#moving on part 1 exploring nostalgia

[loganslowdown4]

‘This is me electrifying my brother’ I LOVE IT

The going through time one is the best, proves he was a Whovian maybe even before he knew what dr who was 👀

That’s time travel for real lol

[puffins-muffins]

Control - The Attraction

Pairing: Jax Teller (AU-ish) x FemaleLawyer!Reader Word Count: ~10,370 Summary: Back in Charming, your return to TM and SAMCRO leaves you feeling a complex mix of nostalgia and anxiety. As Jax's trial approaches, you face mounting pressure from a relentless prosecution and your growing feelings for Jax complicate your focus. Warnings: 18+ only please, cursing, descriptions of anxiety/panic attack. Brief mention of character death(s), Jax (he's his own warning).

A/N: Ommmmgggg you guyyys!! I am blown away by all the love and support for this story! This one was an emotional rollercoaster. It kiiiinnd of got away from me, but with reader back in Charming now, there was a lot that needed to be explored. Feedback always appreciated. Beta'd by myself, all mistakes are my own. Please enjoy it as much as I do!! Part 3, here we go! 💜

Part 1 | Part 2

Sitting at the old diner, the one you and your dad used to frequent for dinners, you stared down at your untouched coffee, the bitter scent rising into the air, tightening the knot that had taken residence in your stomach. You had sworn to yourself years ago that you wouldn’t get pulled back into this world, into the familiar emotional storms. Yet, here you were, back in Charming, with Jax only a few miles away—and that ironclad resolve you once had was starting to fracture.

Your conversation from the interrogation room replayed relentlessly in your mind, Jax’s words as sharp now as when he first said them. “Maybe you’re afraid you’re not over me.” He looked right through you, cutting past your defenses. He had seen the truth in you, that you hadn’t really moved on. Not completely. With one look, he knew it.

You hated that he could still read you so easily, that after all these years apart, he still knew exactly which buttons to press. It was maddening, that sense of vulnerability. You were supposed to be stronger now. Smarter. But being around Jax, it felt like every wall you had built came crumbling down the moment you walked into that room. The way he looked at you—like no time had passed at all—made it impossible to pretend that you didn’t feel the same pull. 

Seeing him again brought it all rushing back. The way he used to look at you, the way he made you feel like the world outside didn’t exist when you were together. How he’d made you feel seen and understood, in a way no one else ever had. You spent years trying to fill that void, tried to find that connection with others, but it had never been the same. No one had never been Jax.

You sighed, rubbing your temples, the weight of it all pressing down on you. What was it about him that made it so hard to let go? After everything, after all the pain, the heartbreak, why did being near him still make you feel like you were tethered to him in some unbreakable way?

A familiar voice pulled you from your thoughts, warm and gravelly with a hint of surprise. “Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.”

You glanced up, finding Wayne Unser standing a few feet away, his worn face cracking into a smile. The knot in your stomach eased, replaced by a wave of nostalgia. You stood, offering a hug that he accepted warmly. “Chief! It’s so good to see you.”

He chuckled as he pulled back, shaking his head. “Ain’t the Chief anymore, darlin’. Haven’t been for some time now.”

You smiled, gesturing toward the empty seat at your table. “You’ll always be the Chief to me,” you said fondly.

He nodded, settling into the chair across from you. There was something comforting about having him here, someone who had always been in your corner and witnessed your life intersect with the club’s chaos.

“I was hoping we’d run into each other while I’m in town.” you said, your tone soft as you folded your hands on the table. “You really saved my ass with that character letter.” 

Unser waved it off, his smile fading as he leaned back in the chair. “Would’ve done a lot more if I could’ve. Jax may be in deep, but I’ve known that boy since he was runnin’ around on his tricycle. He’s a good man, even if he’s gotten himself tangled in a mess.”

You nodded, feeling the weight of the conversation shift. Unser had always seen the good in Jax, even when others didn’t. And that loyalty was something you admired, but it also made you wonder how much of Jax’s actions over the years Wayne had turned a blind eye to, how much he excused for the sake of it.

“Jax’s world has gotten a lot more complicated,” you said carefully, not wanting to betray the growing unease you felt about the case. “But I think he’s still the same underneath all of it. I just hope I can do enough to get him out of this.”

Unser gave you a long, knowing look, his eyes scanning your face like he was searching for something. “I can tell this ain’t just about the case for you,” he said, voice low but steady. “I remember how you two used to look at each other. It was you and Jax against the world for a while there.” 

You glanced down, feeling the heat rise in your cheeks, but before you could respond, Unser continued, his tone softer now. “You know I care about Jax. Always have. And I care about you too. I ain’t tryin’ to meddle, but you gotta be careful. That world, it takes more than it gives. And once it gets its hooks in you, it’s hard to break free.”

His words hung heavy in the air, and you found yourself nodding slowly, the truth of what he said sinking in. But you had always known that. You experienced first-hand the toll the club took on people, felt how it could consume everything. 

“I know,” you said, voice barely above a whisper. “I always promised myself I wouldn’t get pulled back in.”

Unser smiled gently, but there was a sadness in his eyes. “Sometimes life has a way of draggin’ us back to the shit we swore we’d never return to. You just gotta make sure it’s what you really want.”

You took a deep breath, the weight of his words settling over you. “I’m only here to keep him out of prison,” you said, and though you meant it, you could hear the uncertainty in your own voice.

Unser didn’t press further. Instead, he gave a slow nod, his gaze softening with understanding. “Just remember, there’s always a choice, even when it doesn’t feel like it. And I’m around to help anyway I can.” 

You offered him a grateful smile. Wayne Unser had always been more than just the town’s chief of police—he had been a guiding presence, a steady hand amid the disorder. And now, even though his health was failing and his role in Charming had changed, he still had that same calming influence.

“Thank you, Chief,” you said sincerely. 

He reached across the table, patting your hand gently. “You’re gonna be alright, darlin’. And your Daddy’d be real proud of you. Just keep your head on straight and don’t let that boy take you down with him.”

His words about your dad hit you harder than you anticipated. A familiar ache of loss surged in your chest, and you swallowed thickly, managing a small smile. If he were here, he would be proud of you; he lived and died by this club, loyal to SAMCRO until the bitter end. In ways you hadn’t fully comprehended yet, that loyalty ran deep within you as well. 

For a moment, you allowed yourself to believe that maybe you could navigate this, maybe you could keep the line between personal and professional from blurring. But as Unser stood to leave, his words stayed with you, lingering in your mind after he’d walked out the door.

You sat there a while longer, staring at your coffee, knowing that soon enough, you’d have to face the inevitable—Jax, the case, and everything that came with it.

That evening, you sat cross-legged on the hotel bed, your laptop balanced on a stack of case files, the screen glowing in the dimly lit room. The soft hum of the air conditioner filled the silence as you stared at the notes scattered around you, taking a deep breath before unmuting the conference call.

“Alright, Liz,” you said, your voice steady despite the mental whirlwind of information you were trying to process. “Let’s go over what you’ve found so far.”

Liz’s voice crackled through the line, sharp and focused, though you could hear the exhaustion creeping in. You both had been burning the candle at both ends. “First off, the witnesses—they’re falling apart. Like I mentioned earlier, one of them wasn’t even in town on the night of the murder. And the other? He’s changed his story three times now. The prosecution’s trying to hold them together with duct tape and hope.”

A smirk tugged at the corner of your mouth as you jotted down notes, but the situation was far from funny. “Good, we’ll shred them on cross. What about the arresting officer? Connolly?”

Liz’s tone shifted, growing more intense. “Connolly’s dirty. Filthy, actually. I tracked down a couple of large deposits made into his account, way beyond his salary. The timing of one deposit matches up almost perfectly with Jax’s arrest.”

Your breath hitched for a second, your pen pausing mid-note. “So he’s being paid off,” you muttered, processing. “We just need to find out who’s pulling his strings.”

“That’s where things get murky,” Liz replied, her voice lowering. “I’ve got leads tying him to a rival MC, but nothing concrete yet. It’s more like whispers. Still digging.”

The mention of the rival MC made your pulse quicken. This wasn’t just a murder case—it was layered with club politics and buried secrets. “If we can prove Connolly’s connection, it could blow the prosecution’s case wide open. Anything on the murder weapon?”

“No sign of it,” Liz said, frustration seeping into her voice. “The cops don’t have it, and no one’s talking.”

You leaned back against the headboard, tapping a pen against your knee as you reviewed your strategy. “We hit them where they’re weakest. Discredit the witnesses—tear their timelines apart. Then expose Connolly’s dirty money and ties to the rival MC. If we paint him as corrupt, we cast enough doubt to cripple their case.”

It was a solid plan, but your mind wasn’t entirely on it. Jax lingered in your thoughts, you hadn’t seen him since you dropped him off at TM, just a few exchanged texts. You knew you were avoiding him—avoiding the way his presence stirred up old feelings.

The case was slipping into something bigger, and you couldn't afford distractions. But no matter how hard you tried, Jax was always there, just under your skin, pulling you closer, and threatening to unravel everything.

Your phone buzzed, jolting you from your thoughts. It was Jax. It was as if he knew he was consuming your mind.

“Heard you’re back in Charming… avoiding me?”

Your stomach tightened. You’d forgotten just how small Charming was—news traveled fast, especially when it involved Jax. A mix of irritation and anxiety settled in as you realized that even without him realizing it, he was forcing you to face everything you’d been trying to avoid. Each moment brought you closer to the inevitable, and despite your best efforts to stay distant, you knew you couldn’t escape it forever.

You stared at the blinking cursor on your phone, but the weight of everything felt overwhelming. Not just Jax—the entire case. Connolly, the witnesses, the unexplained deposits. Something felt wrong. You couldn't shake the feeling that something deeper was at play, something corrupt and insidious threading through the heart of this case. But whatever it was, it would all have to wait. First, you had to deal with Jax.

“Everything okay?” Liz’s voice cut through your haze, snapping you back to the present.

You cleared your throat, adjusting your grip on the phone. “Yeah, just a text from Jax. He knows I’m in town.”

There was a pause on the other end, and you could practically hear Liz’s raised eyebrow. “Wow, his ears must’ve been burning. You’ve been avoiding him, haven’t you?”

You let out a short, hollow laugh. “Yeah, you could say that. I’ve been busy with prep, but... it’s more than that.” You pushed yourself off the bed, pacing the room. “The truth is, seeing him again after all this time... it stirs up shit I’ve tried to move past. But I know I can’t keep dodging it forever.”

Liz didn’t press further, always knowing when to hold back. “You’ll handle it. You always do.”

You sat back down on the bed, staring at Jax’s message again. “It’s just… TM, this place, it’s like stepping into a time capsule. It holds all the memories from when everything was simpler. When things weren’t so... complicated.”

Liz was quiet for a moment, then spoke softly. “Do you think he’s changed? Jax, I mean.”

Her question hit deeper than you expected. You’d been avoiding that thought too. From the few moments you’d shared recently, it was clear that life had weighed heavily on him. The charm was still there, but beneath it was a hardness, a fatigue you hadn’t seen before. And yet, the pull between you, the familiarity of him—it was still there, almost as if no time had passed at all.

“I don’t know,” you admitted, your voice quieter now. “Maybe he has, maybe he hasn’t. Part of me thinks he has. The other part knows better.”

Liz was quiet for a beat. “Well, if anyone can navigate this, it’s you. Just… don’t lose yourself in the process.”

You swallowed hard, her words hitting closer to home than you wanted to admit. “I won’t,” you said, more to reassure yourself than to convince her. “Thanks, Liz. You’ve done great work so far. Just promise me you’ll be extra careful. The people we’re looking into are dangerous.”

“Absolutely,” Liz replied, her tone serious. “Just remember, you’re not in this alone.”

You nodded, even though she couldn’t see you. “Thank you, that means a lot. I’ll call you after I meet with the club.”

Liz’s tone sharpened. “I’ve got my guard up, don’t worry. I’ll keep pushing on Connolly and the money trail. We’ll crack this.” she added before the line clicked off.

You set the phone down beside you, staring at it for a moment before typing a quick response to Jax.

“Let’s meet tomorrow. Noon. TM.”

You hit send before you could overthink it. There. Done. Now it was just a matter of facing whatever came next. You were confident in your ability to handle the legal side of things, but Jax... that was different. Seeing him again wasn’t just about the case; it was about the past, about unresolved emotions, and the complicated mess of history between you both.

But as you leaned back against the headboard, that familiar knot of uncertainty tightened in your stomach again. Charming felt like a minefield—corruption beneath the surface, power plays behind the scenes. And at the center of it all was Jax, pulling you into something that was about more than just legal strategy.

You weren’t sure what the next day would bring, but one thing was certain: this wasn’t just another case. It was personal, in more ways than one.

And you weren’t sure if you were ready for that.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As you pulled into Teller-Morrow, your stomach twisted with unease. You hadn’t even stepped out of the car yet, and already you felt the weight of the memories pressing down on you. Before you could even gather your courage, the office door swung open, and there she stood—Gemma Teller. 

Your breath caught in your throat. Gemma had always been more than just Jax’s mother—she was a force of nature. The history between you two was complex, a mix of respect, tension, and unresolved emotions. She had always wanted Jax to take his rightful place at the head of the club, and at times, you felt like she viewed you as a threat to that vision. She never outright said it, but you could feel it in her looks, her comments, that underlying worry you’d pull Jax away from the life she envisioned for him. In her mind, love was dangerous if it meant her son might stray from the path she’d set for him.

But things hadn’t turned out the way any of you expected. The decisions Jax made, the path the club took—it all happened regardless of your love.

Somehow, you willed yourself out of the safety of your car, and now, standing here in the parking lot, you weren’t sure how Gemma was going to greet you. Would it be the sharp-edged woman who used to see you as a potential obstacle, or the maternal figure who had, at times, treated you like family?

As she approached, her sharp gaze softened slightly when she saw you. There was a flicker of something—recognition, nostalgia maybe—but Gemma being Gemma, it was hard to tell what she was really thinking. She stood there for a moment, looking you over, as if assessing whether time had changed you—or if you were still the same woman she once had a complicated relationship with.

“Well, look who’s back,” Gemma said, her voice laced with that familiar mix of sarcasm and curiosity. Her eyes scanned you, and though her expression remained unreadable, you could feel the weight of her scrutiny. She hadn’t lost her edge.

“Gemma,” you said, stepping forward, trying to keep your voice steady, even though your heart was pounding. “It’s good to see you.”

For a split second, the tension hung in the air. Then, to your surprise, her lips curled into a half-smile, and she pulled you into a hug. It wasn’t warm exactly, but it wasn’t cold either. It was… familiar.

“You too, baby,” she said softly, her tone just a little gentler than you expected. When she pulled back, her eyes locked onto yours, searching for something, though you couldn’t quite tell what. “Missed having you around here.”

Her words caught you off guard, but you nodded, unsure of how to respond. The history between you both was too complicated for simple pleasantries. Gemma folded her arms, giving you another long look. “You still look good, kid. All grown up. Life must be treating you well out there.”

“Something like that,” you replied, offering a faint smile. You wanted to say more, but any words caught in your throat.

She raised an eyebrow, and you could feel her probing deeper, looking past your words to the things you weren’t saying. “I know coming back here ain’t easy for you,” she said, her voice lowering, all traces of humor gone. “Lotta ghosts, I’m sure. But Jax needs you, sweetheart.”

There it was. Gemma was always three steps ahead, and this time, she was trying to use your own feelings against you. She wasn’t just reminding you of your connection to Jax; she was weaponizing it. Like she always did when she wanted something.

But this time, you saw it clearly. Years ago, you might have let her play on the soft spots you had for Jax without even realizing it. Back then, you were less guarded, still figuring out how to navigate people like Gemma. But now? Now you were older, sharper, and you understood her game better than you ever had before.

Then again, with Gemma, it was always about Jax first and foremost. Beneath the tension, there was a quiet, unspoken respect between you—born from your shared loyalty to him. And you almost couldn’t fault her because of it.

Almost.

You fought the urge to roll your eyes, instead forcing the sweetest fake smile you could manage. “I’m here to help,” you said, your tone flat but polite.

Gemma studied you for another long moment before she nodded, her expression softening just a bit. “Good.” She gestured toward the clubhouse with a tilt of her head. “They’re inside. Go on in, baby.”

You hesitated, feeling the weight of everything you were about to walk into. Then, with a deep breath, you headed toward the clubhouse, knowing that the real test was just beginning.

The door creaked open, and you stepped inside, feeling a wave of familiarity wash over you. The air was thick with the scent of leather, motor oil, and the faint tang of beer and cigarettes. It was captivating, pulling you back in time. Memories rushed in—laughter echoing through the halls, heated arguments by the bar, the camaraderie that once filled every corner. The nostalgia was almost too much to bear.

The room hummed with energy, a mix of business and brotherhood. Heads turned when you walked in, the club members greeted you with expressions that ranged from curiosity to warmth. Jax stood near the bar, flanked by Chibs and Tig. His body language was casual, but the moment his eyes locked onto yours, everything seemed to shift. That tension, the current that had always existed between you, surged again. You felt it deep in your gut, that familiar flutter that left you off balance.

"Look who finally decided to show up!" Tig's voice cut through the room, teasing and lighthearted, a grin spreading across his face. He approached quickly, pulling you into a tight side hug and pressing a kiss to the top of your head. "Thought we'd have to send out a search party."

You forced a smile, trying to push down the knot in your chest. "Guess I couldn’t stay away forever, huh?"

Chibs was next, stepping forward with his usual warmth, his broad shoulders a comforting sight. "Good to see ye, lass," he said, pulling you in for a brief but solid hug. His embrace steadied you, easing the tension just a little.

"You too, Chibs," you replied, your voice steadying as you caught sight of the "Sergeant-at-Arms" patch across his chest. He was still looking after his brother, still his protector.

And then there was Jax. He hadn’t moved from his spot by the bar, his posture relaxed, but his eyes—those piercing blues—were locked onto you, unreadable yet intense. Something flickered in them as he watched you cross the room. Anticipation? Vulnerability? You couldn’t quite place it, but it made your heart race.

“Hey,” Jax said, his voice low and calm, offering a nod that felt almost casual—except for the way his gaze held yours, unrelenting.

“Hey,” you replied, forcing a lightness into your tone that didn’t match the way your chest tightened. It didn’t feel casual. Not with him standing there, the weight of his presence bearing down on you, making the room feel smaller.

Looking impossibly good in his leather kutte, worn and weathered, clinging to him like a second skin. His broad shoulders were more defined than you remembered, the white T-shirt underneath emphasizing the lean muscle that flexed with his every subtle movement. His jeans hung low on his hips, and at his side, the knife that once belonged to his father—a reminder of the life he was born into. But in contrast to the rough edges, his signature white Nikes were spotless, a small, almost ironic sign of the control he still maintained amidst all the mayhem.

With that familiar boyish smile tugging at his lips, and his gaze holding you captive, it felt like time hadn’t moved at all. The pull between you, always there, had only intensified. His eyes swept over you, lingering just long enough to make your breath catch, and in that moment, your carefully built defenses began to dismantle.

Jax didn’t need to say anything for you to feel it—the connection, the history. And as you stood there, caught in his gaze, you realized just how much power he still held over you.

Exhaling a shaky breath, a familiar towering figure stepped into your space. Opie stood before you, his presence bringing you back instantly. His eyes were soft but filled with gratitude, and though he didn’t say much, you could feel the depth of his emotion.

Without a word, he pulled you into a tight hug, his arms strong and comforting around you. The weight of everything seemed to ease as you leaned into him. There was something solid, unwavering about Opie—his presence had always been a source of quiet brotherly strength.

He pulled back, just slightly, his hands resting on your shoulders as he looked you over. There was no need for words between you. You could feel what he was saying in the look he gave you—a silent thank you, for being here, for standing by Jax. It wasn’t easy, and he knew it.

“Ope,” you said quietly, your fingers gently brushing over the VP patch stitched into his kutte. He nodded, his gaze softening even more. He didn’t need to say it; you knew he appreciated you more than words could express.

After a beat, he released you with a gentle pat on the shoulder, stepping back but keeping that connection between you.

You finished greeting the rest of the Sons, taking in Happy and Juice for the first time, while Jax stood nearby, arms crossed, his posture casual but his eyes sharp. He gave a quick introduction. “Juice is sort of our intelligence officer,” he said, nodding toward the younger man with a smirk. “Anything you or your girl need, he’s your guy.”

You gave Juice a polite smile, but your mind was racing, struggling to process everything around you. The room was filled with faces—some familiar, some new—each one stirring a different emotion. Jax’s voice broke through the noise in your head, steady and low as he filled you in on what you’d missed. He listed off Bobby, currently away in Vegas on an Elvis gig, Piney’s tragic death, and then, quieter, Clay’s betrayal and eventual demise. These weren’t just updates—they were the scars the club carried, and you could feel the toll it had taken on them.

Your eyes flicked to Opie, a silent understanding passed between you. Piney’s death wasn’t just a club loss—it was deeply personal, and you could see the weight of it in Opie’s eyes. There were no words needed. Just that brief acknowledgment of everything you’d both lost due to this life.

You glanced around the room as he spoke, the walls lined with mugshots and memories. There was more than you remembered, each one a stark reminder of the lives that had been lost or altered. Jax’s voice, though calm, carried the heavy toll of everything that had happened. “We’ve had to rebuild�� but we’re still standing.”

You nodded, trying to absorb it all, but the sheer weight of the club’s history left you spinning. So much had changed, and yet, in so many ways, everything felt the same. The familiarity of it—the faces, the raw energy of the room—only made the losses hit harder. Processing Jax’s brief rundown of the club’s last decade felt like trying to catch your breath while drowning. The room felt entirely too small, the air thicker with years of grief, brotherhood, and blood.

Your chest tightened, and suddenly the noise of the room faded, replaced by a suffocating sense of overwhelm. The memories of your dad, the endless cycle of loyalty and sacrifice, the faces you used to know—it all crashed into you at once, relentless and unyielding. You could feel your pulse quicken, your breath becoming shallow. The walls felt like they were closing in, the weight of the past pressing down on you, and no matter how hard you tried, you couldn’t stop the anxiety from bubbling up.

Your hands trembled as you pulled your phone out of your pocket, desperate for an escape. “Hey, do you guys mind? I need to check in with my office real quick,” you said, trying to sound nonchalant, though your voice was tight and strained. Without waiting for a reply, you turned on your heel and headed for the door, the room suddenly too stifling.

The warm air hit your skin as you stepped outside, but it did little to calm the storm brewing inside. You hurried to the side of the building, out of sight, and leaned against the rough brick wall, your breaths coming in shallow, rapid bursts.

You pressed your trembling hands to your chest, willing your body to calm down, but the tightness only worsened. The faces inside, the ghosts of the past, the changes you hadn’t been there to see—it all swirled around you. And Jax, standing there like a god damn living reminder of everything you’d tried to move on from, only made it harder.

Your pulse pounded in your ears, and your vision narrowed as the panic surged through you. You squeezed your eyes shut, focusing on your breathing, but each one felt like you were dragging it through quicksand. The edges of your vision blurred as you fought to keep from losing control entirely.

You pressed your back harder into the wall, as if grounding yourself to something solid would keep you from slipping under. One breath, then another. But the waves kept coming, relentless, and all you could do was ride it out.

Lost in your desperate attempt to control your thoughts, Jax’s sudden appearance startled you. “Jesus Christ, Jax!” you gasped, “Can’t a girl have a panic attack in peace!?”

The humor was your defense, but he saw right through it. His eyes softened, and he took a small step closer, his expression full of quiet concern, no judgment in his gaze.

“These still happening?” His voice was gentle, like he already knew the answer but needed to hear it from you.

You shook your head slowly, trying to reassure him—or maybe yourself. “It’s been a while,” you admitted. And it had been. The panic attacks hadn’t started until after your dad’s funeral, when the weight of everything had finally come crashing down on you. They had been rare since then, but being here—back in the thick of it—was bringing it all back.

Jax had been there for the first one. You could still feel the memory of his hands cupping your face, his thumbs brushing away your tears as he’d tried to steady you.

“Just breathe, Pep. You’re alright, baby,” he’d murmured, his voice strong yet soft, grounding you as you fought for air. His hands held you like an anchor, keeping you planted in the present, calming the storm raging inside you.

You could see in his eyes now that he wanted to do it again—grip your face, hold you still, remind you how to breathe—but he resisted, just watching you carefully, giving you space to pull yourself back together.

“I’m okay,” you whispered, voice softer now, the edge of panic slowly retreating.

Jax nodded, his gaze never wavering, his presence a quiet reassurance. He didn’t push, didn’t offer words that would feel too heavy right now. He just stood there, close enough that you could feel him, the steady hum of him calming the storm inside you like it always had.

As the tightness in your chest began to ease, you exhaled slowly, embedding yourself in the present. Jax stayed where he was, steady and familiar. You didn’t have to look up to know his eyes were still on you, watching patiently, waiting for you to be ready.

You shifted, pushing your hair back, trying to regain your composure. “So,” you began, your voice a little uneven, “that crash course in club history… it left out a lot.”

A small, knowing smile tugged at Jax’s lips. “Figured I’d save the rest for when you weren’t looking like you were about to bolt.”

You let out a breathy laugh, shaking your head. “You really know how to make a girl feel welcome.”

He shrugged, taking a small step closer. “You’re here, aren’t you?”

It wasn’t really a question. He had always been good at saying what mattered without actually saying it. You nodded, meeting his gaze. The air between you was charged, but somehow, it felt a little easier now.

Jax leaned against the wall beside you, his shoulder just close enough that you could feel the warmth radiating from him. Neither of you spoke—just stood in the weight of all that had changed, all that remained. Despite the years and distance, there was a strange comfort in the quiet, a reminder of the bond that never really broke.

“I didn’t know it would be like this,” your voice barely above a whisper. “Coming back.”

He glanced over at you, his eyes softening. “It’s different now. A lot’s changed.”

You nodded, feeling the weight of his words settle over you. “Yeah,” you murmured, not elaborating because you didn’t need to. He understood. He always did.

Jax shifted slightly, his arm brushing yours in a way that felt intentional but not forceful. “But some things are still the same,” he said, his voice carrying a comfort that felt like home.

You turned your head, really looking at him this time. And in that moment, you realized nothing had changed between you, not really. All the ways Jax made you feel alive were still there, as intense as ever, threading their way through this version of you. The laughter you’d shared, the unguarded moments, all echoed in your mind, reminding you of why it had been so easy to love him all those years ago.

You were screwed.

“Yeah,” you said quietly. “Some things.”

Jax held your gaze, his eyes locking onto yours with an intensity that made your heart skip. He nodded slightly, then asked, “You ready to head back in?”

You took a deep breath. “Yeah,” you said, forcing a small fake smile. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

He straightened up, extending his hand to you. It wasn’t just a simple gesture—it was an offer of solidarity, a bridge between the past and the present. You hesitated. You knew what taking his hand meant. It wasn’t just comfort—it was an acknowledgment of everything that once existed between you, everything that still lingered.

And those hands, rough, calloused—the hands that had held you, commanded you, loved you. Memories surged, the way those hands used to move over your body, strong but gentle, leaving you breathless in ways that no one else ever could. Your pulse quickened at the thought, your body remembering what your mind tried to suppress.

You considered pulling back, keeping the distance you’d carefully built to protect yourself. But there was something in his gaze—steadfast, patient—that made you relent. Maybe it was the silent promise of understanding, or maybe it was the sense that, for once, you didn’t have to face it all alone.

As you slid your hand into his palm, the rush of contact sent a familiar ache through you. Like touching a live wire, the sensation both comforting and dangerous at the same time.

The years between you seemed to dissolve, and it felt like you were back to a time when holding his hand meant safety, when it felt like the most natural thing in the world. But now, that safety was bittersweet, tangled up with all the things that had changed, things you couldn’t undo.

As you walked back inside together, your nerves slowly steadied, but not entirely. The weight of what came next crashing around you—a shift from personal to professional that you weren’t sure you could make seamlessly.

The Sons were already moving toward the meeting room, a familiar rhythm as they filed in one by one. You hesitated for a moment as you approached the double wooden doors that separated the main hall from the room where so many decisions had been made. It was the heart of SAMCRO, a place where only full patch members were allowed, unless invited. As Jax walked ahead, he turned to you, his eyes locking with yours. An unspoken acknowledgment of that invitation passing between you.

You took a steady breath, following Jax’s lead as he gestured for the others to remove their electronic gear. Phones, watches, anything that could transmit or record was left behind on the counter by the door. A small but necessary security measure, one that reminded you just how serious things were.

Jax stepped aside, letting you enter first—a show of respect that didn’t go unnoticed. As you crossed the threshold, your pulse quickened, your thoughts rushing back to the task at hand—his defense, the case you needed to build. Yet despite your professional focus, you couldn’t shake the feeling that you were stepping into something far more personal.

The familiar room unfolded before you: a heavy wooden table at its center, surrounded by chairs reserved for the members. The walls were lined with SAMCRO memorabilia, chronicling the club’s long history. Every detail brought back memories of the countless times you’d been outside those doors, waiting, wondering what decisions were being made. Now, you were stepping inside, reentering the world you once fought so hard to leave behind.

The door clicked shut behind you, sealing you in with the weight of the past and the uncertainty of what was to come. Jax pulled out a chair, motioning for you to sit. You took it, keeping your focus on the task at hand, even as the memories swirled around you. You knew this was only the beginning, both in the case and in facing what the two of you had left unresolved.

As Jax moved to the head of the table, it hit you all over again—he wasn’t just a member of this club anymore. He was the club, its leader, its heart, and its future. The sight of him in that spot—the president’s chair—was jarring, a far cry from the man you once knew who had always been just a step behind the power, always questioning his place in it. Now, though, he settled into that chair like he’d been there forever, like it was made for him.

Seeing Jax there for the first time sent a wave of emotions through you, some you couldn’t even name. He exuded authority, a quiet, undeniable control over the room. The way the guys around him, men you’d known for years, deferred to him without question told you everything about how he commanded respect—something he’d always struggled with when Clay was in charge. But this Jax was different. He had the weight of leadership on his shoulders, and it suited him, in a way that made you ache with want.

There was no denying the way his presence filled the room, his hands resting on the table with that same quiet strength you’d seen so many times before. He didn’t need to speak to demand attention; the sheer force of his presence did that for him. The patches on his kutte—his Reaper, President, Redwood Original—seemed to glow under the low lighting, a reminder of all he’d earned, all he’d sacrificed to sit where he was now.

You swallowed hard, trying to focus, but seeing Jax in that seat brought up more than just memories. It aroused something deeper inside you, something visceral and complicated, something you felt like you wanted to explore.

This was his world now; one you weren’t sure you could navigate the same way. But as his eyes met yours across the table, there was a flicker of the Jax you’d always known, the one who would burn the world down to protect the people he loved. And at the center of that, was you.

No matter how much time had passed, how much had changed, you could feel it. The invisible thread that tied you to him, pulling tight in moments like this. You’d tried to sever it, tried to walk away from it—but here you were, sitting across from him, feeling every bit as connected as ever. Jax might command the club now, but in that brief, intense exchange of glances, you realized you still commanded a part of him too.

The meeting was intense but productive. You stood among the Sons, the weight of their stares heavy upon you as you recapped everything uncovered so far. Tension and anticipation filled the room as you detailed the rival MC you suspected might be involved in Jax’s case and the corruption within Charming.

As you spoke, your voice steady and confident, you felt the atmosphere shift. The men leaned in, their focus entirely on you, absorbing every word. Jax watched from his spot at the table, his expression a mix of admiration and intensity. There was something powerful in the way you controlled their attention, the confidence radiating off you. In that moment, you were no longer just a part of this world; you were a force within it, and he couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride for the woman standing before him, unflinching and resolute.

With determination, you laid out the plan. The club would work their angles, gathering intel the way they did. “But,” you said firmly, your tone leaving no room for debate, “you guys have to stay out of trouble. Jax’s freedom absolutely depends on it.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Weeks passed in a blur of pre-trial motions and legal preparation. You were constantly on the move—drafting briefs, reviewing discovery, and prepping witnesses for deposition. Every day felt like a strategic sprint, as you meticulously crafted arguments and counterarguments, anticipating the prosecution’s next move. Each court appearance was a balancing act, maintaining a sharp, composed professionalism—all while bearing the emotional weight that hung over everything. The late nights spent strategizing with Liz felt endless as she continued to uncover more leads, but the pressure mounted with each passing day.

Amid the whirlwind of legal battles, your connection with Jax grew deeper than you’d expected. Late nights over drinks became the norm—what started as case discussions often shifted to more personal conversations. You found yourself sharing pieces of your life beyond Charming, and Jax listened intently. The barriers you’d kept up for so long were starting to crack. Lingering looks, brief touches—each one drawing you closer. The tension between you was impossible to ignore, even if neither of you said it aloud. And quietly, you began to rely on him more than you ever thought you would.

As you and Jax grew closer, you struggled to keep your emotional defenses intact, fully aware of the dangerous game you were playing. Your heart was betraying your mind, and you understood the potential consequences. You had always been flexible with boundaries when the situation called for it—that’s what made you so damn good at your job. But getting involved with Jax beyond the attorney-client relationship felt like a line you couldn’t afford to cross. Every moment with him brought you closer to that boundary, and despite your reservations, the gravitational pull between you was undeniable.

The trial date had finally been set, but the initial relief quickly turned to dread when you learned about the judge—one notoriously known for his stance against offenders like Jax. His reputation sent a wave of unease through you. Renowned for being a stickler for the law, he rarely exhibited leniency toward defendants with ties to criminal organizations—alleged or otherwise, and you understood that this was a significant setback for Jax’s defense. It was clear that drastic action was needed.

As you prepared for the next hearing, the reality of the situation became increasingly daunting. The prosecution had seemingly stacked the deck against Jax, armed with an overwhelming trove of evidence that you knew was questionable at best. Witnesses had been lined up, all poised to testify against him, yet you sensed that many had been coerced or incentivized to provide testimony that would serve the state’s narrative. The prosecution’s strategy relied on the judge's reputation to sway the jury, and you felt the walls closing in around you.

In court, you stood confidently to argue for a change of venue, fully aware this was your last-ditch effort to tilt the scales of justice. Jax sat at the defense table behind you, his presence a steadying force as you gathered your thoughts. Despite the anxiety churning in your gut, you felt empowered, ready to make your case.

“Your Honor,” you began, your voice steady but laced with urgency, “given the high-profile nature of this case and the appointment of Judge Hartford—who has a well-documented history of issuing disproportionately severe rulings in cases of this nature—my client cannot be assured a fair trial in this jurisdiction. Furthermore, the prosecution’s evidence, while admitted, raises substantial concerns regarding its reliability. Key pieces of evidence rest on circumstantial foundations and are bolstered by questionable witness testimony, which has been accepted without the necessary scrutiny.”

You paused, gauging the judge's reaction as the courtroom remained silent. “This is not about deflecting responsibility, Your Honor, but about upholding the principle of impartial justice. Mr. Teller is entitled to a fair and unbiased trial, and the current circumstances of these proceedings threaten to undermine that right.”

The judge’s gaze hardened as he responded, his tone sharp and unyielding. “Counselor, while you present a well-prepared argument, your concerns do not rise to the level required for a change of venue. Your assertion that this court, or any court within this jurisdiction, is incapable of impartiality due to unrelated past cases is both unfounded and inappropriate. I will not tolerate further implications of bias. The trial will proceed here, as scheduled, and I expect you to adhere to the procedural standards of this court.”

The weight of disappointment crashed over you as the motion was denied. The trial would move forward under conditions that were not only unfavorable but also potentially unjust, given the prosecution's ability to present suspicious evidence without proper challenge. You knew that each piece of evidence they had, whether it stemmed from questionable chain-of-custody practices or testimonies that lacked verifiable credibility, posed a significant threat to your case.

Returning to Jax's side, you were left with the grim realization that navigating this battlefield required you not only to confront legal obstacles but also to expose potential ethical violations. The clock was ticking, and you needed to dismantle their narrative before the trial commenced, safeguarding not only Jax’s freedom but also the integrity of the legal system itself.

It was late afternoon when you finally emerged from the courthouse, frustration and exhaustion churning within you like a storm. The hearing had unfolded predictably, which was to say, not in your favor. You clenched your jaw, muttering under your breath about the judge’s dismissive demeanor and the uphill battle that lay ahead. Jax was waiting for you just outside, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, his relaxed posture standing in stark contrast to your tight, wound-up demeanor.

As you approached, he sensed the tension radiating off you, an electric charge around you. His expression shifted from concern to mischief, a glint of playful defiance in his eyes. “You know, for such a pretty lady, you’ve got a seriously intimidating scowl going on there,” he teased, an easy smile spreading across his face.

You shot him a sharp glare, irritation bubbling to the surface. “Thanks for the insightful observation, Jax. I’m glad you’re here to help me manage my emotions.”

“I’m just saying, you might want to dial it down a bit before you scare someone.” He stepped closer, tilting his head slightly, amusement dancing in his eyes.

You rolled your eyes, annoyance deepening. “God, you’re annoying sometimes.”

His grin widened. “I’d forgotten how adorable you look when you’re this pissed off.”

You snorted at that. “Adorable?”  the word felt strange on your tongue, a jarring contrast to the storm of frustration brewing inside you. “I’m not trying to be adorable; I’m trying to do my job.”

“Hey, doing your job doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun along the way,” he teased, stepping back with his hands raised in mock surrender. “I’m just looking out for you. Can’t have you getting all worked up like this, Pepper.”

His charm only fueled your frustration further. “I’m trying to keep everything from falling apart here, Jax. There’s a lot of pressure—”

“And you’re doing a fantastic job of it!” he exclaimed, his tone light yet sincere. “Look at you, holding it all together.” He paused, letting the moment linger. “But if you want a break from holding it all together, I’m here for that, too.”

Your lips twitched at the corners, and you fought to maintain your stern facade. “Are you trying to distract me from being angry right now?”

“Is it working?” he countered, a confident grin plastered across his face.

You let out a reluctant laugh, shaking your head as the frustration began to dissolve. You resolved, playfully lying, “No.”

Jax walked you to your car, his bike parked just a few spaces away. The tension hung between you like a heavy fog, unspoken thoughts swirling in the silence before he finally broke it, his expression shifting. His usual easy charm was tempered by something more serious, his brow furrowing slightly.

“Are things really that bad? How worried should I be after that?” he asked, his voice lower, almost cautious.

You noticed the concern on his face—his jaw tight, eyes searching yours for reassurance. It was rare to see him like this, letting his guard down enough to show he was unsettled. That weight sat heavy between you, and despite the deepening connection, you reminded yourself that it was your job to protect him, to keep him steady when things felt like they might tip over.

Sighing, you offered a small smile, forcing yourself to sound more certain than you felt. “It’s not ideal,” you admitted, “but I’ve handled worse. I wouldn’t lose sleep over it yet.”

Jax studied you for a moment, a flicker of relief crossing his face. “Good to hear,” he said, his voice softening.

You saw the tension in his shoulders ease, though you weren’t sure if it was because of your words or his faith in you. Either way, you resolved in that moment—to keep him from worrying, even if it meant keeping some of your own doubts to yourself.

“Hey,” he said, a familiar glint of mischief flickering in his eyes. “Your hotel isn’t far from here, is it?”

You frowned, caught off guard. “No, why?”

“Well,” he continued, leaning in a fraction closer, “how would you feel if I followed you back there? You could change and we can go for a ride on the bike. You know, like we used to.”

His suggestion lingered in the air, tempting yet charged with unspoken implications. Your heart raced at the thought, memories of past rides flooding back—the exhilarating rush of freedom and the undeniable chemistry between you. The idea was thrilling yet daunting, nostalgia mingling with the weight of your current reality.

You raised an eyebrow, trying to conceal your intrigue behind skepticism. “And you think a ride will magically fix everything?”

Jax shrugged, his grin unwavering. “Not fix everything, but it could help clear your head. It always did the trick before.”

You hesitated, your thoughts tangled in the mounting pressure from the trial and the stress that had built over the past weeks. “I don’t know, Jax. I have a lot to review tonight.”

“I understand,” he said, his tone softening. “But sometimes you need to step away from it all. Just one ride won’t hurt, right?”

As your eyes met, the noise of the world around you faded into the background. The thought of escaping, even for a little while, tugged at something in you. You could feel the tension in your chest loosening, if only slightly. The familiarity of being with Jax was hard to resist, especially with comforting memories of the past washing over you like a warm wave.

Your mind recalled that Saturday afternoon, so long ago, when he first convinced you to ride with him. Each ride after had only drawn you closer, igniting feelings you still didn’t fully understand to this day. The thrill of the road had always served as a backdrop for something much deeper between you.

Finally, you sighed, allowing your frustration to slip away. “Fine. But just a quick ride.”

“Awesome,” he said, barely containing his excitement as he moved back toward his bike. “I promise to get you back before the next crisis hits.”

A smile broke through your frustration, a flicker of joy emerging. Climbing into your car, you felt a mix of anticipation and lingering anxiety. As you drove, you glanced in the rearview mirror, watching Jax follow closely behind on his bike, a feeling of calm and safety washed over you.

When you reached your hotel, you parked and hurried inside, your heart racing not just from the thrill of the ride ahead but from the possibilities it held. After quickly changing into a t-shirt and jeans, you grabbed your jacket and stepped outside, the late evening sun casting a golden hue over everything.

Jax was waiting, his eyes lighting up as you emerged into the fading day. The way he looked at you sent a thrill coursing through your body.

You noticed the way his gaze roamed over you, his eyes tracing every detail as you moved with effortless confidence, dressed casually, more like the woman he knew all those years ago. The soft fabric of your shirt hugged your curves in all the right places, accentuating the changes that time had brought—subtle hints of maturity that only made you more intoxicating. He couldn’t help but admire how you carried yourself, a blend of poise and sensuality that sent a rush of heat coursing through him.

Every glance at you stirred something primal within him. Your smile lit up your face, and the glint in your eyes held a promise of mischief and tenderness. The way your hair fell perfectly around you, the subtle sway of your hips—it all drew him in. In that moment, you weren’t just a familiar face; you were a vision that awakened his deepest cravings, leaving him breathless with anticipation for what was to come.

“You look amazing, Pep,” he said, punctuating his words with a low whistle and an extra charming wink.

You rolled your eyes, but the heat of arousal spread through you at his compliment and the way his gaze devoured you. “Let’s just ride, Teller.”

“Yeah, let’s do that,” he replied, a hint of playfulness in his tone. Climbing onto the bike behind him, excitement surged through you, a heady mix of nerves and joy. You wrapped your arms around his waist, feeling the heat radiating from him, grounding you in a way that was both comforting and exhilarating. The smell of him was almost dizzying, an enticing blend of leather and spice, wrapped in the warm musk of his skin, it was utterly captivating. It all felt instinctual, as if you had never truly been apart.

As the bike surged forward, the hum of the engine vibrated beneath you, its power rolling through your body in waves. The sensation was addictive. You’d forgotten how freeing this felt—how the road opened ahead, inviting you into a world where nothing existed but the rush of air, the growl of the machine, and the strength of Jax’s body in front of you.

Your grip around his waist tightened instinctively, your hands resting against his toned frame, feeling the flex of muscle as he controlled the bike with effortless skill. The wind whipped through your hair, tugging at the strands, as you leaned into the turns, trusting him completely. With every curve of the road, you were reminded of just how alive you felt on the back of his bike, a feeling you hadn’t allowed yourself to experience in years.

The exhilaration flooded your senses, making your pulse race, your skin buzz. There was something thrilling about the speed, the raw power beneath you—and about being this connected to him again. Your body molded against his in a way that felt too natural, too right. You had forgotten how good this was, how good he felt. The familiar heat that always simmered between you both seemed to flare to life like a spark catching fire.

Each time his hand drifted back to yours to give a reassuring squeeze, it sent a jolt through your chest, a shock that had nothing to do with the bike and everything to do with the man in front of you. The scent of leather and Jax enveloping around you���a reminder of what you’d once had, what you’d always been drawn to. His strength, his recklessness, his loyalty.

The road stretched out ahead, but all you could focus on was him—his presence, his warmth, the pull of gravity that seemed to bring you closer with every mile. There was a tension building, a storm brewing in the spaces between you, and it wasn’t just about the ride. It was about him—the way he made you feel alive, dangerous, wanted.

And as the miles flew by, the line between the past and present blurred completely. Jax had always had this effect on you, waking something wild and unrestrained. The longer you stayed on that bike, the more you realized that no matter how much you had tried to distance yourself from him, from this, the connection was still there—burning hotter and brighter than ever. And you weren’t sure you wanted to fight it anymore.

As he parked the bike and cut the engine, the world around you faded into a distant hum, the adrenaline from the ride coursing through your veins like molten lava. You climbed off, laughter bubbling up inside you as you pulled off the helmet, shaking your hair loose. The wind had turned it into a wild, tousled halo framing your face, and in that moment, you felt liberated from the weight of your worries.

Jax inched closer, his body radiating heat that contrasted with the cool evening air. His eyes roamed over you, a smirk playing on his lips, and then he closed the distance, brushing a few loose strands behind your ear with a lingering touch. The simple act sent a thrill racing through your body, his fingers lingered against your skin, an intense reminder of how easily you could lose yourself in him.

“You’ve got that wild look going on,” he said, his voice a low, sultry whisper, laced with playful mischief. “Like the rebellious girl I fell for when I was seventeen.”

Heat flooded your cheeks, a rush of desire surging within you at the memory of that time—free, untamed, and filled with reckless abandon. The way he looked at you now sparked a forgotten excitement, coaxing out a spirit you hadn’t tapped into in years.

“Sometimes I really miss her,” you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper, as if saying it aloud made it even more real. You felt a pang of nostalgia, remembering the thrill of those carefree days and the adventurous essence that had once defined you.

Jax’s body pressed against yours in a way that sent sparks flying. He leaned in, his gaze locked onto yours, smoldering with an intensity that made your heart race. The air around you thickened with anticipation, that irresistible force drawing you together, the world around you fading away.

“Just so you know,” he murmured, his breath mingling with yours, heavy with longing, “I’ve always thought you looked hotter with a little chaos in your hair.”

The tension hung thick, saturated with desire. As you tilted your head back, your breath quickened, every nerve in your body alight with need. Just as his lips hovered dangerously close to yours, your phone buzzed violently against your thigh, shattering the moment like glass. You instinctively pulled away, breathless and disoriented.

You fumbled for your phone, your heart pounding in your chest as you glanced at the screen. Liz’s name flashed, accompanied by an urgent message:

“The prosecution just entered new evidence. We need to discuss our strategy ASAP.”

The weight of her text crashed down on you, extinguishing the fire that had been lit between you and Jax. You felt the immediate shift in your mood, the walls you’d been trying to keep at bay rising once more as reality flooded back in, cold and harsh.

“Everything okay?” Jax asked, his tone shifting from playful to concerned, the light in his eyes dimming slightly as he took a step back.

“Yeah, just… work,” you replied, forcing a smile. “Looks like we’re going to have a long night.”

A shadow of disappointment crossing his features. “Guess the joyride is over then,” he said, trying to keep his tone light, but you could sense the frustration in his posture.

You felt a pang of regret for what had almost happened between you, a moment that could have shifted everything. The chemistry that hung in the air was thick, the desire still radiating through you both, but the reminder of your responsibilities loomed large.

“Jax, I—” you began, but the words faltered on your lips. You felt the weight of responsibility, reminding you to keep your focus on the case, but the yearning in his gaze held you captive, making it nearly impossible to look away.

“Handle it,” he replied, his voice steady yet laced with an undertone of something softer—an understanding tinged with disappointment. “I’ll be here when you’re ready for another ride, Pep.” His hand brushed against your cheek, leaving a trail of heat that lingered softly. The gentle caress sparked a rush of emotions within you, evoking the depth of the connection you shared.

His words carried a double meaning that made your stomach flip-flop. You turned away, feeling the heaviness in your chest swell. The exhilaration of the ride and the tantalizing near-kiss lingered, but now they felt like fading echoes, drowned out by the harsh reality of the battle looming ahead. The bond you shared with Jax was enthralling, yet the stakes of his defense demanded your undivided attention, pulling you back into the relentless world of law where every decision carried the weight of consequences.

You took a deep breath, forcing yourself to focus on the task at hand. The unresolved tension of what had just occurred lingered in the air, heavy with potential and yearning for a resolution.

Part 4

[lilyprettyremy]

How to Get Out of a Reading Slump:

Let’s be real—reading slumps happen to the best of us. One day you’re devouring novels like snacks, and the next, the thought of picking up a book feels like climbing a mountain. But don’t worry, this isn’t permanent! Here’s how you can reignite your love for reading with practical advice (and a little personal touch).

1. Start Small and Easy

Sometimes, the thought of diving into a big, heavy novel can feel overwhelming. Instead, reach for something light, fun, or even familiar. What Worked for Me: When I hit a slump, I re-read my favorite childhood book. The nostalgia pulled me in, and before I knew it, I was back in the reading groove.

Try This:

A novella, poetry collection, or short story.

A feel-good romance or an easy thriller that keeps you hooked.

2. Switch Formats

Who says reading has to be on paper? Shake things up with audiobooks, eBooks, or graphic novels. Sometimes, a new format is all you need to make stories exciting again. What I Loved: Listening to an audiobook while walking felt like having a friend tell me a story. It’s low-pressure and immersive.

Try This:

Download an audiobook for your commute or chores.

Explore comics or manga—they’re visually engaging and quick to finish.

3. Create a Cozy Reading Ritual

Make reading feel like a treat, not a task. Set the scene: grab a warm drink, snuggle up in a cozy blanket, and turn reading into a moment of self-care. What Helps Me: I light a candle, sip some tea, and read for just 15 minutes. Even if I don’t feel like continuing, I’ve created a moment of peace for myself.

4. Ditch the Guilt

If a book isn’t grabbing your attention, it’s okay to put it down! Life’s too short to force yourself through something you’re not enjoying. What I Do: I keep a “second chance” stack of books I didn’t finish but might come back to later. It takes the pressure off and lets me move on guilt-free.

Pro Tip: Give yourself permission to stop at any time. The right book will find you when you’re ready.

5. Set the Mood with Your TBR

Sometimes a slump happens because you’re not in the mood for what you’ve been reading. Change it up with books that match your current vibe. My Recent Trick: When I wanted cozy, wintery vibes, I picked up a snow-filled mystery, and it fit the season perfectly. It felt like I was part of the story.

Try This:

If it’s cold, go for a winter romance or mystery.

Feeling adventurous? Pick up a fast-paced fantasy.

6. Buddy Up

Reading doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Share the experience with someone who loves books as much as you do. What Worked for Me: My friend and I read the same book and texted each other our reactions. It made the whole process so much fun, and we got to geek out together.

Pro Tip: Join a book club, even if it’s online! Goodreads or apps like Fable make it easy to connect with other readers.

7. Take the Pressure Off

Sometimes, we fall into slumps because we set unrealistic expectations for ourselves. Forget about reading “x” number of books or finishing by a certain date—just read what you love. My Perspective: I stopped tracking my reading goals for a while and focused on enjoying the stories. That shift in mindset made all the difference.

8. Revisit Your Why

Ask yourself: Why do you love reading? Is it the escape, the knowledge, the way stories make you feel? Reconnecting with that "why" can reignite your passion. 💡 What I Remind Myself: Reading isn’t a chore—it’s a gift. When I focus on that, it stops feeling like something I “should” do and starts feeling like something I want to do.

9. Explore a Different Genre

If you’ve been stuck in the same genre, it might be time for a change. Trying something new can surprise you and pull you right back in. My Experiment: I went from contemporary fiction to fantasy and felt like I’d rediscovered the magic of reading all over again.

Pro Tip: Ask for recommendations in genres you don’t usually explore!

10. Go Easy on Yourself

At the end of the day, slumps happen. Don’t stress about it—it’s just a phase. The books will always be there when you’re ready. My Advice: Take it slow, experiment, and most importantly, enjoy the journey. Sometimes, stepping away from reading for a little while can also recharge your love for it.

Getting out of a reading slump is all about finding what sparks your interest again—whether it’s a cozy atmosphere, a gripping audiobook, or a change of genres. Be patient with yourself, and remember, it’s not about the number of books you read but the joy you find in them. So go ahead, grab that book, and take it one page at a time. You’ve got this!

[neocatharsis]

[PRESS] NCT's Doyoung: "I Just Hope No One Feels It's Lacking Compared to My Previous Album… All 10 Tracks Could Be Title Tracks" (Exclusive Interview Part 1)

NCT member Doyoung is soaring to new heights through music once again.

Recently, Doyoung shared his thoughts during an interview at a café in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, celebrating the release of his second solo album Soar. "I'm grateful to have released a second album following my first. It encapsulates the stories I want to tell, and it holds special memories since I worked with senior artists I’ve long admired," he expressed.

Doyoung's debut solo album, Youth, released in April last year, resonated with listeners through songs exploring youthful emotions. Now, his second album Soar takes a step further, aiming to inspire listeners to take flight alongside him. The album’s 10 tracks, including the title song Memory, embody Doyoung’s heartfelt desire to imbue listeners with the "power to dream."

Doyoung personally defined the overarching theme of Soar: the power to dream. Reflecting on the transition from his first to second album, he said, "I wanted to explore emotions of youth in the first album. For the second, I felt the need to transcend that theme, which led to the creation of this album."

He elaborated, "The visual imagery of 'wings' came to mind, leading me to choose 'Soar' as the album title. The act of transcending and soaring felt akin to dreaming, so while the title is Soar, the subtitle is 'The Power to Dream.'"

When asked about what gives him the power to dream, Doyoung instantly replied, "Music."

He continued, "The concept of 'the power to dream' might be abstract for some. For me, there are songs that make me want to rise and act, even when I'm lying down, or to retry something I had given up on. This album had to include songs with that kind of energy. Music is what fuels my dreams and imagination."

With this latest release, Doyoung once again showcases his confidence and artistry through a meticulously crafted 10-track album, blending delicate subtleties with powerful vocals. Besides Memory, the album includes tracks like Wake From The Dark, Be My Light, First Step, Just Friends, Luminous, Sonnet, Sandbox, and Eternity.

Regarding whether the number of tracks was daunting, Doyoung stated, "This album also has 10 tracks, but I never feel pressured about the quantity. If there were only five good songs, I would have released an album with just those five. Fortunately, we had 10 great songs this time. It was a natural process. I intentionally don’t label my albums as mini or full-length; that’s why I refer to them as my first and second albums."

The title track Memory is a rock piece that encapsulates a wish for every shared moment to remain a radiant memory. It features Doyoung’s powerful vocals paired with an exhilarating guitar riff. The song, composed by hitmaker Seo Donghwan and written by lyricist Kim Eana, exudes emotional depth and polish.

Choosing the title track was a challenging process, Doyoung revealed. "Every one of the 10 tracks was strong enough to be the title, making the decision incredibly tough," he admitted.

He shared how a 30-second demo of "Hello, Universe" moved him deeply. "I received a 30-second melody demo from Seo Dong-hwan, and it instantly captivated me. I thought it could develop into an incredible title track. While in LA for NCT 127's concert, I spent five hours on a call with him crafting the first verse. Everyone at the company agreed it stood out among the contenders."

The song’s subtitle, Memory, also holds profound significance. Doyoung explained, "If memory had a tangible form, I believe it would culminate as cherished recollections. Not all memories turn into nostalgia—only those with significant impact. The universe, to me, symbolises memory and nostalgia. The dual meaning of 'annyeong' as both a greeting to memories and a farewell encapsulates the essence of the song."

Doyoung’s fellow NCT 127 members were full of praise for Soar. "My main goal was to avoid hearing that it’s less satisfying than my first album," Doyoung said with a smile. "Mark told me it’s even better than the first, which was immensely gratifying. Other members also shared positive feedback. I’ve listened to these songs so much that I was curious about fresh reactions, and hearing that listeners genuinely enjoy the album has been deeply rewarding."

When asked about trying fast-paced, performance-heavy music, Doyoung expressed enthusiasm without hesitation. He admitted that the preparation for the second album involved various dilemmas. “I’m now in my 30s, so I considered whether to go with a modern song for the title track or stick to something similar to the first album. That’s where the concerns began.”

He explained, “If I hadn’t firmly believed in establishing my identity as an artist, there would have been a higher chance of doing an album with a different concept. Since I want to do many performances in the future, I think having choreography-based stages with dancers would make things more visually engaging for audiences. I’ll keep considering it and work on something confidently before proceeding.”

Regarding his solo debut album, which featured his brother, actor Gong Myung, in the highlight medley video, Doyoung revealed, “I didn’t share this second album with him. I usually don’t. I rarely meet my family and don’t play my music for them. They always say it’s great, so I don’t think their feedback is objective.”

Doyoung recently made a surprise appearance at Gong Myung’s first solo fan meeting on May 24. Reflecting on this, Doyoung shared, “My brother reached out first, asking if I could come to the fan meeting. I initially said I’d check my schedule, but it turned out that both agencies were already in touch. My manager even told me to keep it a secret, saying I wouldn’t be able to attend. So I lied, saying I couldn’t make it, and then surprised him by showing up.”

Now in his 30s, Doyoung feels more at ease in life. He shared, “I’ve always looked forward to my 30s. People often said I had an old soul, so I felt my 30s would suit me better than my 20s. I welcomed this new decade with excitement. I don’t feel any fear about being in my 30s. Many senior artists continue to thrive well into their 30s, so I’ve never thought age would limit me. Instead, I feel a natural confidence from the experience I’ve gained over the years.”

As a member of NCT 127, Doyoung remains committed to giving his best in all activities. He remarked, “Some fans might think that idols at this stage don’t usually participate in smaller events or non-concert performances. But I want to show as many stages as possible as NCT 127, regardless of the event.”

Doyoung also addressed his upcoming military service. “It’s something I’ve been thinking about because of my age, and I know it’s inevitable. Though I don’t have a set date yet, I’m trying to do as much as I can before then. I think I’m doing well. There are plans I have made--I want to showcase various aspects of myself, both as an individual and as part of NCT 127, and I have been in continuous discussions with the agency.”

When asked if he had received any advice from Taeyong or Jaehyun, who are currently serving in the military, he replied, “They don’t really give advice. Taeyong hyung worries about me. Since the military can be an unfamiliar environment and he’s experiencing it first, I think he’s concerned about me as an older brother would be. We stay in touch quite often—both Taeyong hyung and Jaehyunie. So instead of giving advice, we tend to joke around a lot.”

Doyoung recently revealed on MBC's 'I Live Alone' that he drinks gorosoe sap for his health, which sparked interest.

Doyoung said, "These days, I still take my medicine regularly, but my main focus is on my health for singing. Taking care of my throat is a very important point for me. Recently, aside from medicine, I’ve been taking a lot of vocal lessons and trying to learn and think about how to use my voice healthily."

The scene where he visited his favorite tteokbokki shop on 'I Live Alone' also became a hot topic. Doyoung commented, "They said the shop was closing, but I heard they’re reopening in a new location. I’m okay with it. Honestly, I wasn’t as upset as the people around me who were saying, 'The tteokbokki shop closed because of you.' I don’t think that’s true, but I’m relieved that it’s reopening."

He added, "I sometimes went there late at night, and when I really wanted to eat it, I’d ask my mom to bring some. The owner didn’t recognize me at first, but later figured it out. When people recognise me, I’m actually really happy about it. Since they’re open 24 hours, and there aren’t many people late at night, they might not have realized it was me. Honestly, I don’t even know who the owner is because there are many ladies working there. If they recognise me, I’m grateful. It’s a 24-hour place that’s popular with taxi drivers."

When asked if he wants people to recognise him, he firmly said, "I absolutely don’t want to be recognized. I don’t want it, but if people do recognize me, I feel good and it’s fun. But I’m not even a little disappointed if they don’t notice me," he said with a laugh.

In response to whether he uses public transportation often, Doyoung said, "It’s not that I can’t use public transportation, but I don’t. It’s been a long time since I last used it."

When asked what kind of praise or evaluations he hopes to receive for this album, Doyoung replied, "I hope this becomes an opportunity for people to see a clear identity when they think of the person named Doyoung. Music is very subjective and a matter of taste, so if people think, ‘I want to listen to this kind of music,’ and they think of me, that means I’ve succeeded. I want to be an artist that people think of when they want to listen to the kind of music I do."

When asked about the colour of his music, Doyoung explained, "It’s something that came up during a conversation with our staff—they teased me for being addicted to being ‘overwhelmed with emotion.’ Since I’m so often overwhelmed, it’s almost like they’re poking fun at me. So, I think my music’s colour is something like a fresh tone with a spoonful of overwhelming emotion. I’ve often done music without that overwhelming feeling, but now I’ve become addicted to it. Since it’s like this, I think it would be great if that becomes my colour. I’m addicted to music that makes me feel overwhelmed, and I also overwhelm myself."

When asked about the most recent moment he felt overwhelmed, Doyoung shared, "The most recent time was during NCT 127’s Tokyo concert in May for our 4th tour, ‘NEO CITY - THE MOMENTUM.’ Since it was the final concert of the tour, it was a performance we worked hard on as a team. I feel more overwhelmed when I perform as part of a team than when I perform alone. I tend to get deeply immersed in things. When I’m alone, I don’t feel it as much, but when I’m with my members, it feels like we’re the protagonists of a drama, creating something together. That sense of accomplishment and emotional overwhelm comes from being part of a team."

When asked about the most overwhelming moment in his life, he chose the 'NEO CITY - THE UNITY' concert held at Seoul’s KSPO DOME in 2023. Doyoung recalled, "If I call it the most overwhelming, the other moments might feel slighted, but what comes to mind now is the ‘NEO CITY’ concert in Seoul. It was the last day of six performances at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena. That was our last concert before our members began their military service. Honestly, I don’t feel even a tiny bit of fear about the military hiatus now. When I think back on the conversations we had at that time, it made me realize there’s no need to fear the hiatus. But back then, it was our first time being apart, and I think we were scared because we couldn’t envision when we’d be able to perform together again. That’s why it’s such a memorable moment for me."

Doyoung added, "When I think about our team now, I feel like we have even more energy and charisma than when we were younger. As we continue to make music, I’ve come to believe that we can do this for a long time without losing our touch. I feel a sense of pride in our team and think we’ll do well, which makes me unafraid of the military hiatus. Becoming a long-lasting group is something everyone wants, but it’s not easy. We also have trust and promises with each other to keep doing music for a long time in a cool way. Instead of worrying about the distant future and hesitating now, I think it’s better to focus on the present and the near future and keep moving forward."

Translated by NCTDAOYlNG

[thalialunacy]

[for the @calaisreno May Prompt-athalon]

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) 8: hobby (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) (20) (21) (22) (23) (24) (25) (26) (27) (28) (29) (30) (31)

The Baker Street stairwell smells like Angelo's, which is not strange in and of itself, but had definitely not been part of the plan for tonight. Or this week. Or possibly several years until Rosie is old enough to eat marinara without decorating everyone in a ten foot radius.

'There's no red sauce involved,' Sherlock calls as John crests the seventeenth step.

He stops in the doorway, dripping rain onto the wood floor, to stare a little. Sherlock, Rosie, and what looks like every bowl in their possession are spread out on the rug, sat on an ancient quilt John for sure thought he'd chucked out a few months ago. Some of the bowls have food in them. Some do not. The latter are arranged in front of Rosie, which, John realises, meant Sherlock had actually taken cleanup into consideration.

They've come a long way from harpoons & pig's blood, he thinks, a tired smile quirking up his lips.

'Floor picnic?' he ventures, hanging up his damp coat and moving towards them. He leans down, grins, and shakes his head like a dog. Rosie squeals as droplets hit her, delighted, and he straightens, pleased with himself.

Then his gaze moves to Sherlock, who is trying to look above it all but failing. 'Obviously,' the detective says, then he picks up one of the bowls. 'Mozzarella, Rosamund?'

That's a lot of syllables, but she tries, gets out something that sounds passably like 'rella' while stuffing the round piece into her mouth whole.

'Caprese, John?'

John gives a fleeting thought to changing out of his damp work clothes, but it's very much only fleeting. In concession, he toes off his alarmingly practical trainers (that make him feel about a hundred years old but don't leave his knees in pain at the end of a clinic day), then folds down onto the quilt with relief. 'Yes, please.'

He holds his hand out, expecting a fork, but Sherlock's eyes twinkle as he just drops the food into John's palm - cool white cheese, a dewy tomato slice, two beautiful leaves of basil. 'Sherlock, what--'

'Hence the quilt,' Sherlock says as he spoons a little balsamic reduction over the top. 'Now, eat.'

'And you?'

Sherlock rolls his eyes, but does as requested, and as the flavours burst across John's tongue he watches Sherlock's eyes close in enjoyment and thinks, Yes. This is what I want.

'Sherlock,' he starts after taking his last bite. 'What would you say to--'

'Yoo-hoo, Sherlock! Delivery!'

'Excellent!' Sherlock leaps up from the floor (something he can still do easily, damn him), leaving John to corral an exploring toddler. Yes, there is the quilt as a catch-all, but John isn't keen to throw away any food from Angelo's if he can at all help it. Nostalgia aside, it's the best in the city.

Sherlock bursts back into the sitting room with a rather large parcel in his arms. John looks from it to Rosie, then accepts his due. 'I'll just clean up, then, shall I?'

'Leave it,' Sherlock orders. 'There's plenty of room.'

John has his doubts, but scoops up Rosie anyway and meets Sherlock just inside the door, where he's set down the hefty box.

Sherlock has already got his keys in hand, and plunges the sharp end of one across the seam of packing tape with alacrity. 'Let's hope they got it right,' he's saying, mostly to himself, as he pulls open the flaps. 'Yes! Rosamund, look!' he exclaims as he lifts out the contents.

It's a rocking horse. It's simple enough, but when John looks more closely he can see the solid craftsmanship and intricate carvings.

'Sherlock, what--'

'It's a rocking horse, John,' Sherlock sniffs as he sets it on the ground. He indicates for John to put Rosie down, so he does. They watch her waddle the two steps, then brace herself on the toy. She squeaks when it rocks gently under her weight, and John once again wonders how such a tiny human can move him to such strong emotions simply by being alive.

'It's gorgeous, Sherlock. Where--?'

'It's a replica of the one I had as a child. It was lost in the--' He clears his throat. 'I remember it fondly, and my parents were more than happy to find the maker and acquire another.'

John blinks. 'You had your parents--'

'Find the maker, yes, it's not that difficult to understand. Though it's not an exact replica, of course, because it's now the man's granddaughter making them, and--'

'Sherlock,' he says to the man currently showing his daughter how to sit properly on the toy, placing her deliciously chubby hands on the horse's ears and covering them with his own. 'I don't understand.'

'Hardly a surprise,' Sherlock replies, carefully showing Rosie how the rocking movement of the horse works. 'Which part of this is confusing, the construction or the usage?'

'F-- Sod off, okay, you know that's not what I mean. You know what I'm asking is why the he--ck you haven't-- You know. You clearly want this family--' He has to swallow back his heart, which is trying to throw itself off a cliff. 'But you haven't kissed me back.'

Sherlock stills, for just a second, but long enough for Rosie to look up at him with an expression full of objections. And long enough for the bottom to drop out of John's stomach.

'As you're the one with a dearth of experience with men, I assumed it should be up to you to take the leap, as it were,' Sherlock finally replies, like it's the most logical thing in the world.

Which it might be, but-- 'Alright, yeah,' John argues, 'but I did take the leap, if you'll remember.'

Sherlock makes a dismissive noise. He seems determined to remain focused on Rosie. 'Once, in a stressful situation where emotions were riding high and you were grateful I'd kept your daughter from injury.'

John takes a deep breath. 'Right. So. In order for you to reciprocate, it'll have to be, what? A boring Tuesday afternoon when everything is fine?'

Sherlock considers. He actually considers. John feels emotion roiling up and is glad when it comes out as a bark of a laugh. 'You're impossible.'

'So I've been told,' Sherlock replies, and his voice is not completely free of bitterness. When he continues, his voice is thin, stubborn but wiry. 'And it's not that I don't reciprocate, John. It's that I do, and it's enough to render anything less than your full participation an unacceptable outcome.'

Oh, sod-- Fuck it, John thinks, and then he makes himself stop thinking. He folds down to re-join them on the floor, puts a steadying hand on his daughter's back just in case, then uses the other hand to pull Sherlock in until their faces are close enough to smell the risotto.

'Get over yourself,' he says, quiet and firm. 'This is happening.'

And then he closes the distance between them.

[❤️]

[thewritingbeforesunrise]

Share Our Skin (part 1).

18+ ONLY. MINORS DNI

______________________________________

A/N: Hi everyone! It's been ages since I last posted a fic on here, so I am really nervous.

I have been working on this one for a while now. This is the first part of a wonderfully unhinged request from the lovely @twistedmelodies. Hannah, I really cannot thank you enough for your incredible patience and kindness!

This series is going to have three parts; the first two are building the background for the third and last chapter that is going to be 🔥.

I really hope you like this.

Word count: 8.1K

Pairing: Josh x female!reader

Warnings: fluff, NSFW 18+ONLY, graphic sexual content, oral (f!receiving), protected sex, rat tail Josh.

Summary: You stumble upon a nice little cinema in the city you have just moved to and you meet an even nicer boy, there.

_____________________________________

You didn't do that on purpose.

Absolutely not.

But, as you would soon learn, in life you should always prepare for trouble and only hope for it not to become double.

It was safe to say, though, that this time you had fucked up big time.

You had met him at your local cinema.

You had just moved to a new town alone and you had started to explore your surroundings, trying to find some interesting things to do, when you had stumbled upon a nice little cinema, just at the corner of your neighborhood.

You almost hadn't noticed it at first because it was mid afternoon on a Wednesday and it was closed.

The building looked absolutely anonymous but, as you lifted your gaze to the darkening clouds swirling in the sky, promising a storm soon, you spotted a faded unlit white and red sign saying "Cinema" and nothing more.

You made a mental note to try it on Saturday night, though.

You loved going to the cinema, so having one so close was making you feel a little less like a fish out of the water in a town you didn't know well.

Saturday evening came quickly.

You got ready and made your way to the building, finding the sign lit and a small queue of people just outside the door, which was still closed.

You learned that every Saturday evening they showed old movies. That night they were showing "To Catch a Thief", one of your favorite ever.

You waited in line and about ten minutes later you heard the sound of keys giggling and the door finally opened.

People slowly started to move inside and soon you were standing in front of the ticket booth.

The cinema from the inside looked old-fashioned but the atmosphere was warm and inviting. The first thing you noticed upon entering was the salty buttery smell of fresh popcorn that brought you back to when you used to go to the cinema every Sunday afternoon with your parents.

A little sense of nostalgia about your childhood invaded you and you started to get lost into your head.

You were quickly brought out of your tangled thoughts by a voice, nice and crystal clear.

"Good evening, love. What can I do for you?"

The voice belonged to a boy about your age with curly hair and buzzed sides, a perfect heartstopping smile and the most sparkly brown eyes you had ever seen.

You were at a loss of words.

Your expression must have been incredibly funny because he giggled and repeated himself, his smile deepening even more,making a tiny dimple appear on his left cheek.

It was even worse.

He had the cutest giggle you had ever heard.

You had to bite the inside of your cheek to prevent yourself from getting lost into your head again.

You blushed furiously and averted your eyes from his face, starting to stumble over your words making him giggle again, sweetly.

"Uh…I-I…" you tried to say but your brain didn't intend to cooperate.

You were making a fool of yourself and blocking the line. You heard people behind you starting to complain and you shook your head to finslly get a grip on yourself.

"Uh… a ticket please" you managed to say without looking at him and rummaging inside your purse for your wallet.

"It's 10$" he said, still smiling and as you handed him the money, your fingertips touched his and you felt a little jolt of electricity.

His fingers were warm and soft.

When he handed you the ticket he also slid a little chocolate bar your way.

When you frowned, he spoke.

"It's on the me, don't worry" he said gently and you blushed even more, thanking him in a sliver of voice and scurrying away absolutely embarrassed.

You kept scolding yourself for looking like an idiot in front of everyone.

When you entered the cinema room, you felt a nice warm feeling spread in your chest and again you remembered how much you loved and you missed cinemas.

The room brought you fifteen years back.

The cherry wood of the walls and the low golden lights made you feel at home.

The red velvet seats were incredibly soft to the touch and looked absolutely comfortable and well-kept.

The floor was covered in a dark grey carpeting that muffled your steps.

Like an enthusiastic child, you slowly made your way down the central corridor tracing your fingers dreamily against the side of the seats and scanning the room for the perfect spot.

Once you found it, you pulled down the seat and sat down on the soft cushion.

You started rummaging inside your purse for your phone and found the little chocolate bar the ticket-boy had gifted you and your stomach rumbled.

You had already had dinner so you weren't hungry. But you always had a sweet tooth so you couldn't resist.

You unwrapped the chocolate and took a bite.

Your eyes scanned the room slowly as you let the chocolate melt on your tongue. Inevitably your mind kept conjuring up images of the boy that had made your brain go blank and you mentally slapped yourself again for the terrible first impression you made.

Suddenly, the light faded out and the white screen came to life, making you momentarily forget about the cute boy and your clumsiness.

You lost yourself in the images.

Grace Kelly's dresses were a dream and Cary Grant was absolutely stunning. You were transported back in time by Hitchcock's virtuosity.

Before you knew it, the end credits were rolling slowly onto the screen and the light were turned on again.

People started to exit the room quietly and you stood to follow them.

You were the last one to exit.

The boy wasn't behind the register now, but he had a broom and was carefully sweeping the floor near the exit door.

He lifted his eyes from the ground as you approached the door and was quick to grab the door handle and open the door for you, like Cary Grant had done in the movie, you noticed.

Such a gentleman, you thought, a delicate blush covered your cheeks and his at the same time.

You thanked him. As you stood there ready to go home, he let go of the broom, leaning it against the wall and offered you his hand.

"I'm Josh," he said with that same big smile and bright eyes as before.

You reciprocated the greeting and introduced yourself too, shaking his hand.

He repeated your name slowly, rolling every letter on his tongue and you found yourself staring at his full lips moving.

He kept your hand in his for a second longer than what was considered usual and you couldn't help but notice his warmth and softness, compared to your icy skin.

You both blushed as you shook hands and let go, awkwardly standing one in front of the other in silence

"Well, I really have to go now," you said to break the silence.

"Good night, Josh" you added with a small smile and you saw his eyes twinkling upon hearing his name rolling off your tongue.

He wished you good night, too, as you exited and slowly started to make your way back towards your flat.

When you crossed the road, you couldn't help but turn around and look towards the building.

A warm smile spread on your lips before you could stop yourself when you saw that he was already looking at you from behind the cinema glassdoor.

As you caught him staring, he swiftly hid behind the wall but showed up again seconds later with a guilty grin and a hand rubbing the back of his neck, a bit embarassed.

God he is so sweet, you thought and blushed under his gaze despite being so far away from him.

He waved at you and you reciprocated, feeling something stir in your belly, like a hundred butterflies spreading their fluttering multicolored wings.

That night you couldn't fall asleep for hours and when, finally, sleep graced you, your dreams were haunted by beautiful brown eyes and contagious smiles.

You woke up with a jolt to the sound of your alarm clock. You cursed it because it had interrupted the sweetest dream you had ever had.

Of course you were dreaming of Josh.

You were afraid that you were starting to develop the biggest crush on that little cinema guy.

By the end of the week, you were sure you were madly in love with him.

You couldn't go five minutes without thinking about him and you hated yourself for that.

You didn't even know him, how could you feel that way for him already?

On Saturday evening you decided that you needed to see him again, the thought of his smile was more or less the only thing keeping you from saying to hell with everything. The week at work had been absolutely draining so you really needed a breath of fresh air.

And, of course, the cinema was the first thing that came to your mind.

This time they were showing "Pulp Fiction". You had already seen it millions of times but you didn't mind as long as you could see him again.

There were more people waiting outside than the last time.

When you entered, you saw him there, tearing tickets and serving popcorn and beverage to customers, expertedly.

Your heart started beating wildly as you waited for your turn.

Finally, you were in front of him again.

When he saw you, you were graced with that heartstopping smile that your brain had replayed hundreds of times in your dreams.

He greeted you using your name in his usual sweet tone and you tried not to swoon in front of him.

"How are you tonight? Ready for some Tarantino?" He asked playfully and you nodded, unable to control your smile.

"Yes, I am. I've seen it many times but never in a cinema, actually" you confessed as he gave you your ticket and change.

"Oh, it's way better on the big screen, trust me" he said and winked as he handed you the little bag of popcorn you had ordered.

You blushed at the gesture and entered the cinema room.

You chose your usual spot and you started eating popcorn waiting for the movie to start.

The film was almost finished when you reached the bottom of the popcorn box, feeling the little grains of salt under your fingertips.

And something else too.

There was something inside.

You took the item between your fingers and brought it out of the box. Thanks to the light coming from the screen you saw what it was.

It was the same chocolate bar that he had offered you the first time you met. But it wasn't alone. It was attached to a little strip of paper folded on itself.

You detached the chocolate from the paper and unfolded it.

Despite the darkness, you could see what had been handwritten inside.

"This is to make it up to you for last Saturday night. I should have at least offered to walk you home. I shouldn't have let you go out alone at night. I am so sorry. I would have never forgiven myself if something had happened to you. I hope this doesn't come off as rude or creepy but here's my number, don't hesitate to text me when you get home safe or whenever you want to know what films we are showing.

P.S. Please, ignore this if I am overstepping.

Josh :)

You blushed instantly and unconsciously brought the paper close to your heart as you felt butterflies go crazy in your stomach.

Nobody had ever been so thoughtful with you.

You couldn't stop smiling and, as the credits started to roll on the screen and the light switched on again, you stood and walked out of the room to see if he was there.

You wanted to thank him for his kind gesture, but once you were in the hall, he was nowhere to be seen.

An old man with round glasses and kind eyes was sweeping the floor, exactly like Josh had been last Saturday.

You were a bit disappointed.

You wished him goodnight and walked home.

Once you arrived home, you decided to text that number anyway.

With trembling fingers you typed a brief message.

Hi, Josh. I found your message inside the box. Thank you for your kindness. I have just gotten home safe. Please, feel free to text me the scheduled films every week, thank you.

P.S. You were right! The film was so much better on the big screen!

Goodnight.

You signed the message and before you could start mulling over it and overthinking, you sent it.

A few minutes later, your phone vibrated on your nightstand.

I am glad you got home safe and you enjoyed the film.

Sweet dreams!

Josh.

You felt again those damn wings flutter in your chest. You read the message hearing his voice in your ears and you blushed even though nobody could see you.

You were already smitten with him.

That night you dreamt about him again.

~

It started like that.

Every Thursday he texted you the scheduled movies and every Saturday night you texted him when you got home safe.

He was always so sweet every time you saw him and every time you fell a little more in love with him.

Every Saturday night he kept offering you the same chocolate bar, hiding it inside your popcorn box together with a little slip of paper where he wrote little anecdotes about the movie you were watching.

He told you he was a film nerd, but you were honestly impressed by the extent of his knowledge.

One Saturday evening, the weather looked awful but, after a long week at work, you didn't really feel like staying at home. And you needed to see him, his smile was more or less the only thing that helped you keep your sanity.

You had spent the entire afternoon baking a cake for him, to thank him for all the times he had offered you a chocolate bar and shared his precious knowledge with you.

You had opted for a chocolate fudge cake, since he gave you major chocolate vibes.

Dark, sweet and captivating. The website described the recipe with those three words and they made you think about him, immediately.

The recipe wasn't exactly easy, so you spent all afternoon mixing and stirring ingredients and then wiping and cleaning the kitchen.

Once the cake was in the oven, you showered and started to get ready to go out.

You had been so busy that you didn't even heard your phone vibrate with a message and then a phone call.

When everything was ready, you placed the cake in a box and exited your apartment.

The sky was dark. The clouds swirling fast and looking menacing and an intermittent rumble of thunder could be heard in the distance.

You grabbed an umbrella and walked to the cinema.

Once you arrived there, though, you were very surprised to find the sign unlit and the doors closed.

You checked the time on your watch and noticed that the cinema was usually open at that hour.

You knocked but the lights inside were off.

You started to worry that something had happened to him

You knocked again, just before a loud thunder shook the glassdoor.

You flinched at the loud noise but your heart flooded with relief as the lights inside switched on and you saw Josh make his way towards you with keys in his hand.

His smile was a little surprised but beaming as always.

"Hi, darling, what are you doing here? The storm is about to hit" he greeted you and said, looking up at the darkening sky.

"You didn't read my text, did you?" He added then, still smiling, at your confused expression.

You panicked and started rummaging through your bag for your phone.

"Hey, hey, calm down, it's ok!" He said placing a warm hand on your arm. "I texted you to tell you that tonight the cinema was closed due to the incoming storm. I even called you but after one call I didn't insist because I thought you were out with somebody and I didn't want to bother you." He said sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck and smiling, a little embarrassed. His cheeks pinkened slightly.

"Oh, I am so sorry Josh, I spent the entire afternoon baking this cake and I didn’t look at my phone." You started rambling, then added in a sliver of voice, "this is for you, for your kindness and sweetness"

You handed him the box as you started to back away from the door.

"Hey, darling, please don't go. Stay. I am really happy to see you. I don't want you to go away and…" he stopped for a second before continuing, casting his eyes down to the pavement.

"And I don't really feel like staying here alone working during a storm, so please stay" he said quickly, his cheeks pinkening even more.

"You can even choose the film tonight, it will be a private screening" he added and winked, playfully.

You blushed at his sweet request and after a few seconds you agreed. In reality, you had decided straight away to stay, but you didn't want him to believe you were too desperate.

His smile beamed even more when you accepted and he motioned for you to take his arm.

Then he closed the door behind you and escorted you inside like a gentleman, thanking you profusely for the cake.

You were really afraid he could hear your heart beating wildly in your chest at the thought of spending the evening alone with him.

He started leading you to a part of the cinema that was restricted to the public.

He opened a door, flicked on the lights and motioned for you to enter.

At that moment, you understood that he had taken you to the very screening room. You had never been inside one and you were mesmerized by everything you saw there.

You gasped and he chuckled.

"Here's were the magic happens" he said while spreading his arms wide.

You started to take a look around but you were interrupted by his voice as he placed the cakebox on the table and opened it.

"Wow, love! This cake looks delicious! How did you know chocolate is one of my favourite things in the world?" He asked, his eyes glittering with happiness.

"I just guessed" you answered sheepishly, blushing at his compliment.

He looked at you with a strange light in his eyes but the moment was interrupted by a loud thunder that shook the whole building.

You both flinched at the loud sound.

"Now, I really have to sort these new films that arrived today. But you can do as you were at home, you can choose the movie you want to see and I'll set it up for you while you get comfortable on the seats downstairs." He explained.

He pointed to a staircase that lead to the cinema room downstairs.

"Are you sure you don't need a hand with those films? I can help you so we can sort it out quickly and watch the movie together." You asked tentatively. You really didn't want to watch the movie alone while he worked.

It didn't seem right to you.

"Well, I don't really want you to work on Saturday night, really. I can do it myself, it won't take much time. Thank you, darling, but you just have to choose the movie and relax" he said sweetly, motioning you towards a closet full of rolls of film.

He left you there and you started to take a look around among all those movies.

This was honestly one of your dreams coming true.

You always loved movies and you always wanted to know what happened behind the door of the screening room.

You felt giddy being in such a special place.

Your eyes landed almost immediately on one of your favorites of all the times.

Your friends and family mocked you because whenever there was a movie to choose, you always picked that one, without even caring about how many times you had seen it.

"The Shining" was written in bold red lettering on one side of a roll on the bottom of the closet.

You picked it gently, trying not to make the others fall to the ground.

You assessed the weight of the film between your hands and you felt like a little girl with her favorite toy.

You turned around and he lifted his gaze from one of the boxes of new films.

He spotted the title immediately and bit his lip with a beautiful smile.

You heard him mumble something low under his breath but you caught it anyway.

"God, you are perfect" he whispered before catching himself and giggling, noticing that you had heard him.

You blushed and so did he.

You really didn't want to watch the movie without him so you told him and offered again to help him.

"I'd love to see this, but only if you let me help you with those boxes first, I really mean it, Josh" you said and you saw as he mulled over your offer.

You knew he had refused your help only because he was a gentleman and didn't want to make you work on a Saturday.

You also knew that four hands were better that two, so you really wanted to convince him.

"You don't want to end up like Jack, do you?" You said tauntingly, referring to the main character of the movie.

"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, remember?" You continued and you saw his smile beaming again at your reference.

"All right, you sold me, darling," he said chuckling "I could really need some help. Plus, it's been a lot since I last watched that masterpiece, I'd love to see it again with you with the cinema all to ourselves. But only if you promise me that, after, you'll eat that cake with me" he added, pointing a finger at you.

"Ok, now tell me, what do we have to do?" You asked him, curiously.

"We have to classify these rolls briefly and then order them alphabetically on that shelf" he explained and you sat next to him, ready to work.

In less than an hour, you had finished and, meanwhile, the storm seemed to have passed. An occasional rumble of thunder could be heard far away.

He started thanking you profusely but you quickly interrupted him saying that that wasn't that big of a deal.

In reality, the truth was that you had loved spending some time alone with him. His presence was absolutely captivating and his eyes beaming while he told you every little thing he knew about those films. You could have listened to him talk for hours and hours nonstop about his passion.

"Now we can finally relax" he said, gently taking the roll you had previously chosen and starting the various machines that occupied one side of the room.

You watched mesmerized as he made quick work of operating the projector and you gasped when you saw the first images light up the screen in the cinema room from the little window in front of you.

He winked at you and you tried so hard not to swoon you had to bite your tongue.

"Here we go, love, let's go search for the best seats," he said, grabbing the cake box and guiding you down the stairs with a warm hand on your back.

You felt the butterflies go crazy in your stomach again at that simple touch.

He guided you to the center of the seats and motioned for you to choose.

You sat down in the same place you always chose and he sat down next to you placing the box on the seat next to him.

As the opening credits started to roll on the screen, he came closer to whisper into your ear.

"Wait here, I'll just go get two forks for the cake and I'll be right back" he said, his warm breath hitting your neck, making goosebumps raise onto your skin.

A few minutes later, he came back with two forks and two cans of coke. He settled them on the floor next to you.

As you thanked him, he opened the cake box and handed it to you, along with a fork so you could take the first bite.

"No, Josh, the cake is yours, you have to take the first bite. I really hope you like it" you said.

Worry started to creep up on you. You were mentally retracing the recipe steps for the millionth time to check if you had forgotten something.

You watched with bated breath as he sank the fork into the soft cake and brought a bite to his mouth.

He started chewing slowly and moaned in pleasure at the enveloping taste of the cake.

"Good Heavens, this is delicious, love. You are the queen of chocolate cakes." He said still chewing and looking at you, amazed.

You sighed in relief and watched mesmerized as his jaw clenched and unclenched with every bite he took.

You were quickly brought out of your reverie when he motioned for you to get a taste, too.

You had to admit that it was really good, and the perfect treat for a movie night with him.

As you ate and watched the movie, every once in a while he moved closer to whisper little anecdotes about the movie into your ear.

You usually hated when people disturbed you during a movie, but, with him, it was different.

His voice was so soothing and soft that you didn't want him to stop. You would have spent the entire night just listening to him talk about anything and everything.

After some time, you heard a sudden loud thunder and, all of a sudden, everything was dark around you.

"Oh, fuck" you heard him groan as you rummaged through your bag to get your phone and turn on the flashlight.

Its white light illuminated the room casting a spectral glow on everything.

"I can't believe it" he said again, dragging a hand on his face.

Another crash of thunder shook the building.

Then he started giggling. And you couldn't help but mirror him.

"Ok, I think that the storm decided that we shouldn't see anything tonight." He scoffed and you giggled, helpless.

Silence encompassed the room, then. The only sounds you could hear were his regular breathing and the harsh wind outside.

Suddenly he stood up with a new idea.

"Ok listen, I am pretty sure there are some candles under the stage. A few years ago this was a theatre, so there are a lot of scenery in the storage closet" he said with a hopeful look into his eyes.

"Let's go, lead the way" you said and stood up next to him.

You followed him through a door and down some narrow steps that led behind the white screen.

You almost fell on the floor because everything was extremely dark despite your flashlight.

He caught you before you could smash yourself to the ground and grasped one of your hands in his to keep you from falling again.

His skin was so soft and warm that you felt a little shock of electricity at the contact.

He guided you down the corridor and stopped in front of a door. He unlocked it and entered, bringing you with him.

The room was packed with all kinds of handpainted scenery.

He spotted the box of tealights and matches next to the very door and grabbed it. He handed it to you and grabbed what looked like a big pile of velvet fabric that was on a table.

"What is that?" You asked and he snickered.

"Those are the old velvet curtains of the theater. In case we get cold" he said and you laughed

"That's creative" you said and he chuckled.

"Let's go back, it's too dark in here" he said in a spooky voice.

"That sounds like a last line before getting killed by the monster in a horror movie" you whispered and he giggled.

Once you were back into the main cinema room you started placing tealights all around you and slowly the room was immersed in the golden light of many tiny flames.

You both decided to move to the first row of seats, right in front of the stage, so there was more light.

You sat down next to him again and you both listened in silence to the storm raging outside.

Then he turned towards you and spoke.

"I am glad you are here but I am sorry that you are stuck with me instead of being in the comfort of your house. '' He said sheepishly.

"I am happy to be here with you and not alone at home, honestly" you answered him, turning towards him, too.

His flawless skin was glowing golden in the feeble light of the candles and his eyes were the same shade as the chocolate cake that lied abandoned on the floor.

You lost yourself inside them.

He had the innate capacity of drawing you in, like a magnet.

You couldn't control yourself and, honestly, you didn't want to.

Before you knew it, his lips were pressing against yours, hot, soft and so gentle.

You felt your head spin as your heart melted from that simple kiss alone.

You were shocked when he pulled away and he must have seen it in your expression because he immediately started apologizing.

But you didn't hear a single word.

Your mind froze in the exact moment his lips parted from yours, depriving you from their warmth.

There was only one thought occupying your mind.

Him.

Without thinking, your hands snaked on the back of his neck and you dragged him towards you again, pressing your lips against his and successfully interrupting his ramblings.

You felt something under your fingertips and smiled in the kiss as you understood that the hair at the nape of his neck had been braided in a little rat tail.

He placed one of his hands on your hip and a little groan escaped his lips as his fingers came in contact with your skin, left bare by your shirt riding slightly upwards.

He squeezed your hip and you whimpered into his mouth, parting your lips and allowing him to deepen the kiss.

When his warm tongue caressed your bottom lip, something into your brain snapped.

Without further thinking you climbed on his lap and lost yourself in the kiss that turned every second more heated.

Both his hands came to rest against your cheeks and the sound of smacking lips filled the room making your head hazy.

He parted from you then and chuckled at the whine that left your mouth.

You couldn't tear your eyes away from his perfect plump lips, glistening in the golden light of the candle.

Both your breaths were ragged, your faces flushed but you couldn't care less.

You started kissing again and this time his hands started to roam your body, quickly slipping under your clothes.

As his hands slowly traced your back and moved to your front, inching towards your breasts, you stopped him biting his lip lightly. You grasped his rattail and tugged at it, making his head tilt back with a low groan.

That sound went straight to your core and you knew there was no going back.

You needed to have him.

"Fuck, love. I can't get enough of you" he confessed against your lips and you shivered at the low register of his voice.

He kissed you again and started fumbling with the hem of your shirt.

"May I take this off?" He asked gently and you nodded quickly.

He took off your shirt and you shivered, feeling exposed in front of him.

He gently grabbed your arms with which you tried to cover yourself and caressed them, taking them slowly away from your body to admire you with care.

You had a very simple bralette on, but he was looking at you like you were wearing the most expensive Italian lace lingerie he had ever seen.

You blushed but he was quick to comfort you.

"Has anybody ever told you how beautiful you are?" He asked and you bit your bottom lip before crashing your mouth against his, his tongue soothing your need.

Your hands gripped the hem of his tshirt and you pulled it upwards, admiring him as he took the hint and slipped it off with a smug smirk.

He was astonishing, the perfect tanned skin of his chest was glowing against the deep red velvet of the seat he was sitting on.

You started kissing his neck nibbling at his skin and reveling in the little whiny breathy sounds escaping his reddened lips.

His fingers traced your spine, making you shiver, and they slowly inched towards the button of your jeans.

His expression was tentative when he looked at you, silently asking your permission to remove them.

You nodded and he winked before slowly unbuttoning them.

With some effort and chuckles, you managed to take them off with his help.

When you sat back down in his lap, he was quick to place his hands on your bare thighs, kneading the skin gently.

You never felt like that before.

As you sat there almost naked, a deep hunger overcame you, observing him taking in every little detail of your body.

Suddenly his lips were pressing featherlight kisses along your shoulders, where the straps of your bra sat against your flushed skin.

One of them slid down your arm and you shivered.

He kissed you again and his lips started a path down your throat and down the center of your chest.

"Josh" you heard yourself whisper as his fingers traced the other strap making it fall, too.

"Tell me, love" he whispered back, leaving open mouthed kisses on your neck.

"I need you, please" you whispered down to him, like a secret, even though nobody was there to hear.

"You want me to take this off?" He asked, tracing the hem of your bralette with his pointer finger.

You nodded and he smiled sweetly giving you what you needed.

He took his sweet time admiring you then, making you blush as you sat almost entirely naked in front of him.

He looked in awe, his eyes sparkled as he looked at you.

Then, his lips encompassed one of your nipples while his hands grabbed your hips and pushed you further against him.

You groaned as you felt his erection press against your core.

You started grinding against him and his breathing picked up as his mouth kept spoiling your chest, nibbling and sucking.

After a while, though, his hands stilled your hips completely.

"Baby, you should really stop this, or soon it will be game over for me" he smiled, out of breath and a little embarrassed.

You smiled at him and blushed, apologizing.

His hands on your hips gently pushed you upwards making you raise on your knees, still on his lap.

You rested your hands on his shoulders as he started placing a trail of kisses down your tummy and towards your lower abdomen.

When he reached the hem of your panties, he looked upwards and you forgot how to breath.

His eyes were wide like a deer in the headlights, pupils blown out, making the soft shade of brown disappear completely. His breathing was ragged and you shivered as it hit the damp trail that his lips had left on your tummy.

What he did next made your soul leave your body.

A little smirk appeared onto his lips as he took the little bow that sat at the center of the hem of your panties between his teeth and tugged at it before letting it snap back against you.

You whimpered and he chuckled. Then his mouth moved downwards, placing gentle hot kisses on your still covered mound.

"You want me to kiss you here, don't you?" He whispered looking up at you for permission and caressing your slit through the fabric with gentle fingers.

"Please, Josh, yes" You begged him and you shivered as his thumbs hooked on the sides of your underwear, pulling it slowly down your legs.

He groaned at the sight of the wet fabric parting from you and you shivered as the cool air of the room hit your flushed skin, squeezing your eyes shut.

"Hey, love, look at me, please" he whispered and you lowered your gaze.

He kept a steady eye contact as he slid down the seat just enough for his mouth to reach your center comfortably.

Both your hands were gripping the velvet seat behind his head, but when his mouth was close enough to your core that you could feel his warm breath hitting your wet skin, one snaked into his curls, gripping them tightly.

That simple gesture spurred him on and in a second his mouth was on you, his tongue lapping up and down your slit, parting your lower lips and making your breath stop in your throat.

You were holding onto his hair so hard you were afraid that you were hurting him.

Little breathy sounds escaped his lips as he ate you out at the perfect pace.

You felt his fingers slowly reaching between your legs and you stiffled a moan.

"Baby, let me hear you, nobody is here, you are safe" he whispered onto your skin and next thing you knew his name was echoing in the room alongside thunders as you slowly started to unravel.

He slid a finger inside slowly and started stroking your clit with the tip of his tongue in quick circles.

You shivered.

You were close.

"Josh" you gasped as he added another finger and curled them harshly, making you almost double over him.

Before you knew it, you were coming undone on top of him, clawing at his shoulder and his curls.

He parted from you slowly and you bit your lip at the sight of his lips and chin glistening with your arousal and his puppy eyes looking up at you wide and in awe.

"You did so good" he said against your lips before kissing you deeply.

Your hands reached quickly for his belt and you unbuckled it.

He groaned as your fingers pressed against his crotch while you were trying to free him.

When he was finally free from the confines of the fabric, you gasped.

He was beautiful, girthy and veiny. It made your mouth water.

You started stroking him gently and you saw as his head lolled backwards again the seat, exposing his neck.

You licked a stripe up his throat and stopped at his ear, tugging with your teeth at the little silver hoop that adorned his lobe.

Suddenly he grasped your wrist.

"Baby, careful" he said out of breath and you understood.

He was close.

"I want you Josh" you whispered onto his lips as thunders kept booming.

"Inside" you punctuated and he nodded.

He placed you on the seat next to him and stood, getting rid of his pants and reaching in his back pocket.

He fished out a condom and sat back in the same spot.

You climbed again on top of him, shaking lightly with anticipation.

You watched enraptured as he rolled it on himself and groaned in need.

His hands reached for your hips and guided you up.

He nodded towards himself signaling to you to grab him and guide him where you needed him.

You did so with trembling fingers and his voice immediately came to soothe your nerves.

"Don't be nervous, baby, it's just me. Take your time" he whispered onto the skin of your sternum that covered in goosebumps.

You kissed him and, at the same time, slid his tip a few times along your slit.

When you were ready, you lined him up with you and started to sink down slowly.

Both your gazes were trained between the two of you as he slowly entered you.

By the time he was fully inside of you, you were biting your lips so hard you were sure you were drawing blood.

He felt amazing inside, the sting of the stretch took your breath away completely at first but it slowly dulled.

You both exhaled shaky breaths and he held you still to let you adjust to him.

"You feel amazing, Josh" you whispered onto his lips.

"You feel like heaven, love" he whispered back, clenching his jaw, trying so hard not to move.

You moved, then, sliding up and then back down and feeling him caress your walls beautifully.

You started riding him at a slow pace and watched mesmerized that every time you pushed back down on him, his brows knitted together.

His eyes were shut and his mouth was parted, letting out whispered whimpers of pleasure every time.

You kissed him, deep and slow like your rhythm, but soon it turned famished and your rhythm quickened, with the guidance of his strong hands on your hips.

Your legs were burning, the effort of keeping your body upright when he was eating you out paired with the one you were enduring now started to make you move a bit more erratically on top of him and he was quick to notice the slight change.

"Your legs are hurting, aren't they, baby?" He whispered into your ear hoarsely.

"Yeah, a bit," you said out of breath "it's been a lot since I last…" Your voice trailed off and your face flushed in embarrassment.

"Hey, it's fine don't worry about it," he whispered pressing his nose in your cheek "let me help you"

He stopped you and stood carefully, with you still on his lap, showing his strength.

You wrapped your legs around his hips and pressed your body completely against his.

You were both covered in sweat and glistening in the low light.

He started walking backwards and soon, you were sitting on the side of the stage with his body between your parted legs

He managed to move the both of you while staying inside of you. You were impressed.

You admired the toned muscles of his arms as he flexed them to keep you close to him.

Once your body relaxed back, he searched for your gaze and you nodded, giving him permission to move.

He took the lead and set a quick and deep pace, hitting places you didn't even know existed inside of you.

The first thrusts made you slip down, so you were laying on your back on the stage gripping the edge tightly and looking up at the ceiling.

But you missed the eye contact with him so you managed to bring yourself back up.

You kissed him again and your hands tangled in his hair, making him moan in your mouth.

Suddenly he grabbed your ankle and hooked your leg in the crook of his elbow, opening you up even more for him.

His next thrust shook your entire behind, making you clench harshly around him and you couldn't help but claw at his back.

"Are you close, baby? I can feel you squeezing me so tight" he whispered into your ear as he kept his pace, strong and steady.

You nodded, unable to speak and slid your hands down his sweaty back and on his ass, digging your nails in the supple muscle there.

He groaned and angled his hips so he could hit your sweet spot repeatedly, while simultaneously stroking your clit with his thumb that he had previous wetted with his tongue.

A thunder so loud that rattled the walls muffled your cries as you hit your climax, enveloping him in a vice-like grip.

He followed soon after, the sounds escaping his mouth were unbridled and heavenly and echoed into the room sinfully.

His body fell limp against you, his damp forehead pressed to your shoulder as he tried to calm down his heavy breathing.

You tried to do the same, feeling his hands caressing your back gently.

He slowly pulled out of you and kissed you sweetly.

When your eyes met the both of you were still panting, with flushed cheeks and disheveled hair, but you couldn't hold back a little embarassed giggle at how the night had escalated.

"Thank God there is no one in here or that would have been a hell of a 18+ show" he whispered playfully into your ear and you cackled loudly.

He helped you get down from the stage and grabbed some of the tissues you had brought for the cake to clean you up gently.

Then he grabbed your clothes from the seat and handed them to you.

"Don't run away, I'll be right back" he said and walked towards the bathroom with his clothes in his hands.

He came back with other clothes on, a white tshirt and black jeans and brought you a clean tshirt too, so if you wanted to change.

It was black, with the cinema logo in bold red lettering and it reached you mid-thigh, like a perfect sleep tshirt.

You sat back in your respective seats and ate some more cake, chatting about your favorite movies.

After a while, you started yawning, the tiredness of the day was starting to making itself known.

He looked tired too, but the storm outside wasn't subsiding in the slightest, so you were stuck there with the lights still out.

Then you saw it.

The deep red velvet of the curtains folded on one of the seats.

He noticed your gaze and chuckled.

"We had the same idea, love" he said and stood helping you, unfolding the fabric and placing it on the floor.

Quickly you had set up a makeshift bed in the middle of the cinema room.

You laid down feeling extremely awkward but giddy to be there with him.

The velvet felt extremely soft against your skin end despite it being old, it was clean.

As you laid down, his arms brought you closer to him. You could feel his breathing, steady and calm on your neck and soon you were drifting off, listening to the wind whistling outside.

In the morning you woke up in his arms. You were a bit sore due to sleeping on the floor and other activities but you felt extremely at ease with him close to you.

He looked so soft, with sleepy eyes and his usual contagious grin on his lips.

It was hard to part from him but you had to go to work so you had to leave him there.

"Have a good day, love" he said in a hot whisper against your neck and you forcefully parted from him, knowing that if you didn't, you would end up tangled in the curtains with him, again.

But at work you couldn't focus, your mind kept drifting off to him.

And you spent the entire week thinking about him.

On Saturday you went to the cinema as always, they were showing "The Shining".

His smile at the register was very flirty and warm.

The evening went on as usual, but when the movie was almost over, you felt someone touching your elbow in the dark.

It was him.

He motioned for you to follow him and you ended up in the same showing room as last time.

Before you knew it you were pressed against the wall by his body, his lips hot on your neck and his hands sneaking around your body.

"Did you miss me, baby?" He said unbuttoning your jeans and sinking down on his knees.

"God, you don't even know how much" you whispered back, biting your bottom lip and sinking both your hands into his hair.

______________________________

Taglist: @gvfpal @sammyslappers @spark-my-nature @highladyofasgard @sparrowofthedawnsworld @jessicafg03 @doodle417 @hellowgoodbye @ejoygvf @jaketlover @jakekiszkasbabymama @objectsinspvce @indigostreakmorgan @witchofendora @myleftsock @gretavanshmeat @gretasfallingsky @giraffehippy @jennasometimesreads

[allmondbuttergirl]

Is there any possibility for BTS's Taehyung

to work as an actor after military service

or will he continue focusing on his music

career?

Card 1: Possibility of Taehyung (V) acting after military service

🧿 What the Cards Say: Six of Cups + The Hermit

This is deeply tied to nostalgia, the past, and returning to something familiar or emotionally fulfilling. In Taehyung's context, acting could be something he’s emotionally connected to — possibly something he’s wanted to explore more, or something that connects to earlier dreams or experiences. Taehyung may take time to reflect before jumping into any project. If he chooses acting, it wouldn’t be for superficial reasons — he’d want a meaningful or artistically fulfilling role. It’s more of a slow, soul-driven return rather than a high-energy comeback.

Card 2: Will he focus on his music career?

🧿 What the Cards Say: King of Pentacles + Knight of Wands

Yes, music remains a huge part of his path. The King of Pentacles shows someone who is successful, wealthy, reliable, and invested in long-term success. In music, this points to a mature, possibly even entrepreneurial approach — he may continue building his legacy, brand, or even take on bigger roles. The creative fire and passion is absolutely still alive! This is the energy of excitement, bold moves, and artistic passion. Together with the King, it shows someone who’s not only passionate, but also focused on sustaining that passion with grounded plans. There’s a clear mix of passion and long-term vision.

💭 Final Energy Check:

Post-military, Taehyung is likely to continue his music career strongly, with real commitment and evolving maturity. Acting is definitely a possibility, especially if he finds roles that resonate deeply or allow personal expression — but he’ll approach it thoughtfully, not hastily.Whatever he chooses, it won’t be surface-level.

May 22nd, 2025.

[steddieunderdogfics]

This week’s writer spotlight feature is:  @Thegertie! RurouniHime has 24 fics posted to AO3 in the Stranger Things fandom and all of them are in the Steddie tag!

Our anonymous nominator recommends the following works by @Thegertie:

Accidentally Absconding With An Impulsive Idiot: A Tale Told In Thirty Parts

Don't Cry For Me, Next Door Neighbor

The Nightly Stroll

In My Heart of Hearts

Rebellion in Your Back Pocket

"Rurouni does such a wonderful job writing alternative romantic and sexual orientations for Steddie, and has a particularly special skill with writing really tight, fully-formed stories that work alone or within series. The humor and character voices are always so on point, and the variety of depicted relationships make for a very well-rounded selection of stories to choose from!" -- anonymous

Below the cut, @Thegertie answered some questions about their writing process and some of their recommended work!

Why do you write Steddie?

ST was almost a no fly zone for me. I wasn't too impressed with season 1—nostalgia, eh, but I didn't like the 80s much when I was living through them, so it wasn't enough. However, I ran out of things to watch and picked ST up again on a friend's rec, and each season got better than the last. Steve was already one of my favorite characters (the other being Joyce), but up through S3 I'd had no fandom engagement. And thenS4 rolls around and here comes Eddie Munson. And he is such a wonderful character that I finally went searching for fic…and found Steddie. I hadn't felt so moved by and attached to a pairing in a while and I leapt straight in. Steve and Eddie are such great foils for each other, different but also similar, and at their cores are pain, but also wholehearted love. When they turn it all toward each other… well, it just makes for beautiful and wrenching and satisfying stories.

What’s your favorite trope to READ?

PINING. Oh, give me all the pining, I love it so! Mutual pining? Even better! Mutual pining unbeknownst to each other?? Just knock me over the head right now and go home, that’s it, all buttons pushed.

What’s your favorite trope to WRITE?

I've thought about this and I'm not really sure. Or maybe it just changes depending on my mood. A trope I tend to return to again and again is the misunderstanding/reconciliation trope, though I know that's very broad. If you (again) add The Pining into the mix, it gets even more rich and delicious. But I do love to use the misunderstanding (minor or major) and pining tropes to explore a character's insecurities and then allow them to get a little healing. That's pretty common in all the fandoms I've written for, I think.

What’s your favorite Steddie fic?

Might be the very first one I read: the affliction of the feeling by nondz (pinkjook). I mean… hot DAMN. What a way to start! The emotional description paired with the physicality of this fic is superb. Writing goals. I have been meaning to reread this one since the first time I read it. I still have the original tab open for it, but I keep putting it off because I love to torture myself with ever impending feels.

Is there a trope you’re excited to explore in a future work but haven’t yet?

I'm always coming up with half-baked fic ideas and most of them are going nowhere. I really don't have anything particular simmering on the back burner at the moment. I do have intense plans for my Tubthumper series (ace!Fratboy!Steve) but if I say much what, it'll be a spoiler.

What is your writing process like?

I do not write consecutive scenes. I've heard from people who have to write start to finish, but that has never been me. I tend to jump all over the place: middle scene, ending scene, middle, beginning, ending, middle, middle, etc. The con of this is that I often lose track of what takes place when and have to redraft parts of the story to make the timeline work. The pro is that my themes tend to stay very strong and intertwined as a result. I think it's a fine payoff.

Do you have any writing quirks?

I jump? More than just jumping around in a story; I have to be working on several projects at once because if I get stuck on something, I need to have something else to jiggle the flow free. I also go through prolonged periods of intake (reading, watching, listening) vs output (writing, brainstorming, plotting), which can be annoying, as it means I'm not always inspired to create.

Do you prefer posting when you’ve finished writing or on a schedule?

Sigh. I have used chaptered fics in the past to try to force myself into keeping to a schedule, but what usually happens is I stay on task until the end and then I get completion grief or whatever and I end up stalling on the last chapter. Which isn't great. It's a much better idea for me to finish drafting the thing before I start posting, though I did have several projects while in my Drarry days that had a very punishing schedule and that I was super on top of all the way to the end. I'm proud of those. 

Which fic are you most proud of?

In the ST fandom, it's In My Heart of Hearts. I'm all my fandoms, it's my Merlin BBC epic, Dower the Stars. Sometimes I can't believe I wrote that. 

How did you get the idea for Rebellion in Your Back Pocket?

Let me come right out and say it: I'm in the Canon Eddie Is A Virgin camp. In the beginning, I read so many fics featuring Eddie as a worldly sex god, and they were fantastic, I loved them. But when I think about Eddie, I see a lot of my high school self in him: confident for show but with a tendency to endlessly pick at and overthink things. I too had a small but intimate friend group and a propensity for focused nerdiness. I see Eddie, a gay kid in the 80s American Midwest, as super curious about sex but without much opportunity for practical application, and perhaps a little fear of it. On top of that, he clearly uses his own infamy as a shield against the people who don't like him, which means any rumors about him essentially become his weapons. So RiYBP came out of the idea of Eddie finally getting with his long-time crush who also happens to be notoriously good in bed, and he's absolutely forgotten to clear up the misunderstanding that he himself is not knowledgeable AT ALL about sex, and then him digging himself deeper while trying to find a way out of it. I truly feel this is a pickle that Eddie Munson would get himself into, and I adore him for it.

When writing Rebellion in Your Back Pocket, what was something you didn’t expect?

The mix tape chapter! I had Eddie's planned very early on, but at the urging of my beta to give more substance to the nonsexual side of their relationship, I got to thinking about Steve and what he would have on a playlist, and wow, just... That scene in Steve’s car and all the angst and beauty and growth that came out of it by the end of the fic was a complete and welcome surprise. Also I was surprised by how much I loved writing Wayne overhearing Steve and Eddie in the trailer. Omg, #prayforwayne, that man is a saint and the perfect Dad Troll to combat Eddie's dramatics.

What inspired In My Heart of Hearts?

The origins of this one are very personal for me. I am gray-ace, and bi, living in a world that focuses extremely heavily on sex: having it, losing one's virginity, being judged by how little or often you do it… I'd been wanting to write Eddie as a rock star for a while, and also to write Eddie as gray-ace, and this fic blossomed out of that. I read a Stony fic once where Tony was actually ace and had never in his life defined that for himself, and it was so touching. I wanted to capture that essence with Eddie, a celebrity constantly beleaguered by sexual propositions from strangers and not wanting any of it, PLUS the general loneliness that sometimes comes with being on the ace spectrum, and the helplessness of being in love with an allosexual person but not knowing how to ever make that work. I wanted to explore the fact that it can and does work, and that in spite of what society tells us, being ace does not require compromising yourself in order to be happy and fulfilled, and loved.

What was your favorite part to write from The Nightly Stroll?

Hopper’s POV. Getting in his head was so cool. And then Hopper and Eddie's snarking. Please, can I just have a fic with them stuck in a car together, pleasepleaseplease. Hopper's eye-rolly exasperation and short fuse paired with Eddie's derisive sass and well-honed needling skills. The potential there is overflowing, and then to push it up against Steve’s relationship with Hopper and have that protectiveness extend suddenly to Eddie was very nice. I also really enjoyed exploring El and Hopper’s relationship through Hopper’s eyes. He really loves that kid. And Steve lunging out of the car to defend his man. There’s not much about that fic that I don’t love, actually…

How do/did you feel writing Don't Cry For Me, Next Door Neighbor?

Now that one was a surprise venture into ace character exploration. I was writing the scene of fratboy!Steve encountering the enigma of Eddie at a party, and all of a sudden, here's Steve telling me, hey, btw, I'm asexual. I went with it full throttle and this series took off. It truly is a joy to write. I love letting these characters be who they are without the impending threat of death by interdimensional beast and I love finding ways to incorporate pieces of canon into the modern college setting. It's challenging to write, especially since Steve in this one is not gray-ace like me but much closer to full-on asexual, though recently someone commented on one of the stories with the term "recipromantic", and I'd never heard of that. So I'm learning new things every day.

What was the most difficult part of writing Accidentally Absconding With An Impulsive Idiot: A Tale Told In Thirty Parts?

Probably the fact that it was only meant to be one damn scene! Not that I don't adore what came of it, but initially the idea birthed from the snapshot of Eddie taking off one day and Steve getting there just in time to keep him from going alone. And I really should know better because I cannot write anything brief to save my life. Always gotta explore the backstory/repercussions/development. *eyeroll*

Do you have a favorite scene and/or line from any of your fics?

WHY ARE YOU MAKING ME CHOOSE BETWEEN MY CHILDREN just kidding. But also kind of not? I don't know that I could choose an absolute favorite. A few scenes that bring me true happiness, however, are Wayne overhearing Eddie and Steve in Rebellion in Your Back Pocket (literally, that fic should be titled “Here, Eddie, Have Seven Chapters of Mortifying Moments, You’re Welcome”, and who better than Wayne to totally yank his chain?), Eddie's climactic confession to Steve in In My Heart of Hearts (he broke my heart with how broken open he was and how much he laid himself bare in that moment), and the car scene in To Cleanse the Palate (I just let them get real hot and heavy and monstrously in love, and it was great).

Do you have any upcoming projects or fics you’d like to share/promote?

Well, fortunately for me because I am head over heels all over again, but unfortunately for all my Steddie readers, I recently tumbled ass over teakettle into The Untamed. For the time being, Lan Zhan and Wei Ying have stolen my tragic-romantic's soul. No, seriously, you don't even get it, I binged the 50-ep live action, bought all the novels, and got myself a bunch of swag while fighting off a two-week-long mystery flu (I'm calling it Influenza Aftershock, rock on, my friends), and am currently trying to talk myself out of picking up the manhua too. (Let's not even discuss the animated series.) But I am not done with Steddie by any means—just taking a breather—so please keep a watch for more Tubthumper and a return to Only A Spark to Light My Way (aka, the Lost Boys Steddie fic) in the near future. I'm also just saw Gladiator II, which will likely plunge me back into the Roman-Britain AU Steddie series I'm writing with patientanxiety. So keep an eye out for those!

Outside of these questions, Is there anything YOU would like to add?

Only this: Thank you so, so much for thinking of me! These are great questions and I’m really glad I got to participate.

Thank you to our author, @Thegertie, and our anonymous nominator! See more of RurouniHime's works featured on our page throughout the day!

Writer’s Spotlight is every Wednesday! Want to nominate an author? You can nominate them here!

[dailysasiquotes]

Quote of the day (22-08-2024): “It was just so sweet, and good, and pure, and happy, and wholesome, and sweet, and lovely, and I'm running out of things to say—” Said by Patton in "MOVING ON, Part 1/2: Exploring Nostalgia" 🌈 Feel free to request your favorite quotes! ✨ Patton Sanders is a character by Thomas Sanders

[kasienda]

Adrino Fic Rec - Part 3

Part 1 and Part 2 if you need more.

I told myself I had to get to eight fics before I sent out another list and I finally got there, so here we go!

In no particular order:

My body moves (it’s speaking loud) by @guardiankarenterrier Nino is walking home in the middle of a night after hanging out with his friends. He's attacked on the way, and turns out the "mugger" isn't after him. He's after Adrien. Nino rediscovers his protective instinct. Chat Noir might show up. This author is really good at subtext. Like so much feeling and meaning throughout their work! One shot - Platonic Adrino.

Letting Someone See You Cry by Inkworld This is just the sweetest of confessions. One shot - Adrino.

Uncharted Waters by @ck2k18 This is technically poly, but focuses on the new burgeoning Adrino feelings. DJWiFI is established and Adrien has asked Nino to teach him how to kiss. Explores Nino's headspace as he grapples with and figures out his poly in a world that very much frowns on that. So authentically real. Multi-chapter - incomplete. Adrino as part of pre OT4.

Future Nostalgia by @coffeebanana Adrien catches sight of Carapace holding a child and he really really likes it. So sweet! One shot. Established Adrino.

love you in the dark by @bbutterflies Adrien is in the closet with everyone except Nino. Nino thought he was okay with that. Turns out he's not. This one is SO RAW, and SO good!! Angst. But happy ending!! One shot. Established Adrino.

Bros Before Heroes by deinde_prandium Nino pulls Adrien into the broiler room once again to warn him about Chat Noir. Adrien can't take this warning seriously. Set in season five, and feels very much like a Rocketear 2! one shot. Platonic Adrino. HILARIOUS!

The moment I knew (I'd no choice by to love you) by @bbutterflies Nino steps up to fake date Adrien to keep the press off his back about his dating life. Turns out he enjoys pretending a little too much. Nino's revelation of feelings in this one is one of my favorite Adrino scenes ever. So well done. Multi chapter complete. Adrino.

Would Trust You With Everything by Kasienda The self promotion is starting to feel less weird. Be proud of me! Haha! In this one, Alya didn't tell Nino about continuing as Rena Furtive and him catching her in a lie resulted in their breakup. Adrien can't be there very often, so shows up at night as Chat Noir to nurse Nino through his break up. They have a little too much fun and maybe fall in love again. Background Alyanette. Multichapter complete. Adrino. HAPPY READING!!

[nightmarepixiedreamboy]

A TINY FEELING OF NOSTALGIA

BEGINNING - PREVIOUS - NEXT

Transcript Below

PART I CHAPTER 1 -Heaven Sent-

Angel: Well, Luna... I guess we’re not strays anymore. But I can’t say I feel any less lost.

[Luna purrs softly.]

Rosa: [from another room] Angel! Your cousin Tomás is waiting for you outside.

Angel: Tell him I’m dying.

Rosa: Yeah, right. Get your butt outside. And tell him I said hi.

[Outside, the autumn air is faint of maple and decaying trees.]

Tomás: Wassup fool, long time no see.

Tomás: Aww, shit. That sucks.

Angel: Hey Tomás I’ve been better. [Angel sighs]

It’s been way too long, and… everything’s just been a mess since the move. [hesitant] And Marco breaking things off with me…

Tomás: Look… I know things are rough right now. But hey, two things. First off Halloween’s coming up soon. And two if there's one thing I know? You’ll be okay.

Angel: [Angel's voice trembling.] I don’t know if I’ll ever feel okay again…

Tomás: [Tomás whispers.] But seriously. You’ve got to let yourself feel all this shit. Cry, scream, throw stuff—whatever you need to do. But don’t forget that you’re still you. You’re still worthy of love, even if it feels like everything’s falling apart.

Tomás: Hey, don’t cry. Because if you cry, then I’ll cry.

And we’re not about to have a sobfest on the front lawn.

Angel: Maybe… maybe you’re right. I just… wish I could fast-forward to the part where it doesn’t hurt anymore.

Tomás: You’ll get there, Angel. I promise. And until then, you’ve got me. And tomorrow, you’ll meet the gang. We’ll explore the town, get into some trouble. It'll feel a little more like home.

Angel: Thanks, Tomás. You’re my favorite cousin, you know that?

Tomás: Damn right I am.

[perhaps-sunlight]

Self-rec time! What are your favorite five fics that you've written and why? After replying to this ask, feel free pass on to five other writers to spread the love. 💗

Hi, thank you for the ask 💗 It's difficult to pick, not because I think all of my fics are amazing, but because writing takes a lot of effort so I only make time to write the ideas that I love. Right now, as a survival technique, my favorite fics are my three WIPs (one in each of my fandoms).

Focusing on my completed fics, in descending order:

5 -- In Your Image (Harry Potter, Tomarry):

It's rare for me to finish writing a fic and look back upon it with the feeling that I accomplished everything I intended from the outset. This is one of the exceptions. Aside from phrasing and word choices that can always be improved, I am satisfied with my Tomarry take on The Picture of Dorian Gray, and I'm especially proud of the climax and ending.

4 -- Inventing Paradoxes (Harry Potter, Tomarry)

This is a sentimental favorite. I came back to the Harry Potter fandom during the pandemic as a coping mechanism, so I wanted to write something lighthearted and happy (though one could argue I should've picked a different ship). With the Paradoxes series, I regained confidence in writing, a skill that had grown rusty, and I also got a lot of support from my readers, which made me feel like part of a community during a difficult period.

3 -- Perhaps Love (Digimon, Takari)

Another sentimental favorite: I first started planning / writing this fic when I was a teenager, upset with the non-canonical ending to my first ship. The heydays of the fandom have long past by the time I posted, but I was able to find readers who felt similarly disappointed and appreciated the ending that I provided. As with many of my stories, Perhaps was written around three pivotal scenes, and when I reread them years later, I can still appreciate the emotional impact that I was aiming for.

2 -- (never) let me go (Harry Potter, Tomarry)

I've always been and am still fascinated by the concept of death. As a teenager, I wanted to write a story where Harry struggles with the concept of immortality as the Master of Death because it means leaving his loved ones behind, but I didn't have the life experience to pull the story together. After discovering Tomarry, I reframed my original idea into a story about the acceptance of death: both from Harry, who doesn't want to lose someone he loves, and from Tom, who's afraid of moving on.

It's sort of a strange story, and I still find things I'd like to improve when I reread it. However, I was happy that it found readers who enjoyed its strangeness and super flattered that it was bound into a little book!

1 -- Once Upon a Fairy Tale (Digimon, Takari)

Like In Your Image, this is one of the few stories where I feel that I satisfactorily translated my complete vision to paper (and more). I enjoyed exploring how two characters can fall in love and yet still not be together, a theme that I revisit in other works, whether consciously or subconsciously. And when I reread the story, I can discern the hopes and dreams of a person who has yet to experience the ups and downs of real life, which fills me with bittersweet nostalgia for the innocence I once had.

Thanks for reading my rambling!

I'll tag @moonytear, @isalisewrites, and @kippipies (but no pressure at all!).

[lol-jackles]

I agree with your opinions for the most part. But there are still some points of contradiction. For example, if Jared left the show, the spn wouldn't last much without him. If you exclude the bias towards Jensen and Misha, with a proper plot, the series could very well exist. Like making a move with Sam finally finding peace, leaving hunting and starting a family. Dean is happy for him and continues to do what he loves and knows well - hunt monsters and protect people and that includes Sam and his new family. Just if you take the concept that Sam(Jared) is the main character and the story is about him and Dean(Jensen) is secondary and the story can't be without a main character, then what about The Big Bang Theory series? Obviously Leonard is the main character and Sheldon is secondary. But when James Parsons wanted to leave the show(several times) it wasn't allowed? Why? Sheldon is not the main character, neither is Dean, BUT they are both audience favorites. Suppose if the situation was the other way around and Jensen was the one who wanted to leave the spn, the show wouldn't make sense either? Just based on your logic, the main character leaving is a failure for the show. That said, the departure of the same James Parsons would be a big blow to the show. His character even got his own series in the end. Maybe that's what Jensen wanted. And then I don't understand why he didn't just do a series about John when Meri died and he was left alone with kids and monsters. That would have been so much more interesting!

I think I may be misinterpreting "bias towards Jensen and Misha", as in my bias or the show's bias? If the latter then put down that non-canon-compliant fanfiction and slowly step away.

The Big Bang Theory worked with Leonard as the lead until he and Penny got married, which ideally was when the show should have ended because the show started with him pining after Penny. But the show continued for 2 more seasons with the focused moved to Sheldon & Amy and it was very noticeable that the original magic was gone and the show was cancelled shortly after. The ratings in viewership and demo for the last 2 seasons were steadily going down.

I've said many times here that when shows lose their leads, they are either cancelled or limp along for 1 or 2 more seasons (X Files, The Office, Scrubs, 70's show, The OC) but then fans and critics complain that the show got way worse. So even though The Big Bang Theory still had their lead Leonard on the show, moving the focus to Sheldon & Amy still resulted in the show's cancellation 2 years later.

Moving SPN's focus from Sam to Dean & Cas would have had the same result, cancellation in one or two seasons. So the "proper plot" you speak off wouldn't save a Sam-less show. WB knew that and that's why they cancelled Supernatural.

If it was Jensen who left SPN back in season 3 or 4, the show still would have continued to season 5 to reach syndication. During that time the role of Sam's new partner would have been casted and if he or she worked well enough with Jared, then the show could have continued after season 5. Shows that lost their main secondary character have successfully continued for several more seasons: Monk, Cheers, Greys Anatomy, Law&Order:SUV, and of course Walker. NYPD Blues' Andy famously went through 4 partners in 12 seasons, each partner just as popular as the last.

I agree that the Supernatural prequel should have been about a widowed John and wee Sam and Dean. That was Michael Rosenbaum’s immediate assumption on his podcast interview with Jensen. He missed a real opportunity for a young Sam and Dean prequel because nostalgia for the 80s is at an all time high. It could have been his version of Stranger Things as wee Sam and Dean explore the strange and the supernatural, like Sam’s imaginary friend Sully and we get to know more about the Zannas, the only supernatural creatures without agendas against mankind.

[inevitably-johnlocked]

Hi there Steph! I’m violia. 

I was a diehard BBC Sherlock & Johnlock fan back in 2011-2012. I read fic voraciously and adored the show. Those months after series 2 aired were such a fun time to be in fandom and I remember it fondly! I eventually moved on from the fandom, (dropped back in briefly for series 3 & 4), but now for some reason, ten years later, I find myself being drawn back to it. I’m definitely feeling nostalgia for those first two series of the show, the excitement, creativity, fic and meta in fandom at the time, and just generally that entire early 2010s era. It was a different time. 

Naturally, back then, I didn’t bookmark any of my favourite fics, and I’ve forgotten nearly all of them now. But I was delighted to stumble across your blog in my search for fics! So I’ve come to ask for some recs, if you have them! There are two different types of fics I’m looking for: 

Fics that explore/feature depictions of London as a city. Descriptions of different parts of the city, Sherlock and John exploring the city (maybe in casefic), etc. I’m really interested in reading fics that are firmly and specifically situated in their settings. 

Fics that stand out as having particularly strong British/English characterisations, dialogue, mannerisms and cultural references. 

I’ve been using the search function on Tumblr to look for fics, which I will continue to do. But any help you could give would be greatly and gratefully appreciated. I hope you have a lovely day! 

(submitted by vi-olia)

=====

Hi Viola!!!

Ah, welcome back again to the fandom!! I’m happy you have found your way here and have taken joy from my blog!!

Ahhh, this is a good question re: fics... for the first one the only one that comes immediately to mind is this one:

Darkling, I Listen by You_Light_The_Sky (T, 73,254 w., 8 Ch. || Fairy Tale AU || Loosely Based on Beauty and the Beast, Magical Realism, Suicidal Themes, Romance, Creepiness, Adventure) – No one who enters old London ever comes out. They say that the beast devours them. When his sister disappears, John ventures into the dead zone beyond the wall, and finds a brilliant madman under a terrible curse... Part 1 of Darkling I Listen + Extras, Deleted Scenes

And some other AUs that the names are escaping me, sadly D: I recently just read one that focussed a lot on London as a city and I can’t remember what it was, OOF.

As for the second one... Ah..... every fic kind of is that for me primarily because I’m an ignorant Canadian 🙃 hahah. 

If anyone has something particular to suggest for either request please do!!

And thank you for your ask, Lovely!! Hope you’re enjoying your time here!! :D

[chaoschenoo]

Queer Itch.io VN List

So IDK when I'll be able to post art again so here's another bit of content. Queer visual novels from itch.io. Not all of these are itch exclusive so you steam only? Feel free to check. Oh these will be 18+. Four things going in; 1.) Not all of these are finished. I'll be breaking it up between finished and unfinished.

2.) A lot of them are furry because the furry VN and queer VN venn diagram is a pair of nested circles.

3.) Spoilers, will be light but they will exists.

4.) Mostly MLM because that's the place I tend to live.

Coming Out On Top: 5/10

Starting with Coming Out on Top because it's the most average of the list and the quinessential baby gay VN. It's cute, fun, funny, sexy and has the depth of a brook at best. Light fun but has a couple of issues one with stereotypes, the other with power dynamics it adamantly doesn't want to think about because sexy.

Nekojishi: 6/10

Nekojishi is a bit more interesting than Coming Out on Top. Has more depth by and large but is also more fun than deep. Cute characters and while I cannot speak to cultural fidelity the husbandos are all in front of an interesting situational backdrop.

Full Service: 5/10

Similar to COoT, hot guys, sexy CGs, fun and silly moments with big personalities for the husbandos. But doesn't really explore the conflict beyond having something to spice up the romance, tempted to dock points for an infuriating mascot character.

Human Cargo: 6/10

Has a bit more going on between the ears than the baseline but the plot is still more a vehicle for the husbandos. Hot CGs, very cute, a good bit of soft moments and the romance feels at least a bit like an earned climax to the relationship.

In Case of Emergency: 8/10

So this is where we've broken the 'plot as car for husbandos' glass cieling. This is one that definitely has something more going on than date hotties. I dock a little bit of points for it being a bit hard to parse towards the end as to how interactions gets a good ending. BUT gets points for it being the start of the relationship. It feels like the MC matters to the route but not like he 'fixes' their problems. They're all on the road to a better place. Be warned a bittersweet game.

Adastra: 9/10

So I did play Echo first which makes me a bit of an oddity apparently. I think that was a part of the reason the emotions of Adastra didn't hit me quite as hard. Like I was expecting the other shoe to drop. Also since I was waiting for that I also spent much of the early game frustrated by 'Marco's' choices. That said Amicus is everything the Echo fandom wishes Leo was.

Arches: 8/10

Arches is going here before Echo for a reason despite being a nominal sequel, but also... I have so many mixed feelings here. It's an objectively good story, it makes me feel things. It's also REALLY depressing and I feel genuinely conflicted about if it's a very good or very bad representation of schizophrenia.

Echo: 10/10

Yeah I know it's the bloody posterchild for the subversive dating sim, it's also why the spoiler tag exists. Because Echo sets up as a dating sim meant to evoke nostalgia and then devolves into a psychological horror on the level of one of the classic Silent Hill games. Also Leo is the Ur-Furry Thirst Trap and the fandom shows just how terrifyingly effective he is at it. Horror and tragedy in equal measure. And at the end so I can start the unfinished list with it's prequel...

UNFINISHED: There are enough here that are so solid despite still being updated that I needed to keep the list separate. They would get points docked for not being one but I didn't want that to reflect on how evocative they are.

The Smoke Room: 10/10

The prequel and chronologically first game in the Echo Trilogy. Set one hundred years before Echo shortly before the 1915 hysteria and following Sam, a sex worker at the local Saloon. It's charming, unnerving, tragic (especially given Echo ESPECIALLY WILLIAM'S route if you know you know.) All the husbandos and side characters are delightful and charming in their own ways.

Errant Kingdom: 6/10

I would award it a higher score but between being bought, unfinished, and having been slow to update I'm worried it's a dying project. I am more sympathetic to the slow updates because every chapter is functionally three chapters as each origin point is a genuinely different story even when they are at a converging point such as the speech, or merchant's party. The art is beautiful and the characters are fun and interesting. I truly hope it's still in development.

Andromeda Six: 7/10

Also in development hell but getting slightly more updates and has a valentines day side story that is complete. Sci-fi story about an amnesiac with a crew of mercs on the wrong side of a successful coup. There's twists and turns some obvious some much less so that make it engaging. Fun romance options for straight mlm and wlw.

Repeat: 9/10

Repeat OOZES charm, it's fun, has a shockingly fun core of mystery hilarious and engaging characters. Fun and sexy CGs. And a lot of heart that makes the tragic lows hit just that much harder.

Santa Lucia: 8/10

Fun with an Echo-esque mystery and horror subplot. Engaging and been following it for a while. That said I do dock a little points for the routes not intersecting with the main plot as well as Echo which inextricably links the two. Still overall a very good time.

Socially Awkward: 9/10

Hilarious and also incredibly charming, bonus points for all the characters being incredibly similar to actual people I know. It makes the whole friend group cast likeable and realistic. Even the trash goblins like John.

Soulcreek: 9/10

Interesting, intense, one of my favorite genres, good art, but has some frustrating moments early game similarly to Adastra. Ultimately not enough to really drag it and the mystery and setting is MORE than enough to keep you clicking.

Dawn Chorus: 10/10

Okay so this one's a bit of a cheat for me. It's only a 10/10 because it's my comfort VN. Dawn Chorus is like a warm bowl of soup or cup of tea on a cold rainy day. It's cute, sweet, and character driven with an undercurrent of tragedy for many of the characters that makes you hope for the best.

Shelter: 10/10

Remember how I said Soulcreek's my facorite genre? Well so is Shelter. Fantasy that's secretly a Post Apocalyptic sci-fi. It's got mystery, uses the Visual Novel format in unique and amazing ways. Also puns, SO FUCKING MANY PUNS. The world building Raus does here drove me to dip my toes into the setting with a fic it was that inspiring.

[creatingnonsense]

Pokémon Legends Arceus is one of my favorite Pokémon titles.

While it is for the majority of people, lots of them tend to just say ‘oh it felt like Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild and I liked that’ and leave it at that. So imma ramble about some of my favorite things about Legends Arceus, as well as how I feel like Legends ZA will compare.

Starting off simple: The Artstyle

As opposed to the cartoony style most Pokémon games will go for, PLA uses a lot more realistic style for its setting. There isn’t a ton of bright flashy colors to draw the players in, and it feels more mature for some reason.

The Movements/Playing style

In the majority of Pokémon games, the player has to rely on ride Pokémon or transport to get around faster, yet PLA makes the player feel like they can move at a relatively comfortable pace without help. Running feels like running. Walking and jogging seem standard; and fun movement like the combat roll add to the fun of moving around even if there isn’t a jump button. You don’t require a bike or roller blades or even Pokémon to move well.

While PLA gives you ride Pokémon to use, the majority of the game practically lets you go without using them. Most areas (as expected because humans would’ve had to reach there) have easy paths to reach locations. You don’t feel anchored to either going too fast or feeling like you need something to go a normal pace, plus you start out with these mechanics. So the game never feels slow unless it is important.

Wild Pokémon

While it’s become the most common aspect of 3D Pokémon games, PLA enhances this to the next level that the generation versions of the games can’t compare to.

Not only does it aid in the setting (on how Pokémon rule the world, or atleast live side by side alongside humans), but it adds mechanics and reasoning element to the game. The mechanics being 1. Avoid getting killed, 2. Catch Pokémon without battle (so far the only game to do that), 3. Pokémon can be either hostile, scared, or friendly, 4. Able to choose which Pokémon to catch (referring to typical grass in standard generation Pokémon games).

The reasoning element comes in the form of the fact that Pokémon are regarded as dangerous and can actually cause serious harm to the player. Running straight into battle could kill you if you aren’t careful and in turn, you have to hide from dangerous Pokémon. Pokémon are no longer the typical ‘things in the forest we befriend’, they are now hunters in a world where humans are possible prey.

It just builds its own reputation and system that can’t be matched to games like Sword/Shield or Scarlet/Violet where Pokémon can be extremely dangerous.. yet you can just move past them. PLA gives the player both a hiding system and a targeted system, in which the Pokémon can attack you directly without resorting to battles. It feels more wild and more natural. As no Pokémon would wait to battle an equal if a human stepped in their territory, they would instead just use a flamethrower or rock slide to attack the human.

Lack of loading time

PLA is formatted in a very unique way. To start off, PLA focuses on a single region and splits it into 7 parts, including Cogita’s area and Jubilife Village. This means that there is only at max 7 major loading zones required to travel around the game, leaving you free to explore without issue. Meaning, very little of the players time is wasted by sitting and staring at a loading screen so they can explore. Similar to games like AHIT or Bugsnax: the majority of your area is free to roam. Paired with the movement, the player feels like they are properly exploring an area, not just playing a game. It’s almost immersive in a sense. I can spend a while in a single area without having to return or feel as though my progress is stumped.

The Story (And Characters)

While PLA wasn’t as loved as BW/B2W2 was for its story, it still held up extremely well. Not only by targeting a very popular source of nostalgia in the form of the Sinnoh games, but by solving practically everything it had to offer in the span of the game itself. Games such as Scar/Vio and Sw/Sh often left the players missing spots in the story or offered too much to the point of disconnect. PLA keeps you on track with a basic plot premise, (quell the nobles, catch some Pokémon, build a rank, fight god) and still kept what people loved about the Sinnoh games. The storyline keeps you on track, but gives you the freedom necessary to enjoy the game. Similar to how Bugsnax gives you an overarching quest and a side quests, yet you can take all the time in the world to complete if you wish, minimal barriers to stop you.

Now.. the characters. PLA introduced a new type of character the games can use: ancestors. A large majority of the characters are related to previously known gym leaders or prominent figures in the story lines of past games. This only enhances the nostalgia and it shows a connection between the past Hisui and the future Sinnoh. While they are ancestors, they are still unique in their own right and create a fun idea for the players to mess around with outside of the games. Sure, not many of the characters personalities stuck with me like other games, but they were still full of life and their own story.

PLA also skipped out on a major thing within the Pokémon genre during this game, being trainers. There is very little trainers, and the player ends up being one of the very few to even catch more than two Pokémon. Not only does this add to the setting (that Pokémon are dangerous and hard to defend), but it also builds on the story of the player being the chosen one.

Battle Gimmick

In PLA, instead of a previously known gimmick or style of battle being implemented, it creates its own: battle styles in the form of Agile/Strong style moves. These never favor any specific Pokémon (such as Z-Moves, Gigantimax, Megas, or Tera giving certain Pokémon special versions/forms), work in all battles, are used by opposing Pokémon, and make sense. It makes the game very even, and avoids making specific battles feel like cheats cause of a single gimmick.

Now, for my ultimate reason it’s one of my favorites…

Pokédex completion.

This is one of the first, maybe the only, Pokémon game where you can complete the dex without assistance. Trade Pokémon simply evolve via item, no need to go online and trade with a friend or pray that a stranger is nice enough to send one that will evolve. There is no version exclusives. No need to get another game version and switch over, no need to find someone else who has the other game, no need to search desperately for trade codes… you just search and eventually you can find the Pokémon you need.

This was the first game where I was excited to complete the dex. Not only did I end up doing it (albeit I got a full entry of 10 for every Pokémon before I realized you just require catching it), but I wasn’t ever upset at its in game implications either. Consider what the Pokédex is, a detailed description and catching list for each and every Pokémon that can be caught within the region. For almost every other game, Pokémon you can’t catch in that region are shown in the dex, leaving you unable to complete it even when that Pokémon just does not exist in that region (for the version). It makes no sense. It’s like America making a list of all the animals that originate from America, and adding the Kangaroo. Sure we have some.. but I can bet right now it doesn’t originate from here.

The dex completion is easy, and while some Pokémon have to be caught during space-time distortions; it creates a RNG gimmick in the game that isn’t difficult to trigger and understand or even wait for. Plus, I found many shinies before I ever got the shiny charm- so it wasn’t even that necessary.

Regardless.. I love Legends Arceus so much and I really hope Legends Z-A meets a sort of standard..