#oh I just realized I've been thinking of this book as a YA. well it ACTS like one!!!!

[llycaons]

there's only three hours left but if any more of it is spent on this dull romance I'm going to have to up the listening speed even more I can't do this

[inkskinned]

your work matters, and you're not a very good judge of it.

you can have the fancy degrees and the years of experience. you can have zero idea what you're doing and nothing but a song in your heart. the way you view what you write will never be how i view what you write. which is why you gotta write whatever feels real and good and honest to ya.

i forgot this. it's really lonely to be an author. the world you slice through to carve into a page - it can't ever be fully realized. sometimes the sun is butter yellow, and i can never spread it onto toast to serve to you. i can never describe fully the feeling of a new england october, only that a place that is often too-cold is suddenly full of a strange and visceral warmth. if you're not a writer or an artist, the experience is like this: take a flower and study it. without eating it, cook me a meal that tastes like this flower.

so i didn't know how good the book is, only that i hoped beyond a hope that anyone out there might get a kick out of it. maybe someone nice will review it every few days, i thought. i just want it to help any 1 person.

i did a reading recently where far too many people were kind and thoughtful and so gentle with me that i got into my car and burst into tears. i've had a very rough year, and this experience felt like a hug. so many people telling me they love what i read from the book. and in it, listening to the laughter as i read - at jokes i have long since stopped thinking are funny - it sent a bird straight through my heart. oh shit, i thought. i've been so unnecessarily cruel to myself.

you have no idea how many people read your work and don't respond because they are too shy or busy or unsure. i have webcomics i've never commented on that i've been checking on weekly for actual years. there are artists on spotify i will never be able to see in concert. there are paintings in galleries that i couldn't afford but wanted to kiss. i love what you have made, and i have no idea how to tell you. i love you, and it hurt me and helped me and also sent me back home. i wish there was more time and more ways to shine the light back to you.

be gentle. you have no way of knowing if you're good enough, so you might as well make something that feels good to make. someone will love it. and that love is never wasted.

[frankoceanfanpage]

"my honeybee, come and get this pollen!"

synopsis : hc's of leo valdez and his gf !!

pairing : leo valdez x daughter of apollo!reader

warnings : swearing / cursing, intentional lower case writing, kissing, nothing crazy tho!

requested ? yes! by the amazing @sunnitheapollokid 😚

masterlist : coming soon!

nai yapps : HI BABIES 🤭 first time writing hcs, hope ya like!! it turned out longer than expected so yeah haha, not proofread so please don't mind the grammatical errors 😭

on the radio . . . "espresso" by sabrina carpenter

in my opinion, leo is kinda insecure (just like percy) so it took him a while to realize that you liked him back !!

in the meanwhile, he would fangirl about you to his friends

oh and trust me, they were SICK AND TIRED of that boy

"guys, did you see the way she looked at me at dinner??"

(which he told them like for the 1293858th time that week)

#delusionalking

and don't act like you didn't do the same thing as well, because we all know damn well you did

yapping about leo to annabeth, silena and piper at the cabin 10 sleepovers is a weekly (almost daily) occurrence

like i've mentioned in the beginning, leo's probably really insecure, so he uses his flirty and cheeky personality to cover it up!

which has you giggling and kicking your feet

because that boy flirts with you more than anyone else

oh and when he found out that you work at the infirmary with will solace?

it was his most visited place other than bunker 9

leo is naturally a really clumy person (me too lmao) so he injures himself on accident quite often when working on something in bunker 9, but one way or another he'll find an excuse to come visit you there (even if he's not hurt) and say shit like

"you come here often?" or "can you kiss it better?"

with a shit-eating grin as you heal one of his injuries

since you're a child of the music god, you have AMAZING taste in music

so every once in a while you'd come over at bunker 9 and play some of your music while leo works on his projects

you'd be on his bed, painting away or even working on poems

speaking of poems!

you once wrote a poem about leo and after building up courage (with the help of your girlfriends) you read it out to leo!!

and let me tell you, that boy turned as red as a tomato

and he couldn't stop thinking about that poem FOR DAYS.

like girl you had that boy wrapped around your finger 😭 (hence the song i choose for this blog)

after that, he decided it's time to ask you to be his gf!! (screaming)

him and his friends (percy, jason and frank) have been planning and scheming on the best way leo can ask you out

since percy has a big mouth, he told the news to his girlfriend, annabeth.

your and leo's friends were pretty much one big friend group, so you guys hung out quite often

soon enough, piper and silena found out about leo's plan too

SOO HERE'S HOW I IMAGINE HOW'D LEO WOULD ASK YOU TO BE HIS GF!!

basically, the group decided to hang out at the beach is Montauk

"LAST ONE IN THE SEA IS A ROTTEN EGG!"

percy yelled, all the boys racing to the sea, except for leo.

"boys." annabeth muttered, rolling her eyes, causing piper, silena and you to giggle.

you had your beach towel spread out onto the sand, your tote bag to your left and a book in your hands.

leo sat at your right hand side, applying sunscreen onto his arms and upper body as he watched the boys splash and attempt to drown each other.

"could you please apply sunscreen on my back, y/n?"

you look up from your book you're reading and place your bookmark between the pages. a smile grew on your face as you nod, signaling leo to turn so his back faces you. he obliged and did as you said, he pulled his knees closer to his chest leaned his head onto his arms. (kinda like this I'm bad at explaining haha 😭)

hours pass by, the group has all been at the sea having a splash fight, then also played volleyball. now they wanted to have some snacks and drinks

and of course the group decided to pick you and leo to go get the snacks

you, oblivious to their intentions, started putting your flip flops on. as you weren't looking, leo shot a look at the smirking teenagers he calls his friends. piper and frank were showing thumbs up for support. while jason and percy gave him a knowing look. leo saw annabeth mouthing "now or never" to him.

"lee, you ready to go?"

he put his attention back on to you and nodded, heading to the corner shop with you next to him. he glanced back to his friends one last time, seeing them look at the pair walking off and cheering for leo, but silently of course, so you wouldn't suspect anything.

after you two have bought the snacks and drinks the friendgroup wanted, you head back to the beach.

leo noticed the group playing volleyball again, and used to opportunity to confess now. He stopped walking, standing at this area.

"hey, y/n. could we talk for a sec?"

you didn't think much of it and nodded, walking closer to where leo was standing.

then, his nervousness got the best of him and that boy just started rambling.

"so i just wanted to say that Iive liked you for REALLY long time. like a i like you A LOT and I really want to be together with you but i'm not sure if you feel the same and i really don't want to ruin this friendship. but i've never felt this way about anyone and–"

then he got interrupted with kiss!! (by you of course)

he froze, definitely not expecting that. but quickly kissed you back. his hands on your waist, pulling you closer as your hands wrapped behind his neck.

you soon pulled away, both of you catching your breaths.

"i like you too, leo."

a bright smile appeared on leo's face, him leaning his forehead onto yours.

"can i be your boyfriend, y/n?"

you act like you're thinking about, rubbing your chin jokingly, but ultimately day yes.

he kisses you again, but pulled away quickly as you two heard screaming and cheering from the back.

the pair turn around to see their friendgroup being the cause of this loud noise.

piper, annabeth and silena were the ones screaming, holding each other's hands as they jump up and down like little girls. While the boys were cheering and clapping, Percy even started jumping up and down with the girls. (LMFOAOA DON'T TELL ME HE WOULDN'T DO THAT)

anyhow! that's how i imagine it'd happen

leo and you are both you clingy mfs, even before dating. but now you two are glued to the hip.

he definitely calls you cute nicknames in spanish (#latinoking)

"mi amor" , "cariño" , "mi vida" , "hermosa" , "mi corazón" , "mi sol", "mami/mamas"

he loves, and i mean LOVES when you help him with his projects (cough this fic cough)

whenever a piece of your jewelry (earrings, necklaces, ect..) breaks, you already know your boyfriend is there to fix it for you.

despite being the daughter of the sun god, your hands were always FREEZING. that's why you had your fire boy to warm you up

that boy is basically your human heater. while you two would cuddle in the summer, you would get so hot while being in his embrace, but you just suffered, because his grip is strong as steel.

your guys' dynamic is sunshine x sunshine protecter!! (the protecter being you because leo doesn't do shit to stand up for himself)

#1 princess treatment giver!!

"baby, i can get out of the car myself–"

"shh, don't worry about it mami."

wow this is getting way too long woopsie

in conclusion, leo valdez is the best boyfriend ever and you two are the power couple of chb!!!

THE END!!

— 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄, 𝐍𝐀𝐈.

taglist (pls tell me if I should remove / add you!!) : @thesnshinee @graceslcver @gentlehue @ssparksflyy @coolestgirlintheworld112 @ghostlyloversworld @percyslcver @lovely-calypso @woodlandwrites @brainsofseaweed @mershellscape @hopelesslyromanticshark @canonfeminine

[allthelovehes]

The Author*

Summary: You just moved into your new apartment and your new neighbour turns out to be the author of the smutty book you're currently reading.

Pairing: Author/Neighbour!Harry x Reader

Word count: 2.8K

Warnings: Smut, basically strangers, it's cute tho.

Taglist: @justmystyles @bitchybabyharry @harrysslut7 @swiftmendeshoran @lucasandharold @harrysbabycherry @htaylor18 @rose-garden-dreamz @myalovesharry @mellamolayla @hsonlyangelxo @yousunshineyoutempter @heartateasee @blueheisenbergtragedy @bikestyles @bohemianrhapsody86 Let me know if you want to be added to my taglist! 🤗

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The first few weeks of living in your new apartment were, thankfully, relatively uneventful. You had managed to find a new job and keep your finances balanced, and the building you were in seemed to be relatively clean and well-maintained, and you'd never seen anyone who you thought would have a problem with you.

You travel back and forth between work by bus, not really feeling the need to have a car in the big city. Plus it gives you the perfect opportunity to read a good book, something you love but always slips in the cracks of your busy life.

It's the last day of work before your weekend, and you're on the bus home deep into a chapter of the book you're reading, everything is going perfectly fine. You're excited for the weekend as you still have a few boxes to unpack and some cleaning and organization that needs to get done.

You've been so into the book you're reading, that when you realize the bus just drove past your usual stop, you're shocked.

“Oh, shit.” You mutter under your breath as you try to think of what to do. You could just walk the few blocks back to your stop, the weather is fine anyway. You press the button, the bus comes to a halt at the next stop and you step off, thanking the driver for the ride. You begin walking, a tote on your shoulder and the book still in hand.

The streets aren't busy, it's not a particularly busy part of the city, and it's a beautiful afternoon. The sun is shining and there is a slight breeze, but not too much. You can hear the birds chirping and see the small kids playing in the nearby park, all in all a nice day.

You reach your building after a few minutes of walking, and the front door is unlocked and ajar, so you let yourself in and start to head towards the stairwell. When you reach the right floor, you spot your neighbour coming out of their apartment, the one you had seen the first night you'd arrived.

He was tall, much taller than you, and wearing a t-shirt that clung to his form nicely, and his sleeves were rolled up to reveal a collection of tattoos that ran all the way down to his hands. His hair was curly and looked incredibly soft and you wanted nothing more than to run your hands through it. His jaw was chiselled, sporting a stubble. He looked good, really good.

“Hey.” He says, his voice deep and smooth, and you can't help but notice the accent he has. “I haven't seen you around before, are you the new neighbour?”

“Yeah, I moved in a couple of weeks ago.” You reply. “My name is Y/N.”

“It's nice to meet you, Y/N. I'm Harry.” He extends a hand and you shake it. You notice the rings on his fingers, they're large, but not tacky, and they suit him. He looks at the book in your other hand and chuckles, “A reader, eh?”

“Yeah, I've always loved reading, and this one is really good, I've been wanting to finish it, so I'm glad I missed my stop, I was so deep into the story I hadn't even noticed.” You chuckle and it's then when Harry notices what book you have in hand, his book.

“Hey, wait a second. You're reading my book!” He points at the cover.

“Oh, you wrote this? Well, now I feel kinda embarrassed.” You say, laughing, trying to hide the embarrassment and your blushing cheeks. The story is based around quite a few explicit sex scenes, and you're hoping he won't bring it up.

“I'm just messing with ya. I'm actually quite flattered.” He chuckles.

You talk for a few more minutes and then go on your way. He is funny and kind, and his smile is one that you know you would kill to see. His eyes are bright, and you love the way his curls move when he laughs.

As you make your way to your apartment, you're smiling to yourself, thinking about how good-looking your new neighbour is. He seems kind and easy-going, and you wonder if you'll ever be able to spend more time with him.

When you get to your apartment, you drop your things, kick off your shoes and throw yourself onto your sofa. You sigh and close your eyes, taking a moment to process the day, and what just happened.

Knowing the man who came up with those incredible sex scenes was living right across the hall from you, is driving you absolutely wild. You're not sure why you're reacting the way you are, you have no business thinking about him like that. But he's just so fucking hot, and his accent, and his body, and the way his arms looked...

You feel your skin begin to heat up, and a tingling between your legs, and before you even realise, your hand is down the front of your jeans. You start touching yourself, and all you can think of is him, and the words he has written. Your breathing becomes heavier and you close your eyes, imagining him doing these things to you, his lips and hands exploring your body.

You're abruptly ripped from your fantasy by a knock on the door, and you jump and scramble to pull your hand from your pants.

“Fuck.” You hiss under your breath, and run your fingers through your hair, trying to get it to look presentable. You look through the peephole in the door and your eyes widen, there stands Harry, and he's holding a bottle of wine. You take a deep breath and open the door, trying to appear as composed as possible.

“Oh, hi.” You say, smiling, but you're nervous. “What can I do for you, Harry?”

“Hey, Y/N, I just came to drop off some wine.” He seems nervous. “I figured since you're new it'd be a nice thing to do.”

“That's very sweet of you, thank you.”

“Well, I hope you enjoy it.” He turns and starts to walk back to his own apartment.

“Harry, wait!” You shout, and he turns back to face you.

“Yes, love?” His British accent thick.

“Do you want to come in? I'll pour us some wine.”

“Yeah, that'd be lovely.” He follows you into the apartment. You take the wine from him and pour two glasses. You hand him the glass and sit down next to him, making sure to keep some distance between you.

You chat for a while, sipping your wine, and you find yourself enjoying his company. He tells you about his writing and how he's working on another book, and that he's glad that you've enjoyed the one he already published. You tell him about yourself, about how much you love to read, and he tells you he'll send you copies of the other books he has published.

The wine is flowing, and so is the conversation. Harry is really nice, and you find yourself wanting to spend more time with him. The bottle is empty and your cheeks are flushed, but not just from the alcohol.

“Well, I should probably head home.” Harry says, and the disappointment is evident on your face.

“No, don't leave yet.” You protest, and his eyes lock with yours. “I'm enjoying your company.”

“Well, alright. I can stay a bit longer.” He says, smiling.

You're not sure why, but you feel compelled to lean forward and kiss him. Maybe it's the wine, or the fact that he's just so fucking hot, or the stories and sex scenes in the book he had written. You're not sure, but something is driving you crazy, and you need him. Your lips crash against his, and it takes a moment for him to register what's happening. But when he kisses back, your heart flutters and your stomach feels like it's doing somersaults.

You pull away and stare at him for a moment, and he looks at you with a mixture of lust and surprise in his eyes.

“Sorry.” You mutter. “I shouldn't have-“

He cuts you off by leaning in and kissing you again, this time deeper, and more passionate. His tongue finds its way into your mouth and your tongues collide, tasting each other. He pulls away and stares into your eyes, his lips slightly swollen and a smirk on his face.

“You're a good kisser.” He whispers.

“So are you.” You reply, a smile spreading across your lips.

He leans back in, kissing you more roughly than before, his hand reaching up to cup your cheek. He begins trailing kisses down your neck and jawline, eliciting small whimpers and moans from you. He makes his way down your collarbones and chest, then moves back up to your ear.

“Y/N.” He whispers. “May I take this off?”

“Please.” You reply, almost begging. He grabs the bottom of your shirt and pulls it over your head, revealing the lacy bra underneath. He stares at your breasts for a moment, drinking them in, before he dives down and sucks at the exposed skin. He moves to your other breast and does the same, and his other hand begins to unbutton his own shirt.

He removes his shirt, revealing his tattoos, and you can't help but stare. He has a slim yet muscular frame, and his arms are toned and strong. You trace the ink on his chest and torso with your fingers, and he watches your reaction with a smirk.

He stands up and grabs your waist, picking you up and setting you on the kitchen island. He leans down and kisses you again, and you wrap your legs around his waist, pulling him closer. You can feel his erection through his jeans, and it's big, really big. You can't help but let out a moan at the thought of him fucking you with that monster.

He reaches around and unclasps your bra, pulling it off and exposing your breasts. He leans down and takes a nipple into his mouth, sucking and nibbling at it, while his hand plays with the other. You throw your head back and moan, grabbing at his curls and tugging slightly. He lets out a groan and grinds his hips against yours, and you can feel his cock harden even more.

“Harry.” You moan. “I want you.”

He removes his mouth from your breast and looks up at you, his eyes dark with lust.

“Are you sure, love?” He asks, his accent sending shivers down your spine.

“Yes, please.” You beg, and he smirks. You're so eager and it's making him impossibly harder. He undoes his belt and his pants fall to the floor. You stare at his cock hiding in his black boxers, and your mouth waters. It's long and thick, and you know that it's going to feel amazing. He pulls off his boxers, and his cock springs free, standing proudly.

He grabs your jeans and tugs them down, revealing the matching pair of lace panties. He groans as he looks at you, and his fingers hook under the fabric, pulling them down your legs.

“Fuck, Y/N, you're so fucking beautiful.” He breathes, taking in the sight of you. You're completely naked and exposed in front of him, and he can't help but marvel at how perfect you are. He leans in and kisses you, and you wrap your legs around him, pulling him close. He grinds his hips against yours, his cock rubbing against your wetness. He's teasing you, and it's driving you insane.

“Harry, please.” You whine, and he smirks.

“Please, what?” He teases, continuing his slow grinding.

“Please fuck me.”

He groans and searches for his wallet, finding a condom. He slides it on and lines his cock up with your entrance, pushing in slowly. He fills you up completely, and you cry out, arching your back. He lets you adjust to his size before he starts moving. He sets a slow and steady pace, and you're moaning and whimpering.

“Fuck, Harry.” You gasp. “You're so big.”

“You feel so fucking good, Y/N.” He groans. He thrusts his hips, his cock sliding in and out of you. You reach down and begin rubbing your clit, and the extra stimulation has you seeing stars. No wonder the smut in his books is good, the man himself knows exactly what he's doing.

His pace quickens and his breathing becomes laboured. He leans down and captures your lips in a searing kiss, swallowing the sounds that escape your mouth. He picks you up from the countertop and carries you over to the sofa, never breaking his rhythm. He lays you down and continues pounding into you, and you can feel the pressure building.

“Harry, I'm so close.” You moan, and he reaches down to rub your clit.

“Come for me, baby.” He growls, and that's all it takes for you to come undone. You scream his name and arch your back as the orgasm rips through you. He keeps his pace, thrusting harder and faster, prolonging your pleasure.

When you come down from your high, he pulls out and grabs your legs, flipping you onto your stomach. He positions himself behind you and pushes back in, causing you both to moan. His hands grip your hips and he begins pounding into you, and his grunts fill the room.

“Fuck, Y/N, you're so fucking tight.” He groans, his voice thick with lust.

“Oh, god, Harry.” You moan. The sound of skin slapping skin and the scent of sex fills the air. He reaches around and starts rubbing your clit, and the pleasure is almost too much for you to handle. He thrusts his hips, filling you completely.

“Come for me again, love.” He commands.

“Yes, Harry, fuck.” You cry out, your walls tightening around his cock. You know that anyone passing by your apartment would definitely hear the sounds of sex, but you don't care. The only thing that matters is the feeling of him inside you.

You come undone once more, and he fucks you through your orgasm. He moans, his thrusts becoming erratic. You turn him on so much, he never wants to stop fucking you. His cock slides out of you and he pulls you back up, turning you around to face him.

“I want you to ride me, love.” He growls, his voice deep and rough. You straddle him, your wetness coating his cock. He positions himself at your entrance and you slide down, moaning as he fills you again. You start moving, your hips rocking against his.

“Fuck, Y/N, you feel so good.” He moans, and his hands grip your hips, guiding you. Your pace quickens and you can feel yourself getting close again. You look at him and his eyes are filled with lust and desire, and it's the hottest thing you've ever seen.

Harry's lips crash into yours and his hands tangle in your hair. He breaks the kiss and his mouth moves to your neck, sucking and biting at the delicate skin. You let out a string of curses and he groans against your neck. He leaves a trail of kisses down to your chest, taking one of your nipples into his mouth. He nibbles and sucks on it, and his tongue swirls around it.

“Fuck, Harry.” You moan.

“Do you like that, love?” He asks, looking up at you with dark eyes.

“Yes, fuck, yes.” You reply, your voice wavering.

He continues his assault on your breasts, switching from one to the other. Your breathing is heavy and you can feel the pressure building again.

“Harry, I'm so close.” You breathe.

“Me too, baby. Come for me.” He growls, his fingers rubbing your clit. The combination of his cock filling you his mouth on your nipples and his fingers stroking your clit sends you over the edge, and you scream his name, your nails digging into his shoulders.

Your walls clench around his cock and he loses it, his thrusts become more erratic, and his breathing is laboured. He moans your name, and the sound is like music to your ears. He comes hard, and his cock pulses inside you.

You both collapse, breathing heavily. Your heart is racing and you can't believe what just happened. He wraps his arms around you and pulls you close, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of your head. You lie there in his arms, trying to catch your breath, the scent of sex and sweat filling the air.

“Fuck, Y/N.” Harry says, breaking the silence. “That was incredible.”

“Mhm, you're far better than your books.”

“Well, I'm glad you enjoyed it.” He chuckles. You snuggle into his arms, and he holds you tight. You've never felt so safe and secure in someone's arms, and you know that you're already falling for him.

[itstheval]

Memory of a Quest

A @livesworthlivingau Side Story

Isabeau didn't know what to do with his hands. He'd never been in this situation before.

Siffrin had invited him out to visit a shop, on a 'secret mission'. He was confused, of course - this was something he did with Odile, not with Isabeau! But it had snapped into sense when he mentioned that he'd promised it during the loops. It was his therapist's idea…Get closure on the things he'd said to do during the loops, and it should help him put them to rest.

Why he'd promised to take Isabeau out antiquing was beyond him, but anything for Sif, right?

So there he was, standing in an antique store and trying to figure out how much he was allowed to touch. Not that there was too much interesting…A few familytales, some knick-knacks from people who'd moved on or passed on, things like that. It seemed important to Sif, though, and that's what Isabeau decided to focus on.

Siffrin didn't…have much of a past, he'd come to realize. He'd thought that it was just that he'd Changed! People do that, leaving their pasts behind, trying to pretend they don't exist, and Isa was nothing if not considerate. The truth was way more troublesome…There wasn't just a bad past behind Sif, or a past that belonged to someone he wasn't anymore, but nothing at all. Like if he let down his walls, instead of a bustling city, there was dry desert.

Well, the group had decided (but Isabeau especially), if there was nothing there, he'd water the crops and build the city with his own hands. He'd erect a town as great as the bustling Jouvente he left. Bigger even! With a nice number of bakeries full of memories of good food, and maybe a few Houses of Change…This metaphor was getting away from him.

So there Isabeau stood, surrounded by history that meant nothing to him, watching the love of his life go through each thing, turning it over in fascination.

"What're ya looking for, anyway?" Isa finally decided to ask, startling Siffrin from holding a small glass frog. "If I knew, maybe I could help?"

Sif turned to look at him, and the look of uncertainty hit him hard, despite his best efforts. "I…Don't know." Sif admitted, and Isa put the pieces together just a moment before Sif continued. "Something I remember, I guess. Something from back home."

Isabeau nodded, keeping his smile broad and warm, and ruffling Sif's hair. Thankfully, Mira had managed to teach him how to take care of it, so it wasn't as greasy as it once was…The first few times he'd done that, shortly after leaving Dormont, had not been a great feeling! Luckily, Isabeau knew how to keep things like that hidden (never show them let them think you're fine and dumb and-).

"So, stuff with stars? Or…The Universe?" Isabeau tried to think of anything else that could be a clue, that he could home in on. "Or…It was an island, maybe stuff with boats?" He asked it innocently, but the way Sif was looking at him made him pause.

"You…Remember all that? Now?" Siffrin had gone from curious to shocked, to almost crying, in seconds. Oh Change, what did that mean?!

"Well of course I do!" Isabeau tried. "They're important to you, aren't they?"

OOF!

A small, Sif-shaped missile impacted his chest, and Sif was hugging him and sniffling, looking up. This was important to the little rogue, huh? He tried reaching a hand around, to rub his back through the smooth cloak Sif always wore.

"Of course I remember. Why wouldn't I? They're things you care about. It'd be like not remembering Odile likes books, or Bon likes pineapple." You give a small laugh, your words quiet in the store whose customers all had their eyes turned to you now.

"I…I just, you never remembered before. Not when I didn't…"

"Do it perfectly?" Isabeau gave a sigh. Not for the first time, he wished he could've explained himself sooner. "Sif, just because that's when you learned that I knew, doesn't mean it's the only time I knew. I've cared about you for…For so very long. And if you can't remember it, I'll do my best to remember it for you."

Isabeau wasn't sure that was the right thing to say. Sif buried his head again, but the squeezing of arms around him made him oof, and he rubbed all the harder in return. "All of us will, Sif. Now…Shouldn't we be looking around?" Change, save him from the stares of random passersby…

Change was listening, or at least Siffrin decided to return to his search. He wiped his eyes, and Isa patted his back as he watched the puffiness of them, the darker shades that were a sure sign he'd been crying. "Right…" Sif managed, his voice wavering. "The Quest."

Isa allowed himself a little laugh at that description. The quest? That's really how they were thinking about this, still? Well…Nothing wrong in helping him. "Yes, we must quest forth for the mighty secrets of old." He allowed a nod, as though it wasn't the most ridiculous thing he'd said in quite some time.

Siffrin felt like an idiot. This was nothing new, but it'd been happening less recently? So it didn't feel great.

Of course Isabeau wouldn't know what to look for out on a secret quest! Of course this would make the whole thing awkward! And of course he'd wound up having to be comforted, again, when everything went wrong, again.

Thankfully, as Doctor Jinn had put it, he's got the same chance as everyone else to make it right. And Isabeau had remembered! He'd actually remembered, even though they hadn't gone stargazing! Or anything!

…Why hadn't they gone stargazing yet? They needed to remember to fix that later.

For now, though, they managed to focus on other things. Like the antiques around them. They had to admit, this had always fascinated them. Every single one of them, every item in the shop, with a history longer than Siffrin could imagine. He picked up a notebook with a hand symbol on it, and took a moment to try to imagine just how many other generations had held the same thing they're holding. Who wrote you? They thought it to themself as they stared, not really taking in the book in front of them. How many people read from you, how many lives did you change? What story were they holding in their hands right now, without knowing any of it?

They put it down with significantly more reverence than they'd picked it up, then jumped at Isabeau's voice. Stars, they'd gotten so lost in their own head again!

"Hey Sif, Stars are a thing from…Your country, right?" A part of them curled up at the way that Isa had to talk around the name of their home, but a much more interested part perked up.

"Yeah, why? What did you find?" They started towards the aisle that Isabeau was down, and then paused dead in their tracks.

"Well, this hat has all kinds of stars on the inside, see?"

It couldn't be.

That hat.

That. Hat.

That hat that saved them. That hat they'd last seen in the House. That hat that blew away on the wind. That hat that was their only upgrade, their only proof of getting somewhere for themself, their only proof of-!

"Woah! Okay, maybe stars aren't so good on hats? What, is it like, it's making a fake sky or something and that's not supposed to happen?" Isa went to put the hat back down, and they all but lunged forward. "NO!"

"No no no, I'm sorry, it's just, it's important, it's a big thing, I'm sorry, please let me have it, I'll pay you back, any amount you want, anything, please!"

They were babbling, but they couldn't seem to stop. That Hat. The memory of an orrery, of a tale they could only remember in their blankest moments, the memory of how they'd fought their way through. Of their darkest hours, too. But…It had been there.

"Woah woah woah! That's…Okay, star hats are good, got it! I'll tell you what…You tell me what's so important about this hat, and I'll pay for it entirely. Otherwise, it's a loan, you get it?"

Isa's voice had a laugh in it that Siffrin clung to as a lifeline. They slowly pulled themself back into place, like a sailor climbing back aboard after falling off their ship. They were here, not there. They didn't have it. They barely had their dagger. They didn't…need something, that armoured them, that saved them like it did. But at the same time…

"Alright, but it's…Loop stuff, not Island stuff. So…After we get out of here, okay?"

"Alright!" A heavy hand deposited it onto Siffrin's head, and they had the decency to blush about it, even if they did press up into the hand (not at all like a cat don't ask questions) and smile. "And if that's a Loop thing, you don't have to even tell me about it. I've never seen loop stuff make you that happy. Or…I guess, make you smile, a little? Either way, it's nice to know they weren't all bad! Even when you weren't trying your hardest."

Siffrin paused at that phrasing, and then gave a nod. The hat was theirs. It reminded them, the way it cut off their vision. It kept their eyes forward, and down. Above was only the same stars they always knew…They wondered if that was how everyone else saw the world all the time? But, Isabeau was turning, and starting to look around.

"Rusted garden shears…" Siffrin's wince was missed, thankfully. "A weird needle-pointed sword, some shades, I wonder what all this is about?" The thought made you step up, and look at what Isabeau had found. That was right…It looked like all the equipment you never found, in that last fateful loop, had somehow wound up here. Minus the fish book…Itchy-ology? Icky-ology? Something like that. The fish book, the earrings, and it looked like Bonbon's 'weapons' weren't there either. But the rest of it, all gathered up in one place, like someone'd put it there on purpose.

The world tilted under you.

It wasn't the first time you'd felt that, and you gripped your hands into fists. You were here. You were now. Gravity still worked. Breathing still worked. Don't get lost, Siffrin! Don't lose it, Siffrin! Bob your knees, feel the way the world feels under your feet. Close your eyes, then open them again, and look at things fresh, without the tilt your brain put on it. The tilt wasn't real.

It felt real.

It felt more real than the world around you. You reached out, and touched the sword's hilt, before jerking your hand back like you were burned. Was it going to vanish, now that you've seen it? Would…could…the universe still reset itself? Did you still have its eye? No. The sword was still there, just like the rest, just like the hat on your head, just like all of it.

Isa said something. You couldn't hear what. The words pulsed in your ears, your head throbbing at the tempo of the sounds, but you didn't understand them. Sorry, Siffrin's not here right now, can I take a message? You laughed, and even in your own throbbing ears it sounded like half a sob.

You were hugged! You were held! Hands were around you!

You jumped at the feeling, but it did ground you. The feeling pushed you back into your body like a puzzle piece slotted into place, and whoever held you turned you away from those…items. Dishware, it turned out, was on the other side. Dishes and cups, ancient and cracked, dusty even here.

"You back, Sif?" Isabeau. Isa. He's here. He's holding you. He's…Holding you. You could feel the way every little shift of your breath made sensation flare over your body, the slightest motion pulling and pushing your skin in ways you aren't anticipating, and you shiver. You can't pull away…You can't. You can't tell him this isn't what you want. You have to stay here. You aren't sure why that's what your mind latched onto, but it was true. You wanted to stay there in his arms, even if the back of your brain was screaming about the way it felt.

Stay there. Breathe. Worry later. Breathe. Respond.

"I'm back. But…I think we need to go." You managed, at your breathiest.

"Okay…Do you want to go alone, or should I stay with you?"

Considerate Isabeau. Always at your side, as long as you'll let him be.

"Stay. I'll follow you…we still need to pay for the hat. And, I'm sorry, Isa. About…"

"Don't worry about it!" He cut you off, which was good because you didn't have the words to continue that thought. "I wasn't sure what we were looking for, but it sure wasn't that! We can finish up our secret quest some other day."

You smiled. You'd have to explain yourself later, but…For now, Isabeau was there. Your rock. Your personal Savior.

You were glad to have him.

+++

"Just a collection of…items?" Odile asked, and all you could do was nod.

"Some shears, a hat, a sword, a bow…Just things you'd find in any store. You're sure you don't know?"

"Not at all. He's never done that before."

Siffrin had vanished off to your shared room when you returned, clutching the hat tight to his chest. You promised you'd give him space, and you'd ask before you came in, but in the meantime you felt like you had to solve this mystery. If it hurt Siffrin, you want to know about it, and stop it! Whether he believed it or not!

But this…

"It hit him hard. Almost as hard as that time Mira woke him up from his nap." You didn't think anything would compare to that day. "And he was alright when he wasn't looking at them, like Jinn said. I'm glad I didn't let him go alone."

"You said he found a hat? That he thought he should wear? A sword, like Mirabelle has…and a bow, like she wears. Glasses like mine…" Odile took a moment to adjust her glasses. "I believe I'll be going shopping, Isabeau. If you think you can help him alone?"

You gave a nod, trying not to think about what Odile was saying. You didn't see any gloves there, and with a clench of your hands you felt your crystal knuckles at the ready. Whatever was happening, you couldn't help but wonder how you were excluded from it. As much as you tried not to.

Instead of dwelling on that, you walked upstairs and knocked on the door to your shared room, waiting for the faint sound of 'come in'. Thank Change, it wasn't too long in coming.

Siffrin was staring at his hat when you came in, curled with his knees up near his chin on the bed and facing towards the door. One finger had been tracing the lines on the inside of it, and rested there as you walked in and gently shut the door.

"Want to talk about it?" You asked, hoping against hope.

"No."

"That's a shame." You walked over to the bed, and sat down, watching them. It was a practiced motion, and you both knew what it meant. You saw Siffrin set the hat down, saw him order his words, and saw him decide to speak - and made sure he saw the thankful smile that came from that decision.

"They were from the House. Each one of them was…a piece of the story that never happened. Something else that I left behind." Left behind was good! You liked left behind! It was a lot better than 'crabbed up' or 'completely blinded' or anything else they'd called it! "When I saw them, I…I just remembered. Everything I'd been forgetting. Everything I didn't get to do. Everything I tried to go back and do." You liked that less, but…the phrasing wasn't bad, at least. "I don't know how they got here, but it was like they were tracking me down, to find me again."

"Would you…like new memories with them?" Another one of the doctor's suggestions. "Or do you want to put those behind you? We don't have to go back, but now that you remember…wouldn't it be nice to prove this time was better than anything you left behind?"

"Yeah…Thanks, Isa." They reached a hand out, and you smiled brightly. Another concession, another suggestion, and you took his hand and used your thumb to slide the glove up the back of it, before planting a gentle kiss on the back of it.

Not! That you did that every time! But, every time he opened up, you wanted to give him something. And showing him how you loved him? You'd do that whenever he let you. This was a good chance.

From the smile in their eyes, they agreed.

[hypernova-writes]

Im on my knees as i typing this, I NEED REQUEST THIS TO SOMEONE https://www.tiktok.com/@alecio.sun/photo/7432648182913355014?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7417049009333863944 fic where one day reader mischievously dailing random numbers on phone planning to be prankcall and it connected to blu sniper, they started off small talk and it turned become daily activites calling eachother talking random stuff, how their days been and turned into friends and more idk? I NEED HIM -🐈‍⬛

a/n: PLEASE I'VE SEEN THIS I WAS IN SHAMBLES MY POOR BABY- So yes I will write this because oh my god ;-;

I Just Called to Say, I love you. (BLU! Sniper x Reader)

based on this song (I used to play it all the time in my music class on piano-)

It all started with a random number.

You were bored, and decided to start randomly calling numbers, dialing them just for fun.

You got a lot of no answers, a few people wanting to hold a conversation, pranking a few, a few angry people, but never more than that.

That was until one day, you called him.

At first you were just going prank him and tell him some shitty ass joke, until you heard him actually speak.

“Hey..can ya..maybe stay on the line wit me?”

You were confused at first, but you shrugged, what’s the harm in talking to the fellow? You could tell he had an accent, it was kinda cute. He sounded shy almost, surprised that someone else actually answered him.

“You know, I didn’t expect someone to ever call me.” “Huh? What do you mean?” You asked him, and he went silent for a bit before finally answering.

“Sometimes..I stand at the phone, waiting for hours, for someone to call..and you were the first to ever do so.”

You could feel your heart twist. You didn’t know why, but you felt drawn to this guy, feeling awful. Everyone should have someone to call home to.

And you wanted to be that person for him.

“Hey..What’s your name?” “Me?” “Yea you. You’re the only person on the other side of the line.” You joked, and that pulled a short chuckle from him.

“Mundy.” “Mundy? Well…I’ll be here whenever you need to call, I’m Y/n.”

He goes silent on the other side for a bit.

“Same time tomorrow?” “Of course.”

—

This started a steady routine between the two of you, like clockwork you would call, and it didn’t take him that long to pick up.

You learned he was a mercenary, a Sniper to be exact. You would sometimes hear his teammates in the background, asking him who he was talking to, trying to be nosey and interrupt to which he’d yell at them for.

You explained what you did for work to him, and you sighed. “It’s not as fun compared to your job, I bet you get to travel all the time.”

He chuckles at you, “Maybe, I do have my own camper, I drive alot. Tend to be sent on longer assignments. Thats why i’m late sometimes..”

“Oh no it’s okay! I can understand, sniping must be an interesting job though!” “Hmm. I guess so.”

He would ask you about your day all the time, excited to hear from you, even if you did something so mundane like laundry.

In reality, he just loved to hear your voice.

It felt so nice to actually have someone on the other end to listen to. He could listen to you read the most boring book in the world and he’d still be there, eagerly waiting for your call.

That’s when he realized, you were no longer just a friend that he would call everyday.

He was falling in love with you. And he didn’t know how in the world to say it. Hell he was just a stranger that you so happened to call one day! The two of you had just figured out how each other looked after sending letters when he couldn’t call one day.

You were beautiful, and he still felt like he didn’t deserve you at all.

“Mundy? You still there?”

Fuck. He didn’t realize he had zoned out, “Y-yea..I-’m still ‘ere sheila..Just thinking.” “Thinking about what?” You asked and he didn’t process his words before they just came spilling out of his mouth.

“How lucky I am..to get to hear your voice everyday.”

The phone went silent for a while and Sniper got worried as he tried to fumble to find the words to try and reign back the conversation when he heard you begin to giggle.

“Well..I’m glad to know..you feel the same way I feel about you..”

Sniper could feel the blush trail up on his face and he just knew his ears were bright pink, he hid his face as he leaned closer to the phone as if that would put him closer to you.

“Wa-wait? Really?..” he managed to get out. His heart felt like it was doing several backflips at once. He gripped his chest as he waited with bated breath for you next words.

“Mhm..I love talking to you…Just like..I love you.”

Sniper feels a grin slowly creeps on his face, he starts chuckling as he blushes. You said it. You said it..You loved him. Just as he did you.

“I hope you know, That i have to see you now.” “Well, You have the letter i sent right?” “Yea.” “Ill be waiting then.”

The call dropped and Sniper felt his lanky body move faster that it ever had before, he quickly went out to his camper and grabbed the letter, he then pulled out his map, seeing that you truly did not live that far, a 2 hour drive was nothing, he’d driven farther for missions. He could use the next cease fire day to go and see-

“YO SNIPES! PHONE!”

Sniper was confused, as he quickly ran back to the phone, snatching it from Scout who only rolled his eyes at him.

“..’ello?” “Just calling back to say, I love you~”

I LOVED WRITING THIS SO MUCH MY HEART-

[raevnq]

I've been seeing people shame mxtx for writing sex scenes in her own books. They say things like "it's so unnecessary" or "she's fetishizing them" but I don't think so. In fact if you analyze her books you understand it actually helps develop/expand more on their relationships and the characters themselves.

I'll go down the line starting with svsss

This was her first book published. The first time luo binghe and Shen qingqiu get.... Intimate it's because Shen qingqiu wants to help binghe. We already know Shen qingqiu holds him in high regard though some doubt he actually is in love with binghe. To me the scene shows his devotion and love for binghe. Luo binghe when the scene first begins isn't himself. Shen yuan knows this as well. Throughout the whole story he had been in some sort of denial. Saying things like he himself is straight or luo binghe is destined for a harem. Leading up to the scene we read Shen yuan kinda realizing/acknowledging he has feelings for binghe. While it's not spelled out plain as day it is there.

Svsss has the most backlash when read. From people saying the main couple has no chemistry to the papapa scenes. This scene and another (🍾 if ya know ya know🫡) get the MOST criticism. Now I'm not gonna lie and say I got why she wrote these scenes right as I read them. I'm also not saying people aren't allowed to have opinions. I am just tired of mxtx being painted as a weird person for writing these scenes cause some people don't like to analyze things.....

Anyway sorry I got off track😅 the scene between binghe and Shen yuan develops Shen yuans relationships and character. It's the final interaction between them that makes it click to Shen yuan that binghe is a real person who struggles and not just the character in his favorite(most hated) novel. He sees binghe as a person and wants to help. People say the scene was very non-consensual but Shen yuan is the one to initiate. He starts kissing binghe to distract him and when it starts becoming more than kissing he's okay with it. When binghe snaps out of his trance-like state he's HORRIFIED by what he did. Luo binghe would never harm Shen yuan. He asks why Shen yuan didn't push him away or kill him(🙁) and they have a heartfelt scene where Shen yuan tells luo binghe he matters and is loved.

Svsss is a tragedy written as a comedy. Most scenes are overlooked because Shen yuan's way of coping is humor. We only see things from his pov and he also likes to overlook or push past things when they get serious. This scene gets the most criticism because even he can't joke his way through it. He can't be light hearted because it's like a flip is switched and he realizes this is real, these people are real, and I care for them. Not to say he didn't know there were times he was like "oh, this is my life now" but subconsciously he's not taking things seriously. This scene cements this for him. Which is why the scene is so heartbreaking. It's not just "oh we had sex and saved the world" it's him seeing things as not a game clearly. Even if he jokes about it later you can see the change in his mindset. He loves and cares for these people and now they don't just feel like NPCs to him. They are not just a means to an end. They are REAL and that scene helps it finally click for him.

I was gonna do all of them but I'm actually starting to get mad soooo the next two will be later 😅

[deke-rivers-1957]

Scott’s Search For Love

It's night time and my friend Tom comes into my lab.

“Hey Scott. How's it goin?”

“I've been better.”

“Listen you gotta crash soon buddy. You’ve been up too long.”

“I know, I just didn't want to be alone tonight.”

“I know how you feel. C’mon and let’s talk about it.”

I decide it’s best not to argue so I follow Tom to the front room.

“Well I’m ready to hear ya out.”

“It's hard to start because I can't quite define it. Maybe it's just some kind of restlessness, a feeling of needing something more…or maybe it's just a problem that I have with women.”

“Oh I get it. You’re still sore about your marriage with Dianne falling apart.”

“Yeah. I keep thinking how much of a fool she made out of me, but I still think of the beginning, when it was fresh and young. I still can smell that little perfume she used to wear.”

“So why’s that making you hole up in the lab now?”

“I don’t know. I'm not sure if it's Dianne or the restlessness, or just the realization that I've been a fool. I want to do something more than what I'm doing. I don’t know, I just feel like something's missing in my life.”

Tom immediately stands up off the couch.

“What you need is to be thrown out of your comfort zone. Dancing girls as far as the eye can see. The Moulin Rouge.”

“Okay, okay. I guess I could use some fun. Let's go.”

“Great! I’ll get the car. Don’t worry about changing.”

I can’t even argue with him as Tom drives me to a place open all night and looks like an old fashioned saloon.

“This is the place?”

“Just wait till you get inside. Va va voom. In about 5 minutes a swinging little number’s gonna be coming your way. Fiery New York girl who doesn’t mince words. And boy does she like to take charge.”

“How are you so sure? I never exactly had women throwing themselves at me.”

Tom sits down at a table and I sit down on the other side.

“Now don’t get sore with me but I already called ahead of time and booked you with the crown jewel of these ladies.”

“You really wanted me to come here and be with this girl?”

“I always try to give you the best old buddy.”

All I can do is sigh since Tom does mean well. Even before I married Dianne he would try to get me dates with women he met.

“Well I guess I'll take a chance on her then. Maybe if I take your suggestion for once I might get at least a nice conversation.”

“There you go. At least you’re doing something.”

Some guys come up to our table and look right at me.

“Hey Tom who’s this dough boy?”

“That better not of been a crack about my weight.”

One of the guys gets in my face.

“And what if it was.”

I stand up and try to stare them down. Lack of sleep’s really affecting my judgement.

“You better knock it off.”

Things get ugly. Just as I'm about to get punched in the face I hear a commanding woman’s voice.

"Hey! There ain’t gonna be any fighting in this joint."

The guy steps back. Everyone turns to see who’s talking. Tom whispers to me.

"That’s Carmen."

She comes up to the group of guys.

"You oughta mind your own business when it comes to newcomers. If you don’t like it you can leave."

They scurry away.

"We’re sorry ma’am."

She turns to look at us and my heart skips a beat. I think I'm preparing myself to possibly have my heart broken.

"Hey Tom is this your friend Scott? You are new aren’t you."

"Yeah, I've never been here before."

"Well I’ll show you to my room. Follow me."

"Okay."

I get up and follow her. My heart's beating so fast I can barely breathe.

“This is it.”

I take a look into the room as she goes in

"This is uh…not quite what I imagined."

"What? Were you expecting this to look like a seedy motel room?"

"Well…yeah. I mean it's late and it's…you know."

"Listen. Just because I get paid for favors doesn’t mean I don’t have standards."

I feel slightly embarrassed about my faux pas.

"Oh no, no, of course not. I didn’t mean to imply that. I wasn't expecting your room to be this elegant as I didn't think you ladies lived here."

"Good now get on the bed."

"Okay."

I do as she says since I'm in enough trouble. As soon as I lay down on the bed I feel the fatigue hit me.

"Hey Scott."

"Yeah?"

She sits down in a chair and starts smoking a cigarette.

"You want a smoke?"

A part of me kind of wants to say yes. But only a small part so I push it down.

"No thank you. I don’t smoke. Or drink."

"Boy are you different."

I wince inside. This isn't looking good at all. I'm so out of my comfort zone I don't even know what she's going to do to me.

"This probably sounds like a dumb question, but…what're we doing in here?"

"Tom paid me to be with you for an hour. You can do anything you want with me."

There's something about paying a woman to do "favors" that doesn't sit well with me. I know Tom wants to help but I'm just not that type of guy.

"I'm not sure I want anything. I really just wanted to come here and have some fun and get out of a rut I'm in. Tom was telling me getting away from my comfort zone would do me some good. He wanted me to meet you because he said you'd be good for me."

"And he’s right. When patrons feel stuck in their sex life they come to me because I help them figure out what they want."

"Oh. What exactly do you think I'd want then?"

Carmen looks at me long enough to make me feel a panic attack coming on.

"First off why do you look like a drowned rat who hasn’t had so much as straw to sleep in and a piece of cheese to eat? I'm amazed Tom would bring you here when everyone can see the bags under your eyes. What do you have insomnia or something?"

At first I feel hurt because I took it as an insult. Then I start to understand that Carmen's saying this out of concern. I'm a little touched by that.

"Uh, I haven't been sleeping very well lately. I've been in a pretty deep depression. I don’t think being called a dough boy helped things."

"I heard that. It hurt you that much?"

Maybe it's because I'm just exhausted but I feel myself opening up to her and tell her things I haven't told any woman.

"Well I’ve already got low self-esteem about my weight as it is. And it seems like my money is more popular than I am being Duster Heyward's son who just sits in a lab all day. Outside of that I’m just…. fat. And unattractive."

"And says who?"

"Everyone. No one’s found me attractive. Not even the girls I’ve dated. Oh sure they never outright said I was fat and unattractive but they weren't exactly affectionate with me either. I’ve only been in one serious relationship to the point of marriage, but she just wanted my money. She didn't seem to care about me when I worked one too many nights in the lab or when I felt discouraged about a project. Even when I would take a break and try to give her all of my affection I just. Never got the same amount of that affection back. We ended up getting a divorce and she quickly went onto someone more fit. And not as ugly."

I can't help but feel myself spiral. I cover my face because of how overwhelmed I am.

"Hey. Let me speak for myself before you lump me in with everyone."

I take a deep breath and look at Carmen.

"Okay, sorry. Go ahead."

"Good. Undo your shirt."

At first I just look at her since I’m nervous about this but I do as she says. I just don't think this will end well.

“Okay. I’m ready.”

Carmen gets out of her chair and puts out her cigarette. The way she's looking at me makes me think I'm going to be in for a horrible time.

“Now hold still.”

I close my eyes so I don't see what she does when I feel her hand on my stomach. I wasn't expecting that since it's quite gentle. Her touch sends slight tingles through my body.

"Jeez are you constipated or stressed? Your stomach feels hard as a rock."

I have to laugh a little at that because it's true.

"I guess I’m both. I do tend to tense up when I feel stressed."

I try my best to relax as she rubs my stomach. It surprisingly isn't as hard as I thought it'd be since this is starting to feel nice.

"See you ain’t as bad as you think you are."

I open my eyes after not realizing I closed them.

"Yeah? You don’t think I look too fat?"

“Nah. Your stomach’s soft but it doesn’t droop over your belt.”

I let out a sigh of relief.

"So what’s your request?"

"Okay. I need a nap and well.. can I…lay my head on your lap? I’d like…. My head rubbed."

"Yeah. It ain’t a big deal."

"Oh okay."

I sit up and move a little closer to Carmen so that I can lay my head on her lap. I wasn't expecting her to say yes that quickly. I guess she's used to having weird requests like this.

"How long do you wanna nap?"

"I’ll say 30 minutes should be fine."

"Alright I’ll set a timer."

I watch her set a timer and feel her rubbing my head. It's the type of head rub that makes me realize just how stressed I really was. But now it's all just... floating away.

Time Skip

"Ok time's up.

I hear the timer go off and slowly open my eyes. That nap definitely helped me feel better. I almost don't even want to get off her lap because of how nice this was.

"Mmmm…"

"How was that?"

I decide it's best to sit up and look at her as I stretch.

"A lot better than a regular pillow. I’m not even kidding."

"I can tell. All you need is some cheese and you'd be a happy rat."

Maybe it's the way she says it but I can't help but chuckle. It never comes off as her putting me down but as a way to help me not feel so bad about myself. There's something about her that makes just want to take a chance in asking this.

"There is another thing I would like to do."

"Oh yeah?"

"Okay… I’d like to uh… go on a date. When you’re not you know doing all this."

"Alright I’m free from noon to 4."

"Oh. You really mean that?"

"I don't say anything unless I mean it. But just so you know I don't do any off the clock favors."

I can't help but blush from that. It does feel nice that even though she works like this, she still has standards where there's no pressure to "perform" with her.

"Oh, okay, okay. You won’t need to worry about that. I just don’t… really do that right away."

"Ok."

I'm still amazed that I really just asked a woman I just met out on a proper date. This is new and different for me that I'm a little worried about being too desperate.

"So, does that mean you’ll go out with me?"

"Sure where do you plan on going?"

“Well uh. You like Italian food?”

“Honey I am Italian. That would be perfect.”

This is turning out better than I thought. Carmen might actually be interested in talking with me outside of just her job.

"Great. What time do you want me to pick you up?"

"12:15 on Thursday."

"Okay 12:15. You know, I wasn’t expecting you to say yes to this."

"I wasn't expecting to have a patron wanting more than my typical favors so we're even."

She looks up at the clock.

"You should probably fix yourself up since it's close to an hour."

"Oh. Yeah."

I get off the bed and button my shirt up again. Maybe she has a special type of mirror but when I start to fix up my hair I could swear I actually look better.

"Thank you for letting me nap. I can’t wait to see you again on Thursday."

"I’m glad you had a good time."

"It was better than I was expecting. I guess I’ll be going now. I’ll see you Thursday. Have a good rest of your night."

"You too."

I wave as I leave her room. Tom must have had a good time too because he comes up to me with a smile on his face.

"What did I tell you Scott. You look great. Carmen fixed you right up."

"Yeah. You were right. She did fix me right up. I do feel pretty good actually. We’re going on a date Thursday."

We start going outside to the car.

"A date? Now that’s something to write home about."

"I know. I never thought she would agree to it in a million years. Plus it’s a real date. We’re going out for Italian."

“Excellent choice. You learn a lot about a woman just by where they agree to go on a date. Italian can mean anything and doesn't always require a checkbook.”

I realize he's right. Carmen could've suggested a more expensive place but she didn't. She's actually very easygoing and didn't make me feel like I needed to do anything to impress her.

"That's true. I didn't want to make it too fancy but I still want to take her somewhere nice."

"Well you're spoiled for choice with Italian places."

Tom gets in the car.

"Now let’s go home and get some sleep. 1 am just ain’t like it used to be."

"Yeah. A good nap on that nice cushion of hers really did me good but I'm still a little tired."

"Cushion? You don't mean her-"

I start to blush as I buckle my seatbelt. Of course Tom would think that since I did make it sound a little dirty.

"No, no I would never do that. Trust me. I meant her lap."

Tom laughs as he starts driving me home. I feel like I should explain what happened.

"I really opened to her about myself. She told me to unbutton my shirt because I said I wasn’t attractive and that everyone felt I was fat. I never had my stomach rubbed like that before."

"Not even with Dianne?"

"Oh. No. Dianne never really touched my stomach. Not like how Carmen touched it. You know. She probably did it because I was her patron."

Tom shakes his head.

"Nah those stomach rubs were real, pal."

"How do you know that?"

"There are many women that work there. My personal favorite’s Lady Marmalade. She told me a lot about how they operate. These women can tell what a newbie likes just by who they book."

"What? Seriously?"

"Oh yeah. Carmen’s bread and butter are men who can’t get it up. Psychology is a big part of the process. You over think things involving romance. That’s another thing they pick up on. Her bluntness eliminates that problem since she'd never do anything she didn't feel comfortable doing."

I admit that Tom's experience with these women is very useful.

"Yeah, she definitely is blunt. That I could tell. But that’ll mean she’ll tell me about my chances of a second date by the time we get the check right?"

"Definitely."

I start to feel a tad more confident about the date now that I talk through this.

"Well, if you’re right, at least I’ll know where I stand by the end of the date."

“You will.”

Once we get home we try to walk inside without waking up my Pa.

"Night, Tom."

"Night buddy."

As soon I get inside my room something just feels off. Or at least off compared to the dark hole I've been in.

“Is this hope? I think I feel good.”

I sit down on my bed then look at my reflection in the mirror. I notice that I no longer look as nervous, scared, or stressed out. I think back at the recent memory of lying on Carmen’s lap and her rubbing my stomach and then my head. It was the right decision to go.

“Now if only this date can be as good.”

I change into my pajamas then lay my head down on the pillows. I've been so restless for so long but now I'm actually looking forward to something in the near future. I can finally sleep peacefully now.

Tagging: @atleastpleasetelephone, @xanatenshi, @eapep, @jhoneybees, @hooked-on-elvis,

@vintagepresley, @i-r-i-n-a-a, @peaceloveelvis, @urbeatlemaniac, @samcro-redwood-originals,

@iloveelvis2, @kittyyaponia, @thetaoofzoe, @tupelomiss, @lustnhim,

@lucy114505, @sissylittlefeather, @rktismylife-blog, @wildhorseinkansas, @pomtherine,

@freudianslumber, @smokeymountainboy, @thelonelyheart, @be-my-ally, @whositmcwhatsit.

[effy-writes]

Addict (Blitz x Reader)

(the link above shows the chapters)

4: Murder Family: Twisted

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

Months went by but you keep getting lost of track of time. No reasons as to why, but you think its the constant routine you have to do. Wake up, clean, Blitz drug testing you, (fake piss), sleep. You do it over and over again. Kind of feels like rehab.

You’ve been cleaning so hard just about everyday that there was nothing to do. So, you sat down next to Millie who was making her husband shoot a portrait of a family (and which he kept refusing to do).

"Moxxie just shoot," You impatiently said.

"You don't even know how!"

"It's not that I don't know how, it's just that I don't want to."

"Why?"

"I actually haven't figured out why."

"Guys! I want you to meet-" Blitz got interrupted by Moxxie who got startled and shot the arrow. It ricochets off of the walls and hits the eel tank before Blitz finally caught it.

"..our newest client!"

The eel tank started to shake before it fell down, creating a comically large fire.

"Dammit Moxxie! Y/n begged me for weeks to get those eels!"

~~~

Everyone was exiting the building, but you stayed couple of seconds longer inside to quickly snort the remaining adderall. Nobody realized that you were gone until they heard you panting due to you running (and your already fucked up lungs and heart).

"Now someone PLEASE tell me that book is intact!" Blitz yelled.

"You mean our only ticket to the other side? Yeah got it." Loona held up the book.

You stood close to M&M and Blitz to make sure that they are all gone so you can make another drug run. You could worry about Loona but you know that Loona probably doesn't pay attention.

"Now let's go lick some ass!"

"The expression is 'kick some ass'" Millie corrected.

"Mines better." Blitz and Millie walked through. As Moxxie was walking to the portal he tripped and accidentally pushed you in.

"Wait wait shit!" The portal closed up. "Moxxie!"

"Oh crumbs I'm so sorry!"

"I don't even know how to do this shit!" You whispered-yelled.

"I mean it's a great way to start! Just watch us shoot and kill." Blitz said proudly. "Moxxie, do you want to give this one a try?"

"Me?"

"Yeah it's simple enough for you to handle. It's just a happy mother who just got out of the hospital."

Moxxie hesitated.

"You snooze, you lose, Mox!" Blitz looked through the window, "Aaaand I've got ya, bitch."

"Wait... Are we actually killing a family?"

"Do you guys bicker at each other everytime you're out on a kill?" You whispered.

"Yeah they do." Millie answered, "You should seriously start doing these things with us!"

"Uh no." You said abruptly, turning your head and saw that the two were still bickering until Moxxie hit Blitz's rifle as he shot the trigger. The bullet fires and hits a glass mirror that's inside.

"Oh shit." You mumbled.

"What the fuck was that, Moxxie?!"

"I'm sorry sir, they seemed so happy and wholesome!" He wheezed.

Blitz argued back right as a bullet pierced his arm. "AHH a new hole! SCATTER!"

Moxxie hid behind the bushes, the other three ran in different directions.

You don't do danger. Sure, lived in shady places, but as long as you don't take other people's drugs, you're good. But this is something completely different for you. This is why I don't want to fucking come to these things.

You ran through the woods, occasionally tripping because of the rocks and wood. Your foot twisted and ended up falling down a hill screaming and finally landing with a grunt.

"Y/n!" Millie smiled.

You lift your head up and saw Blitz and Millie tied to a stump that was on fire. A blonde lady caught your eye.

"Oh well look who we have here! Another one!" She grinned.

You gulped as you tried to get up but with your foot being twisted you fell right back down.

"Aw you got hurt? Don't worry I'll take the pain away." She brought up her shot gun and aimed it at you.

You flinched as soon as you heard the gunshot, but when you looked up Moxxie was standing over the woman's body.

"Moxxie!" Millie shouted. Her husband untied Blitz and Millie before reaching over to you to help you up.

"You're not gettin' your goddamn paycheck for this one, Mox!" Blitz yelled, walking over to the other side of you.

"How did you get hurt on your first day?" He joked.

"Fuck you. I didn't even want to be here in the first place."

~~

"Ahhh, did you see my little Mox-Mox!" Millie hugged him, nuzzling her head against his chest.

"Well, here's to another mission accomplished! And Moxxie finally learned not to fuck up."

You hopped to a chair that was beside of Blitz, taking off your shoe and saw that it was swollen and bruised.

"And cheers to Y/n for getting hurt on the first day!" Blitz raised a glass.

"Wasn't my choice!"

~~~

"Is your ankle okay?" Blitz had your arm around him.

"Not really, hurts like shit."

You hopped to the couch and propped your foot up with a pillow. "Do you have any pain killers? Please?"

Blitz frowned, "Y/n I really don't think-"

"I was addicted to stimulants, not opioids."

"I don't want you to get hooked on those either."

"Please?"

"I can't..I'm sorry." He laid down beside of you. "Also this might be a bad time to mention but Stolas called."

"Okay? And?"

"He said something and I may or may not agree to it."

You furrowed your eyebrows.

"He said every full moon we have to fuck."

"We as in...you two?"

"We as in me, you, and him."

Your jaw dropped, "What the fuck Blitz! How come you didn't talk to me about it?"

"I was being hunted by that crazy bitch!"

You ran your fingers through your hair, "Why does he want me in the deal?"

He shrugged, "I guess he gets off doing threesomes."

"And you're okay with that?"

"I don't want to fuck a bird once a month but we need it for my business sooo."

"Okay...well..are you okay with me joining in?"

"The more the better."

But that didn't answer your question. You just laid down and turned your head away from Blitz.

[melancholicbutterflies]

Now Hold On, Baby

Prompt: Elvis and his buddies are tossing the football around and you accidentally get hit. Needless to say, he more than makes up for it.

wc. 1,570

warnings: my awful understanding of medicine, elvis being a southern gentleman.

A/N: wow two fics in two days i'm impressed with myself LOL. I said i was gonna do football!elvis fic and i did! not sure why all my fics lately have been so fluff-based, but there ya go. there are potential other avenues i could go down with this setting, so if there's interest i may further develop the fic :O

"What a nice day to study outside," you remarked, smiling as you seated yourself in one of the nearby Adirondack chairs with your friend, Janie on the college's green.

"I agree on the first part, don't much care for the 'study' bit," she grumbled, flopping down next to you melodramatically.

"Oh, come on. It's better than studying inside. I've had enough of stuffy libraries, haven't you?"

"Oh sure. I just don't get why we gotta spend a beautiful day like this cooped up in books."

"Well, what would you rather do, then?"

"What would I rather do? What would I rather do?!" She cried.

"Yeah!"

Pausing, she laughed. "Gosh, it's been so long since I could choose what I wanted to do that I forgot what I even like!"

You laughed together.

She wasn't completely wrong; this semester had been a doozy, a far cry from your first one freshman year where everything was new and exciting, the feeling of finally being on your own for the first time in your life leading to more partying than school, the reason you were all there after all. The spring had been a real shock, filled with nonstop deadlines, rigid professors, and nearly as many all-nighters although not of the partying kind. It was a rude awakening for everyone in your year, but for Janie in particular, who had some attention issues although she was plenty smart.

"...Right now, I just wanna sit down and relax. Close my eyes a bit." Janie was saying drowsily, looking as if she was about to drift off to sleep right then and there. As the sun shone on you, a gentle breeze passing by, you had half a mind to join her. Your barely opened textbook slipping from your fingers as your body let loose some of that much needed tension.

Not two minutes later, you faintly heard someone yell "Heads up!" Thinking nothing of it, as it sounded as if it were a ways away, your mind felt fuzzy as it entered that half-dream-like, half-awake state.

Suddenly, it wasn't so fuzzy anymore. It was downright aching, like a bucket of ice-cold water rained down on it. Opening your eyes, you realized you'd been hit by some flying... football? Your hand massaged the side of your head while you looked blearily around for the source of the assault.

"Oh, man, I'm real sorry darlin'," a familiar-looking young man came jogging over to you wearing a forlorn expression. "It wasn't me, but I ain't gon' make excuses for them," he jabbed a finger in the direction of a few other young men, looking concerned. It was then that you realized who they were. You were speaking with royalty, as far as most of your fellow students were concerned. Football was big at your university, and from what you'd heard, your school was one of the top contenders. Elvis Presley, the man standing before you, was a big reason for that. He was quarterback, and he reveled in the attention as much as he enjoyed playing.

"Darlin'?" He questioned; thick dark brows furrowed in deepening concern. "You all right? We need to get your head looked at?"

"No, no," you shook your head, regretting the action as you felt like a rock was rolling around in there. "I'll... I'll be fine. Just try not to hit me again." You joked weakly. You thought it was funny, but also got your point across, and you went to move back to Janie. You didn't realize you were moving sluggishly, and walking not quite straight, until you caught the grass getting closer to you.

"Wha-

"Damn it!" You heard Elvis cry, and stupidly you shut your eyes, as if accepting your fate. "Gotcha," he cooed in your ear, and you came around to the fact that you were now in his arms, his nice, strong, warm arms... You looked up at him, eyes blinking, your head nearly lolling to the side if it weren't for his hand cradling your neck. "It's gon' be OK, sweetheart. Gon' get you to the nurse to get that head looked at. You're stubborn as hell, girl," he shook his head at you, half smile on his face. You wanted to poke it, your hand raised to do so but it landed on his cheek. He laughed. "'Nuff of that, woman. You want me to trip with you? We'll both crack our heads on this sidewalk." In your muddled state you laughed; the image was rather funny.

Some time later, you woke up in the nurse's office, alone. Where were you? You tried to recall the last moments but were interrupted by a knock on the door. "Come in?" You said hesitantly.

A young, dark-haired woman came inside in a nurse's uniform and greeted you pleasantly as she took your vitals. "You had quite a bump earlier, didn't you? Came in all zonked out."

The machine beeped. "Good, 107 over 20. Had you all the way down in the eighties, was thinking we'd have to send you to the hospital!"

"Oh, gosh."

"Luckily, you're looking a lot better. You don't still feel dizzy, do you?"

"No, I feel all right. Still a little bruised, though..." You went to feel your head, coming up against a light bandage. "Don't fuss with it, it needs to heal. I'm glad you came in when you did. If it weren't for that handsome fella that brought you, carrying you like a white knight and everything!"

A blush started rising to your cheeks, and you glanced away. "He was awfully nice to do that. Then of course it was his friends who hit me!"

"Oh, I'm sure it was just an accident. Besides, girls have done less to get Elvis' attention," she winked, moving toward the door. "You should be fine but take it easy, no sudden movements and no sports for a few weeks!"

"Thank you," you said, grumbling you hadn't intended to get his attention, it seemed to be thrust upon you. You couldn't deny it was a kind act he did; you didn't know many men that would have gone through that much trouble to make sure you were all right. You definitely were lucky he had stopped you from falling and incurring additional harm. And, even though you'd never admit it aloud, you found him not horrendous to look at. Maybe even cute. You were sure he was well aware of his affect on the opposite sex, and rationalized he didn't need more compliments.

"Oh, there you are," a familiar deep voice sounded to your right as you stepped into reception, about to leave toward your dorm to find Janie. You hoped she hadn't gotten too much of a scare. For all you knew she was still knocked out on the lawn; she was the heaviest sleeper you'd ever known!

"Elvis," you said, and it was all you could say in your surprise of him staying close. "What... what are you doing here?"

"Making sure you were OK, silly," he rose to his full height from the chair, stretching. "A bigger ask than I'd anticipated; those seats were none too comfy." He teased.

"Oh, Elvis, that's awfully kind of you but you didn't have to."

He waved a hand off, "naw, I was raised right, I wouldn't leave a woman in distress, especially since it was my numb knuckle friends who got you into that mess. I hope you can accept my apology, darlin'." There was that beseeching look again in his blue hues.

When he turned those eyes on you, you were done. "Of course I do," you said softly. He smiled real wide then, straight, shiny white teeth nearly blinding you in their exuberance. "Oh, doll, I'm so glad to hear that, I am. I was so worried. I know how smart you are, I didn't wanna think we were responsible for knocking all that genius outta your noggin!"

You guffawed; it was so ridiculously inane, yet entirely endearing because of the genuineness with which he said it. But then you sobered at the realization that he knew who you were. Or knew enough to know how seriously you took school. "Wait, how did you know-?" As far as you could recall, you'd never spoken, hardly laid eyes on him more than once or twice in passing, and even then, thinking nothing of it. You weren't someone who got into sports.

"I sit a few rows behind you. Prolly didn't notice, I don't blame you. I'm usually late or taking a snooze, not the most dedicated student," he rubbed the back of his neck as if embarrassed. "Well, I reckon we probably had a few classes together last semester too, but I guess you didn't notice me."

He watched you as you formed your opinion about this, not upset, but strangely earnest. It took you aback. You would've figured The Elvis Presley would have been a lot more cocky and self-assured. He wasn't in the slightest. It was... delightfully refreshing.

"Well, I can be pretty oblivious, but I can definitely say I know you now, Elvis Presley." You smiled the first real smile since speaking with him, and he mirrored you happily.

"Where you headed?" He asked. "My dorm. I should check on Janie, my friend," you add in explanation.

He nodded. "How 'bout I walk you there? It's gettin' late, and it's not but a few blocks from my dorm."

"Sure! I mean, if you don't mind. You've spent enough time on me today as it is. I'm sure you have other places to be."

He stopped you by the arm, forcing your gaze to his steady one. "There isn't anywhere else I'd rather be." He said, and you believed him.

[thatguyfromforest]

Mammon looked around.

This is one of the few evenings when the whole family gathered in one room. Lucifer did not write his endless papers, Levi did not watch the next anime marathon, Asmo did not go to a party, Satan did not close himself in the library, Beel did not stay late for training and Belphie did not sleep (well, almost did not sleep).

The topic of conversation was changing every minute, everyone was involved and it seemed that nothing could be better. The TV was hissing softly behind him, a pleasant warmth was coming from the fireplace, causing drowsiness. Mc was here too. She sat opposite him between the twins, stroked Belphie's hair, who had fallen asleep on her lap, carefully passed packs of snacks to Beel and smiled.

Oh, whatever Mammon would do for that smile. Whatever he would do to wake up seeing that smile, fall asleep next to her and so on from day to day.

You're the love of my life.

"Didn't you recently write a diploma for the university?" Lucifer asked, and all attention turned to Mc. She smiled guiltily, as if she had done something wrong and lowered her gaze.

"Exactly! I remember what you said about it" Asmo nodded and moved closer.

"How did it go? What do you think to do with this next?" - Satan closed the book and turned to Mc, waiting for an answer. But for some reason she was silent. She was still smiling and looking at the floor. Mammon felt uncomfortable for some reason.

And most importantly, why does no one but him pay attention to this change of atmosphere? Why is she silent? What's wrong? She didn't pass? Or she's going to...

"Mc" he called. "what do you want to do next? Will you leave us? Will you leave me?"

The room went cold in an instant. He blinked and now it was just him and Mc in the room. There was no fire in the fireplace, no TV, no one nearby. Just the two of them. She still had her hand in her lap, as if Belphie was still lying there.

"This is cruel Mammon" she whispered "It's not even fair"

"What ya talkin' about?"

She looked up at him, still with the same faint smile.

Now this smile did not bring happiness to his soul.

Only cold fear.

"I've been dead for a long time Mammon. I have no future, I left it in this house. There is only the past in which I can't breathe"

Mammon blinked again and now there was no one in the room but him. He jumped to his feet and looked around. Something is missing. Something's wrong. Where did everyone go? Mc?

His trembling legs led him towards her room by themselves. The step turned into a run, and he could no longer notice that her drawings, which she gave to the brothers, were missing from the walls, her little garden was not visible from the window, and there were no cute pink slippers at the entrance.

He opened the door with such a bang that it seemed the whole Devildom heard it. Moonlight illuminated the outlines of the room, covered with a century-old layer of dust. No one has been here for years. But how so, Mc went out of here to hang out with them, he saw for himself.

This is some kind of joke. Another failed prank by Belphie and Satan over Lucifer.

Mammon went into the room, trying not to make unnecessary sounds, as if he could disturb someone. The bed is neatly made, notebooks are stacked on the table, empty flower pots are on the window. It's the same as always, except...

Neatly standing vase on the shelf. In the corner, almost invisible. Mammon didn't remember her.

The realization came only when he opened the lid and looked inside.

Ashes.

****

Mammon inhaled so hard that his chest ached. His eyes were open, but his vision was hazy, he could not even see the ceiling of the bedroom. He almost fell off the bed, but managed to roll over and immediately grabbed his throat. It was as if water had been poured into his lungs, he could not take a single breath.

It is not true. It is not true. It is not true. It is not—

He jumped out of bed and immediately collapsed on the floor. His legs refused to obey him, but Mammon forced himself to stand up. Not seeing where he was running, he just trusted his instincts. A long-learned path.

The house was quiet, as well as behind the door of her room. He opened it, not caring about the silence. He went straight to the bed and only then was able to exhale.

Mc was lying there, wrapped in a huge blanket like a caterpillar. She sniffed softly and made a funny whistling sound with her nose. His legs betrayed him, and Mammon collapsed to the floor, having managed to catch on the edge of the bed. From a thud, Mc stirred, mumbled something and removed her hair from her face.

Mammon grinned nervously and immediately put his hand over his mouth. He didn't care that he could wake her up, just another second and he wouldn't be able to restrain the hysteria that was bursting out of his throat.

"Mammon?..." came a soft whisper from the bed. Mammon shifted his gaze and felt tears flowing down his cheeks. Mc sleepily rubbed her eyes and looked puzzled at the night guest. "Mammon, what happened? Why are you crying—"

He did not let her finish, throwing all his weight on her, wrapping his arms and legs around her body. Mc let out a small squeak of surprise, but immediately quieted down when she felt Mammon's shaking.

"It's okay. I've got you. I'm here."

"Yes," he sobbed "you're here. I beg... Please, always be here... Don't ever leave me..."

****

All the next morning Mammon did not move away from Mc more than two steps, which was not surprising, but he was so quiet that all brothers thought about another curse had been put on him.

[animationmovieshipps]

From Rags to Riches: Chapter 1

Synopsis: You are a young imp, who leaves Lust Ring to follow your dream of being a model and giving a better life to your younger siblings, that you have cared for since your parents died.

Being considered very beautiful, this dream is soon realized, but your life turns upside down when the ruler of all Hell is enchanted by you and wants to take you as a lover.

Warnings: Gun violence

A/N: Well, here's the first chapter, settle in, it's going to be a long road, I've already written 27 chapters and I'm working on the 28th. I wanted to give special thanks to my pookie @heart-of-the-morningstar for encouraging me to post this story here, love ya 😘 hope you guys like it ❤️

You would never forget the day you received the news that your parents died in an accident two years ago.

You were just a girl, you were only seventeen when everything happened and despite how much your soul was torn apart by the loss of your parents, you had to be strong and move on, to take care of your four youngest siblings.

Laila was the youngest of them, she was just a few months old when the accident happened and she had almost no memory of her parents, you had to prepare to explain everything to her when she was old enough to understand what happened.

Cameron was the second youngest, at five years old. Despite having experienced such a great loss at such a young age, she was a sweet and caring girl who always saw the good side of things, it didn't even seem like she had been born in Hell.

Luke was born 5 years before Cam. Of all your siblings, he was the one who suffered the most with the death of your parents, as he was the most attached to them.

Daniel was born 2 years after you, of the four of them, you were closest to him because you two were in the same age group. He carried the guilt that the last thing he did with your parents before they died was fight with them. He loved your parents, but he lived in conflict with them after he started to discover himself.

He was the one who encouraged you to quit your job as a clerk at a restaurant on the street where the five of you lived and move with everyone to the Pride Ring, so you could follow your dream of being a model.

Although it wasn't the safest Ring in Hell, there were more job opportunities there.

Luke wasn't too happy about moving away and leaving his entire life in the Ring of Lust behind, but he reluctantly agreed, seeing as you had sacrificed the best years of your life so you could take care of them, it would be very selfish if he didn't sacrifice himself for you back.

As soon as you arrived, you saw that an agency called 'Temptation Models' was going to make a selection to choose new models.

You beautified yourself like never before in your life, wanting to look as beautiful as possible so that you would be selected.

"How I am?" You asked them. Anyone could see how nervous and anxious you were about that selection, you barely managed to sleep the night before.

"Anxious." Daniel laughed.

He wanted so much to be able to accompany you to the agency selection, but unfortunately there was no one trustworthy in that place to babysit his three youngest siblings, so he had to stay.

"Funny." There was sarcasm in your voice, but you couldn't help but smile. "I'm talking about my appearance."

Cameron got up fromt the couch and ran to you, wrapping you in a hug.

"You don't look beautiful, you look stunning." She said, looking up to look at you.

You smiled and took her in your arms, hugging her before kissing her on the cheek.

"Thanks, cutie."

"It's not like you get ugly at some point either." Luke said, not looking away from the book he was reading.

You gave a smile and placed Cam back down before walking over to him. The smile on his lips slowly faded as he realized your intentions.

"Oh no, don't even think about it!" He said, getting up from the couch to escape you.

"You know you can't escape me." You laughed, as you ran after him.

He managed to escape for a while, until you eventually caught up to him, holding him in your arms and giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"Ew." He grumbled as he wiped your black lipstick mark off his cheek.

"I love you too." You laughed, taking your lipstick out of your bag to touch it up.

Finally, you hugged and kissed Daniel on the forehead. You couldn't say goodbye to Laila, because it was her nap time and when she was woken up in the middle of her nap, she would be grumpy for a long time.

"Take care of them, okay? If someone breaks into the house, the gun is under the couch. Oh, and give Laila a bath when she wakes up, there are snacks in the fridge if you guys get hungry." You warned him.

"Yes, ma'am!" He said, feigning salute as if he were in an army.

"Well, here I go." You said between nervous laughs. "Wish me luck."

"You don't need luck, you have everything." Cameron said, winking at you.

You smiled and looked lovingly at them one last time.

"I love you guys."

"We love you too." Daniel said, kissing his hand and blowing you a kiss.

You left the house and locked the door from the outside.

As soon as you started walking down the street, you noticed the eyes of some of your neighbors on you. Last night, when you arrived at your new house with your siblings, you noticed that they did the same thing, but they didn't approach you like they were doing at that moment.

Maybe because you weren't alone.

"Look what we have here." One of them, who looked like a fly, said with a suggestive tone of voice. "Fresh meat."

You tried to ignore him and quicken your pace, but the other, who looked like a blue demon with horns, ran and got in front of you.

"Woah, where are you going in such a hurry, baby girl?" He asked.

"None of your business." You said, not wanting to be friendly with any of them. "Now let me through, please..."

"A-a-ahhh, not so fast." He insisted, holding you by the chin, but you turned your face so he wouldn't touch you. "We don't see an Imp as hot as you around these parts of the city."

You soon realized what they wanted to do and your heart raced in your chest, but you remained calm, without making a fuss.

Waiting until they were distracted, in one quick movement you grabbed the gun that was also in your bag and pointed it at the two.

"Stay away from me. You two better leave me alone, or I'll shoot!" You warned, but they didn't seem scared at all by your threat.

"Woah, you better put that gun down, cutie, or you're going to get hurt." One of them said and they both started laughing.

Without thinking twice, you pulled the trigger and shot six times, five times at one of them and the sixth in the back of the head of the other, who tried to escape.

"Sinners." You grumbled, putting the gun back in your bag and taking out a small mirror, straightening your hair again before continuing on your way to the mall.

[otakween]

Digimon Tamers: Brave Tamer - Final Thoughts

Phew! If you're wondering why I've been quiet for a bit, it's because this game took me 3 weeks to beat. It was kind of grueling at times. It definitely assumes that you played the previous 3 (or 4 if Anode and Cathode count for 2) games and does NOT baby you at the start. It definitely wasn't my favorite game in the series, but the fact that it did away with the terrible old Jogress system earned it a lot of points in my book. There are still some Wonderswan games to play, but I think that's really it for Ryo games! Thank goodness :)

Notes:

Major downgrade from D1 Tamers visually! D1 was so colorful and exploring the world was actually interesting. Brave Tamer follows the Digimon World 2 strat of making every single dungeon pretty much identical and the hub world is bland as heck as well. You don't even need to travel to get to the dungeons you just walk up to the same hole every time. Lame.

Thank God this game lets digimon level up and evolve normally. It basically follows the Pokemon style of evolution. In previous games there were bullshit level caps unless you jogressed a zillion times. This game still has that dumb mechanic where your digimon devolves into a baby. I get that that happens in the show, but it felt pretty silly in the game. They get back to normal pretty quickly after a few battles.

Digimon recruitment is limited to borrowing digimon from digidestined from the various anime series. What an awkward concept. Ryo comes out of nowhere to save the day and then each partner digimon is like "See ya partner, I'm ditching you for Ryo!" I'm just imagining the characters that are left partner-less facing certain doom after Ryo leaves lol. Maybe it's one of those situations where they're only gone for a few minutes due to dimension hopping.

The card slash system (based on the Tamers universe of course) was interesting, but kind of annoying to figure out. After I got a handful of strong cards I couldn't be arsed to keep trying new jogress combos.

Speaking of taking the lazy route, I didn't use the majority of the digimon I recruited once LOL. It's more efficient to just stick with the same digimon for the whole game unless you want to spend a lot of time grinding, so that's what I did. I ended up with only mega-level digimon at the end which is frustrating because MegaloGrowmon and Taomon were at level 30! (They upgrade to mega at 31).

The bosses were strangely easy in this game (except for one that took me like 5 tries). What made it hard were the frickin' labyrinthine dungeons (the last one is TIMED! Evil). I have a terrible sense of direction IRL and in video games so the dungeons in this game were torture for me. You have to traverse up to 5 floors and sometimes there are so many dead ends and roadblocks that it takes what feels like an eternity. Also, there are random battles every 2 seconds that increase the suffering. In the later game I planned my route ahead of time by figuring out where the boss was on YouTube and mapping backwards from there. Here's a screenshot of me and my map in MS Paint:

(By the way, I always play Wonderswan games in windowed mode or else they look wonky. This time, that really came in handy).

I had to use multiple guides to figure out some of this game because the most popular walkthrough wasn't very good. It barely gives you any instructions on getting through dungeons, which was what I really needed.

Most scandalous part of this game was when Millenniummon called Ryo his lover (koibito)? Whaaaaa...?

I didn't realize that this game is a prequel to Tamers so I kinda did things out of order, whoops! I didn't realize that Cyberdramon was supposed to be the outcome of a Monodramon/Millenniummon jogress. Makes me want to rewatch some bits of the anime...

There was so much dramatic build up for the final battle and then it was so easy? I didn't even need to use the 10 low-level healing items I stocked up on. Oh well, guess I was well prepared.

Of course there's a post-game where you can scan all the digimon you missed, but that just seems silly. They're not partners in this game, they're cards. If I can't a raise a digimon I don't really see the appeal in collecting them all. (I mean I guess I wouldn't see the appeal in raising them all either, but the cards seem like even more of a waste of time).

The Wonderswan games have always been my fave digimon games but this one felt simultaneously half-assed and overly complicated. I'd give it like a 5 or 6 out of 10. Let's call it a 5.5.

[unded1droid]

SOURSCREEN FIC (also a bit of toitaco)

MePad had died and after hearing the news both Taco and Toilet were sent into unbearable despair, Microphone dealing with Taco and Mephone talking to Toilet about Mepad and while this was happening Testube walked over to MePad corpse examining it she realized that this was something she could easily repair.

Testube walked over to the group “excuse me I don't mean to interrupt your guys grieving but I could easily fix him” Testube said, both Taco and Toilet stared at her before Taco got up from where she had been crying “really” was the only word that came out of her mouth “well ya compared to the other things I've built he's nothing” Testube smiled, after a few moments of silence Taco broke it “well what are you waiting for go fix him” she said earning a nod from Testube as her and Fan picked up Mepad and carried him of to the lab.

A month had passed, Taco and Toilet had been living in the mansion the throughout this entire month as they had been waiting for hotel oj to be rebuilt this was really the only place anyone could stay and also was slightly closer to Testube’s lab, speaking of Testube she had apparently made a lot of progress with MePads repairs and he should be done by this month.

Taco was sitting on the bed book in hand but she wasn't paying attention to it she was deep in thought about her boyfriend thinking about all the things she wish she could've said before he died everything she wanted to do with him feeling tears form in her eyes from the thought but before any tears could fall Toilet had walked in to the room carrying tea for the both of them.

“Here you go miss Taco” Toilet said handing over the cup of tea to Taco “thank you Toilet and please you can just call me Taco” she said as she blu on her tea “oh yes of course, sorry” he spoke as he sat down next to her on there currently shared bed.

Taco and Toilet had grown close to each other as they had waited for MePad to be repaired or at least for any updates also them having to share a room helped with them getting closer to one another, Taco had to admit that she wasn't very enthusiastic about sharing a room with someone but she did grow fond of the man, he was charming, funny and a huge dork and Taco had a soft spot for dorks and she had to admit she did grow to have slight feeling for him but that's something she will talk to MePad about once he's repaired.

As the pair sat on the bed, Taco having her previously mentioned book in hand and Toilet looking over her to see what she was reading they heard a knock, Taco got up and opened the door being greeted with Test Tube.

“Oh hi Testube, are there any updates on MePad” Taco questioned “yes huge update actually and it's one I think you'll be very happy about” Test tube answered smirking at the end of her sentence, Toilet walked over to the door were the women were talking, Testube looked at the pair before speaking “well after a month of nonstop work on the repairs all of the repairs are done” she spoke, the two looked at each other before Toilet spoke “so he's fully fixed and he's alive” his voice was barely above a whisper Testube could barely hear him but she nodded “ok well why are you standing here take us to him” Taco spoke as Testube nodded and took them both to her lab.

All three had made it to the lab, the pair were looking at a currently powered off MePad but they were both assured by Testube that he was totally repaired as she powered him on, the two watched as he powered on it felt like it took hours but it actually more like a minute or two until his screen was turned on, the smaller man and woman looked at there lover before Taco practically jumped on MePad and began sobbing.

“I missed you so much” she choked out in sobs as MePad held her “I missed you to darling” that pet name caused her to sob more, MePad looked at toilet who was silently crying as he looked at MePad, the android opened his unoccupied arm to allowing the smaller to get to him and sob into the other side of his arm, “I missed you to” Toilet said trying not to choke on his own tears “I missed you as well dear” MePad said.

The two were crying as MePad held them both, he really missed this and he felt terrible for causing them so much distress but he's glad there both alive, after a few minutes Taco pulled away from him trying to control her breathing as she whipped off any tears from her face and smudging any makeup she had on, after a few moments she had her breathing controlled and looked at her boyfriend “why would you do something so stupid like that” she yelled starting both MePad and Toilet “oh well it was either me and all of you and well I would rather have all of you be alive” MePad retorts “i don't care that was such a stupid decision you have no idea how much distress you put me and toilet through” Taco argues back “i apologize for that and I promise I'll spend the rest of my life making up for it” MePad promised

✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧

ending was rushed af

[rjthirsty]

Ikemen Princess Prologue

Based off the otome game Ikemen Prince, I've created an AU where the princes are (mostly) female, and MC is male. Several character names have been changed to suit their new gender (notes will be provided), and lore has been altered to work with the new setting and my accompanying headcanons.

Words: ~1.5k Tags: AU with Gender Changes, My First Long Fic, Chaptered, Scheduled Release A/N: You can find this and other chapters located on my ao3 account or on the Ikemen Princess Masterlist on my tumblr blog. Leanne = OG Leon.

Chapter Three: The Beast and the Beast

“If you really want to kick up a fuss, I’ll take you on. What do you say?” The mystery woman quirked a smirk, eyes narrowing at the drunk.

There was something about her that was larger than life, and the street grew quiet around her as all eyes were drawn to her. I slowly lowered my arms, realizing I wasn’t in immediate danger anymore. I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding, which she must have heard because she glanced over her shoulder at me and her amber eyes met mine. Suddenly I wasn’t able to draw air, my breath catching in my throat.

Wow… I have never seen anyone with so much presence! It’s like you dominate the scene just by existing!

Her gaze swept the crowd, the gaze of a predator looking for her next meal, and nobody wanted to meet it. Released from the hold of those hungry eyes on me, I managed to suck some air back into my lungs. The tension in the air continued to mount, she was clearly not someone you should pick a fight with, and everyone else had sensed it, too.

Well… ALMOST everyone.

Despite the fact that the drunk had let her casually lower his fist, he must have found his courage the moment her eyes weren’t pinning him to the spot anymore.

“You wanna fight me? Yeah? Let’s do it!” The drunkard leaned as he turned to face her rather than me.

Her eyes cut back to the man. “You’ve got spirit, I’ll give you that,” she said with a grin growing on her lips.

I threw my hands up placatingly, “Wait, wait, wait! Can’t we find a peaceful way to resolve this?”

“Shuddup!” Mr. Belligerent yelled, swinging back his foot and angrily kicking at my fallen books, sending several of them flying. I watched in horror as they soared through the air, pages flapping wildly, before landing in the middle of the street. Of course, it had to be right as someone was riding a horse straight towards them.

If it had been any other day, the sight of the majestic white horse would have been a sight for sore eyes, but today the steed that showed no fear at something large landing directly in its path told me a lot about the temperament. Normal horses tended to spook, especially if they didn’t have blinders on. This wasn’t a normal horse. My eyes slid up the animal to the rider on its back, an aristocrat for sure. She was staring down at the books as she reined her horse in, her light blonde hair long enough to obscure her eyes, but not the downwards tilt of her head that proved she was looking at the books.

“Who would be so insolent?” It almost sounded like she was talking to herself as her piercing eyes lifted from the books. A gaze as cold as ice landed on the drunk and she demanded, “Was it you?”

Something ruthless glittered deep within that ice-blue stare, like a tiger catching sight of its prey. She wasn’t even looking at me, yet I was afraid to move, afraid even the slightest twitch would bring death pouncing down on me. The only thing I could move were my eyes in this overwhelming presence, and that’s when the crest on her saddle made my heart lurch.

Oh, shit. Oh no! You’re a member of the royal family?!

“Huh?! Who the hell d’ya think ya are? Stop sneerin’ at me!” Mr. Belligerent Drunk challenged the royal woman. His face was already red from the alcohol, but it was clear his anger caused it to flush darker and he began stomping on my books.

My jaw dropped, all of this was the most unexpected series of events. I was silently hoping that I could laugh about it all later, but at the moment I was half-frozen with fear as the situation continued to escalate.

“I hadn’t intended to participate in such a vulgar side show, but perhaps this is how one finds amusement at a festival?” The royal woman spoke with disdain, her hand reaching towards her hip where her sword was strapped.

The babble of the festival around me seemed to fade into silence. Wait. The cruelty in her eyes was as clear and sharp as her gaze, honed in on the root of the problem. The drunk wasn’t just a nuisance, he was a bug only worthy of being squashed beneath her boot. Wait– Don’t! Sunlight gleamed off the blade, almost blinding me, and before I knew what I was doing, I was moving.

I grabbed the drunk man who was throwing a tantrum and incurring the wrath of the beast on horseback by his shirt collar, which caused him to refocus his attention on me.

“Wha-?!”

He started to protest, but I didn’t let him get another sound out before I hurriedly hissed, “Pull yourself together!” And landed a slap on his face that brought a sting to my own hand.

To be fair, I didn’t intend to slap him that hard. I didn’t intend to slap him at all! At the last second I chickened out from a straight fist to the face because I thought it would end up hurting a lot more. I had never actually hit someone before, I had never been in a violent fight. But I had read about bruised knuckles and broken bones from hitting hard objects, and a skull was pretty hard.

I could feel people staring at me. Lots of people. But most of all, I could feel the gaze of two startled predators on me.

“What was that for?!” Mr. Drunk and Violent groaned as he brought his own hand up to his cheek. His eyes seemed to clear for a moment, pupils refocusing like he could see me for the first time that day.

“You need to. Calm. Down.” I choked, speaking in a hushed tone since I was finding it hard to raise my voice above a raspy stutter from the tightness in my throat. “Or do you want to get yourself killed over this?!” I thrusted my stinging hand towards the books at our feet, I then flung it in the direction of the royal woman, waving it frantically to indicate the crest on her saddle, and the sword she was gripping.

He followed my wild gesturing, and all the color drained from his face. It was clear I’d finally gotten through to him, and I puffed a quick sigh of relief. I let go of his collar and smoothed it out, then patted it, trying to come up with my next step, my eyes cast downwards and not daring to look the blonde woman in the eyes.

“I…” A squeak was all that really managed to escape my stress-constricted airway. I swallowed the hard lump, my mouth the driest desert, the lack of lubricant causing me to give a small cough to clear my throat. “I’m very sorry if we caused you any trouble.” I dared a glance up at her before continuing on. “I hope you can find some way to forgive and forget this incident.”

And my eyes were back on the ground, head slightly bent downward. I didn’t want to see the daggers in her eyes. Suddenly an idea struck me and I gasped a little, “Oh!”

I folded my arm in front of me, and the other behind me and bent myself at the waist to imitate what I’d imagined a proper bow would look like. I had no idea how to address royalty, but it wasn’t like I had ever had the chance. The best bet I had was the brief descriptions in books.

Without warning the amber-eyed woman burst out laughing, a loud, refreshing sound that cut straight through the tension. I was so wound up I nearly jumped out of my skin, but I could feel the mood in the air lightening immediately.

“Don’t worry, she’s not so petty that she’d actually kill someone over something like this.”

“Huh?” I gawked at the dark-haired woman. It sounded like she knew the blonde from the royal family.

“Are you done playing, Chevalier?” Another well-dressed woman appeared, shrugging smoothly as she reined in on her chestnut horse next to the white one.

“Yes,” Chevalier - the blonde royalty - said curtly. “This was a waste of my time.”

The tension began to seep out of me, until I realized Chevalier’s icy gaze was focused on my books, strewn across the ground.

“Are those books yours?”

“Yeah…” I answered cautiously, watching her warily.

She fell silent again, still staring intently at my books, and my breath hitched in my throat as her eyes narrowed.

What am I missing here? I couldn’t figure out where this was headed. The drunk’s tirade was over, I had apologized, and the dark-haired woman claimed Chevalier wasn’t the type to kill over something like this, yet she hadn’t moved on yet.

Her gaze moved suddenly from the books to me, pinning me to the spot, and I only distantly heard the woman next to her speak. “What now? Don’t tell me you’re in the mood for romance?”

“Romance is worthless, but–”

For the second time today, I made a very unmanly “eep” as her sword moved in a quick, fluid motion towards my throat. I held absolutely still, not even chancing a breath with the tip of her weapon hovering just shy of touching me.

But– why–

She used the flat of the blade to tilt my chin up, forcing me to look at her. “Those books are different. They’re worth more than you are. You’d do well to remember that.”

I wanted to ask ‘what the hell is wrong with you’ but I knew better than to question royalty. And I was keenly aware of the cold steel touching my skin. Instead I gave a faint nod, attempting to not shift my head too much while I relayed that I had heard her words, and the blade moved away from my throat at last.

I watched in stunned silence as she sheathed her sword and took up her reins again, urging her horse onwards. The woman astride the chestnut horse watched Chevalier for a moment, before nudging her own horse gently with her calves. But as she rode away, I saw her gaze move towards me, and I was startled by the bright amusement glittering in those golden eyes. 

The second they were both gone, I felt the tension inside me unraveling all at once, and I took a great, gasping breath. I felt strangely tingly and lightheaded, my nerves all firing at once to catch up with everything I had ignored during the tense events. Out of the corner of my eye I saw the drunkard sinking weakly to the ground.

I thought that was going to end really, really badly… and I’m so glad we’re all still alive.

“Seven hells…” I muttered, the world filtering back into existence around me. The crowd grew louder or my heartbeat grew quieter, I wasn’t entirely sure which. I felt the sun shining on me, warming my numb fingers and face. After several deep breaths, I turned to face the amber-eyed woman who had stepped in and been my savior.

“Thank you for helping us. I’m indebted to you– incredibly so. Would you mind if I asked your name?”

“It’s Leanne. And you can relax a little, I stepped in because I wanted to. You don’t owe me anything.”

“Er– well, thanks, Leanne.” We just looked at each other for several seconds before I slid my eyes away, growing uncomfortable from the silence. “Do you… know that woman? The one on the white horse?”

“Yeah,” she said as I saw her moving out of the corner of my eye, belatedly realizing she was gathering up my fallen books. “But we’ve never really talked that much. Here you go.”

“Ah! Oh, thank you!” I started turning the books over in my hands, inspecting them as I piled them under one arm. They were a little scuffed, but somehow they didn’t end up torn or badly damaged.

And a good thing too– I spent WAY too much money on these.

“You really like books, huh?”

“I love them! They’re usually way more interesting than the real world. Not so much today…” I trailed off as I turned to glance the way Chevalier and the other woman had rode off. Suddenly I recalled how this all started and I spun to look for the young boy who I had originally come to the aide of. He was still sitting on the ground, sniffling and curled up with his knees pulled towards his chest.

I crouched down to get on an equal level with the kid, Leanne doing the same, but it was her who spoke first.

“Hey, little guy, you okay?”

With attention back on him, a fresh set of tears started again. “Mama…” He sobbed.

“You’re lost, huh?” Leanne offered her hand. “Come with me, then.”

The boy’s watery eyes went to her hand. “Can–hic… Can you find… Mama?” He almost wailed again, but Leanne was quick to answer.

“Sure can! Let’s go find her together.” She smiled like warm sunshine and the little boy took up her hand. She helped him to his feet, then scooped him up and easily set the kid on her shoulders.

Wow, I don’t know what to say– you’re like an entirely different person now.

I was watching her, rising to stand as well. I was probably staring. The stalking lion was gone, her predator’s gaze now friendly and almost sweet somehow. Her gentle smile gave my heart a little flutter. Her entire presence was still larger than life, but it was comforting now and for some reason I felt the desire to stay near her.

“Umm, Mis’er?” The kid, now higher up than me, tentatively called to me. I finally stopped staring at Leanne and gave my attention to the little boy. “Thank you for helping me!”

Sweet kid.

I couldn’t help but smile up at him. “You’re welcome! And I’m really glad you’re okay.”

“Same goes for you,” Leanne said to me. “Now c’mon, buddy, let’s go.”

Before I could offer to help them search, Leanne was weaving through the crowd, her hand lifted in a casual wave. I’d have to thank her properly if I ever ran into her again, and she sure stands out, so I hope I’ll catch her again one day. I watched until they were out of sight and then I turned away, hugging my books to my chest as I made my way through the crowds.

[cutedisneygirl]

Love Online

Chapter 19

Warnings: a little language, a brief fight scene, nothing major and then fluff

Finally, it's July. Merida realizes it's been a year since she and Chris got together. They are face timing each other, Merida is lying in bed.

            "Hey beautiful."

            "Hi."

            "Babe? You, okay?"

            "Yeah, I'm okay."

            "You sure? Looks like something is wrong."

            "No, I'm fine. I'm tired and just miss you."

            "I know I miss you too."

            "I also realized it's been a year since we met."

            Chris smiles. "Yes, I was thinking that today too. I was hoping to be able to see you, but I won't be able to."

            "Oh," she frowns.

"I'm sorry babe. I still have some meetings that I won't be able to get out of I don't think. I promise soon."

            "Okay."

            Then Merida hears a knock on her door.

            "Chris hang on second someone is knocking on my door."

Merida sets the phone down and heads to the door.

            "I have a package for you. Sorry it's late. I took some wrong turns and missed your house."

            "It's okay. Thanks."

Merida takes the package. She heads back to the room.

            "Chris?" she asks picking up her phone.

            "I'm here babe. Who was at your door?"

            "It was the delivery man. I have a package."

            "Oh?"

She looks down at the box and sees the return address.

            "Chris, you sent me something?"

            Chris smiles. "I did. Open it."

            Merida tears into the box after some struggle and then almost cries. "Oh Chris! Wow, this is beautiful! Oh my gosh!"

 "You like it? Really?"

            "Yes, I love it! Thank you."

            "Welcome babe. Since I can't be with you, I wanted to send you something. And I thought about flowers but decided on that because it will last forever."

            "I love it, Chris." She says smiling and crying.

            "I love you babe. Hey why are you crying?"

            "I love you too. Because you make me happy, and you're so amazing."

            "Aww babe. You're the amazing one. I need to go. I will talk to you tomorrow."

            "Okay, goodnight, Chris."

            "Night beautiful. Sweet dreams."

They hang up and Merida lays down and is asleep within minutes. She dreams of what life would be like if she and Chris got married. The next morning Merida wakes up and looks over at her clock. It's almost 8 am. She has not slept in this late in a while. She didn't have to work since it was Saturday. She gets up and heads to the kitchen and gets herself a cup of coffee. She is about to grab a bowl of cereal when Dixie starts barking.

            "Okay girl. I'm sorry. I'll feed you."

Merida grabs the bag of food and pours some in her bowl.

            "Dixie, it's strange I haven't heard from Chris yet. He always texts me good morning. I wonder why he hasn't texted me yet."

Dixie looks up at her then back to her bowl and keeps eating. Merida eats her cereal and then takes her coffee to the couch and grabs her book and curls up and reads while she finishes her coffee. Later she gets a shower and then sits back on the couch with her book. Dixie is curled up at her feet. She is on her last chapter of her book when she hears a knock on her door.

            "I wonder who that could be Dixie. I'm not expecting anyone."

Merida sets her book down on the table in front of her and walks to the door. She opens it to find Chris.

"Chris! Oh my gosh!" Merida exclaims throwing her arms around him.

            "Hey beautiful!"

            "I didn't think you were coming!"

            "I wanted to surprise you."

            "Well, you did! I've missed you so much!" she says wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him.

            "I missed you too."

Dixie then runs up to Chris and barks.

            "Looks like someone else missed me too."

            "Hey Dixie! How are ya girl?" He says squatting down and petting her.

            "How long are you staying?"

            "A few days. I can't stay long. But I had to see you on our one-year Anniversary."

            "Oh Chris." Merida smiles. "Well excuse the mess. I wasn't expecting anyone so..."

            "It's okay babe." Chris says walking towards the couch. "I will put my stuff in the room. I'll be back."

            Chris leaves the room and Dixie follows him. Merida laughs.

            "Looks like someone missed you a lot."

Chris looks behind him and sees Dixie following him. He laughs. Chris sets his bag on the floor next to the bed and turns towards Dixie.

            "Did you miss me, Dixie?"

Dixie barks. Chris squats down and rubs her. Dixie then rolls over and Chris rubs her belly.

            "You have really spoiled her. She loves you."

Chris looks up at Merida and smiles.

            "I guess I have a way with dogs."

Chris stands up and walks towards Merida who is standing the doorway. He wraps his arms around her.

            "I've missed you so much babe."

            "I've missed you too."

            "I want to go out tonight."

            "Go out? Where?"

            "I want to take you out to eat."

            "Oh, okay. Where?"

            "Not telling you, but I will say, dress nicely."

            Merida smiles. "Somewhere fancy?"

            "Yes."

            "Chris you..."

Chris puts a finger over her lips. "Babe, we are celebrating. It's our one year and I want to make it special."

            "Okay, but I don't know what I will wear. I don't have many fancy dresses."

            "Wear the one you wore to the premiere of Red Sea Diving Resort. I loved that dress."

            "Okay. What time did you want to go?"

            Chris looks at the clock on the side table.

            "It's 12:30 now, 5:30?"

            "Alright."

Merida gets ready to leave the room, but Chris stops her, "Babe?"

            "Yeah," she says turning back around.

            "Before you go, I have something for you."

Chris goes to his bag and pulls out a small, wrapped box.

            Merida opens the box.

Authors note- what is circled are the stones that are in the necklace.            "Oh Chris! It's beautiful!"

            "It's our birth stones."

            "I see that. It's beautiful. Thank you." Merida says wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him.

            "I'm going to go get ready." Merida says pulling away from Chris and starting to head out the door.

           "Now?"

            "Well, you said you want to leave at 5:30."

            "Yeah, but it's only..." he glances over at the clock. "1:00."

            "I know but it will take me a while to get ready."

            "It will take you 4 ½ hours?" he says raising his eyebrow.

            Merida laughs, "Well no, but..."

Chris grabs her and wraps his around her once again. "Don't leave."

            "Chris."

            "I haven't seen you in months."

            "I'm not going far. I just..."

            "I know, but you have time. I will make sure you have plenty of time to get ready. Please." He frowns.

Merida laughs. "Okay fine. What did you have in mind?" Chris grins. He takes the jewelry box from her and sets in on the bedside table and then wraps his arms around her again. He kisses her then starts kissing down her neck.

            "Chris."

            "What?"

            "Is this really a good idea?"

            "You told me a while back you wanted to, and I told you we would wait."

            "I know but..."

            Chris stops and looks at her. "Babe, I would never force you, you know that. I would never do anything you're not ready for. I just thought..."

            "I do Chris. I do. I want to, but..."

            "You're scared."

            "Yes. What if we can't stop? What if?"

            "Babe, I would never go that far. I promise. I know you want to wait, and I respect that. I only want to make out with you."

Merida smiles. "I would love to I really would but..."

            "Babe, you don't have to be scared. I'm right here I will not hurt you. If I do something, you don't like you can stop me."

            Merida nods her head. Chris takes her hand and leads her towards the bed. He sits down and pulls her towards him. She is standing in front of him, and he has his arms wrapped around her.

            "I love you Mer, so much."

            "I love you too Chris."

Chris leans forward and kisses her. They continue to kiss each other and make out for the next hour. Merida is shocked at how comfortable she is with Chris. She has never let anyone get close to her before. She knows Chris would never hurt her, and he is very patient and gentle with her. If she tells him to stop, he does and doesn't push her. They lay on the bed cuddling afterwards.

            "Thanks Chris." She says with her head on his chest.

            "For what babe?" he asks looking down at her.

            "For being patient with me, and not pushing me farther than I wanted to go."

            "Babe, I would never do that. I love you. I would never force you into anything."

            "I know you wouldn't and that means a lot."

Chris kisses her head. "I love you so much babe. I could just lie here with you forever."

            "I know me too. I've missed this so much."

            "I've missed it too."

            They both get quiet and then Chris looks down at Merida who has fallen asleep on his chest. He smiles. He takes his phone off the table and sets an alarm to wake them both up. He then falls asleep himself. Two hours later Chris's phone goes off. Merida groans. Chris turns off his alarm and looks down at Merida.                    "Babe, you need to get up. It's 4:00."

            "What! You let me sleep that long!"

            "I set an alarm on my phone. You have plenty of time." He kisses her head.

Merida gets up andheads to her room. She doesn't take a shower since she already had one earlierthat morning. She finds the dress Chris asked her wear in her closet. She thenputs on some make up and fixes her hair. She brushes it and leaves it down. She knows Chris likes her hair down. Then she is looking for her shoes when she hears a knock on her door.

            "Babe?"

            "Yes?"

            "Can I come in?"

            "Yes."

Chris walks into the room and sees Merida on the floor in her closet.

            "Babe, what are you doing?"

            "Trying to find my shoes. I can't find them. I know they are here."

            "Want me to help you look?"

Merida turns and sees Chris in his suit.

 "You look hot! I mean handsome."

Chris laughs. He walks closer and squats down on the ground.

            "Where did you last have the shoes?"

            "Here in my closet. I haven't worn them since the premiere."

            "What do they look like?"

            "They are silver."

            Chris helps Merida look for, but they didn't find them.

            "What am going to do? I don't have any other shoes to wear. They are the only ones that go with this dress."

            "How about these?" Chris says holding up a black pair.

            "I don't think they will look right."

            "Sure, they will. We will get you another silver pair."

            "Chris..."

             "Babe, I know what you're going to say. It's okay. I don't mind. Come on put these on and we can go."

            Merida takes the black shoes and slips them on then stands up. "Do they look okay?"

            Chris stands up. "Yes, they look fine. Your beautiful babe. Let's go."

Chris takes her hand, and they walk out of the room.

            "Oh, my necklace! I left it in your room."

Merida heads to the room Chris is staying in and gets the necklace from the box beside the bed. She struggles to get it on. Chris walks in and helps her then goes to his bag and takes out a wrapped box.

            "Before we go. I want to give you this."

            "Another gift. Chris!"

            "Just open it."

Merida opens the box and finds perfume.

Merida smells it. "Wow this smells amazing! Thanks Chris."

            "Welcome babe."

            "I'll be right back. I need to grab my purse."

Merida heads back to her room and grabs her purse and is about to leave but decides to put on some of the perfume. She dabs a little behind her ears and then sets the bottle on her dresser. She finds Chris waiting for her in the living room. Chris helps Merida in then climbs into the driver's side.

            Chris pulls out of the driveway. "Where are we going?"

            "You'll see."

            "You won't tell me?"

             "Nope."

Merida turns and looks out the window. Chris reaches over and grabs her hand. "It's a surprise. You will love it I promise."

            Merida turns and smiles at him. Chris lifts their hands and kisses her hand.

Finally, a few minutes later Chris pulls into a parking lot.

            "Oh my gosh! Chris! Really?"

            "You surprised?"

            "Yes! I've always wanted to come here, but never have."

Grove Park Inn-Asheville, NC

Chris walks around and helps Merida out and takes her hand and they walk in and head to the dinning area. A young man greets them.

            "Do you have a reservation?"

            "Yes, Evans."

The man checks his list.

            "Yes, follow me."

Chris and Merida walk hand in hand to the table outside set for two.

"Your waiter will be right with you, enjoy."

            "Wow, this is beautiful!" Merida says looking out at the view. Chris pulls out her chair for her then takes the seat beside her.

            After their waiter comes and takes their drink orders, they begin looking at the menu.

            "Wow, I have no idea what to get."

            "Get whatever you want babe."

After the waiter returns with their drinks, he takes their food orders then leaves. Merida looks out once again at the amazing breath-taking view of the mountains. Chris reaches across the table and takes her hand.

            "Babe?"

            "Yeah?" She says turning and looking at him.

            "You, okay? Your quiet."

            "Yes, just enjoying this beautiful view."

Chris rubs his thumb along the back of her hand. "I love you Merida, I love you so much."

            "I love you too."

A few minutes later their food arrives, and they eat. After they finish Merida looks at Chris.

            "That was amazing, but I'm full."

            "No dessert?"

            "I can't I'm too full."                                                                                                             

            "We can have that later." He smiles. "Oh, I almost forgot. I have one more present for you."        

            "Chris! You have done so much, you..."

            "I love spoiling my girl." He says reaching into this coat pocket and pulling out a black box. He sets it on the table.

            "Chris, what..."

            "Just open it."                                                                                                                        

Merida opens the box.

"It's beautiful. Thank you."

            "You're welcome."

After the waiter returns Chris pays and stands and holds out his hand. Merida puts the box in her purse then takes his hand and they walk outside and head to the balcony.

            "Want to walk a bit?"

            "Sure."

Chris and Merida walk hand in hand around the grounds.

            "It's beautiful."

            "So are you." Chris stops and reaches up and caressing her cheek.

            "Oh Chris."

Chris leans forward and kisses her. "Man, you smell good. You're wearing the perfume, aren't you?"

            "Yes."

            "Fuck, Mer."

            "What?"

            "This is makes me want you so bad right now. You smell so good." He says then kisses her and kisses beside her ear then her neck.

            "Chris! Stop. Not here!"

Chris reluctantly pulls back then grabs her hand and leads her back to the car. He opens the door for her and then climbs in the driver's side. He turns towards her and caresses her cheek.

           "God, you're so beautiful!" He then leans forward and kisses her. He continues to kiss her and gets more passionate.

            "Chris!"

            "What?"

            "Not here."

            "What? We are in the car."

            "But someone could still see us."

            "Babe, you're killing me."

Chris pulls back. "Fine. Where would you like to go now?"

            "Anywhere. You planned this, so you choose."

            "Well, we haven't had dessert yet. We can get something and take it back to your place."

            "Sounds good."

            "Where is a good place?"

            "Well, there is the cheesecake factory."

            "Now you're talking."

Chris pulls it up on his GPS and it takes a few minutes. When they get there Chris and Merida head inside and they each order a slice and head back to her place.

            Merida opens the door, and they head towards the couch. Merida takes off her shoes as she sits down, and they fall to the ground in front of the couch. Chris takes off his jacket and lays it on the back of the couch. He slips out of his shoes then joins Merida on the couch placing the cheesecakes on the coffee table. He turns towards Merida.

            "Oh, I forgot. I have something for you. I'll be right back."

            Merida heads to her room and grabs the wrapped present from her dresser. She walks back to the living room and sits back on the couch next to Chris and hands him the present.

            "Babe, you didn't have to get me anything."

            "Open it."

Chris tears into the wrapping. "Mer! Holy fucking shit! How did you? This must have cost you a fortune! You.... babe!"

    "You like it?

            "Babe, I love it, but you shouldn't have. I can't imagine how much this cost! How did you even..."

            "I got some help."                                                                                                  

            "How much?"

            "Chris, I'm not telling you that. Don't worry about it. I wanted to do this for you." Merida says reaching up and placing her hands on either side of his face.

            "How did you even know that I..."

            "Scott told me."

            "Scott? Really? Did he help you?"

Merida smiles. "Chris, I'm not telling you."

            "Babe, come on tell me. I know this was lot more than you can afford."

            "Chris."

            "Merida please. I wouldn't ask...but I want to know. How much?"

            "Chris, I can't."

            "Why?"

Merida bites her lip and looks down. Dixie is curled up at the end of the couch.

            "Babe. Look at me."

Merida slowly turns and looks at Chris but keeps biting her lip.

Chris takes a breath. "The fact that you're biting your lip tells me your afraid to tell me. I know it cost a lot. I want to know how much."

            "Chris, come on that's not fair. You spent..."

Chris gives her a look. "I know you're not going to say what I think you are!"

Merida continues to bite her lip and look down.

            "I can afford to spoil my girlfriend! I make more than you!"

Merida stops biting her lip and looks up at Chris with a mean face.

            "You did not just say that!"

            "It's true. I do. I know you don't make that much and you're also going to school. I know you struggle at times. You have refused for me to help you, when I have asked."

            "Because I don't need your help! I have been doing fine on my own! And I will keep doing it! I don't need your money! I save a lot! I wanted to do something special for you, to show you how much you mean to me. You have done so much for me, and I just thought..." Merida pauses holding back her tears.

            "Babe, I appreciate it, but really you shouldn't have. I can't imagine what this cost you, since you won't tell me. You don't have to buy me anything to show you care about me. You're enough."

            "But I wanted to. You have gotten so much for me, and I just thought I would do something for you. How can you ask me that and even say that me! How dare you! I have never once asked you what you spent on me."

            "Now Babe, that's not fair. You know I can afford it. You can't!"

            Merida reaches up and slaps Chris on the cheek then stands up and runs from the room. She heads to her room and slams the door and plops down on the bed and cries. Chris takes a few deep breaths. He looks down at the book in his hands. He begins flipping through the pages. As he is flipping through a piece of paper falls out. He opens it to find a receipt. He sees the amount

$3,000.00

            "Holy fuck! Shit!"

He stands up and places the book down on the coffee table hard. He walks loudly towards her bedroom. He stops at the door.

            "Merida!"

            "Go away Chris! Leave me alone!"

            "I want to talk to you!"

            "I said leave me alone!"

            "Open the door!"

            "No!"

            "Merida! Open the door!"

Merida doesn't answer him. She has never heard him this angry and he never says her name like that. Chris takes a deep breath.

            "Please open the door. I want to talk to you."

            "So, you can yell at me some more? No!"

            "I won't yell at you."

            "Promise?"

            "Just open the door."

Merida leaves the bed and opens the door. Chris sees her eyes are red and blotchy from crying. Merida goes back to the bed and sits. Chris follows her and sits down next to her.

            "I found the receipt. I know how much you spent."

            "What?"

            "It fell out of the book."

Merida glances at him but stays quiet.

            "Babe, I appreciate it I really do. But you shouldn't have spent that much. I know how much you struggle at times and..."                                                                                                    

            "Chris, I wanted to. I have been saving and I told you I had help."

            "By who?"

            "My dad, Tiffany, my boss and Scott."

            "They all helped you?"

            "Yes. I told them what I wanted to get you and they said they would help me. Please don't be mad at me. I..." Merida starts crying.

"Oh babe," Chris says reaching for her and wrapping his arms around her. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get mad and yell at you, I just...I'm not use to anyone doing something like this for me. Especially when I know you can't..."                                                                                                                              

            Merida looks at up at him. "Don't say it again. Chris." Merida says placing her hands on his cheeks and looking into his bright blue eyes.

            "I love you; I love you so much. I wanted to do this for you. I promise it's okay. I'm fine. If you want to know the truth, Scott and my dad helped me the most. Please don't be mad at me for this."

Chris sighs. "I love you too babe. I'm sorry." He says placing his hands on top of her and leaning forward and kissing her. "Thank you. I appreciate it I do."

            "You're welcome."

            "Just please, don't ever spend that much on me again. Okay?"

            Merida looks at him but doesn't answer.

            "Babe, promise me."

            "Okay, I promise."

Chris kisses her again.

            "Did we just have our first big fight?" Merida asks.

            "Yeah, we did."

            "I hope we never fight like that again. I hated you being mad at me and yelling at me like that."

            "I didn't like it either, but I hate to say, it probably won't be our last fight."

            "Probably not, but I hope they aren't anything like this one."

            Chris smiles. "I will always love you babe; nothing will change that. No matter how mad I get, I will always love you and I'm not going anywhere." He says caressing her cheek.

            "I do hate we had our first big fight on our anniversary." Merida frowns.           

            "I know. I'm sorry babe. But at least we made up fairly quickly, right?"

            "Yeah."

The next few days go by much too quickly and then it's time for Merida and Chris to say goodbye. Merida kisses Chris goodbye early Monday morning. He leaves just before Merida leaves for work. He promises her he will FaceTime her later that night. The next few months go by. Chris and Merida text and FaceTime each day. Chris stays busy with meetings and conferences. He spends a lot of time in Washington DC. They are not able to see each other again until November. Merida is not sure exactly when she will see Chris again. He has not told her a date. She just hopes it is soon. She misses Chris like crazy. Then one Sunday night Merida has just hung up with Chris and lays down that night and dreams that Chris proses to her.

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