauty. 

Stroking the horse’s nose, Marabelle nudged her head towards Sophie. 

“You two are a good match.” Liam mentioned, coming to stand beside Sophie. 

“We both thank you for bringing us together. Actually... I have something for you, Liam.” 

Sophie quickly went into the dining room and returned with a gold box wrapped with a blue ribbon. 

Handing the gift to Liam, she explained, “this is a token of appreciation to you for your kindness to not only me, but to Marabelle as well.” 

Liam shook his head, “I should be thanking you for giving her a loving home.” 

“This is also a promise I would like to give to you,” Sophie responded. 

After unwrapping his gift, Liam’s eyes sparkled as he read the inscription, ‘Your breath of freedom.’ 

“I promise, that when we are both in New York City, I will give you a personal tour.” 

“In that case, will you allow me to escort you to the masquerade ball at the palace next weekend? It’s a gala that is held at the palace as part of the social season.” 

“I would love to!” 

♥︎♡♡♡♡♡♥︎♡♡♡♡♡♥︎♡♡♡♡♡♥︎

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[foxes-that-run]

https://genius.com/Michael-buble-someday-lyrics

Do you think this is about TS? I feel it might be because of this part:

I remember that love song I sang every word wrong But you didn't mind, no no

Hi Anon, thanks for asking!

The TLDNR is yes, this song references Taylor, with that line about his temper trap tattoo.

Someday

When was it written

It is one of a few songs he wrote in mid-2014, including I Love You and Just a Little Piece of Your Heart. He had been hanging out with his friend and now manager Jeff Azoff and he was either stretching a creative muscle and/or considering a solo career. He later told Rolling Stone he first suggested a break from 1D late in 2014, about 4 months after writing this.

Harry wrote it with Johan Carlsson (if I could fly) and Meghan Trainor. Meghan said they worked together after "all the base" (June). Harry was in LA on 21-24 July 2014 - when this was likely written. The press mentioned it August 2014. Harry was on tour, he and Taylor seemed more on/ than off Feb 2014 - Feb 2015 (Timeline)

In 2015, when asked if it was for 1D Meghan said it was "a duet between a boy and a girl, so we're not sure yet." She's also said:

"He heard the song and was apparently a fan and a mutual friend told me he wanted to write with me [...] So I walked in with a prepared verse and chorus. But he gave me very poetic, mature lyrics. I was like, 'Well, damn, Harry, you know what love is.'" not like the Harry Styles who everyone is in love with. We finished the song in an hour or two and I love it. I was nervous 'cause I thought he'd be like a Justin Bieber, like 'he's so famous' and love himself, but he was just so normal... I immediately wasn't nervous any more." When asked about dating Harry she responded ‘Everyone I meet is taken. They’re all dating people.

It was released more than 2 years later in October 2016 by Michael Buble with Meghan singing. (How I would love to hear the demo with 2014 Harry's vocals and a Ukulele.)

Lyrics

I love seeing you happy I miss seeing that smile It's been such a long time And although I don't have you I know now that I need to Somehow make you mine And I won't lie, it's hard seeing you with him 'Cause I know he can't hold you like I can

Trouble "When I see that smile therе’s trouble"

It's unclear if either was dating someone else in this period. I see this as related to Is it Over Now? "At least I had the decency / To keep my nights out of sight" where they were dating others. To me, these are an indication that they agreed to be together in the future due to the difficulty of dating with their careers. In October, Harry reportedly wrote another song called 'not our fault' that sometimes external things cause a relationship to not work. Harry has mentioned not wanting others to hold her in:

Woman "I hope you can see the shape that I’m in While he’s touching your skin He’s right where I should, where I should be"

Happily "You know I wanna be the one to hold you when you sleep."

Perfect "Or the arms that hold you any time you want them"

TBSL "Do you think it's easy being of the jealous kind?"

Him "'Cause I don't wanna hear about him / How he is holding you better at night"

[Chorus} Someday maybe when we're old and gray We could be in love once more Till then I won't give my love away Darling, I'm forever only yours

Meghan Trainor said she had written a chorus before she met Harry and he loved it. Harry has also sung about waiting for love a lot:

Satellite "Spinning out, waiting for ya to pull me in"

Without You "Waiting everyday I don’t wanna wait for you"

Already home "I’ve been waiting, every day since"

Talk "Don't you, don't you wait"

Golden "So you wait for me in the sky"

Oh, I remember that love song I sang every word wrong But you didn't mind, no no And I'll admit that I miss you But only if you do 'Cause you know that I'm shy And I can't lie, it's hard seeing you with her 'Cause I know she can't love you like I can

Mis-remembered lyrics are a reference to Harry's Temper Trap Tattoo, Taylors arm lyrics and the birthday gift of the hand written lyrics. Harry has also referenced this in Canyon Moon: "She plays songs I've never heard / an old lover's hippie music/ Pretends not to know the words"

Lots of missing, and in FTDT also never being the first to break:

FTDT "Why won't you ever be the first one to break? / Even my phone misses your call, by the way"

Late Night Talking "It's only been a couple of days / And I miss you"

Falling "You said you cared / And you missed me, too"

If I could fly "I'm missing half of me when we're apart"

Without you "Now you’re with him i must admit I’m missing / The part of your skin"

Ophelia "I miss you so, miss you so"

And my lovin' works for you then (it works for you) We've got nothing to lose 'Cause I'm forever only yours (in love once more, once more, once more) No need to complicate it That smile is worth the wait, yeah I'm forever only yours (hey, yeah) Someday maybe, Someday maybe Someday maybe I'll be yours (woah, baby)x2

Similar to not complicating it:

I just wanna love you "I just wanna love you, that's all I gotta say"

Olivia "I love you, it's all I do / I love you"

Similar to forever only yours:

Ophelia "The definition of devotion, baby"

Fine Line "You've got my devotion"

Happily "I just want it to be you and I forever."

End of the Day "She said the night was over, I said it's forever"

[mysticstarlightduck]

Relationship Playlist Tag!

Essentially a OC Song Ship Tag <3

Rules: Choose some songs that you feel fits your OCs romantic relationship and explain how it fits them, or put a quote from said WIP underneath it.

Let's go with Dylan & Christine from What Lurks In The Hollow and Beck & Matteo from Crash Stardom! for this one!

Dylan & Christine

City Grown Willow - Radio Company (Jensen Ackles)

She wants to know the names of the games he plays He wants the names of the players in the game to change He's young in years but wise in wonderful ways Her faith in love is better on sunny days

City grown willow, unchain your pillow Let the man from the mountains run away with your heart Let the man from the mountains run away with your heart

He stokes the flames 'cause he is amused by the glow She'd rather feel all of its warmth than watch the show Holding the answer, he dances for the one he knows His faith in love will last through wind, rain and snow

[...]

All they want is forever, and All they need is for Their time together To be free

I think this song fits them so much!!! Except that, in their case, it would be the opposite, lol. Like instead of "city grown willow, unchain your pillow, let the MAN from the mountains run away with your heart"it would be "city grown willow, unchain your pillow, let the GIRL from the mountains run away with your heart" BECAUSE: Dylan would be the 'city grown willow' - as he is a guy from the big city and who hates living in a small town now - who needs to learn how to have fun and trust other people, while Christine is the wild 'girl from the mountains' who shows him how to enjoy life without worrying about other's opinions.

Stronger Than a Storm - Twisters OST

So hear me out 'cause I know I know the wind's something fierce but I'll be something you can hold Now do you, do you feel the same? 'Cause I wanna

I wanna know if your heart is racing too Mine's a mile a minute and I'm loving every tune You give me something that I've never had before Wilder than the wind and stronger than a storm

Well then, it's nothing in my life like I've ever known before Like a thread left alone or a splinter in the door The more I ignore, the more I swear it grows It's nothing in my life like I've ever known before

Hear me out 'cause I know I know the wind's something fierce but I'll be something you can hold Now do you, do you feel the same? 'Cause I wanna. I wanna know if your heart is racing too Mine's a mile a minute and I'm loving every tune

You give me something that I've never had before Wilder than the wind and stronger than a storm Stronger than a storm

THIS SONG FITS THEM SO MUCH YOU GUYS HAVE NO IDEA AAAAAAAA. First of all, "I know the wind's something fierce but I'll be something you can hold, now do you, do you feel the same?" this line fits Dylan's natural steadfast loyalty to those he loves, as well as his almost tentative uncertainty when it comes to romance, while this line "you give me something that I've never had before, wilder than the wind and stronger than a storm" fits how Christine is brings that warm spark of fun chaos into his life and helps him enjoy the small moments by practically turning every day into an adventure, which really contrasts with his usually serious, stern personality in a really good way.

Kindly Calm Me Down - Meghan Trainor

So cold, alone Could you be my blanket? Surround my bones When my heart feels naked No strength, too weak I could use some saving And your love's so strong

Like a pill I take it, I take it, I take it

[...]

When my world gets loud, could you make it quiet down? When my head, it pounds, could you turn down all the sound? If I lay in pain, by my side would you stay? If I need you now, would you kindly calm me down? Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, would you kindly calm me down? Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, would you kindly calm me down?

When my heart's not pure Would you kill my disease? And when there's no cure You are just what I need When I lose my mind Would you still remind me? When I'm feeling lost Would you come and find me?

Christine, for all her kooky 'life is fun, let's live it!' personality had always been pretty much alone - and she didn't mind it, but a part of her always yearned for someone who would understand her without thinking she's a weirdo. Meanwhile, Dylan is someone who had to toughen up too soon and who learned that vulnerability is often seen as weakness, so he feared letting anyone close enough to help him. This song fits how as their relationship develops, they can be 'that person' to one another - Dylan is someone who understands her without judgement, and she's someone whom he can open up to without holding it against him.

Beck & Matteo

Shame! Shame! Shame! - Reinaeiry

There's a reason why no one has stayed Oh, I've read every self-help book on the shelf

Can barely afford to breathe And I don't mean to get defensive But therapy's just so fucking expensive Where does it end And where do I begin?

Is there something to blame? At the end of the day The end result's the same Oh, Shame! Shame! Shame! Keep it to yourself

Don't sully the family name Oh, Shame! Shame! Shame! Shame! Shame! Oh, Shame! Shame! Shame! Shame! Shame! What do I do?

[...]

Who chooses this? Who wants this? Who can deal with it?

This fits BOTH of them so well! On one hand, it fits how Matteo is expected to shun Beck like everyone else from their clan did just because Beck adopted a half human (Aspen) as his sister and is thus considered 'tainted' by the Aimari community. Not only that, but Matteo is the son of vampiric fey nobles, and Beck has no title, and now he's considered as less than a nobody by their peers. So the "keep it to yourself, don't sully the family name" fits how Matteo is expected to uphold the Villaryth family legacy and marry the person they chose, not Beck. His refusal to do so (refusal to comply to an arranged marriage) and choice to stay loyal to Beck has been the reason for multiple turf wars in the Aimari lands but he does not mind as long as they're together. It's also the reason he was disowned by his parents, though he still has some loyalists and followers that support him. The "shame! shame! shame!" part also fit how Beck himself has an extremely low self esteem (and strong feelings of self shaming) and tends to be confused as to why someone as powerful as Matteo would love him so dearly instead of treating him like trash.

Young And Beautiful - Lana Del Rey

Hot summer nights, mid-July When you and I were forever wild The crazy days, city lights The way you'd play with me like a child

Will you still love me when I'm no longer young and beautiful? Will you still love me when I got nothing but my aching soul?

[...]

Will you still love me when I'm no longer beautiful?

I've seen the world, lit it up as my stage now Channeling angels in the new age now Hot summer days, rock and roll The way you'd play for me at your show And all the ways I got to know Your pretty face and electric soul

Will you still love me when I'm no longer young and beautiful? Will you still love me when I got nothing but my aching soul?

Okay so, brace yourselves: this song fits Beck's view of their relationship only BECAUSE, lemme explain one thing: in Aimari society, the males are expected to be beautiful and delicate, while the females are the warriors. Beck spent his entire life being treated like trash or less than a worm for refusing to abandon his half-human Fatebound (his adoptive sister, Aspen), but one thing he did have despite everything the world threw against him? He is one of the most beautiful vampiric feys alive. And that's a fact even the nobles have begrudgingly accepted. HOWEVER, after he and Aspen were kidnapped by the Secret Society, and Beck was tortured extensively with silver, he worried that, when he escaped, Matteo would find him too 'scarred' or 'disgusting', and that he would shun him like everyone else always had. Because Beck's self esteem was so low he believed the only reason someone as powerful as Matteo could love him was his looks. Once he's free again, Beck is pleasantly surprised to discover that Matteo will always love him no matter what happened, and that he loved him for who he was and not just for how he looked.

Please, Please, Please - Morgan Clae version

Please please please don't prove I'm right Please please please Don't bring me to tears when I just did my makeup so nice Heartbreak is one thing My egos another I beg you don't embarass me Mother fucker ahhh Please please please

Well I have a fun idea babe Maybe just stay inside I know you're craving some fresh air But the ceiling fan is so nice And we could live so happily If no one knows that you're with me I'm just kidding But really Kinda Really

This song fits how Beck doesn't want his worst fears to be 'proven right', as in he dreads to one day find out that Matteo's love is superficial, while it also fits how Matteo is torn between keeping their relationship a secret and being very open about it at the beginning before he truly parted ways with his family's expectations in order to be with Beck.

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[verynotsigmaofu]

My boy only breaks his favourite toys

(by me lol)

"Mariano is refusing to sign the papers"

Said her lawyer as he sat back down

"What do you mean he's"refusing" to sign the papers?"

She said with a confused look on her face

"We don't have any kids and I don't want any of his assets"

"The problem isn't the assets dolores, It's you. He doesn't want to let you go"

He said

“Once I fix me”

"Stop calling me that"

she said

"Calling you what?"

He said

"mi vida, I'm not your wife anymore"

She said

He let out a sign before speaking up

"You're right,but you still mi amor y eso no ha cambiado"

He said

“He gonna miss me”

"You're the one who broke my heart in the worst way possible and you weren't even there to see it"

She said as tears flowed down all at once

"As those words came out her mouth I felt like I was being stab multiple times in the chest, knowing that the one person I loved was the one I ended up hurting the most. After 4 years of loving her and protecting her from any harm, I was the one that broke her,

¸¸♬·¯·♪·¯·♫¸¸ 𝓟𝓵𝓪𝔂𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓽 ¸¸♫·¯·♪¸♩·¯·♬¸

0:00 ─〇───── 0:00

◃◃ ⅠⅠ ▹▹

my boy only breaks his favourite toys - Taylor Swift

we can't be friends (wait for your love) - Arianna grande

The Great War - Taylor swift

K. - Cigarettes After Sex

Glimpse of Us - Joji

My Love Mine All Mine - Mitski

Let The Light In - Lana Del Rey

Pyramids - Frank Ocean

I Don't Wanna Live Forever - Zayn, ft Taylor swift

Say yes to heaven - Lana del Rey

Never felt so alone - Labrinth

Don't blame me - Taylor swift

Grenade - Bruno mars

Nobody gets me - SZA

PRIDE - Kendrick Lamar

CHIHIRO - Billie eilish

Wave - Meghan trainor

20 something - SZA

"He had her, now he's losing her, but he do anything to get her back"

When the "perfect" couple marriage is falling apart, and slowing hurting each other

Will they survive this Great War and come back to each other?

Or does he end up losing her forever?

(Okay I decided to bring the story I wrote like back the April but completely forgot abt on here, yes it a doloresxmariano modern fanfic so yeah, this is just to give u an idea of it and the playlist, hope u like it!!)

[liaromancewriter]

Meet The Parents

Premise: Sienna is nervous about meeting Max’s parents, aka, her soon-to-be future in-laws.

Book: Open Heart (post series) Pairing: Sienna Trinh x Max Valentine (M!OC) Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff. Words: 1,340

A/N: I've been missing Maxenna lately and got inspired by Meghan Trainor's Made You Look. I'm using @choicesflashfics week 44, prompt 1 (in bold). Submitting to @choicesmonthlychallenge August, National Couple's Day.

The walk-in closet in the swanky Georgetown apartment was littered with discarded outfits, a kaleidoscope of colors and fabrics. Time was running out, and the lone occupant in the room was ready to scream from frustration.

Wearing only a black lace bra and matching panties under her robe, Sienna Trinh riffled through the clothes hanging on the rack for a suitable dress. She should have gone shopping earlier; now, it was too late to do anything.

Too short. Too frumpy. Too slutty. Sienna ran through the litany of everything wrong with her clothes.

She’d spent the last eight years in and out of hospital scrubs and clothes designed for comfort during twelve-fourteen-hour shifts. Her limited wardrobe was not intended for fancy dinner parties with billionaires.

Sienna had moved to DC and in with Max Valentine a month ago. They’d been traveling ever since, first to visit her family in New Orleans, then vacations in St. Thomas and Paris. Now that she and Max were back in town, his parents had invited them for dinner.

Maybe she should fake a headache and end the misery now. Except, they would see right through that excuse, and she’d have forever damaged her relationship with her boyfriend’s parents.

Sienna glimpsed at the floor-to-ceiling mirror, and her face fell at the sight of her reflection. Her make-up-free face was haggard from worry, and strands of brown hair escaped whichever way from a messy bun atop her head.

“Whoa. What happened in here?” Max asked from behind her.

Sienna spun on her heels to see him standing in the doorway. His suit jacket was folded neatly on his arm, and a dark gray tie hung loose around his neck. His shirt sleeves were rolled up to his forearms, revealing an expensive watch wrapped around his left wrist.

Seeing him looking like that after a full day at work, Sienna felt even shabbier.

Max was staring at the mess on the floor, eyes wide in astonishment. He was a neat freak, and it was probably driving him crazy. Great. One more thing she couldn’t get right, she thought in despair.

“I can’t do this,” Sienna said, her voice hitching on unshed tears. “Please apologize to your parents for me. Tell them I came down with a cold, a stomach bug, or something contagious. Just make it up.”

Max slowly walked towards her, his green eyes wary.

“I can do that,” he said, gently touching her shoulders. “But if I’m going to lie for you to my parents, you’ll have to explain why first. And make it good.”

“I have nothing to wear!” Sienna exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air.

“Okay,” he nodded. “I have a sister, so I know that’s Girl Code for ‘I’m nervous, and everything I own is ugly.’ Did I get that right?”

Sienna deflated when she realized he was serious rather than dismissive as she’d been expecting. She should have known better. After all, he’d never trivialized her feelings when they were friends. Why should now be any different?

“Here,” he said, folding her into his embrace.

Sienna nuzzled into him, the fabric of his dress shirt soft against her cheeks, and inhaled his scent. Her earlier panic dissipated the longer he held her.

“Want to tell me what’s wrong?” he said softly against her ear. “You’ve met my parents before, remember? You even had dinner at their house last year.”

Sienna leaned back in his arms, her hands resting on his upper arms, and smiled ruefully.

“Yes, but I was always Cassie’s friend before. Now I’m living with their son and heir, a man I barely went on a handful of dates with before moving in with him a month later. I’d be suspicious of me too.”

“First of all, Cassie and I are both their heirs,” Max said, leading her to the padded bench in the middle of the room. “Second, you and I have been circling each other for years, even if we didn’t make it official until recently.”

He placed two fingers on her chin and tilted her face up. “Third, my mother loves you. Probably more than she does me.”

“I see you didn’t mention your father in that sentence,” Sienna said, pursing her lips.

Max shrugged. “My dad will, too, once he gets to know you. He hasn’t had the same opportunities as my mom to spend time with you.”

“I’m so afraid I’ll mess up, use the wrong fork or dip my fingers in the soup instead of the water bowl,” she confessed anxiously.

Max laughed, tears of mirth leaking from his eyes.

“If I was dining with the Crawleys at Downton Abbey, I’d probably worry about that too,” he said, still chuckling. “Luckily, we’re dining with the Valentines at Country Club Hills, and there’s no water bowl or snobby butler in sight.”

“I’m being ridiculous, aren’t I?” Sienna said, more annoyed with herself.

“No, you’re not,” Max said. “I was terrified of your family, especially because your sister kept giving me the beady eye. So, I get it. But I survived meeting the parents of the woman I love, and you will too.”

Sienna covered her face with her hands and groaned in frustration before turning to face him.

“Tell me something about them. Your parents,” she clarified when he looked askance. “Doesn’t have to be major, just anything, even if it’s small, about Olivia and Robert, not Mr. and Mrs. Valentine.”

Max drummed his fingers on his thighs as he thought about the request.

“Okay. I don’t know if this counts, but,” he began slowly, “my parents have never spent more than a handful of nights apart since they got married.”

Sienna felt her heart melt at the sentiment, and her eyes softened as he continued his tale.

“Whenever my dad travels overnight for work, my mother accompanies him. Neither is happy unless the other is close. I remember once my mom was admitted to the hospital for a mild concussion after a skiing accident.”

Sienna smiled, watching the amused exasperation cross his face at the memory.

“My dad pulled strings with the board so they’d let him spend the night in her room on a rollaway bed. The damn thing was way too small, and he was uncomfortable, feet hanging off the end. But you couldn’t pay him to leave until she was discharged.”

“That is so incredibly romantic,” Sienna said, tears dripping down her cheeks.

“And incredibly embarrassing if you’re their kid,” Max grumbled with an exaggerated eye-roll and head shake. “They’re always touching, a hand pat here, a kiss on the side of the head there.”

“I love that!” Sienna gushed, recalling how she’d seen them do just that at Cassie’s wedding.

Sobering up, Max sighed and took her hand. “If you can’t do this tonight, I’ll call them to reschedule. Tell them I double-booked or something came up at work. They’ll understand.”

Sienna’s lips twisted in a wry grin at Max’s offer, and she shook her head.

“No, it’s okay. We should go.“ She glanced at the clothes lying on the floor and sighed morosely. “But I still don’t know what to wear.”

“Will you trust me to help you with that?”

“I trust you with parts of myself I’m afraid to show anyone else,” she said softly, giggling at the strange comparison. “So, yes. I can trust you to dress me appropriately for the occasion.”

He pulled out his phone and unlocked the screen.

“What’re you doing?” she asked curiously when he clicked on the FaceTime app.

“Calling the expert,” he replied just as Cassie appeared on the screen.

Telling his sister to hold on, he paused the call and peered intently at Sienna. “I’ll hold up the phone; you try outfit options with your bestie. Sound good?”

Sienna beamed in pleasure at his solution. Deciding her best friend could wait a few more seconds, she leaned in and slowly kissed his breath away with the promise of more to come later.

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

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