#new regime starts tomorrow !!

[hairtusk]

13.5 days of posts queued up so i can have a relatively offline fortnite

[mhahaikyuus]

Cold

tags:; bakugo x reader, bakugo being a jerk, sensitive reader, established relationship, mild angst to fluff, cute ending

“I just don’t understand why. I can tolerate you kissing and hugging me, but you have to take my clothes too?” Your boyfriend Bakugo complained staring at his closet after doing his laundry. 

You looked up from your phone sprawled out on his bed. 

“What?” Thinking you misheard him. 

“It’s a bit much don’t you think? It’s enough with the affection but you gotta take my clothes too?” He groaned.

“I’m…your girlfriend.” You said slowly confused at his words 

He glared at you, “Yes I know.” 

“You really have a problem with that?”  Bringing your knees up and together to talk to him with your full attention. 

“Yes.” 

“Okay sorry I’ll work on it.” You said with pressed lips. 

You spent a couple more hours hanging out before leaving. 

Coming home you went into your closet and pulled out all the clothes he had given you. Throwing them all in the laundry to give to him tomorrow. 

You came into homeroom before class with a bag in your hand. Coming over to his head you leaned down to give him a kiss before freezing. 

I can tolerate the kissing and hugging

Bakugo frowned at your stiffness, “What’s wrong with you?” 

You straightened up almost robotically. “Nothing. Good morning.” Holding out the bag to him. 

“What’s this?” His brow folded with narrowed eyes taking it from you. A habit of his to not let you carry anything in his presence.

“Your stuff. Washed and dried.” You said with a small smile and sitting back down as Aizawa started with his lesson. Bakugo was shocked you actually gave him his clothes back. 

Lunchtime rolled around and you were in the courtyard. It was turning into fall from a hot summer. One of the first chilly days of the year. And your uniform was not cutting it. The short skirt and shirt did nothing to keep the chill out of your bones. You crossed your arms and leaned into your stomach trying to fight off the cold. Bakugo side eyed you as you tried to talk but your teeth began to chatter. “Are you okay?” 

You nodded “yeah I’m fine. What were you saying about your new training regime.” Trying to distract you both from how uncomfortable you are. 

“Here take it.” He said unzipping his jacket and you shook your head. “It’s fine I’m about to go inside anyway.” In a rush picking up your tray and leaving. 

Bakugo sighed at you being so fidgety and uncomfortable with him. He knew it. He was too mean last night, he should’ve asked nicely. 

Spending the rest of the day inside you were fine. Bakugo came over to walk you. 

“Let me walk you back.” You nodded with a smile looking at his hands but quickly averting your eyes. It wasn’t a good idea to hold hands. 

You walked beside him your arms crossed over as you both enjoyed the air. 

“Are you cold?” He sideeyed you wanting you to admit it and not be stubborn. 

“A little but we’re almost there.” You said 

Feeling the goosebumps on your ice cold skin. You could feel your boyfriends eyes on you but you ignored them. 

“Are you sure?” He asked again 

“Yeah Kats.” 

He was at your door ready to get his daily cuddles and to be loved. 

You stood at the door way, “Okay I’ll see you around.” Giving your boyfriend a fist bump and sliding into your door with a crack. 

Bakugo blinked at the closed door in front of him. “What the hell was that?” He grumbled staring for two seconds before slumping off. 

The next day you woke up and pulled out a light jacket for the field trip day you were having. 

You loaded onto the bus in the early morning fog half asleep. Yawning and scrubbing your eyes you didn’t even notice who sat next to you. Stepping over your legs to get the window seat. 

Cracking an eye open you noticed it was your boyfriend. 

“Hi,” you said in a sleepy voice to him. Almost leaning on his shoulder but you stiffened once again. 

“Im sorry.” You muttered changing your neck to the other side at an uncomfortable angle. Making sure your legs and hands weren’t touching. 

He stared at you for a moment. 

You couldn’t even lay your head on his shoulder for a long bus trip?

Katsuki waited until your breathing changes into a deep sleep and gently moved your head onto his shoulder. Kissing the top of your head. 

You woke up as the bus pulled to a stop and felt his muscular shoulder under your head. For a moment you relaxed before straightening up again. 

You blinked the sleep out of your eyes and averted them guiltily not wanting to see your boyfriend upset. muttering a small “Sorry” and getting out of your seat to sit next to one of your friends. Seemed like sorry was the only word you knew today. 

The white fog and moisture in the air made daybreak ice cold as everyone unloaded from the bus. The breath leaving your lips coming out in a mist and your eyelashes wet. Your arms crossed over your chest and your neck tucked into your chest. The light jacket you had not nearly enough for the freezing cold morning. Rocking on your heels half asleep just focusing on compressing yourself to conserve as much heat as possible within the crowd of classmates. 

Bakugo watched you shiver in your thin outfit not even paying attention to the pro hero’s giving a speech about the training exercise. 

When the hero called for a break he shrugged off his hoodie without a second thought and pushed your head in through the widened neckline. 

You blinked in surprise at the heavy clothing draped on your shoulders. 

“What’s this?” You said confused looking at your neck but not making any movement to put it on. 

“You’re cold.” He stated the obvious. 

“I know? I’ll be fine. I don’t need your jacket.” You insisted pulling it off but Bakugo grabbed your wrists with a frown. 

“You are cold. You are wearing my jacket.” He said 

“No I’m okay. I’ll forget I’m wearing it and won’t give it back. Remember I said I was working on that because it bothers you when I wear your clothes,” you gently reminded your visibly upset boyfriend. 

He looked frustrated as you explained and took off the hoodie and pushed it back in his arms. 

Katsuki opened and closed his mouth with anger in his eyes. 

“No, I didn’t-“ 

A classmate waved you over and you turned your head to respond cutting him off. 

“Okay bye I’ll see you later,” you said goodbye with no move to give him your usual quick kiss or hug. He waited for you to turn around with a joking smile to get a kiss but you never turned around. 

He was grumpy since you left. Sulking at the fact that you were cold and because he opened his big mouth you said no. He liked taking care of you and didn’t like seeing you uncomfortable. 

And now you didn’t kiss or hug him to say hi, when you wanted attention, or to give sweet goodbyes. 

A fist bump yesterday and you were too distracted this time to give him attention he silently craved. 

He was distracted during the exercise watching you talk animatedly to your partner and bouncing on your soles to distract from the cold.

At a break Katsuki came over to linger around you. You turned around to see him hovering. 

“Hi,” you gave a small smile at your agitated boyfriend. Outwardly he just looked his usual self but you could tell something else was going on. He stood close to you and the instinct to wrap your arms around his waist and lean on him was heavy on your mind. But you kept your hands to yourself and smiled up at him. Just happy to be around him even if he didn’t want you to touch him. 

Unknown to you Katsuki wanted a hug but he never initiated physical contact. Just standing close to you hoping you got the hint. 

“Do you need something?” You asked 

“No..I…never mind.” 

You nodded in an awkward silence knowing he was acting weird but letting it go. 

“You’re still cold.” He blurted at you 

“Uh…yeah I am. What do you want for lunch?” You asked.

“Then why won’t you take my jacket.” He stared at you like you were stupid.

“Because it is a problem that I take your clothes and it upsets you.” You said slowly.

“Yeah I got mad once but it doesn’t matter. But you’re not even touching me or acting normal.” 

“I am normal. You being upset does matter to me.” You said confused 

“Okay and I appreciate that baby. But what type of boyfriend would I be to have you freezing your ass off when I have a jacket.” He complained trying to get you to take the jacket but you just stared at him. 

“A good boyfriend who just likes to have his clothes and doesn’t want me to be clingy. There’s nothing wrong with that” You reassured but Bakugo only sulked more. 

“You said you tolerate my physical touch. I didn’t know I made you uncomfortable. I’m sorry.” You said softly feeling the guilt that had been weighing on you since that night.

Bakugo felt his heart drop at your apologetic words, in no world had you ever made him uncomfortable and you were apologizing when he was in the wrong.

“If you don’t put this on I’ll manhandle you into it.” he threatened 

You laughed and he raised his eyebrows as if it wasn’t a joke. 

He pulled you into bear hug into his chest as you gave a small yelp at his quick action. 

Bakugo kissed the top of your head rubbing your arms with his large hands. “You’re freezing babydoll.” Into your scalp. 

“You’re being nice? Why?” You said muffled into his chest feeling how warm he is. Radiating heat like a warm oven into your icy blood. He ignored your question.

“And youre very warm.” You said 

“And you’re freezing. Your hands are like ice.” He said above you.

“I just didn’t want to upset you. You don’t like when I touch you or take your clothes.” 

He sighed, “You’re too good for me. I was being a dick the other night.” 

You laughed at his words not disagreeing , “Can I hug you back please.” You said cautiously looking up at him. 

He grabbed your arms and put them around his torso before zipping up his jacket.

You pushed up on your toes giving him a kiss. 

“Aizawa is going to kill us.” You muttered noticing the group had left both of you behind.

“Yeah but don’t worry I’ll protect you.” He said 

[grimace-writes]

New Kid in Town *.•.*• No. 2

GN!Reader x Task Force 141 (feat. Alejandro + Roldolfo)

| No.1 | No.2 | No.3 | No.4 | Masterlist |

Summary: The Reader must show the team what they are made of during a sparing session with Ghost.

Word count: 1449

(3rd Person POV | They/Them so anyone can read :) | Early to Mid Twenties) [Unfortunately contains Google translated Spanish...I apologize (˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥ ) Also the Reader is written to be a badass, they deserve it]

[Enjoy! (๑ º ᗜ <; ๑) ノ♡ ]

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Their 141 and MSF friends were really like their own little found family, who functioned mostly by themselves in their own little corner of the base. There were plenty of other teams that shared the other factions of the base, though it seemed rare to see them as Price and the gang were higher on the food chain. The captain made sure they all participated in training with the recruits or other teams for missions, along with helping the other teams on certain larger missions. Seeing as {Y/N} was still fresh meat themselves, they were exempted from participating in group training until the next week. Price wanted to gauge their skill first hand before releasing them to the populous.

“Thanks for the meal, guys..It was good. I hope whatever I make will be up to par like this..” {Y/N} said standing from their place at the table to grab all the empty dishes.

“I’m sure it’s going to be just fine and you are very welcome.” Rudy says, handing his plate to them with a smile before grabbing the leftovers to pack up.

“Sí, estaba delicioso. Gracias, mi amigos.” (*Yes, it was delicious. Thank you, my friends.*) Alejandro joined in collecting the dishes to help with cleaning.

Price, Gaz, Soap, and Ghost stayed seated as the three went to the kitchen with the mess from the table. {Y/N} rinsed and scrubbed the plates as Ale wiped and put them away, he made sure to explain where each item went. Ghost and Price seemed to be talking about work things as Price’s eyebrows furrowed when {Y/N} glanced at him as they put dishes away. {Y/N} met the Captain's gaze which softened the older man’s expression, “Mind coming over here a sec, {C/N}?”

{Y/N} nodded, excusing themself from their task wiping their hands dry before making their way over to the two superior officers. “Yes?”

“With the day still young, Ol’ Ghost here suggests we start your training early. This will give us the opportunity to get a head start on your training regime, if you are up to it that is. It’d be understandable if you need a full day to get settled, though we’d have to start tomorrow at the latest.” Price paused to finish the remnants of coffee in a mug that read ‘World’s Greatest Boss’ in comical lettering as he let {Y/N} mull over the options. It didn’t take long for their answer, they were eager to get started mixed with the anxiety they felt earlier fed their decision.

“Good choice, hen. You two can discuss the details more at the training halls, for now best go back to your previous task.” Price them a smile, cheekily sliding his empty mug towards {Y/N} causing them to snort as they took the glass.

˚☽˚｡⋆⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆

{Y/N} sighed, wiping the dampness from their hands on the front of their pants. They went to the restroom before they went to the session, which separated them Soap and Ghost who were walking with them to the training halls. With a quickened pace they made their way through the halls to their destination, Ghost stood alone by the sparring mats in a room filled with various types of gym equipment.

“Thanks for your patience, sir.” They said jogging over to him, “Where did the sergeant go?”

A pair of silent footsteps made their way to the pair, making a direct beeline towards {Y/N}, who had their back to their attacker. The person held out a ‘knife’ going to sneak attack them, though their plan was foiled by {Y/N} slamming their heel into his foot. With swift action they rounded a kick backwards, hitting the person in the stomach sending him to the floor. They held their fists up to shield themselves from anymore onslaught, a deep grimace in their face as they looked to their attacker.

Soap laid on his side groaning, one hand on his stomach, the other holding his foot. Ghost looked dumbfounded as Soap began to laugh, “That's pure class! How did ya dae that?"

"I took self-defense classes during intermediate (middle) school, then Karate and gymnastics as my electives all throughout secondary (high) school," {Y/N} picked up the discarded rubber knife pointing towards Soap and straightened their posture. They earned themselves confused looks (well eyes in Ghost’s case), which made them feel a little self conscious. “What can I say? I was a military brat, raised by two overprotective commanders who wanted to make sure no one could ever hurt me.”

‘Plus my mentor made sure I could survive any circumstance during the summers, but that’s a story for another day.’ They thought to themselves with a shiver of the memories of those days.

“You’re need for private sessions makes more sense, now” The poor beaten up Scottish man said, he was hoisted up by Ghost. Soap groaned when he put pressure on his foot but was fine otherwise (his pride was more damaged than anything). “You really are something else, best to rein in those feral tendencies, huh? Though one of these days, you mind showing me how ya dae that?” Mactavish walked over to {Y/N} to give them a friendly victory shake, which they gladly took with a smile.

“Maybe, suds.” They said jokingly back.

{Y/N}’s actions made the silent lieutenant more intrigued by them, their skills and techniques seems to match the intel in their file. He felt like he was going to have to take their match more seriously now, it broke his cold persona making him chuckle. “{C/N}. You may have been able to defeat an opponent sneaking up on you..” Ghost crossed his arms leaning back into his full height, tilting his head to the side to stare down at them. “..Let’s find out how good you are against an opponent head on.”

{Y/N} placed their hands on their hips, matching the lieutenant’s gaze before making their way onto the actual training mate. They held the rubber knife to Ghost as he walked over, he shook his head in response.

“Nope, you are going to be the attacker for this exercise.”

{Y/N} gave him a confused look for a second, the plan they quickly came up with went out the window. Having the new prompt they quickly formulated a new plan, with Soap it was easier to find his weak spot and exploit them (plus natural instinct for self preservation). Ghost’s masked expressions mixed with the overall difficulty to read his body language, made this a harder challenge.

‘Attacking the lieutenant, this is a life or death moment..Fight like you are gonna die..’ {Y/N} thought as they moved into an offensive position, Ghost grunted in satisfaction as he matched them in defense.

‘My only chance will be to catch him off guard, he’s probably expecting me to run up and attack..Perfect.’ They stepped forward letting their guard down, making their way to the very confused lieutenant. Ghost held his guard as they twirled the knife in their hand quickening their pace. Once they were at arms length the lieutenant went to swing at them, not taking any chances for them to gain any more ground towards him. {Y/N}’s slid their foot back into a slight fencing lunge, narrowly avoiding Ghost’s fist from colliding with their face, they harshly clapped their hands upwards towards Ghost’s face. This abnormal technique caused Ghost to blink briefly, giving them the tiniest advantage they were gambling for.

{Y/N} grabbed his extended arm, which made Ghost tense and held himself grounded, allowing them to swing through the small space between his legs. They let him go as they slid quickly twisting their body, pouncing up to hop on his back and wrapped their legs around his waist. Ghost grunted as Y/N held the knife against his throat, their other arm wrapped under his arm as they rested their head on his shoulder. “I think I handled myself pretty well, Lieutenant. I win..”

A loud whistle followed by group clapping ran through the empty space, Price and Gaz snuck in to join Soap to watch the match. {Y/N} released Ghost as they gently got off him, feeling awkward with the peanut gallery seeing them clinging to the lieutenant. They cleared their throat taking a step away from Ghost, an expression explaining how they felt clear on their face.

“You did good..” Ghost’s voice cut through praise of the others, he wasn’t the type to easily give out compliments. {Y/N}’s chest filled with pride, “Thank you, sir.”

To be continued..

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Author's Note: If you recognize the technique that inspired the Reader’s, you get 5 gold stars ⭐. Thank you so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed the story. Let me know what you thought of it, Love Love~ (o´ ω `o)💕💕

| No.1 | No.2 | No.3 | No.4 | Masterlist |

[kayleightarot]

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Good morning! Today is about Untamed Energy, Creativity, and New Beginnings Tarot of the Day: Ace of Wands

There is a new beginning at hand. It may take the form of a new phase of life, a new enterprise, a new project, or a new source of inspiration. This is the time to be courageous and “go for it”; whatever “it” means to you. Harness the positive, optimistic energy you’re feeling and channel it for your highest good.

The Ace of Wands is an inventive, creative card suggesting some sort of passionate union, good news, or the birth of something powerful and inspiring yet to come in your life. It could be a new project or something creative that you will be taking on either at work or, as a hobby. Today is also a good day to start a new health regime. Even if that means add vegetables to one meal a week and exercise for 5 minutes a day, embrace it; the benefits will surprise you.

💚 If work is where this Ace appears today, be bold and ask for what you want. You will likely be more successful than you imagined.

💙 If you are in a relationship, this Ace indicates a new beginning - this could mean a new depth or a fresh start. Express yourself openly and honestly to achieve the best outcome. 💙 If you are looking for a relationship, this Ace indicates that possibility. Express yourself honestly, and be open to new opportunities.

🧡 Ace of Wands heralds a time of innovation, enthusiasm, and hopefulness. Anything you start with this energy, will succeed beyond your hopes and expectations. With all that possibility, what will you begin? Gun a-màireach (until tomorrow), Lovelies Peace out

[nyoomfruits]

Ooh, 'Don't tell the others, but I love your cooking the most.' for Max/Charles/Lando/Oscar? (This is of course fiction, but I also find it amusing in real life, Oscar seems like the only one of the four who can actually cook unaided, in case you want to do anything with that 😄)

HIVE MIND HIVE MIND HIVE MIND (pt. 2)

“Don't tell the others, but I love your cooking the most.”

It’s taking some getting used to, this new dynamic between them, which is why when Max asks, “What do we want to do for dinner?” Oscar gladly raises his hand and says, “I’ll go cook,” before disappearing into the kitchen.

It’s not that he’s hiding, per se, but it was just him and Lando for so long, and now its him and Lando and Charles and Max, and sometimes it just feels a bit overwhelming, is all. The other three are well them, and they’ve have known each other for forever, have been racing against each other even longer. Oscar just struggles with his place in all of it, sometimes.

But cooking, cooking he can do. He manages to gather some ingredients together, enough for a simple pasta, and starts prepping them, cutting onions and garlic and bell peppers. From the kitchen, the sounds of Lando and Max yelling filter in, no doubt entangled in a game of FIFA.

He’s just put a pan on the heat and put some oil in, when Charles appears in the doorway, smiling softly. “Smells good.”

“Thanks,” Oscar says. “Though remind me to do some groceries tomorrow. The fridge is woefully understocked.”

Charles snorts, makes his way further into the kitchen. “Well, that’s Max for you. I’m surprised you managed to find what you did,” he says, and suddenly he’s behind Oscar, wrapping his arms around Oscar’s waist and hooking his chin over Oscar’s shoulder. “Thanks, for sacrificing yourself to make us food, by the way. Don’t tell the others, but I love your cooking the most.”

Oscar laughs a little, turns his head to press a soft kiss against Charles’s temple. “Thanks. Although I’m not sure how high that praise really is when I’m up against a guy who only knows how to heat up prepackaged soup and a guy who could burn water.”

It’s Charles’s turn to laugh, and he presses a kiss to Oscar’s shoulder before he steps back. “That’s fair. But you know. Just so you know your efforts are appreciated.”

“Thank you,” Oscar says, smiling genuinely, as he puts the pasta in the pot of boiling water.

He expects Charles to leave, then, but instead Charles hoists himself up onto one of the empty counters, and leans back against the overhead cabinets. “How did the new training regime go, by the way? Your trainer put you on a new plan, right?” He asks, as he watches Oscar move around the kitchen.

So they make small talk while Oscar cooks, the sounds of Lando and Max destroying each other in FIFA filtering in through the open door. And it’s nice, having a little moment with just Charles, when it so often is all four of them together.

Eventually they do get broken out of their little bubble by Max and Lando, who follow the smell of onions frying into the pan and then stay in the kitchen as well, all four of them hanging out together while Oscar finishes up their food.

They eat on the couch, tangled together in a heap of limbs. Lando proposes marriage to Oscar a total of five times, Max wonders if he can hire him as his personal chef, and Charles gives him this small, almost knowing smile over the tops of their heads.

So yeah, it’s hard, navigating this new relationship where it’s three other people instead of one. But Oscar’s pretty sure they can work it out. Together.

[luminalunii97]

This is a revolution

Now before I start I like to point out that this revolution is the most unpredictable thing this regime has ever dealt with. At first, It was so unbelievable when Mahsa Amini's murder sparked a full-on revolution, many of us Iranians didn't believe it would go anywhere. There have been protests before with anti-regime chants but non of them lasted long. Now three months in everyone is sure it's the regime's ending. In the first month of the revolution, protests happened completely randomly. Each night a new city or district would rise but there was no guarantee tomorrow would be like the night before. And most of the calls were very vague, they didn't choose a place or exact time. It was like "tomorrow we're calling people to come to the streets" and people did. This unpredictability made the anti-riot forces irritated because they didn't know where they should go or station until the protests were already full on. Some of the places whose people protested were so unexpected. Recently, a new city, Ardakan in Yazd province, joined the protests that they're believed to be one of the most religious cities in Iran. Therefore some expected most of them to be brainwashed by the regime. But nope. They came to the streets, many of them, to chant "down with the regime" and "death to Khamenei".

There was a three-day call for strikes and protests in Iran on 14, 15, and 16 of Azar (December 5, 6, and 7). Iranians new tactic of protesting is now walking silently. The silence has made the anti-riot forces really confused as to whether they should attack protesters or not! And then on the last night of the protests, something amazing happened.

Students have been at the forefront of this revolution (I have a post exclusive on that coming soon). There has been a call for students to not limit the protests to campus and bring their movements to the streets so that people can join them. 16 of Azar is the national university students day in Iran and for the first time since Mahsa Amini's murder, students of Tehran university brought the core of their protests to the streets and people started to join them.

The number of people on Enghelab street and Enghelab square, where Tehran university is located, grow rapidly and these people started to move towards Azadi street and Azadi square. (Btw Enghelab means "revolution" and Azadi means "freedom". The protests started from "revolution" sq and reached "freedom" sq, as ironic as that is!)

The protest started in the afternoon, I believe 3 pm, and by sunset, twitter was filled with the call for Tehran residents to join. And girlll didn't they join! Every street leading to Azadi square was locked due to heavy traffic. We couldn't reach the square by car. The sounds of horns blasting in protest awakened half the city.

The regime shut down the internet for a couple of hours and they turned off Azadi Tower lights. But the protests continued to the early hours of the morning. Because of heavy traffic, the anti-riot vehicles couldn't reach the square and mostly Basiji motorbikers were there and they couldn't do much to suppress the protests. They broke some car windows though. There are going to be more videos uploaded later when the connection gets stronger. For now, look at these:

At the same time, this was happening in Tehran, other cities were at it too. Capital is the heart of this regime, Tehran falling to the hands of the people is the regime's falling. But it's important to keep every city in Iran bustling so that the regime's focus is scattered all over Iran.

Last night many of those who have never been on the streets protesting joined which has made everyone very optimistic about the next call, which is going to be on Saturday, December 10th.

[image translation: rally with us, compatriots! Strike and silent demonstrations to respect our martyrs. Saturday 19 of Azar at 3 pm. Tehran and other cities]

[itstheoneshot]

He’s a Model, Darling

request

Summary: There is nothing better than on-set chemistry, and working with someone as attractive and charming as this makes it so, so easy.

Word Count: 3.2k

Pairing: Wang Yibo x Reader

Warnings: 18+, NSFW, Exhibitionism, Unprotected Sex.

Being a model has its pros and cons. You adhere to a strict diet and exercise regime, with that comes intense emotions, fluctuating energy levels and a twisted sense of self. On the other hand, you travel the world, and meet all kinds of amazing people. You have friends in every country that you have been to, and you never go without anything material-wise, always owning the latest clothes, tech, accessories. Brand deals are never ending, and for that you are so grateful.

Today marks another two day shoot, this time in Beijing, with a model whom you know of, but have yet to meet.

Wang Yibo, idol, actor, dancer, model. You are thrilled at the opportunity, sure that you can learn something from him, even though you too are at the top of the game, there is always an excitement in meeting other highly successful models.

Seeing him in person blew you away, twice as handsome as any photo could capture. You were overwhelmed at first, racking your brain to try and remember anything you learnt through Mandarin classes at school, worried that you will be unable to communicate with your co-model, when he interrupts your train of thought.

“Hi,” He smiles at you, speaking English, “It’s nice to meet you.”

A wave of relief washes over you, though you don’t know if he is fluent, his accent and intonation is good.

“It’s nice to meet you too,” You reply, “I look forward to working with you.”

You watch Yibo’s expression, examining his features, and you can see him translating in his head, processing the words that you said.

“Oh me too,” He nods, “Your work is so good.”

Are you really blushing? How embarrassing, and he definitely notices. Though there is no further time for conversation as you hear your manager call your name, requesting for you to go to your dressing room to prepare.

“I’ll see you on set!” You say with a little bow of your head, waving softly before you turn in the direction of your manager, as Yibo does the same with his.

Soon you are ready, handing your water bottle to your manager before walking out on set. The lights are bright, and the backdrop is a floral, forest kind of scene. Coming into Spring, you are modelling the new season’s collection, and you could not be more thrilled. The dress you are wearing is stunning, low cut but classy neck, the length sits just above your knee. Yibo is in a casual suit, open blazer with a button up shirt and slacks. You wear high heels and he in sneakers, and everything just fits.

“Looking good,” You comment as the director puts you in position, “This might be the best season yet.”

Yibo eyes you up and down so openly, and although in this business that is something you are used to, you feel that same blush crawl up your cheeks. You thank the heavens that you have enough makeup on to hide it, and you glance away for a second to try to calm down.

“You do too,” He replies, moving closer to you on instruction, “These are your colours.”

It’s cute, the way that he tries to communicate with you, and your chemistry is unreal. The day flies by, with you two laughing and making jokes, testing both of your language skills, and having so much fun. You don’t remember the last time you enjoyed a shoot so much, and you are happy that it will continue on to tomorrow.

“Do you want to get coffee?” Yibo asks, looking at you with a soft expectancy, no pressure.

“I’d love to,” You nod, “I’ll just let my manager know that I don’t need her to drive me home.”

Yibo smiles at you as you turn around, heading back to your dressing room to change, and to tell your manager about your plans. She is happy for you to go, but does warn you not to stay out late, reminding you of the early start tomorrow. You hadn’t planned on that anyway, all you are doing is getting a drink, but you thank her again before leaving to find your new friend.

“I can drive us,” Yibo tells you, holding his arm out for you to take, “I drove here alone.”

Touching him now off set, brings a whole new feeling, it is electric, and you realise the chemistry was not just put on for show. You try to pay no mind to the goosebumps raised on your skin, and focus on following his lead, out to the parking lot where his expensive sports car is parked. 

He opens the door for you, and continues to hold onto you as you get down into the car. He finally relinquishes his grip, though lingers momentarily with his hand up by your cheek before he pulls back to close the door. Not a moment later he is in the driver’s seat, pressing the ignition to fire up the engine, and reversing out of his parking spot to leave the set. You wouldn’t consider yourself that into cars, but there’s just something about an insanely hot man, driving a fast and powerful vehicle, that is just so attractive.

Yibo catches you staring, and you watch his lips curl up in a smirk before he glances over at you while he is pulled up at a red light.

“What’s on your mind, beautiful?” He asks, “Don’t think I don’t see you.”

He is so cheeky. Butterflies flutter in your stomach and heat rushes to your cheeks as he stares at you, and you are lost for words. He looks away, back to the road ahead as he takes off at the lights, and you find the courage to speak again once you are no longer lost in his eyes.

“Oh nothing,” You reply with a defiant edge, “Why, is something on yours?”

Yibo rolls his eyes with a playful laugh, shaking his head, “Oh, nothing,” He mimics you, diverting the topic, “The cafe is just over here.”

He turns down a side street and pulls up on the side of the road, quickly getting out of the car to open your door for you again. You aren’t used to chivalry, but you take it gracefully, any excuse to hold his hand again, a little overwhelmed when he doesn’t let go, interlocking your fingers while you walk a few stores down to the cafe. 

He lets go of you once you are seated, moving to take his own seat opposite of you. He calls a waiter over and orders an iced americano for you both, before focusing his attention on you and you only. He has you giggling and blushing non-stop, a natural flirtatious energy that you try your hardest to match. A confirmation of the connection you shared, it is so easy to spend time with him, and you are disappointed when you look down at your watch and realise that it is late and you need to go back to your hotel.

“I’ll drop you off,” Yibo offers, “And I’ll see you on set again in the morning.”

This time you reach for his hand first, and hold it with him on the gearshift while he drives. Your hotel isn’t far, and you are saddened again when you need to say goodbye. He lets go of your hand, to gently grab your thigh. You let out a surprised whimper, in shock but not complaining, but the moment passes quickly, and he moves out of the car to come around and help you from your seat. He pulls you in to hug you goodbye, and if you had any less restraint, you would be asking him upstairs, but instead you breathe him in for the time that he holds you, memorising the way that his hands feel on your waist, burning his dark, woody perfume scent into your senses.

“I’ll see you in the morning,” You mumble breathlessly, letting your gaze wander when he steps back, “Thank you, for today, and tonight.”

Yibo nods in agreement, “I can’t wait, I’ll see you then.”

He sits in his car and watches you walk into the hotel lobby, turning to wave once more before you make your way to the elevator, riding it up to the 30th floor where your room is. Your phone buzzes in your pocket when you exit, but you wait until you are in your room before you answer it.

The first message is from your manager, wanting confirmation that you made it back to your accommodation safely. You reply with your confirmation before opening the conversation that you are actually interested in.

Yibo

I enjoyed your company today, and I realised I didn’t say thank you yet, so thank you.

You

As did I, and I’ll be thinking of the way your hands felt on me for a long while.

You couldn’t help yourself, mind still racing from the sparks that flew between you. The anxiety of being so forward over text is short-lived as another message pops up on screen.

Yibo

Maybe I’ll keep them there longer next time, so it’s harder to forget.

Go get some sleep, sweetheart.

I’ll see you tomorrow x

You bite your tongue to stop yourself from screaming. The implication is enough to make heat surge between your thighs. You reply with a simple goodnight, Yibo gē, before stripping off to shower and do your skincare routine. It is hard to wind down to sleep, but you get comfortable between the sheets and find yourself drifting off imagining the way that he kisses, and silently praying that you would find out for real.

In the morning you walk onto the set with an iced coffee in hand and your manager by your side, greeting the staff politely on your way through to your dressing room. You see Yibo ahead but he is already halfway through the door, so disappointingly you do not get to greet him, instead having to wait until you are dressed and made up, and out in front of the cameras.

“Did you sleep okay?” Yibo asks, “I like your style today.”

Today’s concept is a bit darker, leathers and straps and chains. If you thought Yibo looked good yesterday, that feeling is only tenfold today. You openly stare him up and down, admiring the outfit and makeup that they have him in.

“I did, did you?” You reply, “This look suits you a lot.”

Yibo nods, but is interrupted by the director before he can answer. You begin another day of modelling, this time a lot of the poses are closer than yesterday, more touching, more eye contact, and it drives you crazy. You are sure that the chemistry will show on camera, but that will only be portrayed as skill and talent, which works in both yours and Yibo’s favour. This concept requires a lot more seriousness, less laughter and fun, but you make the most of it, enjoying the change of pace and the challenge of holding yourself together. Yibo is hilarious off camera, and he makes it known that he is playfully trying to mess with you, but you love it.

You get through the shoot faster than expected, and are sent off to your dressing room while the managers and directors break for their lunch, and then to look through the photography to see whether anything else needs to be done. You are grateful for the free time, after changing back into your own clothes, a skirt and crop top combination, relaxing on one of the chairs with your legs up on the table, scrolling through your phone mindlessly.

Yibo

You know you could come see me for our break, right?

YouIs that your way of asking me to your dressing room?

YiboI’ll see you soon.

You roll your eyes, but find yourself standing up to leave the room. You quickly glance down the hall to see nobody around, and take quick strides to the room you saw Yibo enter earlier. You knock a few times before the door opens, and Yibo opens the door, grabbing your wrist to pull you in. His grip is strong, and you already feel yourself faltering. You aren’t sure what he wanted you to see him for, but when he moves his hands to your waist, you begin to get an idea.

“Is this better?” He asks, “Don’t want you to forget this.”

You are sure that you look like a deer in headlights, eyes wide as you try to process what is happening. Yibo stares at you with a brooding gaze, lids heavy as he stares at your lips. You lick them subconsciously, and that is when he leans in to kiss you. You are addicted from the second that your lips connect, gasping at the feeling, Yibo takes the opportunity to taste you, tongue fighting with yours, as one hand moves from your waist up to your hair, fingers carding through it to settle at the base of your scalp. He pulls you further into the room, over to one of the dressing tables where he guides you to sit up on it, spreading your legs to fit in between them. Kisses getting heavier, you whine as he nibbles on your bottom lip, grasping to the collar of his shirt to keep him close to you, crossing your ankles behind him.

“I won’t forget,” You breathe, “How could I? Just look at you.”

Yibo smirks into the kiss, hands now on your thighs to spread them further apart, loving the way that you give in to him, knowing that you want him just as bad as he wants you. Your hands slip under his shirt, desperate to feel the body that he is hiding under there. He is so fit, and you trace his muscles with your fingertips, wanting to learn every single one of them, burn them into your memory forever, knowing that this is more than likely a one time thing.

“You want this, don’t you?” He asks as his hands travel further upwards, under your skirt and increasingly closer to where you are most desperate for, “I need you.”

“Please,” You beg, moaning into his mouth as his fingers trail over your core, “I need you, too.”

It is thrilling, getting frisky in a dressing room, knowing that you could be walked in on at any moment. Do these doors even lock? Too late now… You grab at Yibo’s waist, hands working at the button and fly on his jeans, needing him desperately, and as quickly as possible. Yibo reaches further, fingers hooking into the elastic waistband of your panties, and you obediently lift your hips to allow him to pull them down. Simultaneously you free him from his jeans, tugging them down his legs enough to palm at his hardened cock, sheathed away in his underwear.

“Don’t make me wait,” He growls, furiously pulling his own underwear down and directing you to wrap your hand around his shaft, “Oh, fuck yes…”

You stroke him gently, only wanting to tease him a bit, enjoying it maybe too much how riled up he is getting. You hope that the more you tease, the harder he will go on you, but right now you would be happy with anything that he is willing to give to you. 

Yibo doesn’t make you wait long, his hand moving to wrap around yours as you shuffle closer to the edge of the dressing table. Yibo teases you back, sliding the tip of his cock up your slit, letting your arousal slick him up, but nothing more. He waits until you are whimpering, legs tightening around him before he enters you, slow and cautious, allowing you to take him in all the way. Your breath hitches, gulping as you adjust to the initial stretch, he fills you so well. He lets out a low groan, in comparison with your breathy whine, and he kisses you to keep you quiet as he pulls out to enter you again, this time faster, more forceful, the angle hitting you in all the right places.

He speeds up, unable to hold back anymore. It is so hard to be quiet, with the way that he fucks into you with no reprieve at all. You worry that he is going to tear your hair out, his grip ever-tightening as he tries to keep you still. Each passing second, you know that the chances of you being caught increase, but his cock makes you feel so good, you wouldn’t be opposed to the whole world seeing. You swear that you hear footsteps, but this only spurs Yibo on, picking up the pace to a point that you can barely cope with, overstimulated is an understatement, you are close, Yibo’s hand on your clit to make sure of that, and you know he must be too.

“Gonna cum,” He warns you, “You want that, don’t you?” It’s hard to talk, with your orgasm threatening to take over, you try your hardest to compose yourself, to find the strength to reply.

“I need it,” You whine, “Please, Yibo, please…”

With permission, and the continuous stimulation, you release, thighs shaking as he continues to fuck you through it. You hold him tight, kissing him over and over to try and keep yourself even a little bit quiet, and only moments later does he follow suit, his high washing over him with breathless groans of your name. You are fucked out by the time he slows down, and he is hesitant to pull out of you, but you both know that if you take any longer, you will be caught for sure, and now that your high is subsiding, you are not too keen on that idea.

“I needed that,” He murmurs, kissing you as he pulls out, “I don’t think I could’ve gone on if I had not been able to have you.”

He is so smooth, it makes you blush. You stand to dress yourself, as Yibo steps back to make room for you to do so. Once dressed, you know that you need to leave, not wanting to raise too much suspicion, knowing that if your manager can’t find you there will be hell to pay.

“I did too,” You reply as you fix your hair in the mirror, glancing at Yibo over your shoulder, “At least I’ll be able to focus now if we have to take more photos.”

Yibo reaches forward to tuck your hair behind your ear, trailing his fingers down your neck before he moves back to give you the space to get past him. You are a little unsteady on your feet, but not noticeably, which you are glad about.

“Maybe we should go out for drinks after work?” He suggests, “You aren’t flying home today, are you?”

He has a devilish grin when you turn to face him, one that makes you want to jump him again. Instead, you smirk back, raising an eyebrow indicating that you know what he is looking for, and wondering what he will be like once he’s got alcohol in his system. You are intrigued, and more than interested, and you know that you would regret it if you turned him down.

“I’m here for a few more days,” You tell him, “Yes, let’s do that, I’m sure you know all the best places to go.”

[stevetonyweekly]

SteveTony Weekly - Holiday Special

Happy holidays, my friends! I know a lot of us spend the holidays with more free time than normal, and I thought I’d put together a list of very long fic for you to indulge in during your down time--enjoy and be sure to give your author a comment/kudos if you enjoy it! 

~ 

[Podfic of] When The Lights Go On Again by Dr_Fumbles_McStupid, kalakirya, KD reads (KDHeart), lattice_frames, lavenderfrost, miss_marina95, Opalsong, paraka, Superstitiousme, vassalady

Aliens have invaded earth, and the Avengers are scattered. While Steve leads the resistance, Tony once again finds himself playing captive scientist. In the midst of a violent alien regime, separated by seemingly insurmountable boundaries, Steve and Tony have nothing to keep themselves going but each other.

Note: This was 19hours of FANTASTIC story--highly recommend it if you’ve got a long drive or time off. 

One-Man Army by Captain_Panda

Takes place immediately after the Chitauri attack in Avengers 1.

Steve is running himself into the ground. Tony notices.

Then Steve gets knocked down hard. And Tony intervenes.

Note: I’ve rec’ed this before. It’s delightfully long and nearly perfect--there’s very little downtime in the way of weakness with the pacing and writing, which is a feat in and of itself at over 600k. 

America Isn't Chicken by Amuly 

After a Civil War, death, rebirth, a takeover by Osborn, brain deletion, and the fall of Asgard, Steve and Tony might just be starting to get back on solid ground with one another. Things aren't perfect, not yet, but they can be in the same room as each other without resorting to violence, and they've even managed to share a smile or two.

Seems like the perfect time, then, for Tony to try and fuck it all up with a stupid game of gay chicken.

Meanwhile, as if he didn't have enough to worry about, Tony realizes some kind of supervillainous trouble is brewing when increasingly advanced armors start popping up all over Manhattan, looking strangely reminiscent of his tech. On the other side of the world, Steve gets news that Zola is on the move in Russia, with some sort of nefarious plan at work.

Which will ruin them first? Will it be this unknown armored villain who is after Tony's tech? Or will it be Zola unleashing his mysterious plan on the world? Or will Steve and Tony prove to be their own worst enemies, destroying the tentative truce they managed to forge with their own stubbornness?

Note: Just really delightful 616 fic. It’s a comfort read, tbh. 

Data is King by Amuly

In a cyberpunk dystopia, all the wealth is concentrated in New Versailles and the majority live in impoverished ghettos outside. Prosthetics are strictly prohibited, though many of the poor have body modifications to help them live. Steve Rogers is an idealistic young man who raids the storerooms of New Versailles with his best friend Bucky Barnes, to bring food and medicine to the poor. But when tragedy strikes, Steve is inspired by Dr. Erskine to go seek out the notorious slumlord/black market trader Tony Stark. Rumor has it that Tony used to be a member of New Versailles, but left to make his fortune off the backs of the working man... or was he kicked out? Although they don't hit it off at first, Steve and Tony must work together.

They have some help. The Three Fates are women who control information. Steve's friends from his old life are good people on the fringes of society because of their prosthetic enhancements. And there's Tony's network of resources and connections, not to mention his brilliant engineering mind that helped him build his empire.

But when Steve and Tony finally manage to put their differences aside and rise up against New Versailles... not everything is as simple as it seemed.

Note: So I haven’t actually read this one--but it’s on my list for the week I’m off so I’m sharing it with ya’ll now. 

Maybe Tomorrow by scifigrl47

Tony Stark may well be the richest man in America. In the depths of the Great Depression, that's no small claim. When a plot is hatched for him to take in an orphan for a week, everyone knows it's a publicity stunt. No one knows it better than Officer Steve Rogers, but he's got a job to do, and he's going to do it. Doesn't mean he's going to approve.

Yes, it's an Annie AU.

Yes. That Annie.

Note: I’m a huge fan of scifigrl47 and this fic is all of the reasons why--excellent storytelling, relationships and kids interacting and Stevetony being amazing. 

Forty-Seven Flat by geekymoviemom

Steve Rogers was on the top of the world. He was one of the top students in his class, a world-class athlete, and had a man who loved him. Winning an Olympic Gold Medal seemed like the perfect addition to his picture-perfect life.

But only four years later, Steve’s entire world has come crashing down around him, leaving defending his Olympic title the only thing lying between him and utter ruin.

And then, the unthinkable happens.

Note: I really love sports AU, and this one was just a lot of fun. 

Celestial Navigation by sabrecmc 

Celestial Navigation: 18 year old Omega!Tony finds himself Bonded to Captain Steve Rogers. He isn't happy about it until he is.

By request, here is CN in one place without other stories and artwork.

Note: I love this fic. It’s probably one of my top 10 fav stevetony fics, because it’s just so good. The slow burn and Steve’s slow devotion is just--so lovely. 

Where Our Restless Monsters Sleep by Mizzy

Years after Tony Stark saved the universe, the Avengers realize there’s a major problem: his body has gone missing. And he isn’t the only one. Fallen heroes all over the galaxy have had their graves pillaged.

An old foe is stealing the bodies of fallen warriors, but for what nefarious reason? There’s only one solution. To find out why it’s happening, Steve’s gotta die.

He probably shouldn’t be so eager to do that.

Note: I really love the set up of this fic, the way it leans into canon MCU and still gives us Stevetony. Also--worms. 

Deep in the Heart of Me by Finely Honed (jaqen_hgar)

Veteran single dad Steve runs a tattoo shop. Pepper arranges for Tony to get that tattoo he always wanted, and he winds up with the mother of all crushes instead. Jumping out of airplanes is one thing, but love requires real courage. Steve struggles with letting someone into his life. Tony tries to keep his heart intact while Steve works on his issues.

Craving a realistic depiction of a romantic relationship featuring PTSD, mental health issues, and characters who discuss their problems? This might be for you. No magic fixes here but a happy ending is guaranteed!

Note: I love this fic because it’s so realistic--the way Steve protects Peter from his new relationship is the most realistic depiction of good parenting I’ve ever seen in fic, and I ADORE it. Tony’s patience and hurt and sweetness is everything to me. 

A Higher Form of War by sabrecmc 

Tony is a King with a surprising number of people out to kill him. Steve and the rest of the Avengers are fighting for Pierce's rebellion and end up with Tony as their prisoner. Oops.

Basically one of those bodice-ripping romance novels I don't read (ahem) but with far more gay.

Note: It’s amazing. It’s slow and beautiful and I love Steve so much I can’t even. 

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Judd Legum at Popular Information:

On Tuesday, the South Carolina State Board of Education will impose a centralized and expansive censorship regime on every K-12 school library in the state. The new regulations could result in the banning of most classic works of literature from South Carolina schools — from The Canterbury Tales to Romeo and Juliet to Dracula. The rules were championed by South Carolina State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver, who is closely aligned with Moms for Liberty, a far-right advocacy group seeking to remove scores of books from school libraries.

The regulations restricting library books, which were first proposed by the State Board of Education in September 2023, would ban any instructional materials, including library books, that are not "Age and Developmentally Appropriate." The term "Age and Developmentally Appropriate" is defined as "topics, messages, materials, and teaching methods suitable to particular ages or age groups of children and adolescents, based on developing cognitive, emotional, and behavioral capacity typical for the age or age group." This definition is so broad and subjective that it could justify the removal of virtually any material. 

Further, any library books (or other instructional materials) are automatically deemed "not 'Age and Developmentally Appropriate' for any age or age group of children if it includes descriptions or visual depictions of 'sexual conduct,' as that term is defined by Section 16-15-305(C)(1)." Critically, the regulations ban library books with any descriptions of "sexual conduct" whether or not those descriptions would be considered "obscene." Under the South Carolina law, a library book is not considered obscene if it includes descriptions of "sexual conduct" if it has "serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value" or if the book, taken as a whole, does not appeal to a "prurient interest in sex." This means that classic texts that contain descriptions of sexual content, including The Bible and Ulysses, are not considered obscene.

The new South Carolina regulation refers only to Section 16-15-305(C)(1), which defines "sexual conduct" as "vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse, whether actual or simulated, normal or perverted," "masturbation," or "an act or condition that depicts actual or simulated touching, caressing, or fondling of, or other similar physical contact with, the covered or exposed genitals." Starting tomorrow, any book that contains any descriptions of "sexual conduct" that meets that sweeping definition is required to be banned from South Carolina schools, regardless of whether it has literary merit or would be considered obscene. 

Similar language in an Iowa law "resulted in mass book bans affecting classics, 20th-century masterpieces, books used in AP courses, and contemporary Young Adult novels."

The enforcement of the new regulation is highly centralized. Any South Carolina parent with a child enrolled in a public K-12 school can challenge up to five books per month on the grounds that they contain descriptions of sexual content or are otherwise not age-appropriate. The school district board is then required to hold a public meeting within 90 days to consider the complaint. At the meeting, the school district board is required to announce whether or not it will remove the book. If the school district board decides not to remove the book, the parent can appeal to the South Carolina State Board of Education. After the State Board receives the appeal, it must publicly consider it no later than the second public meeting.  If the State Board decides that the book should be removed, that decision is binding not only on the school district where the complaint originated by all K-12 schools in South Carolina. Any school employee who fails to comply with the bans will be subject to discipline by the State Board. The State Board is empowered to impose any punishment, including termination, that it deems appropriate. 

[...]

Moms for Liberty's influence in South Carolina

Weaver is a close ally of Moms for Liberty, which has advocated across the country to remove books from school libraries. She appeared at the Moms for Liberty 2023 Joyful Warriors National Summit. "There is nothing more precious that God has created than the hearts and the minds of our young people," Weaver said. "And that is what the radical woke left is after. Make no mistake: saving our country starts with saving our schools." 

South Carolina is set to impose a draconian and reckless book ban policy across every school library in the state.

This insanity is the handiwork of far-right Moms For Liberty-aligned extremist Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver.

[mariacallous]

We live today amid the dregs of time. A sense of doom is shared on all sides of the political spectrum. Democratic politics in the West has turned into a clash between two extinction rebellions and two nostalgias: an extinction rebellion of climate activists who are terrified that if we don’t radically upend our way of life, we shall destroy life on Earth, and an extinction rebellion of the “great replacement” right, which lives in fear that if something doesn’t change, it is the end of our way of life. The right is nostalgic for the past. The left is nostalgic for the vanished future. Radically different in their goals, they share one common vantage point: an apocalyptic imagination.

It is in the context of this creeping eschatological position that one can assess the originality and importance of Jonathan White’s In the Long Run: The Future as a Political Idea. White, a professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science, offers an original reading of the current crisis of democracy by defining it as a temporal regime and arguing that an “open future,” one that is not predetermined but is shaped by human agency, is a precondition for the successful functioning of democratic regimes. In his view, “When the future seems to be closing in, institutions organized around the idea of persistent disagreement and changing opinion start to look out of place.”

By contrast, the reigning characteristic of our “age of emergency” is that there is no room for error. If certain decisions are not taken today, it no longer matters whether they will be taken up tomorrow. It will be too late.

White’s argument is that, just as humans die in the absence of air to breathe, democracy can die from the inability to dream collectively. What makes democracy work is a productive tension between a near future and a distant and utopian future. The near future is the one we can plan for—the one that politicians promise to voters and remains at the center of democratic accountability. What the government did yesterday and what the parties pledge for tomorrow will always be the bread and butter of electoral politics.

White, however, is correct to insist that the distant and utopian futures, ones radically different from today’s reality, are also constitutive for democratic regimes. Distant futures are the basis for political hope today and the motivation for deferring the gratification of immediate political goals. Take the future out of democratic politics and elections turn into civil wars with ballots or a never-ending crisis management.

But today our relationship to the future is marked by collective distrust. The resulting imbalance between democracy as a project and democracy as a projection of futures—whether economic, demographic, or technological—is at the center of the West’s current crisis. Uncertainty about the future, and the resulting hope that tomorrow can be radically different from today, are the hallmarks of the democratic idea. The question is whether uncertainty is still possible in our current age of emergency.

White sees the future as a political idea that has gone through different historical iterations, not all of which have productive relationships to democracy.

His consideration of rational calculation is a useful case study. White makes clear the opportunities, and far greater risks, to assuming that the future can be mastered by experts who have mastered the scientific method and the use of statistical data. This faith was on the ascent in the early 20th century, White explains, when new forms of accounting inspired confidence in the power of business to project future earnings. The market forecaster was the new sage, and technocracy as a collective tool to solve the ills of man was infectious. Planning would become a new mantra and a way that ideologies of very different stripes could make sense of what came next.

But how does this impulse to rationally plan the future square with the open-mindedness of democracy and its inherent uncertainty principle? It would seem to be in contradiction. As White writes, “To assume the stability of people’s preferences is to discount the worth of a political process that seeks to change them.” One definition of democracy, offered by the political scientist Adam Przeworski, is a system in which elections cannot be changed ex post or predicted ex ante. Some things have to be left open to chance if a democracy is to be worthy of the name.

It is here that White’s stress on the utility of aspirational futures becomes a separate and essential dimension. Were everything to be left to expert planning or price signaling, the world of imagination would rapidly become impoverished. We would be taking our social cues from rational planners and prognosticators. Although White doesn’t mention him, the late sociologist Erik Olin Wright’s decadeslong research program on “real utopias” is instructive. Wright never lost sight of conceiving in bold yet imaginable terms a world of tomorrow that was also rooted in today’s pragmatic realities, squaring the circle of a wishful long game and the acceptance of the here and now.

In arguing for the critical importance of the future for the success of the democratic project, White is highly persuasive. But in trying to answer how the future could be reimagined, his analysis is less convincing. Out of fear of alienating, it seems, a progressive constituency, he stands guilty of diluting his most salient points while preaching the return of an old ideological politics. When trying to suggest the way out of the current age of emergencies, White starts to sound like a nostalgic leftist. His plea for the return of the revolutionary party strongly committed to a future project sounds noble but is ultimately unrealistic, as the absence of any suggestions for how to create this collective ideological project in his book seems to attest. In recent decades, the spontaneous resurrection of ideological politics has become the left’s version of alchemy.

White’s most important suggestion is also the least inspirational. In his view, the only way to escape the trap of a politics of emergency is to confront head-on the apocalyptic appeal of both the climate left and the great replacement right. Alexis de Tocqueville was one of the first to assert that the discourse of crisis is the native language of any genuine democracy. Democratic politics, he claimed, need drama. “As the election approaches,” Tocqueville observed in his classic travelogue, Democracy in America, “intrigue becomes more active and agitation lively and more widespread. The entire nation falls into a feverish state. … As soon as fortune has pronounced … everything becomes calm, and the river, one moment overflowed, returns peacefully to its bed.”

Democracy thus operates by framing the normal as catastrophic, while promising that all crises are surmountable, thus framing catastrophe as normal. Democratic politics functions as a nationwide therapy session where voters are confronted with their worst nightmares—a new war, demographic collapse, economic crisis, environmental horror—but are convinced they have the power to avert the devastation. In other words, democratic politics is impossible without a persistent oscillation between excessive overdramatization and trivialization of the problems we face. Elections lose their cogency when they fail to convince us that we’re confronting an unprecedented crisis and that we have it in our power to avert it.

It is at this point that the climate left ceases to be a friend of democracy—not because it is wrong in its judgment of the existential threat of global warming, but because its apocalyptic discourse prevents democracy from finding its necessary solutions. As White argues convincingly, “The sense of finality that fills today’s world is central to its volatility.”

In this context, it is worth comparing the anti-nuclear movement of the 1970s to the extinction rebellion of today. It is impossible to overstate the apocalyptic impact of the atomic bomb. For a world emerging from the ashes of World War II, the bomb was the end of the world imagined. But in political terms, preventing nuclear disaster was far easier than preventing climate disaster. To prevent nuclear disaster, it was enough for Soviet and American leaders to refrain from using the ultimate weapon. There was no time dimension. The success was to persuade the leaders of the two superpowers of what not to do. In a nuclear disaster, almost all of humanity will die simultaneously.

It is not the same with a climate disaster. It will take a longer time. At least initially, there will be winners and losers. And success will be measured not by telling leaders what not to do, but by convincing them to do certain things without necessarily a consensus around what might work. So, while the threat of nuclear disaster succeeded in mobilizing a global response that was a political success, the risk is that the climate emergency can result in fatalism and demobilization.

This banalization of catastrophe is the only way to make democracy work. Ultimately, this is also White’s important and necessary conclusion, one that he is shy to endorse. As the literary critic Frank Kermode argued, “Crisis is a way of thinking about one’s moment, and not inherent in the moment itself.” Our apocalyptic views of crisis and catastrophe are ways of making sense of the world, of rendering it intelligible.

White diagnoses today’s actually existing system of Western democracy as one exhausted of political imagination. The diagnosis is appropriate, but we should look closer to the cultural factors that have caused this exhaustion.

Reinhart Koselleck, the German intellectual historian, is helpful here in that he always insisted that modernity is defined in the dialectic between the “space of experience” and the “horizon of expectation.” But recently, something radical has again happened to both dimensions of our existence. Humankind’s recent collective migration into virtual reality redefines how we understand experience. Do we have war experience if we spent countless hours playing war games on our computer or if we religiously followed reports of ongoing wars happening elsewhere?

At the same time, the expectations about our own mortality are undergoing dramatic transformations. Could it be that we have reached the moment when nations start to look mortal while individuals are reluctant to take their own mortality for granted? It might be safe to argue that the changing demography of Western societies, their aging and shrinking, is one of the factors of the exhaustion of political imagination. Does an often childless younger generation view the future the same way that previous generations focused on the life of their children did? Is the diminishment of the nation-state in most parts of the West not at least partially responsible for the decline of the future? Is collective imagination, particularly a collective demographic imagination, in elective affinity with the nation-state?

And is the impotence of our collective imagination not related to the fact that, for some, particularly those resident in Silicon Valley, immortality is a project to be achieved in the very near future? Some informed observers believe the person who will live for 200 years has already been born. In this perversely paradoxical sense, anxiety about the apocalypse is fueled by our hope to cancel it forever. In our secular world, apocalypse is simply our own death.

In the same way that the invention of the modern individual was a precondition for the emergence of democracy in modern times, it is the hope of individual immortality that marks the end of collective dreams. Many would agree with Woody Allen when he explained, “I don’t want to achieve immortality through my work; I want to achieve immortality through not dying. I don’t want to live on in the hearts of my countrymen; I want to live on in my apartment.”

The vanishing future is probably the most critical element for the current crisis of democracy. But it can’t be overcome by simply advocating for more democracy. And while White may not offer the needed answers, he is doing something even more important, and long overdue, by asking the right questions.

[jasgirl-creations]

Scenario: a billionare femboy gets a hyper femaleish body so he can be the bride of their dreams for his childhood best friend, who is a timid, nerdy and otaku guy

We've been friends for so long. Since we were kids. I've always been in love with you, but I knew I wasn't your type. Sure, I was a femboy, cute and flirty with wide hips and a great butt, but I knew you liked hyper fem bodies. Your room was covered with posters and manga and figures of super busty anime and gaming girls, and your porn folders were bursting with big titty idols and porn stars. I knew I'd never make you fall in love with me unless I had giant breasts of my own. I studied so hard in high school and graduated college early. Unlike the dumb bimbo cheerleaders you drooled over I was cute AND smart! I attended university with a special scholarship at just 16, and transferred to a specialized medical science academy at 18. By that time we had grown out of touch. You were struggling to choose a school and focusing on online games and the latest anime, and had no time for "real girls". That was fine with me. I knew by the time I was done with my plan you'd still waiting for me. My grad project was a breakthrough. A revolutionary drug for breast enhancement. By the time I left the academy I had partnered with the world's largest pharma company, and my payday guaranteed I'd spend the rest of my life as a billionaire. My first investments were changes to my body. I was already a cute femboy, but I wanted to be your perfect feminine fantasy partner. Surgery gave me wider hips and a full fat ass and a beautiful feminine face with full plump lips. Of course my own drugs was responsible for my new breasts. I had designed a regimen of daily doses that would give a flat chested girl full perky D-Cups within a month. For myself I tripled that dose, and by the time I was ready to see you my new breasts had swollen larger than my own head! Now we're finally ready to be together! I proposed to you on the spot the first day I came back to town. I knocked on your front door and asked you to marry me! You didn't even recognize me! You hadn't changed at all, still the same cute nerdy boy I'd known in high school I convinced you to accept my proposal by dropping to my knees right at your front door and sucking you cock until you came in my mouth. It didn't take long at all! After that you were putty in my hands, and eagerly agreed to marry me. I bet you would have said yes even if I hadn't told you I was the high school best friend you hadn't seen in years! Its our wedding day and I'm ready to spend the rest of my life with you. Tomorrow I start my new drug regime, tripling my current dose. I know you love big titties, and I wonder how big I can grow for you? Thanks to my wealth we'll be taken care of forever. Don't worry, I have everything planned out! You don't have to worry about anything except fucking your sexy new wife!

[randomficrecss]

dramione pls <3

hi anon! I’ve actually just started reading dramione so i only have a few bookmarked but i’ll give u some i have in my marked for later too :)

Wait and Hope by mightbewriting

M | 94.9K | 12/12 | Memory Loss, Slowburn

“Harry,” Hermione began, voice very controlled, but she could feel the blade of panic slicing at her vocal cords. “Why was Draco Malfoy just screaming bloody murder about his,” and the word almost strangled her as she said it, “wife?”

Harry's green eyes blew wide. Healer Lucas pinched the bridge of her nose, clearly displeased with the recent series of events.

“He was referring to you, my dear,” she said. “That was the other question you got wrong. Your name is Hermione Jean Granger-Malfoy.”

Hermione had to be sedated again.

[In which Hermione loses the last six year's worth of her memories, including the entirety of her relationship and marriage to Draco.]

unexpected by ambpersand

E | 66.8K | 13/13 | Unplanned pregnancy, unexpectedly soft draco malfoy, fluff and angst, sexual content

Hand drifting down to her abdomen, she knew. When she was younger, she’d known that there was something different about her. About her abilities. Her certainty had been palpable, and was only confirmed when Professor McGonagall had shown up on her doorstep with that fateful letter in hand. And now, just over ten years later, she felt that same sense of certainty again.

She was pregnant.

And it all because she’d gone and had a one night stand with the worst person in the world… Draco Malfoy.

Tremble & Depart by DarkoftheMoon

E | 139.6K | 30/30 | Slowburn, Ministry of Magic Employee Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger, cursebreaker hermione, Investigations, hurt/comfort, sexual content

Draco Lucius Malfoy. Death Eater. Disposable.

Life on probation at the Ministry meant keeping his head down and his mouth shut. On his first field assignment he’s tasked with investigating an abandoned Death Eater manor hiding more than a few secrets in its walls.

Stuck with the only witch who agreed to work with him.

False Pretenses by tasteoftheforbidden

M | 273.5K | 31/31 | PTSD, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Post-War, character development

(TW references self harm, child abuse)

The solicitor was convinced that the only way to salvage the Malfoy family name was marriage to a certain muggle-born witch.

"Granger is one of the people who has witnessed every single negative aspect of my personality. The moment she sees me act decent, her defenses will shoot up. She'll know from her gut that something is wrong." Draco paused, twirling the glass of firewhiskey in his hand.

"So… you're going to offer it to her? Like a deal?" Blaise was positively sure that the Malfoy heir had gone mental. What could he possibly present to his longtime mortal enemy to get her to agree?

*A story that uses the most common tropes in Dramione fanfiction... Then changes how it's done.

Bending Light by scullymurphy

M | 146.8K | 29/29 | Redeemed Draco Malfoy, slowburn, eventual smut, Post- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Teen Angst

Draco Malfoy was in exile, though they called it protection. It was the summer after sixth year and he'd taken Dumbledore's offer, defected to the other side and been sent away to a small town in Italy for his troubles.

No magic, few rules, and not a lot to do -- until Hermione Granger arrived.

What do you do when you're thrown into exile with the last person you wanted? You live like there's no tomorrow...

Dragon in the Dark by GracefulLioness

E | 164.7K | 31/31 | Voldemort is dead, eventual smut, espionage, murder, Assassin Draco, Healer Hermione

The battle is won, Voldemort is dead, but the war is far from over. In the new Death Eater regime, Draco Malfoy does what he must to survive and keep his mother safe. Now a highly trained assassin, Draco has learned to think of his targets as inhuman beings, but when he is tasked with killing someone from his past, he can no longer hide from the horrors of the world around him.

Apple Pies and Other Amends by ToEatAPeach

M | 76.7K | 29/29 | PTSD, Stress Baking, BAMF Hermione Granger, Redeemed Draco Malfoy, post-hogwarts

(TW alcohol abuse)

It’s not until she’s brought a basil and strawberry sponge cake to Neville Longbottom and his new girlfriend, Hannah Abbott, a dozen rhubarb hand-pies to Luna and Xenophilius Lovegood, and another basket of ganache-covered muffins to Dean and Seamus, that Hermione admits to herself what she’s actually doing: she’s making a thing of this. It’s a veritable PTSD tour. With pastries. And hand-skimmed clotted cream. And she has no idea why she’s doing it, but it’s becoming very apparent that she is.

Sometimes you're sad. Sometimes you need dessert. And sometimes, it's a little of both.

Remain Nameless by HeyJude19

E | 312.2K | 51/51 | Post-Hogwarts, Slowburn, friends to lovers, PTSD, sexual content

(TW past drug addiction, suicidal thoughts)

How did it feel? It felt like he was barely holding it together. She, of all people, should shun him. Or yell at him. Curse him. Spit at him. Take out her wand and blast him off the face of the earth. It was crushing guilt and relief and confusion all at once when he looked at Hermione Granger.

The monotony of Draco’s daily routine had become both a lifeline and a noose. But this new habit of grabbing coffee with Hermione Granger is quickly becoming a reason to get out of bed and is unfortunately forcing him to re-evaluate his inconsequential existence.

Hermione is living her life in fragments, separate pieces scattered about, and she can’t find a way to step back and let the full picture form. Why are morning meetings with Draco Malfoy the only thing that make sense anymore?

sorry if you’ve read all of these! i have more so just let me know<3

[41319kbex]

Hell Hath No Fury (13/?)

I’m really glad you guys enjoyed the last chapter and felt it lived up to the expectations. Writing love scenes is honestly one of the hardest things to write to get it to come off the way you want it to and in a way that the readers can picture it. So I’m glad it worked! 

Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed! I think I messaged everyone back who I could, but if I missed you, I’m sorry and it was not intentional! I honestly try to acknowledge everyone who leaves a review that is not a guest.

I still plan to do a more significant time jump to get through summer, but it’s not going to be in this chapter. This one starts about a week after the last one. I hope you guys enjoy the chapter, and Happy Easter to those who celebrate!

Still don’t own Castle…

xxxxx

“Kate…come back to bed…” Castle whined from where he was lying, still naked, in his bed. 

She chuckled softly as she came out of the bathroom, already wearing her underwear and bra, towel drying her hair. “We talked about this,” she reminded him with a smile, letting her eyes travel over him appreciatively, but she was not going to let herself get pulled back into bed with him now that she’d already had her shower. 

He grumbled with a pout, looking every bit like a petulant child. “I think we should reopen the discussion.”

“Castle, I’m going back to the city. I told you, I have dinner plans with Lanie tonight. I have lunch plans with my dad tomorrow. I have a doctor’s appointment for my ribs on Tuesday. And this is Alexis’s first week off from school. I know you’ve missed her, and you are going to spend the week with her without me here,” she recapped their discussion for him as she pulled on her jeans. 

“But my doctor said sex was good for my recovery…” he tried with a pout. 

She laughed and shook her head. “Nice try. But rest and recovery days are also an integral part of any exercise regime; your doctor would tell you that too…and after this week with me, I think your body definitely needs a few rest and recovery days,” she smiled. It was true; aside from meals, his therapy appointments, and a few walks along the beach, they had spent most of their time in his bed over the last week. In fact, the reason she still had so many clean clothes in her bag was because they had barely worn clothes at all, and when they had, it hadn’t been for very long. 

He sighed and finally got out of bed, making no move to get dressed though. “I’m going to miss you,” he murmured, gently tugging her hips to him before she could get her shirt on.

She looked up at him with a smile and gently kissed his lips. “I know. But that’s good,” she patted his chest and stepped out of his arms to pull her shirt over her head. 

“How is missing each other a good thing?” he whined, reaching for her again. 

Her arms looped around his neck then as she allowed him to pull her back into his arms. “Because this is still new…for you, for me, and for your family. Being here every day for the rest of the summer is going to be an awful lot like living together…and we are not ready for that; I’m not ready for that…and I highly doubt Alexis is ready for that. We all need some time and space to adjust,” she told him softly, pressing a kiss to his lips to keep him from feeling any kind of sting from her words. 

He breathed deeply when he broke the kiss, resting his forehead against hers. “Fine.”

She smiled, her fingers gently toying with the soft, baby hairs at the nape of his neck. “I love you. And I will be back at the end of the week, ok?”

“Okay,” he nodded, finally releasing her. 

She moved toward the bathroom, grabbing his boxers off the dresser where they had landed last night and tossing them at his head. “Get dressed while I finish getting ready, so we can have breakfast with your mom and Alexis before I leave.” With that, she disappeared into the bathroom to dry her hair with the hair dryer and fix her makeup. 

xxxxx

The waiter had just brought their margaritas, and Kate had just taken a drink of hers when Lanie spoke. “Alright, so how was it?”

Kate set her drink back down and shook her head, not following what her friend was talking about.

“The sex with Castle,” she eyed her knowingly. “Don’t bother denying it. You had sex. You’re glowing. I know that glow. And judging from your glow, I’d say it’s pretty good.”

Her mouth opened to deny everything, but then she closed it and smiled slightly. Lanie already knew they were together from their last evening together, so she didn’t see the point. Besides, she was happy. “Pretty amazing, actually,” she admitted, taking another drink of her margarita. 

“Oh, amazing, hmm?” Lanie smiled. “So Writer Boy lives up to his reputation?”

Kate smiled slowly. “He’s still on restrictions…we have to be careful because he can’t physically do as much as he wants. But so far…yeah. His reputation is warranted.”

“Girl, if it’s this good now, just wait until you get the full Richard Castle experience,” Lanie grinned, taking a drink from her own margarita. “So I have to ask you…does his ass look as good out of those jeans as it does in them?”

“Better,” Kate answered easily, taking another drink. “Actually, his whole body looks better out of his clothes. So good that we barely spent any time wearing clothes this past week,” she added with a satisfied smile. 

Lanie laughed softly. “Well no wonder you’re all loose and relaxed. See, I told you before…just think of how loose and relaxed you could have been this entire time if you had just jumped that boy from the get go. Sex is a great stress reliever.” Seeing the other woman roll her eyes at that, Lanie smiled. “Seriously, Kate. I’m happy for you. You deserve to be happy, and he obviously makes you happy.”

“He does,” she smiled genuinely. “I’m in love with him, Lanie.”

“You act like that’s news,” she smiled. 

Kate shook her head. “No, I mean I’m completely and totally in love with him...to the point that it scares me. He’s it, Lanie. If this doesn’t work out…it’s going to break me.”

Lanie’s eyes softened. “Oh, Sweetie. You just got together with Castle. Why would you already think this won’t work?”

She shrugged. “It’s just what I’ve come to expect, and we’re two very different people. He’s this multi-millionaire best selling author…who has dated models and actresses and could be with any woman he wants. And I’m just this regular cop who has a lot of emotional baggage. I just don’t see how we work in the long term; on paper we don't work at all.”

“Girl, I’ma smack you. Do not sell yourself short, Kate Beckett. You are an incredible woman that any man would be lucky to be with,” Lanie started. “Yes…Castle has dated models and actresses and could have any woman he wants, and do you know who that woman is?" Seeing her friend shake her head, she continued. "You. He’s been crazy about you, probably since the beginning. He based a character on you. He built an entire book series around you. Those books? They’re love letters to you. He knows all about your past and your baggage, and he still thinks you’re extraordinary. He ran into your burning apartment to save you. He took a bullet for you, Kate, without hesitation. That man is just as much in love with you as you are with him,” she continued. “So stop doing that thing you do, where you automatically assume the worst and wait for the other shoe to drop, and just enjoy being happy, being in love with him.”

Kate sighed softly. “We’ve both been doing this dance for 3 years. What happens when the music eventually stops? What if all we were in love with was the dance?”

Lanie reached over to give her friend’s hand a gentle squeeze. “Who says the music will stop? What you and Castle have…it’s magic; yeah, the music might eventually stop. But the music could also keep right on playing, and you could keep dancing with Castle forever. Relationships aren’t lived on paper, Kate. They’re lived in your heart…and from what I’ve seen, both of your hearts want each other. Now I know this goes against everything you believe in, but stop listening to your head on this one thing, and just trust your heart.”

Kate smiled slightly. “Thanks, Lanie.”

“What are best friends for if they can’t talk some sense into you every now and then,” she smiled. 

xxxxx

“Katie!” Jim greeted his daughter with a careful hug, remembering her broken ribs. 

“Hey, Dad,” Kate grinned, hugging her father tightly before sitting in the booth.

“How are you doing? How are your ribs?”

“I’m good. My ribs feel a lot better, actually. I have an appointment in a couple days just to check, but they seem to be fine.”

Jim nodded. “That’s good. So what have you been doing with your time off, Katie? I haven’t really heard from you, but I know you aren’t the type to just sit around. All this time off is driving you crazy, I'm sure.”

Kate smiled slightly. “I’ve spent some time with Lanie. We just had dinner last night, actually,” she started. “I’ve…surprisingly spent some time in bed just relaxing and letting my ribs heal. I’ve been out on my bike a few times…you know I love to ride when I get restless.” Those weren’t complete lies. She had spent a lot of time in bed relaxing…she simply wasn’t telling her father it was in Castle’s bed or the ways in which he was helping her to relax.

“Good for you, Katie. You look great; relaxing is good for you,” he smiled at his daughter. “And how is Castle?”

Before Kate could answer, a waitress showed up to take their order, giving her a little time in which she could think about what exactly she wanted to tell her father. “Castle is recovering well; he at least looks normal now. Actually, he’s at the point where he’s starting to feel better and get restless. He can’t do everything he wants because the doctor has strict orders he has to follow, and he's not exactly the best at following directions.” That seemed innocent enough. “Alexis is out of school, I’m sure she’ll keep him in line. She’s much more mature than he is.”

Jim studied his daughter for a few moments. “So you’ve seen him then,” he commented casually. 

“Well, yeah. He’s my partner. And he saved my life,” she shrugged as though that were explanation enough as to why she'd spent some time with him. 

“So he’s back in the city?” he asked her with a small smile. 

Kate paused slightly. This was not the direction she’d planned on their conversation going. “He’s still in the Hamptons.”

“I see; so you’ve also spent some time in the Hamptons while you’ve been off work. You failed to mention that part earlier,” her father stated with a knowing look. 

“He has a guest room, you know. His house is huge.” Also not complete lies. His house was definitely huge, and she had initially stayed in his guest room...at least the first week. But he didn't need to know the specific details. 

Jim chuckled. “Katie, I told you before, how you want to spend your time and with whom in your personal life is none of my business. As long as he’s good to you, and you’re happy, that’s all I care about. And you look happy…genuinely happy. Whatever you’ve done over the last couple of weeks to be this happy is obviously working for you. You’ll tell me the rest when you’re ready,” he smiled. 

Kate blushed slightly. “I am happy. And there is no ‘rest’ to tell.”

“Did you tell Castle I wanted to take him to dinner?”

She nodded. “I did. And he’s game once he’s back in the city. I’m not sure when he’s coming back, though.”

He nodded. “Well when he’s ready, just let me know.” He took a drink of his coffee then. “So have you thought about spending some time at the cabin? I’ve got some time in a few weeks at the end of June if you want to plan to meet there.”

“That would be nice. Let’s plan on that.”

“And my offer still stands…you should bring Castle with you,” he smiled slightly.

“Dad!”

He laughed, holding up his hands defensively. “I’m just saying that bringing him to the cabin would be a lot easier than waiting until he’s back in the city for me to thank him. If you two really aren’t together, there is still the guest room, you know that. But for what it’s worth? I hope you are together. You deserve some happiness, Katie. I see the way you light up when I mention him, the way you smile when you talk about him, the way you laugh. He’s obviously good for you. He’s much better than your other boyfriends I’ve met. I actually like him.”

Kate blushed again and rolled her eyes. “I’ll think about asking him.”

“That’s all I ask, Katie.”

The rest of lunch was spent with Kate carefully avoiding any topics that could be somehow linked to Castle. Talking with her father about her relationships with men was not something she usually did, at least not until it was something much more serious. Although her relationship with Castle was the most serious she’d ever been about a man, it was still too new for her to talk to her father about. But later that evening when she talked to Castle, she asked him if he felt up to taking a road trip with her to her father’s cabin, and he’d agreed.

xxxxx

So this was a little bit of a break from all the Castle and Beckett togetherness, but I wanted to show Kate getting away some, because she does still need her space. It doesn’t mean she loves Castle any less or wants to be with him any less…but Beckett is still Beckett at her core; that’s not changing. Plus I love Kate’s relationships with Lanie and with her dad, and I love writing those scenes.

Hope you guys liked this one anyway.

[lunaevangeline]

oceans & engines

{ Miya Atsumu x fem!reader }

wc : 1.9k+ (warning: angst)

Written for my bby's collab @satisfactooru "the mixtape collab". This fic is inspired by oceans & engines - NIKI pls check out her new album❤️

Miya Atsumu is your long-lost lover; your puppy love; your biggest heartbreak since high school. But never did you think once that you will reunite on the beach during the summer. 

You’re on your summer break, asking your group of high school friends and proposing an idea that it will be nice to have a small reunion. At first, everyone agreed, including Kita, Suna, Tsumu, and Samu. But the group of five was slowly reduced to 3 and then 2 when the decided date drew near. 

Kita said he will be busy because the sunflower harvest time is coming. Samu can’t come because he has an important client and the weekend is the busiest day of his business. Suna, you don’t have any idea what he really does but he argues that he has a short-term class during the summer break —though you knew he usually doesn’t take studies seriously. 

Here you are, trapped with your past love on the coastline of Hyogo, with the sound of the waves crashing against the coral reefs.

"All done!" Atsumu smiled proudly at the small tent he built. Your belongings already sat down prettily under the shade.

"Will ya start to change or we won't go to the sea until tomorrow?" He shifts his gaze to you who stands silently next to him. You already changed your clothes 15 minutes ago in the nearest changeroom.

You shake your head, nervously starting to unbutton the white oversized shirt outer, gradually revealing your bikini in black color. You were self-conscious, especially when his gaze is too oblivious following the way your hand unbutton one by one and discharging the pristine cloth.

Atsumu left gasping, he's trying his best to avoid his gaze being disrespectful at the sight. His palm groggily covers his mouth with the other hand supporting his elbow as if he's thinking of something (he's trying so hard to think about 'something else' actually) and if you noticed his ears reddened not from the sunburn.

You innocently batted your eyelashes, cautiously asking, "How is it?"

"It looks good on you!" he sends you a reassuring grin. 

"Damn so hot" he needs to suppress his squeak, not to make things awkward. He already knows you're hot and the fact won't change. 

"Let's go!"

He takes your hand and pulls you to the shore. His face lit up with glee, like a little boy who hasn’t seen the sea for years —that might be true considering how busy he was as a star athlete. 

You notice how Atsumu changed physically. His hair is now styled with a decent amount of gel. His muscles are well trained from the training regime of an athlete, showing off his hard work. You feel proud as a friend, you didn’t let go of him for nothing. 

Atsumu himself looks marvelous. Maroon shorts hanging on his waist, with a toned bare chest. He catches attention, some probably noticed that he’s a professional athlete. The way he gloriously drinks a bottle of water like the tastiest water he ever had, it almost looks like a popular commercial with the drips flowing over his chin and chest deliciously (you believe the sales of the product will skyrocket on how everyone’s watching at the free advertisement).

Some are busy admiring him from afar, not daring to approach because he has you by his side. For this very day, to have you and the beautiful view of the sea, Atsumu feels he's at the peak of life.

However, the way he laughs is still the same. The way he grins ear to ear whenever he sees you, and how the corner of his eyes crinkle and his irises gleam at your sight. Even his jokes and humor taste remains. Bringing you back to the time when you were hanging out in the corner of the classroom, surrounded by your group of friends to laugh over his antics. The mix of student chatters echoed in the room and the footsteps of people in the corridor plays in your head, it was the moment when you were waiting for the next class to start. 

His gaze was more innocent back then. It was a swift glance during the class, one desk away from you. When you caught him, he pretended to think about the lecture, which wasn’t the case. Sometimes he passed you a message through Suna, made you giggle over his silly scribbles on a torn notebook paper. He was your company during the class.

Do you remember the night of the Halloween party? With artificial fox ears on his head, he almost messed up all of Samu’s hard work. He clumsily stumbled on the food corner when he told you that you were the most beautiful devil he’s ever seen. Then he must be out of his mind when he sneaked to kiss you in front of your front door (luckily your parents didn’t see, or else a pair of shoes would land on his pretty face).

You bet Miya Atsumu and you were really good at pretending (especially as you were the president of the theater club). You are pretending there’s no such kind of history when your fingers intertwined five years ago or when you spent the night in his bunk bed while Samu was away. But it’s faltering when he remembered your favorite drink, the one he bought from the nearby vending machine. Or the way his eyes linger longer on your figure, exceeding the pause between the ocean waves.

It’s etched at the tip of his throat. He misses your laughter over the splashing salt water. Your protest when he missed controlling his strength while playing with the inflatable ball sounds like your nagging when he used to push himself too hard. He picks you up to throw you away into the fresh seawater, probably it was too close to his heartbeat, he misses having you in his embrace.

After hours of playing in the water body, you dry up and follow his way to the tent. When both of you decided to take a rest in the tent, you realized it was too small to fit in. Lying down, only his torso gets covered by the shade and if someone looks from the outside it looks comical, like a tent with 2 pairs of legs. You were fighting for a place at first and ended up with Atsumu circling his arm under your head.

"Just go to sleep if you feel tired," he soothed. You choose to make yourself comfortable, gradually lulled by his breath and heartbeat. 

Boisterous ocean waves break the sound in his head. He was lost in nostalgia feeling when he used to tail you everywhere. You let him play with your hair, engulfing the soft scent. 

"You changed your shampoo," he speaks as he stroke your head. It was an old hobby of him, remembering every product you used. The scent of your body lotion and shampoo, your favorite snack and beverage. 

"Of course, Tsumu. Time passed," you murmur half-asleep. It was not just yesterday, not even one week or two weeks. It's been 5 years since you walk on a different path.

You woke up first, to find him an inch away from your face. In the proximity, you can take a better look at his worth-swooning face, the tip of his nose, his philtrum down to the curve of his cupid’s bow, and his soft lips. Does it still feel the same? You must be out of your mind to think about it.

You get up to sit down and stretch your body, checking your phone if there’s any important message, but it seems not.

"You’re awake?"

Atsumu rubs away the lingering sleepiness in the corner of his eyes. You chuckle, describing how he sleeps like a dead log. He whines at your remark.

He mimics you, getting up and sitting down to face you. You realize you shared such a small space, and again you feel de javu. It’s too suffocating the way he watches you with the same adoring eyes. You turned around and were about to reach the zipper of the tent before his hand stops your wrist.

“Don’t go—”

You laugh half-heartily, “I’ll come back, just wanted to buy drinks for us.”

He doesn’t loosen his grip. You can feel his hand shivering lightly, did he have a bad dream?

“Don’t ever leave me again,” the words sting.

You grimace, looking at the pair of his eyes. “You were the one who choose to leave,” your voice croaked.

Now he hates himself. He didn’t mean to hurt you twice. 

“Sorry I—”

“I was the wrong one.”

You shake your head. You didn’t mean to make him guilty of the past event, although it was partly true. He was the one who chose to abandon your relationship when you wanted to give it a try. He was scared, he chickened out so easily at the thought of restraining your future (his future). But later he founds you on social media, smiling brightly as ever. Checking on how well you maintain your relationship with your high school mates, he deplores over the cut ties.

“I was—"

"I was young and dumb,” he corrects.

“That’s enough,” you whispered, low but firm.

Suna and Samu would probably agree. Because when you went to Suna’s house for a good cry, he cursed several times about how dumb his setter was, giving solace to your broken heart.

His touch behind the closed space is alluring. His calloused thumb caresses your cheek, cupping it in the hope your tears won’t brim at the clear memory of how your heart drops at every calling of the breaking up. He wanted to offer you consolation. But how can he? When he was the one who broke things up.

His hold is always cautious when it comes to you. The way he puts his hand on your waist is support for you not to break apart. His head nestled on the crook of your neck, his warm breath ghosting over your skin, mumbling “‘m sorry”. 

Your hand automatically reached for his locks, stroking them and reassuring him that was okay. Years have passed and you eventually recovered. Your other hand soothes his arms to his back, drawing the imaginary circle, hovering over the familiar skin which used to hold you. But for him, it was not. The thought of you in others’ embrace has always taunted him.

You closed your eyes as his face becomes closer. And you feel the taste of his lips on yours. It’s velvety and light. The same conversant feeling, answering your previous curiosity. He holds the back of your head to deepen the kiss and your hand tugged his blonde hair, grazing his undercut. He purrs under your touch.

The temperature is rising although the sun is setting. The touch of his fingertips is full of longing as if he didn’t want to part except for you to catch some oxygen. 

“Come back to me, won’t ya?” he breathed, pleading.

He pulls you in for the last kiss. It tastes like deep seawater, leaving a bitter-sweet feeling.

Your heart swayed, but your mind didn’t. You closed your eyes tightly before looking at those honey eyes again. A pair of eyes that you used to miss, the glints that you used to love.

“I won’t, Miya."

[kayleightarot]

Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Good morning! Today is about Untamed Energy, Creativity, and New Beginnings Tarot of the Day: Ace of Wands

There is a new beginning at hand. It may take the form of a new phase of life, a new enterprise, a new project, or a new source of inspiration. This is the time to be courageous and “go for it”; whatever “it” means to you. Harness the positive, optimistic energy you’re feeling and channel it for your highest good.

The Ace of Wands is an inventive, creative card suggesting some sort of passionate union, good news, or the birth of something powerful and inspiring yet to come in your life. It could be a new project or something creative that you will be taking on either at work or, as a hobby. Today is also a good day to start a new health regime. Even if that means add vegetables to one meal a week and exercise for 5 minutes a day, embrace it; the benefits will surprise you.

💚 If work is where this Ace appears today, be bold and ask for what you want. You will likely be more successful than you imagined.

💙 If you are in a relationship, this Ace indicates a new beginning - this could mean a new depth or a fresh start. Express yourself openly and honestly to achieve the best outcome. 💙 If you are looking for a relationship, this Ace indicates that possibility. Express yourself honestly, and be open to new opportunities.

🧡 Ace of Wands heralds a time of innovation, enthusiasm, and hopefulness. Anything you start with this energy, will succeed beyond your hopes and expectations. With all that possibility, what will you begin? Gun a-màireach (until tomorrow), Lovelies Peace out

[imzadi-caskett-huddy]

Hell Hath No Fury (13/?)

I’m really glad you guys enjoyed the last chapter and felt it lived up to the expectations. Writing love scenes is honestly one of the hardest things to write to get it to come off the way you want it to and in a way that the readers can picture it. So I’m glad it worked! 

Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed! I think I messaged everyone back who I could, but if I missed you, I’m sorry and it was not intentional! I honestly try to acknowledge everyone who leaves a review that is not a guest.

I still plan to do a more significant time jump to get through summer, but it’s not going to be in this chapter. This one starts about a week after the last one. I hope you guys enjoy the chapter, and Happy Easter to those who celebrate!

Still don’t own Castle…

xxxxx

“Kate…come back to bed…” Castle whined from where he was lying, still naked, in his bed. 

She chuckled softly as she came out of the bathroom, already wearing her underwear and bra, towel drying her hair. “We talked about this,” she reminded him with a smile, letting her eyes travel over him appreciatively, but she was not going to let herself get pulled back into bed with him now that she’d already had her shower. 

He grumbled with a pout, looking every bit like a petulant child. “I think we should reopen the discussion.”

“Castle, I’m going back to the city. I told you, I have dinner plans with Lanie tonight. I have lunch plans with my dad tomorrow. I have a doctor’s appointment for my ribs on Tuesday. And this is Alexis’s first week off from school. I know you’ve missed her, and you are going to spend the week with her without me here,” she recapped their discussion for him as she pulled on her jeans. 

“But my doctor said sex was good for my recovery…” he tried with a pout. 

She laughed and shook her head. “Nice try. But rest and recovery days are also an integral part of any exercise regime; your doctor would tell you that too…and after this week with me, I think your body definitely needs a few rest and recovery days,” she smiled. It was true; aside from meals, his therapy appointments, and a few walks along the beach, they had spent most of their time in his bed over the last week. In fact, the reason she still had so many clean clothes in her bag was because they had barely worn clothes at all, and when they had, it hadn’t been for very long. 

He sighed and finally got out of bed, making no move to get dressed though. “I’m going to miss you,” he murmured, gently tugging her hips to him before she could get her shirt on.

She looked up at him with a smile and gently kissed his lips. “I know. But that’s good,” she patted his chest and stepped out of his arms to pull her shirt over her head. 

“How is missing each other a good thing?” he whined, reaching for her again. 

Her arms looped around his neck then as she allowed him to pull her back into his arms. “Because this is still new…for you, for me, and for your family. Being here every day for the rest of the summer is going to be an awful lot like living together…and we are not ready for that; I’m not ready for that…and I highly doubt Alexis is ready for that. We all need some time and space to adjust,” she told him softly, pressing a kiss to his lips to keep him from feeling any kind of sting from her words. 

He breathed deeply when he broke the kiss, resting his forehead against hers. “Fine.”

She smiled, her fingers gently toying with the soft, baby hairs at the nape of his neck. “I love you. And I will be back at the end of the week, ok?”

“Okay,” he nodded, finally releasing her. 

She moved toward the bathroom, grabbing his boxers off the dresser where they had landed last night and tossing them at his head. “Get dressed while I finish getting ready, so we can have breakfast with your mom and Alexis before I leave.” With that, she disappeared into the bathroom to dry her hair with the hair dryer and fix her makeup. 

xxxxx

The waiter had just brought their margaritas, and Kate had just taken a drink of hers when Lanie spoke. “Alright, so how was it?”

Kate set her drink back down and shook her head, not following what her friend was talking about.

“The sex with Castle,” she eyed her knowingly. “Don’t bother denying it. You had sex. You’re glowing. I know that glow. And judging from your glow, I’d say it’s pretty good.”

Her mouth opened to deny everything, but then she closed it and smiled slightly. Lanie already knew they were together from their last evening together, so she didn’t see the point. Besides, she was happy. “Pretty amazing, actually,” she admitted, taking another drink of her margarita. 

“Oh, amazing, hmm?” Lanie smiled. “So Writer Boy lives up to his reputation?”

Kate smiled slowly. “He’s still on restrictions…we have to be careful because he can’t physically do as much as he wants. But so far…yeah. His reputation is warranted.”

“Girl, if it’s this good now, just wait until you get the full Richard Castle experience,” Lanie grinned, taking a drink from her own margarita. “So I have to ask you…does his ass look as good out of those jeans as it does in them?”

“Better,” Kate answered easily, taking another drink. “Actually, his whole body looks better out of his clothes. So good that we barely spent any time wearing clothes this past week,” she added with a satisfied smile. 

Lanie laughed softly. “Well no wonder you’re all loose and relaxed. See, I told you before…just think of how loose and relaxed you could have been this entire time if you had just jumped that boy from the get go. Sex is a great stress reliever.” Seeing the other woman roll her eyes at that, Lanie smiled. “Seriously, Kate. I’m happy for you. You deserve to be happy, and he obviously makes you happy.”

“He does,” she smiled genuinely. “I’m in love with him, Lanie.”

“You act like that’s news,” she smiled. 

Kate shook her head. “No, I mean I’m completely and totally in love with him...to the point that it scares me. He’s it, Lanie. If this doesn’t work out…it’s going to break me.”

Lanie’s eyes softened. “Oh, Sweetie. You just got together with Castle. Why would you already think this won’t work?”

She shrugged. “It’s just what I’ve come to expect, and we’re two very different people. He’s this multi-millionaire best selling author…who has dated models and actresses and could be with any woman he wants. And I’m just this regular cop who has a lot of emotional baggage. I just don’t see how we work in the long term; on paper we don't work at all.”

“Girl, I’ma smack you. Do not sell yourself short, Kate Beckett. You are an incredible woman that any man would be lucky to be with,” Lanie started. “Yes…Castle has dated models and actresses and could have any woman he wants, and do you know who that woman is?" Seeing her friend shake her head, she continued. "You. He’s been crazy about you, probably since the beginning. He based a character on you. He built an entire book series around you. Those books? They’re love letters to you. He knows all about your past and your baggage, and he still thinks you’re extraordinary. He ran into your burning apartment to save you. He took a bullet for you, Kate, without hesitation. That man is just as much in love with you as you are with him,” she continued. “So stop doing that thing you do, where you automatically assume the worst and wait for the other shoe to drop, and just enjoy being happy, being in love with him.”

Kate sighed softly. “We’ve both been doing this dance for 3 years. What happens when the music eventually stops? What if all we were in love with was the dance?”

Lanie reached over to give her friend’s hand a gentle squeeze. “Who says the music will stop? What you and Castle have…it’s magic; yeah, the music might eventually stop. But the music could also keep right on playing, and you could keep dancing with Castle forever. Relationships aren’t lived on paper, Kate. They’re lived in your heart…and from what I’ve seen, both of your hearts want each other. Now I know this goes against everything you believe in, but stop listening to your head on this one thing, and just trust your heart.”

Kate smiled slightly. “Thanks, Lanie.”

“What are best friends for if they can’t talk some sense into you every now and then,” she smiled. 

xxxxx

“Katie!” Jim greeted his daughter with a careful hug, remembering her broken ribs. 

“Hey, Dad,” Kate grinned, hugging her father tightly before sitting in the booth.

“How are you doing? How are your ribs?”

“I’m good. My ribs feel a lot better, actually. I have an appointment in a couple days just to check, but they seem to be fine.”

Jim nodded. “That’s good. So what have you been doing with your time off, Katie? I haven’t really heard from you, but I know you aren’t the type to just sit around. All this time off is driving you crazy, I'm sure.”

Kate smiled slightly. “I’ve spent some time with Lanie. We just had dinner last night, actually,” she started. “I’ve…surprisingly spent some time in bed just relaxing and letting my ribs heal. I’ve been out on my bike a few times…you know I love to ride when I get restless.” Those weren’t complete lies. She had spent a lot of time in bed relaxing…she simply wasn’t telling her father it was in Castle’s bed or the ways in which he was helping her to relax.

“Good for you, Katie. You look great; relaxing is good for you,” he smiled at his daughter. “And how is Castle?”

Before Kate could answer, a waitress showed up to take their order, giving her a little time in which she could think about what exactly she wanted to tell her father. “Castle is recovering well; he at least looks normal now. Actually, he’s at the point where he’s starting to feel better and get restless. He can’t do everything he wants because the doctor has strict orders he has to follow, and he's not exactly the best at following directions.” That seemed innocent enough. “Alexis is out of school, I’m sure she’ll keep him in line. She’s much more mature than he is.”

Jim studied his daughter for a few moments. “So you’ve seen him then,” he commented casually. 

“Well, yeah. He’s my partner. And he saved my life,” she shrugged as though that were explanation enough as to why she'd spent some time with him. 

“So he’s back in the city?” he asked her with a small smile. 

Kate paused slightly. This was not the direction she’d planned on their conversation going. “He’s still in the Hamptons.”

“I see; so you’ve also spent some time in the Hamptons while you’ve been off work. You failed to mention that part earlier,” her father stated with a knowing look. 

“He has a guest room, you know. His house is huge.” Also not complete lies. His house was definitely huge, and she had initially stayed in his guest room...at least the first week. But he didn't need to know the specific details. 

Jim chuckled. “Katie, I told you before, how you want to spend your time and with whom in your personal life is none of my business. As long as he’s good to you, and you’re happy, that’s all I care about. And you look happy…genuinely happy. Whatever you’ve done over the last couple of weeks to be this happy is obviously working for you. You’ll tell me the rest when you’re ready,” he smiled. 

Kate blushed slightly. “I am happy. And there is no ‘rest’ to tell.”

“Did you tell Castle I wanted to take him to dinner?”

She nodded. “I did. And he’s game once he’s back in the city. I’m not sure when he’s coming back, though.”

He nodded. “Well when he’s ready, just let me know.” He took a drink of his coffee then. “So have you thought about spending some time at the cabin? I’ve got some time in a few weeks at the end of June if you want to plan to meet there.”

“That would be nice. Let’s plan on that.”

“And my offer still stands…you should bring Castle with you,” he smiled slightly.

“Dad!”

He laughed, holding up his hands defensively. “I’m just saying that bringing him to the cabin would be a lot easier than waiting until he’s back in the city for me to thank him. If you two really aren’t together, there is still the guest room, you know that. But for what it’s worth? I hope you are together. You deserve some happiness, Katie. I see the way you light up when I mention him, the way you smile when you talk about him, the way you laugh. He’s obviously good for you. He’s much better than your other boyfriends I’ve met. I actually like him.”

Kate blushed again and rolled her eyes. “I’ll think about asking him.”

“That’s all I ask, Katie.”

The rest of lunch was spent with Kate carefully avoiding any topics that could be somehow linked to Castle. Talking with her father about her relationships with men was not something she usually did, at least not until it was something much more serious. Although her relationship with Castle was the most serious she’d ever been about a man, it was still too new for her to talk to her father about. But later that evening when she talked to Castle, she asked him if he felt up to taking a road trip with her to her father’s cabin, and he’d agreed.

xxxxx

So this was a little bit of a break from all the Castle and Beckett togetherness, but I wanted to show Kate getting away some, because she does still need her space. It doesn’t mean she loves Castle any less or wants to be with him any less…but Beckett is still Beckett at her core; that’s not changing. Plus I love Kate’s relationships with Lanie and with her dad, and I love writing those scenes.

Hope you guys liked this one anyway.