#or let’s coordinate or busy schedules and make time to work together

[doublesidedgemini]

Part of the reason I started crying more was bc I was trying to plan a hang out with my bf but he texted me back and said he has to do this and that and this today

And then he sent another text and said I can text him when I’m ready and he’ll let me know what he’s up to and then I can decide if I want to come over

Yesterday he said something similar, “I’m welcome to come over if i want…”

At least today he texted me that he’s sorry he’s been so short on time BUT then he followed it up with “but I HAVE to do these things”

Which like I get it he’s extremely busy rn. But I texted him at the beginning of the weekend I had a lot of work to do as well if he wanted to be work buddies this weekend — didn’t acknowledge that. Then never texted me beforehand trying to set up time for us to work together, it’s always been a “I’m doing xyz and you can tag along if you want”

I told him he can just do what he needs to do today, which is what I told him yesterday. I haven’t seen him since last Saturday. This is the first week since we’ve started dating where I haven’t seen him and it feels really terribly bad :(

[hannieehaee]

Imagine workaholic gf!reader of equally workaholic bf!woozi where they both take a few days leave to enjoy each other and book a luxurious honeymoon suite hotel room thinking they will have a lot of sex with their days off but instead end up with cuddling and lazy make out sessions because their exhaustion just swooshes over them owo

18+ / mdi

content: workaholic!woozi x workaholic!reader, afab reader, heavy mentions of smut, making out, very suggestive, etc.

wc: 1262

a/n: i can really picture jihoon dating a fellow workaholic lol anyways thank u for requesting<3

masterlist

"fuck, finally," you sighed in relief, letting yourself fall backwards onto the cool bed in the luxury hotel room jihoon had reserved.

after endless weeks of equally endless work, you finally had a week off, which jihoon had strategically coordinated with his own time off.

the two of you were extremely hard workers – to a fault. when jihoon bad first met you, he worried that maybe his addiction to constant work would eventually drive you away, yet somehow it had continued to keep you right by his side. you preferred that he was a workaholic, you had once told him. there had apparently been a few prior relationships in which your heavy workload had led to irreparable issues. jihoon being equally as busy as you allowed you to work without feeling guilt of leaving your partner behind – jihoon felt the exact same way.

despite the unspoken agreement the two of you had in regards to the dynamic of your relationship, it sometimes still got to you when you'd realize how little time you were able to spend with your boyfriend – once more, jihoon felt the exact same way.

your individual lives were already difficult to navigate, but making time for each other was even more complicated. your exhaustion was a whole different issue. working as much as the two of you did, it was understandable that you'd spend the lulls in your schedule resting as much as you could rather than with each other. it was a sad truth, but still remained a truth.

it wasn't as if you spent no time together, though. you'd always either see each other in the mornings (either through call or in person – depending on whether jihoon was in the country at the time or not) or at night, always making sure to love on one another as a reminder of the thriving affection in your relationship. you'd also dedicate one night per week to have a stay-at-home date night. everything was perfectly tailored to your relationship, and the two of you were more than happy with it.

these past few weeks had been the issue. as jihoon had a comeback and you had an important project at work, it was virtually impossible for you to see each other as of late. it got to you in all the worst ways, making you moody, irritable, tired, and even sexually frustrated. not only were you physically exhausted of the constant work, but you had been deprived of your daily dosage of jihoon. you had not slept together in weeks, nor had you even had a meal with each other. cuddling? completely out of the question with the insanely packed schedule you'd been having.

it all went like this for the both of you for a few weeks, up until everything managed to reach a standstill. you had a few days off, and jihoon had the ability to move some things around to match your time off. without so much as one word from you, jihoon had decided it was the perfect time to whisk you away on a private getaway at some luxury hotel of your choice.

jihoon wasnt really one to go out much, unbeknownst to you, but jihoon had been feeling extremely pent up from the last moment he got to have you all to himself. the short glimpses of you he managed to catch throughout the busy weeks were the only thing that had kept him going. the singular thought of the next time he'd he'd get to have you was the only thing occupying his mind. renting out a room for the week was the most obvious of choices to jihoon. he would finally get to explore the sheets with you.

upon arriving to the hotel, jihoon chuckled at how pleased you seemed with the place, immediately letting yourself loose on the bed and sighing in contentment. putting down the suitcases, jihoon joined you soon after, still fully clothed as he laid next to you, staring up at the ceiling.

"are you as tired as i am?", you asked him.

he hummed in affirmation, "yeah. what do you wanna do first?"

the unspoken agreement to utilize the week on sex had filled up the room before you had even arrived, so it was obvious what he was referring to.

"i'll take a quick bath first, okay, baby?", you said as you began to get up, stretching your muscles in the process.

"sure, baby. i'll head down to the gym for a bit to unwind then. i'll see you in about an hour, then?"

with a sweet peck, you bid your boyfriend goodbye, giddy to get yourself relaxed and perfumed so your boyfriend could help you destress under the sheets.

~

the bath had been a huge success in terms of getting you relaxed. after an hour lying in the warmest, bubbliest, comfiest water imaginable to man, you felt like a brand new person. accompanied by a lavender-scented bath bomb, a glass of wine and your favorite netflix show playing in the background, you got out of that bath in the best mood you'd been in in weeks.

the one downside was how incredibly relaxed the bath had gotten you. you were so relaxed, you could've fallen victim to endless slumber in that bathtub. as much as you needed jihoon to fuck you to sleep, you weren't sure how well you'd be able to perform if you tried to return the favor.

luckily for you, that would not be an issue.

upon walking back into the room, now donning some comfortable pajamas, you were met with the sight of a fully-asleep jihoon, cocooned between the sheets as he snored softly. the sight had you swooning with affection for the boy. he was the softest, most relaxing thing you had ever seen.

you couldn't help yourself in making your way to him, somehow maneuvering yourself into his arms and under the sheets, feeling more relaxed than ever.

before you could even close your eyes, the boy shuffled behind you, mumbling against your ear as he cuddled further into you.

"baby?", he mumbled.

"sorry, baby. did i wake you?"

"hmm, no you're fine. i meant to stay awake for you, but the bed's just so damn comfy," he chuckled breathily, "i took a quick shower downstairs to prepare for, you know, but fuck, i'm just so tired," he whined.

you turned around in his arms, facing him, breaths almost intertwined due to the proximity.

"that's okay, hoonie. 'm so sleepy. maybe ... we could leave it for tomorrow? just sleep in and then we can have some fun tomorrow?" you suggested, pressing a soft peck to his lips.

his arms tightened around your waist, not allowing you to pull back all the way, "only if you kiss me some more," he murmured, eyes stuck to your lips.

"i can agree to that," you giggled, pressing a languid kiss to his lips as he stuck his tongue in your mouth, softly intertwining with your own in a wet kiss.

the rest of the evening was spent softly making out under the warm sheets, legs tangled up together and fully relaxed in each other's arms. sex was the last thing on your mind as you kissed each other every so often, mostly focused on holding onto one another and finding your slumber together. however, this exhaustion did not stop you from waking up the following day, claiming your highs from one another time after time throughout the day, ready to recharge at night and continue the pattern day after day.

[b0r3dtod3ath]

hi!!! could i pls req alex x reader,, where the reader is a model and dating alex but the other drivers (besides george&logan) don’t know. so when she comes to a race and is in the williams garage,, all the drivers are hitting on her and trying to get w her but when they try to get alex’s help, he tells them she’s his gf but they don’t believe him until someone walks in on them or smth idk take whatever creative liberties u want!! thankuu <3

warnings: fem!reader; mention of a razor (shaving); 

a/n: omg i love this request! i had so much fun writing it. i also included a kinda vice-versa situation where the reader brings alex to work. i hope you like it!

word count: 1.5k

You and Alex have been dating for a few months now and with your hectic schedules you made most out of your time together. That often involves spending time even if one person is busy and the other is free. One time he accompanied you during a fashion week. Not only to spend time with you but also to truly understand your work and the world you live in.

One thing Alex hadn’t expected was that the week was packed with an enormous amount of events. He didn’t mind it as you took him everywhere and he got to see you backstage as well as on the runway. He loved to see you interact with your friends and co-workers and he was more than happy each time you introduced him as your boyfriend. 

As he exited the bathroom of your hotel room his eyes witnessed a heart squeezing scene. You were sprawled out on the bed with your eyes closed, tired after a particularly harsh day of fittings, rehearsals and shows. You weren’t sleeping, he could see it. "Hey, you okay?" he asked softly, kneeling beside you. You nodded weakly, "Just tired. I need to shave my legs for tomorrow. Give me a moment and I will stand up”. Alex hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath "I'll do it”. You quickly opened your eyes, looking at him with a surprised face "You don't have to, just give me a moment”. “I want to,” he said and carried you to the bathroom where he sat you at the edge of the bathtub. He grabbed your razor and a can of shaving cream. You admired him as he focused-working slowly, with his hands steady, ensuring he didn't miss a spot or hurt you. As he rinsed the razor under the warm water, Alex felt an appreciation for the small, often overlooked tasks that were a part of your job. "You're amazing, you know that?" he said, looking up at you with eyes full of affection. You smiled back with gratitude. "Thank you, Alex. It means a lot”.

“Okay, we are going to the Versace show. When we get there, I immediately need to go to the restroom and wash all of this hair gel off.” you said looking at your calendar. You two sat at the backseat of a cab. “You know, If they put something like this on you they should also bother to take it off.” he said and gently knocked on the hard shell on your head, causing you to giggle. 

The small restroom was crowded, but you managed to find a spot by the sink. You rolled up your sleeves and turned on the faucet, testing the temperature with your fingers. Just as you bent over to wet your hair, Alex appeared next to you after dropping off your things and letting the coordinator know where you were. He helped you get the shampoo in more hard to reach spots, his fingers massaging your scalp with a tenderness that made your heart swell. Rinsing out the shampoo, Alex made sure every bit of gel was gone. He then squeezed out the excess water and grabbed a towel he had found earlier. “Thank you” you kissed him on the cheek, grabbed his hand and headed towards the makeup station. You loved how he was trying to make a conversation with people that worked around you. He was asking various questions and cracking jokes with the makeup artists. “You have to stop. You're making her giggle, her concealer will crease” one of them said laughing at something he had said. 

After the show, just as you were about to leave, your friend Airdropped you a few pictures. You and Alex washing your hair in the sink, Alex making everyone around laugh and him admiring you as you walked down the runway. The message had a little note as well: Don’t worry. I won’t send it anywhere. I thought you two would like these : )

On the plane on your way back, you two were exhausted but happy. Alex looked at you, his heart swelling with pride. “You know,” he began, his serious tone capturing your attention. “I have always respected what you do, but seeing it up close, every detail, the good and the bad… I have a whole new level of admiration for you”. You leaned against him, feeling the warmth of his body in contrast to the cold, dry air. “It’s not always glamorous,” you admitted “But having you here, helping me through it... it means everything”. He wrapped his arm around you, pulling you even closer. “You’re incredible, Love. And I’ll always be here to support you”. You let out a satisfied hum. “So.. When will you take me to your work?” you asked, smiling from ear to ear. 

The sun shone brightly over the Silverstone Circuit, where the roar of engines and the smell of burning rubber filled the air. You arrived early, your presence immediately turning heads. You had a simple but nice outfit styled with a pair of sunglasses and some jewelry. Entering through the gates you see a text from Alex saying that he is busy with a meeting for a few minutes longer than expected and asking if you are fine walking by yourself. Don’t worry, I’m gonna manage. If I need help I will text you, you replied and headed towards him. You took your time walking there, you looked around a bit and observed the preparations for the race. As you made your way to the Williams garage, the other drivers couldn't help but notice you. Lando and Carlos were the first to approach you, their curiosity piqued. “Hey there, I’m Lando” they appeared out of nowhere, causing you to chuckle. “Nice to meet you, I’m Y/N” you introduced yourself. "Are you new here?" Carlos asked, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Sort of," you replied with a playful smile. "I'm here to support a friend”. "Well, if you need a tour or anything, feel free to ask us," Lando offered, his smile genuine. As the two of them tried to impress you with their charm, you couldn't help but to find it incredibly funny. They had no idea you were already taken. You excused herself politely, heading towards the Williams garage where Alex was busy with pre-race preparations. 

As you were entering you noticed two familiar faces. “Hi! Great to finally see you here!” said George and offered you a greeting hug. “Hi, boys. Haven’t seen you in a while” you say as you pull Logan into a hug "Alex will be thrilled you're here” he says. As the three of you chatted, the two other drivers continued to hover around the garage, trying to piece together who were you here for. 

Finally, you made eye contact with Alex from across the garage. A wide grin spread across his face as he made his way over to you, wrapping his arms around you in a tight embrace. "Hey, you," he murmured. "Hey, yourself," you replied, smiling up at him. Lando and Carlos exchanged glances, feeling even more confused than before and walked up to you. "Ah, Alex! We were just looking for your lovely friend” Carlos said, grinning. Alex chuckled, slipping a hand around your waist in an almost possessive way “Well, I hope you didn’t scare my girlfriend because you two look suspicious”. The drivers looked stunned, their eyes widening. “Wait, girlfriend?” Carlos glanced between you and Alex as if he couldn’t believe it. Lando laughed “Nice one, mate. You almost had us there”. Alex shrugged, unbothered "Believe what you want," he said before heading off to continue his preparations.

The drivers resumed their attempts to impress you, completely ignoring Alex's statement. You found the whole situation hilarious, but you knew it was only a matter of time before they realized the truth.

Later, as the beginning of the race was getting closer and closer, you slipped away to find Alex. You wanted to wish him good luck. "Hey, beautiful," he said, pulling you into an affectionate kiss that you returned with even more passion as your hands found his hair and gently tugged on it. His hands made their way down your back. Just as you were about to break the kiss, Carlos walked in, catching the sight of the intimate moment. He froze, his eyes widening in surprise, and he quickly turned on his heel, desperate to find Lando. 

"Guys, you won't believe this," Carlos said, fully convinced "Alex wasn’t joking. She is really his girlfriend! They're definitely together.". “No shit, genius,” George whispered. Lando barely believed it but with a dose of details from his friends he erupted in laughter, finally accepting the truth. 

After the race Lando made his way to Alex. “Congrats”. He thought he was referring to him finishing in points. “She’s way out of your league, I don’t know how you managed to convince her”. The Brit patted his friend’s back and walked away. “Hey! What was that supposed to mean?”. 

June 17, 2024

[rilakeila]

intro: we challenge you!

host club au! jjk x fem!reader x ohshc

gojo satoru is the head of jujutsu academy's elite high school host club with his friends: geto suguru, nanami kento, itadori sukuna, shoko ieiri, haibara yu, and of course, their princess manager. what happens when they go up against another elite host club on an exchange event with different schools? let's find out!

a/n: incredibly self-indulgent. i cant decide to do an entire series or collection of one-shots. however, even if i do a series, i'm always open to do an au within au !! lmk if y'all have any ideas and hope you enjoy this one! also it's def ouran vibes with how the scenes work out like nonsensical manners with the petal entrances and random objects appearing out of nowhere

(y/n) was already tired.

she knew the exchange event would triple her work as manager for her dear beloved buffoons and their work as hosts, but she foolishly accepted their offer to go anyway. between scheduling their events, accepting payments for various fan meetings, and then coordinating with both schools to confirm times and clothing - she was ready to retire. pension required and isolation from known society appreciated. at least distance away from the menaces called gojo satoru and itadori sukuna.

for once, to their credit, they weren't fighting each other. damages would be at minimal cost. good for her and jujutsu academy's reputation. although these two were never very concerned about the school's reputation.

and that's why they were about to duke it out with an intensely frivolous blonde-haired second year and what looked to be a very feral set of twins in their first year.

"they look so hot but so scary," murmurs surrounded the two groups.

(y/n) couldn't help but sigh, attention always seemed to follow them as they go. satoru naturally reeled in the girls, which would lead into the rest of the boys and shoko being noticed, ultimately turning it into a free fan-meeting for new potential customers. she wondered how she came to this predicament anyways.

"well, i'll be back. i just need to confirm some things with the head of the event," (y/n) flipped through her clipboard of papers, signing some things off.

"do you need me to come with you?" kento questioned, adjusting his uniform.

she shook her head, "no, i'll be okay. what i need you to do is watch over these buffoons."

both looked at the buffoons in question. haibara and shoko were already taking pictures in front of the flowers. these two that were least likely needed to be watched.

"this place looks so old," satoru complained a little too loud, earning a head shake of disapproval from nanami and (y/n).

"not too loud, satoru. you really should be more polite and humble, even if it looks garish," geto stretched his arms out before placing it behind his head.

"there's no places for shade," sukuna grumbled.

(y/n) pressed her lips together, pulled a parasol out and covered the pink-haired host, "okay, i'll be back. no funny business, kento is in charge."

"who put you in charge? do you have no respect for your president?" satoru seated his head on the top of (y/n)'s head, arms wrapped around her. she can practically see and feel the pout on his face, rolling her eyes.

she grabbed sukuna's free hand, placing the parasol in his hand to hold ("hmph."). she charged her head up, injuring the prince's chin to free herself from his grasp, "well, mr. president, i suppose you would like to go over some paperwork for the event."

"mommaaa, she hit me," he cried to suguru, who just hit the backside of his head.

"we'll make sure to behave, princess. come back safe," suguru waved her off. (y/n) looked at kento who just nodded, knowing that he was the only one she could fully trust. both throwing a thumbs up to each other.

after (y/n) leaving, the rest of the host club wandered around the grounds of ouran. there were multitude of yellow dresses and blue blazers directing other schools and vendors. kento was leading the group, watching yu and ieiri to ensure that they didn't get lost as they indulged in the small events that the ouran students were hosting. he trusted sukuna would keep suguru and satoru in check, mostly satoru.

kento paused in his tracks, hearing squeals behind him, 'there goes the president again.'

"he's so hot!"

"take your glasses off!"

"alright, alright, ladies. there's enough of me to go around," the dramatic movement just to take his glasses off was enough for kento to sweatdrop. the squealing increased tenfold. typically, suguru would line up the girls at their school for uniformity for their president. however, it looked he was preoccupied with his own set of girls. then, sukuna. and there is yet another group of girls.

"honestly, that took a lot longer than i thought," yu said, standing next to kento.

"that was inevitable, girls always fall for them, somehow, someway," shoko twirled her hair around her finger.

"hmm... as long as they aren't causing too much of a ruckus. we should be fine," kento huffed, shaking his head when yu offered him the snack bag that the ouran students were handing out as "freebies." what a word to have.

though, their heads snapped to a sharp gasp next to them.

a blonde with his jaw snapped wide open fainting backwards, only for a pair of orange-haired twins to catch him as he fell back. "boss!"

other than the blonde and the twins, there seemed to be a middle schooler and a taller man. another had glasses, and well, one looked ambigious, feminine-leaning perhaps.

"doesn't the blonde remind you of someone?" yu whispered to them.

"yeah, someone that we know... can't seem to think of who it is" ieiri questioned with yu, thought bubbles practically seen above their heads as they thought long and hard.

"what happened to him, kyoya-senpai?" the feminine-looking one asked.

"it may be due to the fact that his customers have been stolen," the glasses one answered. kento recognized him, kyoya ootori, as his parents frequently invited the ootori family to the quarterly nanami galas as a thanks to the partnership of two families.

"my princesses! how dare they look at another man," the blonde immediately rose from the ground in a familiar way to kento, yu, and ieiri. a dramatic point was directed to satoru, "you, white haired student! have you come to steal my customers?"

"that should be our cue to go to them," kento lightly tapped ieiri and yu's shoulders, signalling them to head towards their members.

the chattering from the female ouran students silenced. it was also as if the red sea parted, a direct showdown line between the two groups.

this is how (y/n) ended up, almost crossing down the half. luckily, she looked up in time to stand with her club, sweatdropping in between. she eyed kento with a 'i thought you had it controlled,' which was responded with a head shake and shrug.

"customers? you called these beautiful ladies customers? what a shame. would never think that you were their prince. who might you be?" satoru pushed his sunglasses back onto his face, causing "aww's" of disappointment from the crowd.

"excuse you, i'm tamaki, the prince of the finest club of this school. the ouran host club, of course," he offered his princely smile and a rose to one of the female student bystander, who squealed and seemed to almost pass out.

"i got it, they're one of the same," (y/n) perked her ears up to ieiri and haibara whispering to each other, raising an eyebrow.

"host club? must have fooled me, there's an entire child in your group," suguru laughed as he directed the attention to the small child with the bunny in his arms, only to raise an eyebrow once he saw the taller one behind him straighten up.

"i assumed these ladies wanted someone mature, refined," sukuna showed his signature smirk to the ladies to his left, some fainting and some reaching for him.

"we are refined, right? men?" tamaki questioned with certainty in his voice.

"well, we offer brotherly love and boy lolita, i'm not too sure if that exactly counts as refined and mature, senpai," the feminine-looking one said.

"additionally, we have female hosts to those who are interested," it felt like lights highlighted (y/n) and ieiri when suguru mentioned their female host services.

"well, we technically also-" the twins' mouth seemed to be tied up by tamaki with a sheepish smile.

"so, really, what is the point of this? we have a whiny prince on our hands that can't accept the fact his ladies are talking to actual elite people, well in terms of taste," sukuna scoffed.

"you're right, kuna, why waste time with this nonsense of a host club when we can entertain the ladies here on the way to our next activity. manager princess, lead the way to where we have to go," satoru winked at the ouran host club before allowing (y/n) to take the reigns as she normally does.

she was too far lost other than knowing if ouran's host club is anything like the one she is in, their pride was certainly on the line. the last thing she saw before she turned around was a defeated tamaki with the twins fanning him, where had she seen that scene before?

"wait, we'll challenge you during this exchange event with whatever there is to offer to see who's the better host club," tamaki called out to them, still kneeling on the ground

gasps were heard from their audience. the jujutsu academy host club (more so the guys, ieiri and (y/n) could care less about a hurt pride) turned and eyed each other, reaching a consensus.

"hmm.. we never back down from a challenge. when and where can we discuss the terms?"

"music room #3, 3 p.m. sharp."

"we'll see you there."

(y/n) surely didn't know what she was getting herself into during this exchange event. everyday was already interesting enough with her own club. though, let's see what happens.

till next time !

intro completed.

[yoshi17here]

₊˚ʚ🌱˚₊Dancing in the light of surprise₊˚🦕𖦹⋆｡˚

Note: THIS IS 3RD PERSON POV!!!

✩𔓘☀ᡣ𐭩YOSHI: Hello guys!!! I'm back with so many more projects !! but I hope you guys enjoy it!! please let me know anything

words: 565

paring:bf Ni-ki x reader any gender

Niki’s day had been a whirlwind of practice sessions, interviews, and photoshoots. Despite the exhausting schedule, he was determined to give his best in every performance. The studio was dimly lit, filled with the sound of rhythmic beats and the shuffle of sneakers against the floor. Niki was in his element, lost in the music, his movements precise and powerful.

Outside, Y/N watched through the studio’s glass window. They’d been planning this surprise for weeks, coordinating with Niki’s manager to ensure their visit wouldn’t disrupt his busy day. With a grin, Y/N carefully pushed open the door, stepping into the studio as quietly as possible.

Niki was so absorbed in his practice that he didn’t notice Y/N at first. They watched, captivated by his grace and energy. It wasn’t until Y/N clapped gently that Niki’s head snapped up. His eyes widened in surprise as he spotted Y/N standing at the edge of the dance floor.

“Y/N!” Niki called out, his voice a mix of disbelief and joy. He stopped mid-move, his chest heaving with the effort of his practice.

Y/N walked toward him, a teasing smile playing on their lips. “I thought I’d come and see how my favorite dancer was doing. You’ve been working so hard.”

Niki’s face lit up with a bright smile, and he quickly closed the distance between them. “I can’t believe you’re here! This is the best surprise ever.”

He pulled Y/N into a tight embrace, lifting them slightly off the ground. Y/N laughed, wrapping their arms around him. “I missed you,” they said softly.

“I missed you too,” Niki replied, his voice tender. “But you know, I’ve been thinking about you every day. You’re my motivation.”

Y/N’s eyes softened. “I’m glad to hear that. I thought you could use a break. How about we grab something to eat after practice?”

Niki’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “That sounds perfect. But first, I need to finish up here. How about you keep me company while I wrap things up?”

“Of course,” Y/N agreed, settling into a nearby chair as Niki resumed his practice. This time, however, his movements were even more electrifying, as if fueled by the joy of having Y/N there. The music seemed to flow with a new energy, and Y/N couldn’t help but marvel at how dedicated and talented Niki was.

As the final notes of the song played, Niki finished his routine with a flourish. He turned to Y/N, his face flushed and sweaty but glowing with happiness. “Thank you for coming. It means a lot to me.”

Y/N stood up and walked over to him, their eyes meeting with an understanding smile. “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”

Niki leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Y/N’s forehead. “Let’s make tonight special. Just us.”

Hand in hand, they left the studio together, ready to enjoy a well-deserved evening away from the hustle and bustle. As they walked down the street, Niki squeezed Y/N’s hand, feeling grateful for both their love and the small moments that made all the hard work worth it.

please don't be a silent reader, like if you liked this post.

[tiredofthehumanlife]

Our children yearn for the waterpark

part one

barbie dolls: Jegulus x you

word:3.9k

summary:James takes you and regulus (along with your children) to a waterpark

warnings: your son is named Elliot, also you're referred to as Ren and Rena like the gn term for your parent so just yk it's not an oc i promise, pushing the trans James agenda, James is a baker and regulus is a stay at home dad/writer you’re a teacher just so you know, modern au I'm SORRY, James’ parents are alive, Regulus has freinds, Regulus hates the public water, Allusions to poc Luna harry and james, your race and elliots race is not menntioned everyone is welocome, you dont get in the water, Regulus is a sunscreen god he loves sunscreen so much, Harry is mentioned to have moms theyre giving divorce core mom and dad’s house, james drives a minivan, allusions to autistic reader and Elliot but its not specified, your swimsuit is not mwntioned or described so again everybody welcome, i hate typos oh my god

You liked dating James and Regulus. Your relationship was still very fresh, but their effect was hard to miss. They made you laugh all the time. James was very energetic, matching your kids well. Regulus was blunt and it relaxed your nerves of missing a hidden message in a conversation. And they were both great parents. Your kids already loved each other and they got along well.

School was out. Meaning both you and Elliot had loads of free time on your hands. With summer in full swing, you set up frequent playdates with Elliot’s two best friends. You wanted him to keep his strong bonds with them and it definitely wasn’t because you missed Regulus and James. Regulus was really self-employed. He stayed at home to raise Luna and to write his books. He could easily add a playdate to his schedule. James however was a baker with hours he had to meet. So he didn’t always have a clear schedule. Harry would stay with his grandparents, Euphemia and Fleamont, while James was at work. Harry also spent a lot of time at his Moms’ house. So making a playdate with all three children involved was harder than expected. Elliot still liked hanging out with Luna, and sometimes even Harry too on certain weekends.

Your phone rang as you were cutting up celery for Elliot. He was going through a peanut butter phase, eating it on everything. You picked up the call, holding the phone with your shoulder and the side of your face.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Pretty. It’s me.” You smiled at James’ voice. Just as you were about to tell him hi again, he started talking. “Lemme add Regulus.” You stayed silent as his side went quiet. You heard Elliot in the other room, clacking his toys together on the dining room table. You snagged a pretzel from the small pile on his plate. Soon enough James and Regulus both joined.

“Are you guys busy this weekend?” You scoffed at James. You heard Regulus sniffle a laugh on his line.

“James, baby, we’re always free. Do try to remember our professions.” You said as you smeared peanut butter onto Elliot’s celery.

“Right yeah, well I just accidently bought exactly six passes to this really cool waterpark,” James said, whispering the last word. You oooed while Regulus snorted.

“James, do share with us how you accidentally bought exactly enough passes for all of us and our children.” Regulus pressed. You heard Luna in the background let out a yell filled with laughter.

“Was that Luna?” You asked. Regulus explained that her uncles were over and attacking her with tickles. Regulus returned the conversation to the waterpark passes.

“alright fine, you caught me. I missed you guys. I’ve been so busy with work, I feel like I haven’t seen you all summer.” You cooed at James while Regulus let out a whine.

“He cares.” Regulus mocked.

“How adorable.” You joined in making James groan loudly. “What day were you planning on going to the p-a-r-k, James?” You spelled out where you were going so Elliot wouldn’t overhear and get excited. You turned around to the color-coordinated calendar on the fridge. It was mostly empty, you and Elliot preferred the company of each other than strangers. Though you had a really exciting playdate with Luna planned next Thursday. What a wild life you lived.

“This Saturday if that works for you two.” You glanced over at the empty box.

“Yeah, I could squeeze you in.” You muttered into the microphone as you turned back to Elliot’s plate.

“Lemme check my planner.” Regulus waited for a second. “Oh that’s right, I hate human beings. I'm completely free.” James let out a sigh of relief. You picked up Elliot’s plate, walking it to the dining room. Elliot was sitting in a chair, his little arms just barely reaching over the edge of the table, smacking two toy cars together. You set his plate in front of him. Elliot thanked you, shoving the peanut butter-covered celery into his mouth. You kissed his forehead, ruffling his hair before pulling back. You noticed his bare legs.

“Baby, where are your pants?” You tilted your head. Elliot pointed to the bathroom.

“Hamper,” Elliot answered.

“Well, good job putting them in the hamper but why aren’t they on your legs?” You asked.

“Didn’t wanna wear ‘em,” Elliot said, his mouth full of celery.

“Can’t argue with that, make sure you chew all the way okay.” Elliot nodded as you left to go clean the kitchen.

“One thing I will say though, I’m not getting that water. Do you realize how filthy those things are?” You tuned back into the conversation listening to Regulus list off statistics of how gross waterparks are.

“That’s okay, I’ll be in the water so I can make sure Luna doesn’t swim away or anything,” James said, clearing up the problem. You nodded.

“I’ll dry off Luna if you don’t want to touch the water on her, and we’ll lay a towel over one of those chairs that are shaded so we know it's clean. If you feel lonely, I'll sit with you and James if you feel tired we can swap places.” You offered, wanting to fill in any potholes in your plans.

“You are very kind, darling,” Regulus muttered. You cooed at him as you shoved the peanut butter back in the high cabinet so Elliot wouldn’t eat it all in one sitting and hurt his stomach.

“You guys are nasty. I was thinking maybe we carpool so nobody gets lost and it saves gas.” James said. You hummed while Regulus made a disapproving sound.

“James, there’s like twelve of us. Are you driving a bus?” Regulus said, poking holes into James’ ideas. If you were looking at James you assumed he’d be rolling his eyes.

“I have a big van. It has enough seating for us, I counted to make sure.” You hummed.

“Okay, baby, whatever you want.” You agreed, putting the celery into the refrigerator. Regulus sighed.

“I suppose that could work.” You snorted at Regulus’ faked disappointment. You heard Luna call for Regulus on his side.

“I’m being called for Yeti in my Spaghetti, I have to go.” You all said bye before hanging up.

Saturday came faster than you thought it would. You were packing a big bag of sunscreen and towels, in no time. You told Elliot he didn’t need to wear his goggles before you even got in the car but he was excited. You let it slide, you’re only seven once. You were a little anxious about the whole thing, you worried one of the kids would splash Regulus. You were worried they would slip on the wet concrete and crack their head. You worried Elliot’s goggles were too tight on his head. You heard an engine approaching. You looked out the window to verify it was James. Definitely his red minivan, bumper stickers littering the back. You turned around to Elliot.

“You know who’s in the driveway?” Elliot jumped up off the couch, bouncing on his feet.

“Harry and Luna?” You nodded. Elliot bolted towards the door. You were opening the minivan door in no time, a wave of hello’s meeting you and Elliot. Luna and Harry were next to each other in the back row.

“They wanted to sit in the back because they’re spies.” You hummed at Regulus’ explanation. You were able to fit Elliot’s booster seat in the back, next to Luna. You pushed the seat in front of them back, sitting in the row in front of theirs. Regulus was in the passenger seat, tilting his head back to see you. You smiled at him warmly as you buckled your seatbelt. James’ face appeared next to his, looking at you.

“Hi,” James said, a light air to his greeting.

“Hi.”

“Okay, waterpark here we come!” James said, loud enough for the back row to hear. The kids all squealed, thrashing their legs and arms around. Your trip to the waterpark calmed your worries. James and Regulus’ presence already working numbers. James apparently made a summertime fun playlist specifically for this. The kids seemed to enjoy it. Luna made her doll dance and Elliot made his car dance. Harry just made himself dance.

You six easily made it through the gates. You were holding hands with Regulus on one side and Elliot on the other. When you look back to see Elliot holding onto Luna’s hand and Luna holding onto Harry’s hand, you had flashbacks to watching ducks cross the road. James was in the front leading you all to his Harry’s favorite part of the waterpark. Regulus narrowly avoided a small kid with Nemo arm floaties splashing. You rubbed his arm in sympathy.

“I'll dry you off if you get any water on you, and I have hand sanitizer and butt wipes in my bag. Regulus knocked your cheek with his head in a thank you. James ran ahead, snagging a sunlounger for Regulus. You pulled a towel out of your bag, handing it to James. Regulus settled onto the chair, digging into his own bag. He motioned for Luna to come over, squirting a mountain of tinted sunscreen into his hands. Regulus smothered Luna in sunscreen, making sure she was covered entirely.

Luna had on an adorable bright orange swimsuit with ruffles around the edges. She had matching arm floaties that she talked Regulus out of, pinkie promising to stay in the shallow end. You knew that within an hour she’d want to go into the deep end and Regulus would have to talk her into a life vest and arm floaties. Luna was free though, slipping her Tinkerbell flip-flops off and splashing into the shallow end. You were in the kid's area so there wasn’t even really a deep end but you could easily imagine Luna tricking someone into taking her to the lazy river.

Harry was next in the sunscreen line. Harry had on a long-sleeved swim shirt and Lighting McQueen shorts. James had on just red shorts. He had already tossed his coverup tee off. You didn’t want to oggle him. James had antler tattoos following the path of the scars on his chest. Regulus’ shorts were blue, you expected him to stay under the shade the whole time.

James pulled his spray can of suscreen out of his bag. Regulus looked aghast at James even thinking of covering a human in that. Regulus slapped it out of James’ hands, using Luna’s sunscreen on Harry instead. Regulus forced James into using Luna’s sunscreen as well. Regulus smothered some over James’ cheeks. It made James fluster, giggling and needing to turn around to take a moment to himself. After Regulus smothered James and Harry in sunscreen, he pulled Elliot over.

You sat next to Regulus as he rubbed sunscreen into Elliot’s skin. You held onto Elliot’s hand, he was squeezing the life out of it. Elliot hated the texture of sunscreen but he liked playing in the water more than sitting in the shade. He just needed a little bit of comfort through it and he was okay. After Regulus was done Elliot moved into your arms for more comfort. You hummed, squeezing him tight. You rocked him gently, giving him all the praises he needed. Elliot eventually pulled back, leaving his shoes next to his friends’ and joining them in the water. You smiled at him splashing with his friends, the three of them flinging water at James, who pretended to die and crash into the water.

You turned back to Regulus, happy you were all together. Regulus was staring at you with a deadly serious look in his eyes. His palms were pointed towards you, you glanced down at them. Your smile slightly fell when you realized they were coated in sunscreen.

“Oh Regulus, I actually put some on at ho-“ Regulus shut you up by smothering your face with his hands. He removed them, smearing his hands down your arms. You sputtered, he avoided your eyes and mouth shockingly. Regulus returned his hands to your face, now gently rubbing it into your face. You understood now why this flustered James. Regulus had both hands on your face treating your skin with such love, making sure you were fully protected. He eventually sat back, adding more to his hands before looking up at you.

“Can I do the rest or do you want to?” You shrugged.

“I’m cool with whatever you want, babe.” Regulus sighed. He hated when people made him make decisions.

“I'll do most.” You hummed in approval. He rubbed sunscreen into most of your skin, handing you the bottle to finish. When you were done you squeezed some of Regulus’ sunscreen into your hands, facing him with the same severity. He looked up from rubbing some into his arms. He raised an eyebrow at you.

“I'll get your back, baby.” Regulus squinted his eyes at you. You grinned.

“Are you trying to steal my job?” You shook your head moving to sit behind him. You applying sunscreen devolved into you just rubbing the tension out of his shoulders. Regulus dropped his head back against you. You wrapped your arms around his shoulders, lightly pecking his cheek on the way. You both watched as James picked Harry up by his ankles, wrapping his arms around Harry’s legs, and swinging him around. It made Harry giggle loudly, squealing and swinging his arms around. James gently set Harry back on his feet, splashing all three of your kids with a large swing of his arms. James left the water, squeezing his shorts out. He slumped down into the sun lounge chair next to you that you claimed with your bag.

He pulled his arms under his head, sighing. You admired the way the sun warmed his skin. You were not checking him out you were just checking for sunburns. Regulus pressed a kiss to your arm, leaning out of your hold. James opened his eyes, looking over at you both.

“So I was thinking, maybe we go out to eat after this.” You hummed nodding your head.

“You pick, I hate making decisions,” Regulus muttered. You patted his shoulder.

“Parenting must be hard for you.” Regulus nodded at you. He looked up when he heard Luna scream. Harry was splashing her. Elliot was near them staring at the lost water shoe sitting at the edge of the shallow water.

“Elliot, leave the shoe alone.” You yelled over at him. His head shot up, caught. He stood up and pointed down at it.

“Rena, it has no brother. Where’s the owner?” You shrugged at him.

“I don’t know, baby. Leave it alone, you don’t know what somebody could’ve stepped in.” Elliot pouted at you. Your yelling caught the attention of the other two. They stood around the lost shoe staring down at it. You stood up, joining them so now all four of you were standing around this lost shoe and inspecting it. You told them not to touch it running over to the nearby snowcone stand asking for napkins. You picked the shoe up with a napkin. The three children follow you to the trashcan. You set it on top in case the owner came back, and looked for it. You tossed the napkins into the trashcan, turning around to your little huddle of kids.

“Why can you touch it but we can’t?” Luna asked, staring up at you.

“I had napkins, and I’m an adult so I can make my own decisions about my health.” Luna pouted at your answer.

“That’s unjust,” Luna muttered under her breath.

“Can we have napkins?” Harry asked. You shook your head. Elliot scoffed.

“This sucks, you took away my shoe.” You dropped your shoulders.

“I’m sorry hun but you can’t have that shoe. it’s not for you.” You looked around the huddle to make sure they all understood. Luna pushed her wet hair away from her face. Elliot turned around and left, the other two following after him. When you returned to James and Regulus, you noticed how much Luna was fighting with her hair. It kept sticking to her face and annoying her. Her eyebrows were pushed together and she looked close to drowning her mermaid doll.

“Regulus, could I put Luna’s hair up? It keeps getting in her face.” Regulus shrugged. He reached over to his bag, pulling two hairbands off a key chain and handing them to you. You asked Luna if she wanted her hair up. She said yes and settled in front of you on the chair. You had James run to the snowcone stand and ask for a cup of water. You made sure her hair was damp, so you wouldn’t hurt it. You gently pulled her hair up into a ponytail, using the hair ties Regulus gave you to hold it. You patted her arms when you were done. Luna turned around and gave you a tight hug.

After another hour of the kids and James being rowdy, you were all tired. You stayed true to your word, drying Luna off with her towel while Regulus packed up his bag. With everyone buckled in the car, James started towards whatever food place he picked. The ride back from the waterpark was much calmer and quieter than the ride to. The kids were tired, you were tired, the car was tired. You glanced over at Regulus when you heard him mutter something. You noticed James’ hand resting on Regulus’ thigh. You smiled at that, glad you were all close. James smiled brightly at Regulus, making the car heat up with his joy.

“Well thank you, I like your swimsuit too.” You glanced at the backseat making sure all three kids were asleep.

“Oh, that’s why you invited us to the waterpark. To see me and Regulus half naked. I get it now.” James looked at you through the rearview mirror.

“No, I wanted you guys to have fun, don't soil my good name like that,” James said, giving you a playful glare. Regulus ignored you both, resting his head against his arm on the door. You noticed James’ thumb swiping back and forth in a soothing manner. You smiled at him before returning your attention out the window.

Eventually, you were gently rocking the kids’ knees so they would wake up. When they realized they had the prospect of chicken strips and french fries, they were scrambling out of their seats. You were sat at a round booth. It was more of a fast food than a restaurant place so your wet swimsuit coverups weren’t really a problem. You helped Elliot pick out his meal as James helped Harry. Luna apparently already knew what she wanted, busying herself with the sugar packets.

Your food arrived and you cut up Harry’s chicken strips while James caught you and Regulus up with what was going on with him. You slid Harry’s plate back to him. Elliot handed you the small bowl of ketchup like it was going to bite him.

“Nasty, Rena. I don't want it.” You nodded, taking it away. You set it between you and James so Elliot wouldn’t have to look at it.

“Oh thank you.” James dunked one of his fries into the bowl. You weren’t going to correct him and tell him you didn’t do that on purpose so you just smiled. You checked on Elliot, seeing him chomp into his chicken strips, tearing it away. He rawred before chewing properly. You put together that he was probably pretending to be a dinosaur. His favorite was a velociraptor. He liked that they looked like ‘stupid chickens’. You glanced over at Luna. She was chowing down on her burger. She ordered for herself. She did a great job too. Luna was very well-spoken, she seemed to have a big vocabulary. It probably had something to do with living with a writer. Especially a writer like Regulus.

You tore off a corner from your paper napkin. You rolled it into a ball before chucking it at Regulus. It hit him square in the forehead. Regulus set his fork down, looking down at the paper ball in his lap. He looked up at you and James both smothering your laughter. He reached over and covered Harry’s eyes before flipping you off. Elliot was luckily under the table getting his crayon off the floor. James dropped his fry. Regulus picked up his fork taking a proud bite out of his own fry. You ignored the fact he was eating fries with his fork and that he passed it to Luna.

“What about Luna?” James asked. Regulus removed his hand from Harry. Harry glared at Regulus before picking up another chicken strip.

“Oh, I already sawed that. Uncle B said it means I love you but Uncle Rosie told me the truth. Uncle B likes partial jokes.” Luna said, matter of factly. She kept her eyes on her burger before taking a bite. Regulus nodded at her.

“Practical, not partial. You used the phrase practical jokes correctly though. Good job, Lue.” Luna smiled with her cheeks full at Regulus. You understood why her vocab was so big now, it was Regulus. Elliot rawred again, making three claws with his fingers to pick up his chicken strips.

You were all strapped into James’ minivan and on the way back home, in no time. The kids were entertaining each other in the backseat. James had his playlist softly playing in the background.

“We should get together just us,” James said. Regulus looked away from his window raising an eyebrow at him.

”Is that not what we just did?” Regulus asked. James shook his head.

“No I mean like we should go on a for real date, not a playdate that we happen to flirt in the background. We go out just the three of us. Maybe not the waterpark though.” James explained, keeping his eyes on the road.

“I want to but it’s kinda hard getting a babysitter.” You said, looking between them. Regulus turned around to make eye contact with you.

“Elliot could spend the night at my house, I have like a thousand free babysitters,” Regulus said, waving his hand through the air.

“What will Uncle B teach my kind how to say fuck in every language?” You teased. Regulus pressed his lips togehter.

”He’s actually not that bad, he’s really good with kids. He just also has an odd sense of humor.” you squinted at Regulus. ” It's alright if you don't want him to babysit I can have Evan and Dorcas babysit. Evan is just as insane as Barty but he lowers it while around children. Barty doesn’t. Docas is super cool, she’ll probably teach Elliot how to sword fight with wrapping paper tubes.”

“Docas does sound sick.” You muttered. James cheered.

“See we can go out for real, Regulus you do the planning this time.” Regulus nodded at James.

“I actually really like planning, I wish I had my joural. I would’ve taken notes.” Regulus sadly muttered. Once you were back home, Elliot passed out on the couch. You smiled at him clutching his car to his chest. You were excited for Regulus to call you and start his planning process.

[hslllot]

insieme in paradiso

“together in paradise”

rated m | 2.7k words

better late than never, right? this is a short piece for my dear friend’s @harry-on-broadway​ fic challenge (the prompts used are in bold)! It is basically an extended version of this concept I wrote back in 2021... We’ve had such great latam content lately that I feel like I should have adjusted the setting of this, but I hope you enjoy anyways! As always, please let me know what you think. xx shan

———

Was this heaven?

You were certain that you’d never felt more relaxed as you bathed in the Tuscan sunlight. Lounging beside your love, you let your eyes close, the book you were reading abandoned in the sand next to your chair ages ago. Every worry, every stressor, every bit of tension in your muscles that you carried with you drifted away in the winds of the ocean breeze. 

This was the private getaway with Harry you’d been longing for. It seemed like forever since the two of you were able to spend an extended amount of time alone together. 

“Mum just posted this photo. Look. Thea’s getting so big.” Your boyfriend interrupted your daze when he reached out from beside you to shove his phone in your face.  

You opened your eyes slowly and lowered your sunglasses so you could take a proper look. Using your hand to shield the glare of the Italian sun, you saw on his screen an Instagram story his mother had posted of his cousin’s baby. 

“She’s adorable, H.” You responded, adjusting your sunglasses back to cover your eyes. “We should give Ella a call later, maybe we can FaceTime.” All you heard in response was a short grunt as he laid back in his chair, eyes still fixed on his screen.

He was grumpy and you could tell. 

One thing about your boyfriend of three years, which you found incredibly endearing, was that he loved his family more than anything. Unfortunately, when his family was gathered and he couldn’t be there, he’d tend to get a bit pouty. You’d find him glued to the group chat or Instagram to get updates on what they were up to. Sometimes you would catch him ‘liking’ or ‘reacting’ to their posts and stories (on his private account of course) in an attempt to make himself feel more included. 

Birthdays. Weddings. Babies. There was a long list of family events he often had to miss because of his job, and you knew it weighed heavily on his heart. 

A small part of you was slightly annoyed that he wished he were somewhere else. But another part of you, perhaps the more compassionate part, understood that multiple truths could exist at once: 1) He was happy to be spending time with you, 2) he was grateful for his job that took him to beautiful countries and allowed him to live a lavish life, and 3) he missed his family dearly. 

But sometimes you didn’t understand why he wouldn’t just go home and visit them whenever he felt like it. He certainly could afford it, and he had the power in all of his business relationships to take a vacation whenever he felt like it. Sometimes you wished he had more of a ‘diva’ type attitude when it came to certain things, like allowing himself to take breaks from work. However, another thing about your boyfriend was that he was a chronic overachiever and people pleaser with a tendency to overcommit to new projects. And you figured it wasn’t so bad to have a partner in life who was considerate of other peoples’ time and feelings. 

Plus, you couldn’t complain much because his commitment to a new project was how you found yourself at the beautiful, private, Il Pellicano in Tuscany. 

The two of you were finally spending some much needed quality time together. Coordinating your schedules had been an absolute nightmare and it was a miracle that you were able to take some time away from work to join him on this trip. He was technically here on business, preparing for the launch of his Gucci collection with Alessandro. But you had spent the majority of the trip together, watching him model his clothing, sitting side-by-side on the small private beach of your villa, and wrapped around one another in the bedroom.

At the moment though, Harry’s frustration, guilt, and longing to be with his family was threatening to penetrate the bubble of relaxation surrounding you. You could feel the restless energy emanating off of him. Without opening your eyes you heard the way he moved around in his chair and sighed under his breath as he scrolled through his phone and typed away messages in his family group chat. When you finally did open your eyes you found him on his stomach, his head at the other end of the chair near your feet, and his phone two inches from his face. And while this position afforded you a great view of his tanned back and taut muscles glistening in the Italian heat, clad only in a small pair of black swimming shorts, you could feel the tension radiating from him and you couldn’t ignore it any longer. 

You reached across and placed your hand on the back of his calf, rubbing your thumb back and forth against his warm, sun-kissed skin, as if to soothe him.

“Hey baby?”

“Hmmm?” He responded mindlessly, not bothering to look up from his phone. 

“Hey, look at me.” You urged, squeezing his calf to gain his attention. 

“Sorry” he murmured, putting his phone down. He twisted in the lounge chair to face you, sitting up to give you his full attention. You reached for his hand and intertwined your fingers with his. 

“I was thinking… I know we’re supposed to head back to London on Sunday, but what if we took a few days in Holmes Chapel?” He raised an eyebrow at you curiously, wordlessly asking where this had come from. You continued, “It’s been so long since we’ve seen Anne and I miss her… Plus, we’ve only seen Thea once since she’s been born. I think I can extend my vacation by a few days.”

He sat there for a moment silently, teasing at his bottom lip.

“I have a meeting with Lambert and Molly on Monday in London.” He winced, remembering his prior commitment.

“Surely you can do it over Zoom. Or just push it a couple days. You are the boss, aren’t you?” 

Something flickered in his eyes and a slight smirk crept his lips at your mention of him being the boss. 

His gears were turning and you knew him well enough to know the battle going on inside his brain. He probably didn’t love the idea of moving a meeting to go see his mum, but since it was technically your idea it was like a free pass. He could feel less guilty about it because he was doing it for you. 

(Obviously you both knew this was entirely for him… But you needn’t say it)

You thought he might pass on the opportunity, and were startled when he removed his hand from yours and scrambled up from his lounge chair. He quickly moved onto your chair, straddling you with his entire body weight pinning you down. With his forearms rested on either side of your head, he placed quick kisses all over your face. Almost reflexively, you wrapped your hands around his biceps. His hot, sinewy arms flexed in your grip. 

“Yeah,” is all he said before placing a long, slightly wet, kiss on your forehead. “I AM the boss. And I would like that very much. Thank you for suggesting it.” Unable to wipe the smile from his face, he placed one more tender kiss on your lips.

You reached for the sunglasses that sat atop his head and removed them, freeing space for you to run your fingers through his soft brown curls. “You’re welcome, H.” He lowered into your touch, eager for a cuddle. “But you have to get up. You’re squishing me.”

“Right, sorry.” He removed himself from on top of you and took a seat by your feet at the end of the chair. It was his turn to soothe you now, grazing his palm along your calf and up to your knee, which he gave a squeeze before dragging his hand back down.

“I think it’s time we get out of the sun, yeah?” The sly look on his face was all too familiar as his gaze trailed down your bikini-clad body. “You’re lookin’ a little sunburnt.”

“Am I?” You teased.

“I’ve got something I can rub on it back in our room.”

You rolled your eyes at him, feigning annoyance at his flirtation. Nonetheless, you knew where this was headed.

Gathering your belongings hastily, you were both eager to make your way back to the air conditioned room that held your luxurious king bed. You trailed behind Harry, climbing the stone steps up to the private entrance of your villa hand in hand. 

Once inside your room, you dropped your tote bag and walked over to the balcony, sliding open the curtains and the door to let the sunshine and salt air filter through the room. Looking out at the scene below, you could see the private beach where you and Harry had spent your morning and admired the way the Tuscan sun illuminated the sapphire blue ocean ahead. You took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly as you felt Harry come to stand closely behind you.

“Thank you for bringing me here.” You said quietly. Harry wrapped his arms around you from behind, allowing you to rest your chin on his forearms. He nuzzled his face into your neck where he left a delicate touch of his lips.

“Thank you for being here with me.” He responded. 

Any annoyance you previously felt toward your boyfriend’s proclivity for FOMO melted away when you realized how grateful you were to be here with him. In the chaos of his busy life, while he missed his family deeply, he chose to be here with you, together in paradise. 

You turned yourself in his arms, your body flush against his, to find his soft, yet intense, gaze on your lips. 

Harry held lightly onto your hips. Leaning in, his lips parted, and you could feel his warm breath against yours. You placed your hands on his chest, his skin burning under your fingers. With every shallow intake of breath he edged closer, until finally catching your top lip between his.

His hands trailed up your sides as your kiss became deeper, fuller. You felt like you might melt against him, heat racing down to every part of your body that was touching his. He roamed your curves and the expanse of your back, pressing you even closer to him, before finding the strings that held together your bikini. With two gentle tugs, the piece of fabric fell to the ground. 

He broke away from your kiss only briefly to study the sight of you, topless, in front of him. “Bellissima,” he whispered, his voice deep and slow. You saw the muscles in his jaw tick as his gaze burned holes through you. It was your turn, this time, to grab onto him and press him closer against you, feeling his hardness. 

It wasn’t long before Harry’s mouth started to move down your body. Your neck, your collarbone, your chest. His tongue dragged over your nipple before sucking it into his mouth and an intoxicating heat rippled through you. 

“Bed, please” was all you could muster under your breath. Harry reluctantly pulled himself off you and started walking you back, stopping when the back of your legs hit the bed. He gently lowered you onto the bed and resumed his work dragging his mouth down your body, finishing off with a chaste kiss to your hip bone.  

He stood up straight at the edge of the bed, towering over you. Eager for him, you removed your bikini bottoms and tossed them to the floor. 

“A bit impatient?” He chuckled, looking down hungrily at your naked body. You didn’t bother to respond, leaning back on your forearms, you kicked your leg out and toed at the tent in his black swimming shorts, encouraging him to take them off. “Tell me” he said sternly.

“I want them off.”

He pulled his shorts down and discarded them on the floor before climbing on to the bed. You admired the way he wrapped his hand around his cock and began slowly stroking himself, a small sense of relief evident on his face. He lowered himself over you and pressed his lips to yours. While your tongues met, the pads of his fingertips began to explore, trailing delicately down your stomach. Your body responded to his familiar touch, goosebumps racing over you and a fire simmering in your belly. 

You were desperate for him, your body begging for him to touch you as his fingers made their way down to your heat. A heavy moan left your lips when he began running circles over your clit. At that moment, you were completely overwhelmed by him. The way his lips felt against yours, the taste of his tongue, the scent of his cologne, the soft pads of his fingers on your most sensitive spot. 

“I want you,” you whined.

“You have me,” he answered teasingly, his mouth only a fraction of an inch away from yours. He dragged his finger down and dipped into your entrance. “Fuck - you’re so wet.”

“Please…”

At your begging he positioned himself between your legs, removed his fingers, and replaced them with a press of his hips against yours, the tip of his cock firm against your slit.  

Your hands grappled to hold on to any part of him you could, eventually landing on his shoulders. Gripping tightly, your fingertips dug into his skin. You wrapped your ankles around his calves and felt the way his body fit perfectly against yours.

The first thrust inside you was slow. Every inch of your body pulled tight around him as he sank deeper. Your breath hitched as a wave of pleasure raced through you. 

“Fuck,” Harry rasped as he rocked into you. The sound of his voice sent a tingle down your spine. “I love you so much,” he whispered into your skin, brushing a kiss across your jaw. 

You said it back to him as the two of you moved against each other, getting lost in the feelings of love and undulating pleasure between you. 

———

You and Harry spent the rest of the day immersed in one another in your private villa. 

The last go around, you unraveled together with his face buried in your neck while you were clutched tight around him. 

He pulled out and collapsed beside you, trying to catch his breath. 

You turned on your side to look at him, flooded with warmth and giddiness as you acknowledged how handsome he was. You used the tip of your finger to trace the lines of his face. The sharp cut of his jaw, the slope of his nose, the full of his lips. As you were about to trace your thumb over his eyebrow he grabbed your hand, bringing it to his lips. 

“Thank you again for suggesting we go to Holmes Chapel after this,” he said against your hand, still pressed to his lips. 

“Of course,” You moved closer to him and he let go of your hand in order to wrap his arms around you. “You can go home whenever you want, you know.” 

He placed a soft kiss on the top of your head. “I know. It’s easier to go when I know you’re coming with me.”

You hummed in understanding and pressed your lips against his chest.

“I should give Jeffrey a call and ask him to make the travel arrangements for us… And postpone my meetings.” 

As if on cue, his phone’s ringtone chimed from his tote bag on the floor by the door. He was reluctant to let go of you, but you gave him a look of approval that had him scrambling out of the bed to retrieve it. You took the opportunity to admire his naked body, silently thanking the Italian sun and his morning cardio routine for the glorious sight of him. 

You felt a warmth in your chest, though, at the smile that grew on his face when he looked down at his phone to see who was calling.

“Hey mum, yeah….guess what…I’m coming home.”

———

Thank you for reading! Let me know what you think. 

[mmingooo]

i’m not sure if ur requests are open so feel free to ignore if they are not but i was wondering if i could request some hyunjin fluff. maybe like reader and hyunjin spending the day together.

no worries || hwang hyunjin

❥𓂃𓏧 warnings: none.

❥𓂃𓏧 genre: fluff.

❥𓂃𓏧 pairing: hyunjin x gn!reader.

❥𓂃𓏧 word count: 1,4k words.

❥𓂃𓏧 notes: hi anon! thank you so much for your request! i hope you enjoy this! <3

masterlist.

please make sure to reblog and if you want to, drop a comment!

finally a day off.

as of late, you and hyunjin had been extremely busy, him with his idol schedule and you with your own job and boss that thought that you were willing to work extra time and days.

so seeing each other and spending days together had been something that couldn’t even cross your mind.

but today was finally the day that you two could coordinate to have off.

you opened your eyes and immediately saw hyunjin laying on his back, with his head turned away from yours, the room was completely dark, since your boyfriend had convinced you of buying black out curtains.

you turned around and looked at your phone, it was barely 9 am, and you cursed at your brain for waking you up this early when you had nowhere to be.

hyunjin turned his head and in his sleep, wrapped his arms around your body and pulled you closer, his face rested a few inches away from yours, and your noses barely missed eachother.

now that you were this close, you took the time to admire his angel looking face.

months ago you had already memorized every detail of his beautiful face, but you decided to try analyze it once again, trying to spot any changes, maybe a new mole or pimple.

he had always been dedicated to his skin routine, and it definitely paid off, since you could feel the softness of it when you laid your fingers on his cheek.

you pushed away a strand of hair that had fallen in front of his eye and softly scratched his nape.

“if you’re trying to wake me up, it’s not gonna work”, hyunjin surprised you when he spoke softly.

“i think it already did”, a big smile made it’s way into your lips.

hyunjin whined and snuggled closer.

“what time is it?”, he asked.

“it’s almost 9 am”

“agh, y/n why did you wake up so early?”

“i don’t know! my body is conditioned to wake up early i think”

he opened his eyes and saw yours wide open, he placed his hand on top of them and closed them in an attempt to get you to get back asleep.

“shh, sleep now, shh”, he lulled, you softly snorted.

“i don’t think it’s gonna work, love”, you told him as he continued his hand motion over your eyes.

“shh, you just gotta try, now shh, go back to sleep”

you let him continue, not wanting to burst his bubble.

after a few seconds he stopped and asked, “are you sleeping now?”

“yeah, honey, sure”

he opened his eyes and saw you staring at him, and sighed.

“i did what i could, now you’ll be the only one awake”, he got comfortable and tried to sleep again.

“yah, don’t, you already woke up!”

“yeah! but not because i wanted to! you woke me up by touching my face”, he frowned.

“i was just admiring you!, it’s not my fault you’re so damn gorgeous”

he opened one eye and pulled his head a bit away from yours as if he wanted to examine your face better.

“you think i’m gorgeous?”

“hyunjin, we are not gonna have this conversation again”, you roll your eyes at him playfully, he gives you an offended look.

“what conversation?”

“the one where i say you’re beautiful, or gorgeous, or cute, and you act like you either didn’t hear me or pretend like you don’t know what i’m talking about and ask me to say it again, instead of directly asking me to compliment you again”

“wha- i don’t do that!”, he exclaimed frustrated.

“you just did!”

“agh, whatever, let’s just go back to sleep”

“if i say you’re gorgeous again, will you get up and come with me to have breakfast at this coffee shop i found?”

“which one?”, he asks but doesn’t open his eyes.

“i don’t remember it’s name, but i found the instagram yesterday and it looked cute, it had like cottage vibes”

he opens his eyes and raises an eyebrow, “will you pay?”

you roll your eyes, “sure”

“okay, now tell me i’m pretty”, he smiles.

you sigh, “you’re really pretty, baby, now, will you go with me or not?”

“of course, you just had to ask”, he opens his eyes again and before you could protest, he kisses your lips, and gets up, heading to the bathroom to take a quick shower.

with an enamoured grin, you follow him.

♡。·˚˚· ·˚˚·。♡♡。·˚˚· ·˚˚·。♡♡。·˚˚· ·˚˚·。♡♡。·˚˚· ·˚˚·。♡

you had been sitting at the cafe for about two hours since you arrives at around 10 am, everything was delicious, the coffee was just on point and the food was sweet and tasty.

you’re conversation had jumped from topic to topic, and you hadn’t shut up since you sat at your table, the lady at the front desk had been eyeing you for a while, and you assumed it was because your really never stopped talking.

“what do you wanna do after we finish?”, hyunjin asks, pushing aside his coffee cup and grabbing your hand in his.

“mhmm, that’s a good question, what do you want to do?”

“there’s an art museum not far from here…”, he suggested.

“are you sure you haven’t gone yet?”

he avoids your gaze and scratches the back of his neck.

“no?”

“hyunnie…”, you’ve caught him, and you find extremely amusing the fact that he’s trying to deny he’s already probably spent hours there.

“okay, maybe i went, but i didn’t see everything!”

“hyun…”

“okay, fine, i might’ve gone there and stayed for like 7 hours, but that’s not important!”

“7?!”

“yeah, i got carried away a bit”

“a bit? that’s not a bit babe”, you laugh.

“well the art is really good so you can’t blame me”

“i bet it was, if you managed to lose track of time and stayed seven hours”

“so… you wanna go?”

“sure, let me pay and we’ll go”, you call for the waiter and move to get your wallet, but hyunjin grabs your hand firmly.

“don’t worry, i’ll get it this time, you’ll pay next”

“that’s what you said last time”

“did i?”, he gives you a fake puzzled look while he pays the bill.

“have a good day”, the waiter smiles and walks away, you two get up, get your stuff and walk out of the cafe.

the day was sunny, but it wasn’t hot and there was a nice breeze.

walked hand in hand slowly, like you had you had no worries, and that’s exactly how you felt.

once you arrived at the museum, you saw hyunjin nod at the guard respectfully.

“back again, huh?”, the guard asks.

“yeah, i’m bringing my love to appreciate this beautiful art”

“hope you have a great time”

“thank you”, you say. “seems like you two became friends on your stay”, you point out.

“yeah, i spent like 2 hours admiring the paints with him, he actually knows a lot, he taught me what techniques some of the artists used and told me the stories behind them, i also showed him my art”

“really?”

“yeah, he said he hoped to see my paintings up here someday”

you smiled wildly at him and kisses his cheek.

“let’s go see what all the fuss is about”

you spent all afternoon there, admiring and debating which paint had a better technique, and even though you weren’t much of an effort, you enjoyed listening to hyunjin speak so passionately about the paints.

he pointed out little details you failed to see and told you how much he wanted to reach that skill level he saw in many artists.

when you noticed it began getting dark and you decided to head out, you waved goodbye to the guard who was still there and headed back to your apartment.

once you arrived, you took your shoes off and took a shower, you then prepared dinner and decided to take the plates up to the roof of your apartment complex.

as you were staring into the night sky and contemplated the stars, you felt hyunjin’s gaze on you.

“can i help you?”, you ask and turn your head to face him, when you did, you saw him staring lovingly at you.

“no, i just really love you”

you felt your heart skip a beat.

“i really love you too”, he leaned in and kissed you.

and at this time, you wanted to stay here, in his protecting arms and a nice breeze, with the sounds of the busy city under you.

[taatianaad]

An Unforgettable Birthday

The sun had barely risen when Alex Cabot was already awake, busy with preparations. It was Y/N's birthday, her girlfriend, and Alex wanted it to be a special day despite their busy work schedules.

At the office, Alex had coordinated with some colleagues to discreetly decorate the conference room with balloons and banners before Y/N arrived. She had ordered a cake from one of the best bakeries in the city and bought a meaningful gift: a silver bracelet with a small heart-shaped charm.

When Y/N arrived at the office, she suspected nothing. She was focused on pending cases and the day's responsibilities. Alex, trying to contain her excitement, greeted her with a quick kiss and a smile.

"Good morning, sweetheart. Ready for a productive day?" said Alex, trying to keep the surprise.

"Yes, as ready as always," replied Y/N, returning the smile. "Although I wish I could spend more time with you today."

Alex winked at her. "We'll see what we can do."

As the morning went on, Y/N immersed herself in her work, unaware of the preparations in the conference room. Alex exchanged a few quick messages with Casey Novak, ensuring everything was ready for the big moment.

Finally, just before lunch, Alex approached Y/N's office. "Hey, can you come with me for a moment? I need your help with something in the conference room."

Y/N nodded, curious. "Sure, what's up?"

"You'll see," said Alex, taking her hand and leading her down the hall.

When they reached the conference room, Alex opened the door wide and let Y/N walk in first. The look of surprise and joy on Y/N's face when she saw the festive decorations and the cake was priceless.

"Happy birthday, my love!" exclaimed Alex, hugging her from behind.

"Oh my God! I didn't expect this," said Y/N, her eyes filling with tears of happiness. "Thank you, Alex. This is amazing."

At that moment, Casey Novak entered the room with a bottle of champagne and a wide smile. "Happy birthday, Y/N! Alex really outdid herself this time."

Y/N laughed, feeling overwhelmed by the love and attention. "Thank you, Casey. This means a lot to me."

Casey joined them, opening the champagne bottle and pouring three glasses. "To many more happy birthdays," toasted Casey, raising her glass.

After the toast, Alex took a small box from her pocket and handed it to Y/N. "I have something else for you," she said, watching her girlfriend's reaction closely.

Y/N opened the box and saw the beautiful silver bracelet. "Alex, it's gorgeous. Thank you so much," she said, kissing her tenderly.

The rest of the afternoon passed in an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie. Y/N enjoyed the cake and the laughter shared with Alex and Casey, knowing she had wonderful people in her life.

At the end of the day, as the office lights dimmed and the bustle of the workday calmed down, Alex and Y/N stayed a few moments longer, enjoying the peace and each other's company.

"Thank you for making this such a special birthday," said Y/N, cuddling up to Alex.

"Anything for you, my love. You deserve the best," responded Alex, holding her tightly.

Together, they left the office, ready to face anything, knowing that their love and mutual support made them invincible.

[herrlindemann]

Metal Hammer - July 2015, interview with Till and Peter

The most unusual and at the same time most exciting constellation of the year is clearly Lindemann. Peter Tägtgren (Hypocrisy, Pain) and Till Lindemann (Rammstein) teamed up to record the debut Skills in Pills, which was already hotly debated online, between Pärlby in Sweden and Berlin. The result: a monster of an album and a band that might even have a medium-term future. Till and Peter tell Metal Hammer in a personal conversation what Lindemann means to them.

Fun turned serious - but not quickly, but after years of dancing around each other. The Lindemann protagonists Peter Tägtgren and Till Lindemann tell us how much time and work went into the country from the idea to the initially unplanned album.

A few years passed from the initial idea of the band Lindemann to the final implementation. Did you take this time to get to know each other personally?

Peter: Not only that, but we also needed the time to coordinate our schedules. We've been friends since 1999 and met up as often as we could, talking on the phone or texting. Two years ago I attended a few Rammstein gigs in the run-up to Wacken, Till invited me. We met and he said that he had a break soon and we could realize our project. That's how it all started, initially with just one song.

Till: Before we started we met in Sweden at the Bravalla festival, but friends and family were there and we only got to talk briefly. I said: «After Wacken I have a break of about one and a half to two years, then let's do something together. "Somehow Peter didn't really want to believe in it, because this promise had existed for almost ten years. But a few days after Wacken I actually called him. I said: "Send me what you have. » Four weeks later I got a file and worked on it for a few days; this became 'Ladyboy', the first track. I think Peter was a little confused at first. I said, «Let's get some opinions on the internet. » Peter didn't do that, but sent me more files. It went in quick succession.

Then did you meet?

Till: No, that didn't happen until five or six songs later. At first, ideas were simply sent back and forth.

Peter: Till wrote lyrics and I wrote music.

Till: I worked with my Logic system, he with Pro Tools. I loaded his stuff into my system and worked on the chants. You have to admit: the first demos were pretty terrible. Still, somehow we suddenly had five songs, so the question came up: EP or mini-disc? I refused to think about more, but Peter said: «Let's make a full album! » However, I didn't find the idea that exciting. Then I visited him in his studio and from then on I kept commuting back and forth. That was great, almost like a weekend vacation. I was always otherwise busy during the week, but from Friday morning to Sunday evening I was able to be with Peter at the Abyss Studio. His studio is right on a lake, it really was like being on vacation.

Did this pleasant atmosphere in Peter's studio help the project a lot?

Till: At least it helped not wanting to shorten the studio time because you don't like the place. The atmosphere there was very good, even if the studio is pretty gross. (Laughs) Somehow everything came together, it was the perfect work situation. In addition, it went really fast, because Peter brought an incredible amount of experience with him. I explained to him how I like to work. After that, it only took us a few weeks, a few sessions, until it really clicked.

How do you feel today that it is certain that there will actually be an album and a band and that it is completely different from what you are doing with your other projects?

Peter: To be honest, we can't really enjoy it yet. Before that there was no record company, no management, nobody involved and that was nice.

Till: It wasn't easy for Peter to go public, to present things and to get reactions to them. I, on the other hand, had a good feeling from the start. For me, this mixture of gothic and metal, which meet here like a big accident, was very exciting.

Was it clear from the beginning that the sound would be like on the album and the lyrics would be sung in English? Or how was this mix found?

Pete: I have no idea. Learning by doing, I would say. Originally we just wanted to do a song or two together. Everything else only came about because we were further inspired by the lyrics or music. It was kind of a Ponzi scheme. The only thing that was clear was that we wanted to differentiate ourselves from Rammstein and my projects Pain and Hypocrisy. With Till, of course, as far as Rammstein is concerned, this is only possible to a limited extent. But working on the lyrics was very interesting because for Till it was like a kid in a candy store, with lots of new words, lots of new phrasing. We often laughed when he sang something. Sometimes even before he started singing, because he always had to sit down on the sofa because something didn't work. I then said: « Come on, let's try it », only to find out from time to time: Oh God, that doesn't work at all!

Till: Of course I wanted to explain to Peter what the lyrics are about.

Peter: Sometimes he sent me a text to one of my music files. On other occasions, I would just get lyrics he sang on his smartphone in the bathroom and then build a song around them. So we tried different ways.

So completely different than you normally work.

Peter: Yes, completely different. There was no pressure at all, we just experimented.

Is that the great freedom of this album? That you could do whatever you wanted without pressure from other band members or the record company?

Peter: And without any pressure from the fans. You could just try everything and do the craziest things.

Till: For me it was like when we started a new band project and Rammstein was still very young. You just play around, everything is allowed, it's like freestyle, there are no limits. Whereby: With Rammstein there are no limits, only expectations on the part of the fans, i.e. artwork, music, concerts. Now it's an open field in the middle of no man's land.

In which it's also a lot easier to decide things because there are only two people involved instead of five or six.

Till: How right you are. For me it was a great relief.

Now that the music and lyrics are finished, how was the visual impression, i.e. photos and artwork, fine-tuned?

Peter: The ideas came from Till. I only helped a little in this regard.

Till: We simply distributed the tasks. Everyone did what they do best. I brought this experience with me from Rammstein. Peter dived deep into all the production parameters while I took care of the visual design.

Peter: All ideas went back and forth and were discussed, regardless of whether they came from me or from Till. That was the easiest way for us. The first photo session in October was great fun because we had no idea where this was all going. There were four photographers present.

Till: We had an idea...

Peter: Not professionals from big companies, but friends. Stefan Heilemann turned out to be the one who was supposed to do the main work for us. The others were then selected for press photos et cetera. Then Till took the photos and edited them. A crazy result!

To be honest: Nobody would have expected Till Lindemann and Peter Tägtgren to work together. But now that the result is in and there may even be more records to follow, this seems to be the perfect combination: Till as lyricist and singer, Peter as composer and producer. Why did you have to wait so long for such a collaboration?

Peter: Because we simply had too many other tasks to do.

Till: Every project has its very specific time. I was pretty sure of it. Even my colleagues have already commented: "Whenever he's bored, he goes to Peter Tägtgren and makes music with him. » I had had the idea in my head for a long time, I just didn't have the time. For me it was and always will be: Rammstein comes first. But it was also clear that at some point I would do this project with Peter. I had clear ideas of what to sing to that rolling wall of guitars, bass and sequencer. Because that's exactly what I appreciate about Peter's music and his compositions. I wanted to do it even better than himself, and we're not talking about the lyrics, we're talking about the vocal melodies. And when one day you realize that these visions have actually come true, it gives you a really good feeling.

So there's only Till's vocals, but no voices from Peter, right?

Peter: Right, that's what we thought from the start. Till is the captain on the ship, on THIS ship...

Till: Yes, on THIS ship, you have to say that.

Peter: For me, this experience is also a real relief and would also be the only conceivable solution on stage. I'm so tired of being the front man. And Till is one of the world's best. I can hide behind him. For me this is the perfect situation because I can concentrate on my music and the production. When you divide things up like we do, only good things can come of it. When I do my other projects there are always many things I have to consider. You only notice that a few months after the release of an album, when you realize: crap, I should have done that differently. With Till we are, to a certain extent, two producers who both know exactly what they want. We always find a match; everything we decide makes sense.

Now that you know each other a lot better than you did ten years ago, there must be traits in each other that you weren't aware of before, right?

Peter: Till is the biggest crybaby I know. (laughs)

Till: All day long.

Peter: We're like brothers who fool around all day.

Do you fight over details, vocal melodies or the like in a project like this? Do you have to seriously deal with it?

Till: In the beginning, of course, everything is pure sunshine...

Peter: Like in a young marriage: I love you. (Laughs) And then later: You bloody carrion, I hate you!

Till: The dispute will probably come over the years. We are currently on our honeymoon. No bad words, everything is harmonious and runs by itself.

Peter: The good thing is: I don't care about things that bother Till, and vice versa. He often says: "Do what you want, I don't care. » Everyone has their own role in this.

Are you already thinking about where this project could take you? And how far do you want to push it?

Peter: There are no plans after the album release. We really liked the phase when nobody knew about this project and we could easily think about everything — about video et cetera. We sometimes asked ourselves: should we think like a band? Or should we just make sure it's a cool album?

Peter, did you play all the instruments on the album?

Pete: Almost. Clemens von Crach Angren also played an important role. He helped me out with the violin parts, he also does film music and stuff like that. He is responsible for all the orchestra parts.

Till: Apart from that, Peter played all the instruments, produced, recorded, edited the disc — everything.

Peter: That also made things so easy, because if we wanted to change something in the arrangements, we didn't have to call any band members to try it out.

Till: Peter is an absolute workaholic, he can sit in front of the computer for 14 hours. I have no idea how humans are able to do that. I would go insane in two hours. He was still in the studio when I had to go to the toilet at night. I stood on the terrace and saw the lights on in the studio because Peter still had a problem that was not solved and he really wanted to fix it. His head is always crazy and it is almost unbearable for others.

You've produced so many bands in recent years...

Peter: Yes, I know, and I'm also trying to slow down a bit and enjoy life more. But of course there is always a schedule that needs to be worked through.

Till, what was the biggest challenge for you — singing in English? In Rammstein there are short English passages from time to time, but this time you sing in English throughout. And you know better than anyone else that the German language is massively different from other languages.

Till: The biggest challenge was gaining the necessary self-confidence. I wasn't sure at all. That's why I finally suggested putting something on the internet and waiting for the reactions first. But Peter and a few other people around me encouraged me. First I wrote down words, and then translated them into a singing situation, which was quite strange for me. This gives it a much more international approach right from the start.

Peter: Do you miss German lyrics when you hear the songs?

To be honest: Whenever I hear Till sing in English, I translate it into German. As a German, I associate German texts with his voice. I suspect that international ears perceive this very differently. This could be very interesting.

Peter: So far we haven't had any reactions to it at all. But maybe nobody speaks up because people don't like it. But as soon as the first song hits me, I'm like, yes, that's it! That's really cool! Because it's still very rough. You immediately recognize the attitude.

Till: We overdid it a bit and I tried to get rid of my accent; but somehow he also makes the charm.

Peter: I think that's what people want to hear. You don't want someone who sounds like an American.

That would not fit Lindemann at all.

Peter: Exactly. It would be foolish to change that. The only thing we paid close attention to is correct grammar. So that no " you ist " or something similar slips through to us.

The only question I ask myself after listening to the songs a few times; Is all this meant seriously, or is it supposed to be humorous?

Till: It's good that you're asking yourself that, because then we did it right.

Peter: One should think about it. It's like an open book.

Till: The listeners are forced to read between the lines a bit in order to understand the irony. With Rammstein, the listeners sometimes take it too seriously, so that you are misunderstood. There, too, you should read a lot more between the lines. There is a wide range of what you can sing and what meaning something has. The topics are very complex, and the reactions we have received in recent weeks have also been totally different.

Peter: Every song has a completely different meaning for different people. It was funny to hear how different opinions on a song can be. Sometimes we sat there and thought: Oh yes, that's right, it could actually have that meaning. It's always good to be open to all things.

One of the tracks that most resonates with me is 'Yukon' after reading that you were there on vacation. When you hear the song, you have the landscape in your mind. I could actually imagine how you felt there.

Peter: I felt the same way when I wrote the music for the lyrics. I had his words in front of me and composed the music to go with them, and there was this mood of distance and seclusion.

'Fish On' is also a very lurid number.

Peter: By the way, the song has a very confused origin story. Listeners probably won't hear that, but it was a pretty odd way of coming about this piece. There are very different parts and putting them all together was pretty rad. It just happened while we were experimenting with the arrangement, the verses, the chorus. In the end everything came together. Till had lyrics and wanted to sing them to a click track — but he started rapping like the Beastie Boys.

Till: I said to Peter: «I have a vocal line here and for the first time in my life I would like to write the music to an already finished vocal melody. “My desire was to have the written word first and then compose the music around those words, rather than having to jump on the music and find words to go with it as usual. The only problem was that I was pressed for time because I had to go to the airport. So I said to Peter, "Just give me a click track. » Of course I had no experience with this way of working, especially since the click track calls for a kind of rap singing. The freestyle raps also usually start with a drum loop. So I just sang two verses and had almost forgotten the piece shortly afterwards. But three months later Peter sent me a file with this sequence and its music. It sounded great. As my voice started, I remembered that short singing session again. Peter had even written a chorus. A really great experience.

Peter: Then Till sang the final version and we had a new song.

Till: Some things have been changed, the chorus and the intro for example. We also developed a C-Part, a bit like Lego bricks.

Peter: Half of the remaining pieces were put together like Lego. The longer we worked on an idea, the crazier it got. Over time we became more and more courageous to try really crazy things.

What is the biggest goal you are pursuing with this disc? I guess that in the beginning you mostly wanted to have fun with the songs. But now that it has become a serious project...

Till: It's in human nature that you always want to achieve a positive result with everything you do. Otherwise there would be no reason to do it at all. No one intentionally messes things up. Of course we hope for good reactions. It's not like Nirvana 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' but we wrote a very good album. The entire process of creation was a lot of fun, because everything was created on vacation in a kind of holiday idyll.

Will you take anything from this production with you to Rammstein?

Till: Yes, guaranteed, but I won't tell you that. (laughs)

...possibly the idea of experimenting with English lyrics at Rammstein?

Till: Of course you never know what will happen in the future, but the German language is part of Rammstein. Of course you could check lyrics like 'Pussy' or 'America', but I'll leave that to the German department in my main band. (grins)

And how about you, Peter? Do you take something away from this project for your further work?

Peter: I brought my experience from twenty years of work and thanks to Till I was motivated to become better than ever before. If I had stopped whenever I felt it was good enough, the result wouldn't have been as fabulous as it is now. I also wanted to prove to Till that I can do things just as well as anyone else. It was a helpful kick in the ass.

It's quite interesting that Till as part of a democratic band and Peter as, let's call it a lone fighter, were able to work so well together.

Peter: I don't have an ego, and neither does Till. We just did what we felt was best for each song.

And how do you like, Peter, the fact that this project is called Lindemann?

Peter: The thing was, we didn't have a name for this project.

Till: Tägtgren would have been a great name too.

Peter: After we had finished a few songs, it was clear that we now also need a name. For months we texted each other with silly band names. Some were just for fun, while others were meant to be taken seriously.

Till: It's incredibly difficult to find a good name these days. We had some good ideas like 'Way Outs' or 'Krauts' and for me the perfect name would have been 'Stockholm Syndromes'. We then settled on a single word, but most of them were already taken or had domains already registered on them.

Will we ever see you live somewhere?

Till: We want to wait and see how things develop.

Peter: First of all we have to wait for the reactions to know exactly how big it would have to be raised if we want to do it; so not just 50 people in a pizza shop. We'll have to wait and only then can we decide whether and within what framework we can tour. It's difficult to assess at the moment. But we still have time, the entire summer is available to us for planning.

[queen-scribbles]

The Long Burning Torch ch 7

Big chapter for my @shepherds-of-haven 20s AU, both in terms of length(9k) and plot happenings :3 Enjoy!

---

Xaeryn woke earlier than she’d intended, largely thanks to barking her sore knuckles against the bedframe in her sleep.

She clenched the hand into a fist, instinctively cradling it close to her chest. Red had done a good job tending to it, it was just more sensitive the morning after. As was the way of injuries in her line of work.

But the thought of Red dragged her the rest of the way awake. She ran a hand down her face, fingers slowing as they passed over her lips. No. She wasn’t thinking about that literally first thing in the morning.

Mr. Syndran was coming by. That was where her thoughts should be dwelling; preparation for that meeting. She needed to be focused. Professional.

A yawn cracked her jaw and Xaeryn glanced over at the alarm clock. Almost an hour’s lost sleep. But her mind was already too busy--with thoughts of the day ahead and ones she was trying not to think--for much success at reclaiming that hour.

Wonderful. She groaned as she shoved back the covers and swung her legs down. She headed to the kitchen, made herself tea and toast for breakfast. She knew when Mr. Syndran was coming, it was Red and Pan who were the wild card for her schedule.

They’d promised to come say goodbye before they headed back to Solhadur, but she wasn’t sure when that would be. Pan hadn’t exactly been a willing early riser during their school days, but he could do it when called for. Like wanting to get an early start on a drive.

Best to be prepared, Xaeryn decided. She finished her breakfast swiftly--at least, swiftly as she could with both elbow and hand sore from yesterday’s scuffle--showered, and dressed in trousers and a coordinating blouse. Professional, practical for any legwork she might do later, and didn’t look half bad if she said so herself.

The thoughts she’d been trying to ignore pushed their way in. The gentleness of Red’s hands as he helped her. Her whispered confession of wanting to do something improper. The irritation she’d swear she’d seen in his eyes at Pan’s timing. Tying it all together, the persistent thought:

I almost kissed my best friend--and he looked ready to kiss me back.

They clearly needed to talk. She just wasn’t sure if there would be opportunity today, with Pan here as well.

Xaeryn threw herself into busy work, putting away her evening gown until she could get it cleaned properly, dealing with the dishes from her breakfast, reviewing her notes from the gala. She’d need to speak to Miss Acquell about investigating the portions she’d seen Stormbreaker heading for before she lost her. If she could find the woman’s destination, that might give some clue what she was up to, either physical or scrying.

A knock on the door broke through her thoughts, and Xaeryn’s gaze instinctively went to the clock. Too early for Mr. Syndran.

A nervous flutter passed through her as she stood from her desk and headed for the door. She glanced at Red’s tuxedo jacket, still hanging over the chair, and reached for the knob. It was, as anticipated, him and Pan waiting in the hall.

Red smiled soon as their eyes met. “I knew you’d be up this early.”

“I’m a bit surprised you two are,” she admitted in return, stepping back to let them join her in the office. “Well, more you.” She arched a brow at Pan.

“Trust me, not my first choice,” he said wryly. “But since Red has a class to teach, we wanted an early start.” He smirked. “And I know how you two like to bump gums; figured this way we don’t have to rush goodbyes.”

She chuckled. “You do know us well. It was good to see you, Pan. However briefly. Maybe next time can be longer.”

“Ditto, Xaer.” He held out a hand to shake. “I’ll try to make myself easy to find when you visit next, maybe we can have more of a chance to chin, if you’ve the time.”

“That does sound keen,” Xaeryn said with a smile, shaking his hand. It would be nice to do some more catching up with old friends. “Where’s likely to find you?”

“His office is just down the hall from mine,” Red chipped in.

“But I’m not there much.” Pan shoved his hands in his pockets. “More likely in the gardens trying to impart my wisdom to a new gaggle of students.” He stifled a yawn. “Now, I’m gonna go sit with our stuff and hopefully not fall asleep. Red, remember we do need to be getting on the road soon, hm?”

“I know, I know,” Red said, raking a hand through his hair, something of his usual confidence lacking from the motion.

“See ya ‘round, Ryn,” Pan winked, and ducked out of the office.

Xaeryn’s stomach twisted with nerves at the loss of his presence as a buffer. Did she bring up last night? Would Red? Was it better to pretend it didn’t happen--or, almost happen--in the name of preserving their friendship?

“You, ah, forgot your jacket last night,” she fumbled, stepping over to the chair to retrieve it. The slight increase in distance didn’t help settle her nerves as she’d--somewhat--hoped.

“Yes, I didn’t realize until we were halfway back to the hotel,” Red admitted with a small laugh. “Seemed silly to come back when we were already planning to stop by today.” He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly as he crossed the room. “I also figured you’d turn in quickly and didn’t want to disturb you.”

Her pulse jumped at the thought of if they’d come back, of him seeing her in her pajamas and Xaeryn cleared her throat to shoo it away. “I did pretty much fall in bed soon as you two left.” She picked up the jacket, held it out. “It was a draining night.”

“That’s one way to describe it,” he said wryly, taking the jacket. “I still had a good time.” His gaze dropped to her bandaged knuckles. “For the most part, anyway. How’s your hand?”

“Sore,” Xaeryn said. Her fingers instinctively flexed. “A tad stiff. But definitely on the mend.” She brought it up, the other hand rubbing the side of the injured one. “Thank you, again, for helping patch me up. That would’ve been much trickier to handle myself.”

“Oh, ah, you’re welcome.” Red draped the jacket over his arm. “Always happy to help, Xaer, you know that.” He was standing so close, barely an arm’s length away.

She nodded. “And I’m always grateful, and willing to return the favor. But that was... a little outside the wheelhouse, far as things I’ve asked of you.”

He bit his lip, hesitating on a question. His gaze flicked to her hand, her mouth, quickly to the bookshelves, grip tightening on the jacket. “Is that... something you have to do a lot, Ryn? Patch yourself up?”

Xaeryn smiled faintly and sucked the inside of her cheek. She rested a hand on his arm. “Do you really want me to answer that?” I know how you worry.

“I...” Red sighed, met her gaze again. “...do.”

“I wouldn’t call it a lot,” she said, still choosing her words with care, “but occasionally it’s called for.”

“Mm.” He shifted, the motion leaning slightly into her touch.

“It’s usually like this or less serious,” she assured him. “Scrapes, bumps to ice, that sort of thing.” A laugh escaped her. “Some are even self-inflicted due to stubbornness in chasing leads.”

Red chuckled fondly. “Of course they are.” He reached for the injured hand, tugging it close to look over. “Glad this one’s healing, but try to be more careful, Xaer? This case seems like it’s pretty high stakes, and thus high risk.”

Xaeryn nodded, trying not to be distracted by the way his thumb brushed the side of her hand. “It is a bit more... involved than my usual job,” she allowed. “And I don’t do unnecessary risk-”

“Having seen some of what you considered necessary during school, that’s not the comfort you might think,” Red interjected wryly. 

She huffed a small laugh and reluctantly withdrew her hand. “My point, Liefred, is that detective work comes with a few more risks than academia, but I know what I’m doing in navigating them.”

“I know.” His gaze ran over her face. “And I trust you, but as your friend” --did his pulse jump in his throat on the word, or was it just a trick of the light?--”I am still going to worry about you. A little.”

“Only a little?” Xaeryn teased.

“I’m trying to be better about it,” he said with an abashed smile, “so it doesn’t get in the way of more important things.”

“A wise plan.” She smiled in return. He’d been a worrywart as long as she’d known him, she wondered how much success he’d have relaxing that facet of his personality.

A sharp knock sounded against her door. They both snapped a gaze toward it, though Xaeryn’s quickly shifted to the clock.

“That’s too awake and impatient to be Pan,” Red joked.

She laughed. “Given the time, I suspect it’s Mr. Syndran. We had an appointment. How lucky you’re still here for introductions.”

“I’ll be on best behavior,” he said, twinkle in his eye as he mimed adjusting a tie he wasn’t wearing and ran his fingers through his hair.

She rolled her eyes and tried to school her expression into something professional on the way to the door. Her guess had been correct. “Good morning, Mr. Syndran.”

“And to you, Miss Shrike.” Mr. Syndran arched a brow at Red. “And your guest.”

“Yes, I didn’t get to introductions last night,” Xaeryn said. “Mr. Riel Syndran, head of Whitestone Couriers; Headmaster Liefred Antiqua of Solhadur Academy in Capra.”

“Ah, yes, I know it.” Mr. Syndran stepped into the office, giving a formal half-bow of greeting. “We’ve handled some artefact deliveries headed there, though nothing recently.”

Red inclined his head in answer to the bow. “Hasn’t been much coming in for study, sadly. We’ve had to content ourselves with teaching and research.”

“Yes, what a struggle for you,” Xaeryn said dryly. “Liefred’s been helping with the historical research for Solimer’s Torch,” she explained to Mr. Syndran.

He cut her a sharp, knowing smile. “So he’s the one who prompted your inquiry about outsourcing?”

She nodded, flashed a smile to Red. “I felt it was smart to use an expert I trust. And his help has been... invaluable.”

“I see.” Mr. Syndran ran a glance over Red; the half-rolled sleeves, wrinkled waistcoat(at least it was buttoned this time), the tuxedo jacket draped over his arm. “And the gentleman trying valiantly not to nod off in the car out front? Is he another outsource?”

“No, he’s my ride,” Red said with a laugh. “And on that note, I should be going. So he doesn’t doze off.”

Frustration flared in Xaeryn’s chest, but she quickly clamped it down. Yes, they needed to talk, but that was a conversation she wasn’t keen to have in front of a client. So she just nodded farewell. “Thank you again for all your help,” she said, flexing her fingers to keep them from stiffening.

Red nodded, bit his lip, and stepped closer to give her a quick hug goodbye.  “Anytime, Ryn. And I’ll have that information together by lunch tomorrow for you to come pick up.”

That seemed ambitious, if he had a class today, but if he wasn’t done when she got there, it would be a chance to visit more. “See you then.”

One last dimpled, lingering smile, something unsaid in his deep green eyes, and he was gone.

Mr. Syndran waited until the door clicked shut behind him to fix her with an appraising look. “You truly trust him?”

“Implicitly,” Xaeryn said with a firm nod. “He’s top notch and won’t blab about working on it.”

“He looks too honest by half,” Mr. Syndran muttered, and she couldn’t deny that, but he rolled on before she could comment. “What information is he gathering for you? I’d think you have all the background you need by this point, Miss Shrike.”

“And you’d be correct.” Xaeryn moved behind her desk, gesturing for him to take a seat as she settled in her chair. “My handbag was stolen, and my notes happened to be inside at the time. I copied down what I remember-”

He held up a hand. “Your notes were stolen?”

“My handbag was, yes, and with it my notes. Which are written in personal shorthand, so I wish anyone who might try to read them the best of luck.”

“This is still a distressing development,” Mr. Syndran mused, twirling his walking stick against the floor. “though I do applaud the precaution.”

“It might be, but as I said, I copied down what I remember, and Liefred’s reassembling the historical data he found for me in case it becomes relevant. Nothing about this is slowing down my search.”

“Mm. And you rewarded his efforts by bringing him along to the gala?” he asked archly.

“I needed a plus one to get in,” Xaeryn reminded him just as archly. “It was more asking him for an additional favor. One he didn’t mind granting, given what he got to see. He’s my best friend and helped me a lot. Even if it was a reward, would that be so bad?”

“I simply do not care for you to get distracted from the task for which you were hired.”

She bit the tip of her tongue, forcing down irritation at being lectured like a child.  “I assure you, I am still focused, Mr. Syndran. Some mingling and taking in the exhibits between... interviews was called for to avoid drawing attention.”

“And, to the point of this meeting, were those interviews fruitful?” He steepled his fingers over the walking stick as he asked.

“They were, and there’s more besides...” Xaeryn gave him a recap of the chats she’d had with Ms. Aescar and King Kaza, as well as mentioning the odd behavior of the latter’s bodyguard. “My hope for today is to pick up her track, see what she was up to, where she went, if anyone else was there. This ties to her and the king somehow, I just need to find the connection.”

“That does seem likely, but do keep an open mind, Miss Shrike,” Mr. Syndran said, lips pursed.

“Of course, comes with the territory,” she returned.  There was something in his look that made her wary, like he was about to suggest a theory she wouldn’t like. But he didn’t, instead nodding toward the battered knuckles she’d been idly rubbing the latter half of the conversation.

“Have to fight someone over the punch bowl, did you?” he asked drolly.

She snorted a laugh. “No, just a bit of excitement on the way home from the gala. I’d had Liefred leave with the car while I was following Stormbreaker, so I had to walk back and was... menaced by a thug for ‘sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong’.” A thin smile. “I handled him. This is just scrapes.”

“I should see the other fellow?” Mr. Syndran said, arching a brow. “A pickpocket and a menacing ruffian in the span of a couple days? Miss Shrike, your neighborhood is not that dangerous.”

“Oh, the latter incident is undoubtedly tied to the case. Means I’m getting close. They’re trying to make me breeze on it, or at least slow me down.” Xaeryn shifted in her chair. “Unfortunately for them, this sort of thing only makes me more determined. And I have some solid angles to follow today so I get even closer.”

Mr. Syndran’s eyes glittered. “Good to hear, Miss Shrike. Whitestone Couriers is eager for a positive resolution to the matter.”

And a rapid one, from how you keep nudging, But he’d made that clear from the start, so she could hardly complain. She’d already missed one deadline--the gala--and wanted to wrap this up quickly herself. “I’m close to giving you one,” she promised.

One side of his mouth twitched as he picked up the subtle hint. “Best of luck in your efforts today, Detective.” He stood, then paused, lips pursed. “You are quite certain no one will read your notes, should they fall in the wrong hands?”

She thought briefly about bringing up she’d had this conversation with Ms. Aerin last night, but that might seem like deflecting. “Yes. I developed it with Liefred in school for faster note-taking and then further altered it when I took up detective work, so I doubt even he could read it anymore.”

(Not entirely true; Red could probably figure it out with a little time, but she didn’t like the suspicion crinkling Mr. Syndran’s brow.)

He seemed satisfied, giving a nod. “Very well, I’ll take you at your word, Miss Shrike. Again, best of luck today.” He inclined his head in farewell and was gone.

Xaeryn blew out a breath and deliberated on the better course of action from her options. She could go back to the museum, see if Miss Acquell would let her in to try and pick up Stormbreaker’s trail. The earlier she got on that lead, the better her odds of it going somewhere. She could also scry on the woman, or on the green-haired man from the alley. That could be fallback, she mused. The museum was the best bet, and staff should be there for the day by now.

She called the direct number the curator had given her, fervently hoping Miss Acquell was in her office rather than roaming the floor.

It was answered--slightly breathless--on the fourth ring. “Shery Acquell’s office.”

“Mis- Shery, it’s Detective Shrike.” Xaeryn glanced at the clock. “I was wondering if I could swing by the museum to follow up a lead or two from last night.”

“Oh, detective.” She gave a frazzled-sounding cough. “Of course. We’re closed to the public today, gala cleanup, but I’ll tell the doorman to keep a watch for you. When do you think you’ll be coming?”

Xaeryn shrugged. “Earlier’s better; does five minutes work? Maybe a little more?” It might be prudent to walk in case she wound up following something away from the museum; she wouldn’t have to return later for her car.

“Certainly. I’ll let them know you’re coming and allowed in.”

“Thank you, Shery.” She hung up, fetched a hat, and was off.

--- 

The museum, much to her chagrin, did not prove fruitful. She followed the same route as the night before, branched in each direction Stormbreaker could have gone. There were only a half dozen display rooms and they were all undisturbed, no matter how closely she scrutinized. The second hallway, however, did have an exit at the end of it. Stormbreaker could have either stepped out or simply talked to someone without being observed. Security had been mostly focused around the gala. Miss Acquell confirmed nothing was missing and Xaeryn, annoyed, headed back to her office.

Scrying it is, then, she thought, trying not to dwell on the wasted time in the museum. 

If she’d just stuck with Stormbreaker instead of getting distracted... but there was nothing to be done about it now other than work with the problem. She just had to decide if it was a surer thing to scry on the green-haired man or Stormbreaker. One she’d only seen in a previous scry, the other was guarding a person likely to have warding or protective sigils.

It only took a few minutes’ deliberation to settle on the green-haired man. It would take some extra effort to scry on someone she’d never met in person, but she’d bumped into protection sigils before. They gave her a monster of a headache. If King Kaza was utilizing those--and he seemed the type--it was a surefire way to make her day worse.

Xaeryn took out the polished bronze disk she used for scrying, set it on the desk, then locked the door and took the phone off the hook to minimize distraction before getting down to business.

A present-day focus was at least easier than trying to see something from the past. Her vision shimmered, the dish clouding over before clearing to reveal a silent, sepia-tone image of the man she sought.

He was walking briskly along a street, the shadow of other pedestrians few but present. The stores her passed were all too blurred to give any clue of his whereabouts. His newsie cap was tugged low but couldn’t quite hide the flash of green hair, the scar on his neck just showing over his shirt collar. He slowed, checked something on a scrap of paper, and ducked into a café.

That she did recognize. It was only a few minutes from her office, she’d lunched there frequently. Xaeryn broke the scry, hurrying to collect handbag and hat. Lucky for her it was lunchtime, so she could snag a peek without drawing too much attention.

As long as her quarry was staying a while, not just meeting someone to head for a secondary location. Hence her haste. She pinned on her hat once more, confirmed the desk was locked, and headed out, careful to lock the office door as well.

----

The weather was nice, so Xaeryn found herself with plenty of company as she walked. She was the one one to step into the café, which was a relief. A glance around the space quickly revealed the man she sought.

Her search was made easier by the fact other patrons appeared to be giving the table a wide berth. The unusual hair colors of the occupants made them stand out as Diminished even more; her quarry’s hat was off, and his companion’s pale pink hair was corralled by a dark red ribbon.

A companion Xaeryn recognized, though she tried to keep that recognition off her face as she took a seat at a relatively close booth. The One-God works in mysterious ways. She was far dressed down from last night, but Green Hair’s emphatic conversational partner was none other than Stormbreaker, King Kaza’s bodyguard. She was also rather agitated about something.

“...no Diviner, whaddya want me to do?” Green Hair muttered.

“He’s only planning to stay in town a few more days, Darius,” Stormbreaker hissed back. “Our window’s closing.”

“That knowledge doesn’t magically give me the ability to track things down,” Darius growled. “I wanna stop him as bad as you, Bry, but-”

They both fell silent as the waitress approached with Xaeryn’s order. She sent up a small prayer they didn’t look too closely at the booth. Stormbreaker at least would recognize her.

Apparently the One-God was feeling kind. After an extra minute or so of silence, their conversation resumed, albeit in more hushed tones. Good job she’d always had keen hearing.

“You don’t have any idea where he would’ve squirreled it away?” Darius asked, so low Xaeryn barely caught it.

“Nothing more than we’ve found. I thought he was gonna keep in at the hotel, where he could have eyes on it. But he’s not, and whatever the details of what he and Jarkyth are doing, they’re playing cards close to the chest.”

Xaeryn’s brows twitched even as she bit into her cucumber sandwich. Assuming ‘he’ was who she thought, not only was there more going on than appeared with Solimer’s Torch, but King Kaza was plotting something with one of the most influential religious and political figures in the known world.

Which presented her with a conundrum-- if King Kaza was involved in the theft but these two weren’t, she should probably talk to them. They could fill in some blanks, maybe point her in the right direction. But if they weren’t on the up and up, she’d be making things worse to show her hand. They could have their own selfish designs on the Torch.

The dilemma was at least partially taken out of her hands even as she turned it over in her mind. “Circe??”

Fortunately, she’d used the alias for a few other cases, and still had the instincts to react to it without too much of an interval. “Hm?” The pause at being pulled from her thoughts wasn’t an affectation in the slightest. “Oh. Stormbreaker, right?”

The woman grimaced slightly. “Only when certain parties are trying to show off. I prefer Briony.” She cocked her head, expression riding the fine line between curiosity and suspicion. “What a coincidence running in to you here.”

“It certainly is,” Xaeryn said with a light laugh. “My office is nearby This is my go-to when I want to step out for lunch.” She held up the uneaten portion of her sandwich as evidence. “And you? Did you find time away from your duties to see some sights today?”

Briony nodded, cheerful smile and hard eyes, her companion gone stone-faced. “A few. Haven’t gotten much time away. His highness doesn’t care to be unprotected for long.”

If her distaste were any more thinly veiled, it would be sheer. Xaeryn’s gut said to gamble, and she listened to it. “Well, I’m glad you managed it, Haven has a lot to offer.” She set down her sandwich. ”I’m also glad I bumped into you; I was hoping to speak when we could be more... open.”

“,,,What about?” Briony asked cautiously.

“There’s a piece I’m trying to track down with possible ties to Elinden. Wouldn’t want King Kaza to think I’m accusing him of involvement in it’s disappearance with no proof, now would I?”

Briony’s eyes narrowed, likely judging, in turn, if this gamble was worth her taking. She gestured for Xaeryn to join their table, shushing her companion when he started to protest. “And what would this piece be?”

“An artefact from the Jalis desert,” said Xaeryn, still measuring her words. It would really put her behind the eight ball if she read this wrong. “I’ve been tracking it on behalf of the proper owner”--Or near enough, she thought to herself--“and signs are starting to point toward Elinden.”

“Is that why you were chattin’ up his highness last night?” Briony asked with a keen look and faint smile playing at her lips.

“More or less, He has previously tried to claim this artefact through legal means and failed. But his is not the only faction on Elinden, either.”

She didn’t miss the look between the two her words prompted.

“So why were you hoping to talk to me?” Briony asked, tracing one finger ‘round the rim of her cup.

“I happened to note your... early exit and couldn’t help wondering if that was related,” Xaeryn said coolly.

“I told you s-!”

“Darius, close your head,” Briony cut him off, squeezing his arm. She looked back at Xaeryn. “I think we should continue this bull session somewhere just a bit more private, don’t you, Circe? If we’re gonna be discussing things like that.”

“Probably a good idea,” Xaeryn agreed.

“You said you have an office nearby?”

“I do.” And that would work nicely. Familiar ground and all. “Though one thing you need to know if we’re moving there... My name is not Circe Blackwood.” She pulled out a business card and slid it across the table. “I’m sure you can understand how aliases might come in handy for my line of work?”

Briony nodded, but Darius still looked suspicious. “I can,” she said. “Shall we?” 

The three of them settled up and left the café, Xaeryn carrying the uneaten half of her sandwich wrapped in waxed paper. They were all silent as they walked. She spared only a brief moment to muse over their thoughts before sinking into her own.

They had agreed to go to an unfamiliar location with an unknown actor with surprisingly little fuss, and it made her wonder if they were planning something she needed to worry about. Or maybe Briony had a gut instinct as good as her own. She’d deal with any scenarios that arose accordingly. Her true concern was how much of her hand to show.

When they reached her office, Xaeryn let Briony and Darius examine the room as she settled in her desk chair. After they’d prowled around enough to satisfy themselves it was safe, they sat opposite.

“So,” Xaeryn said with a searching look.

“So,” Briony echoed, holding her gaze steadily. 

Apparently the first trust fall was on her. Very well. “I was hired to locate an artefact stolen from the collection on display at the museum and return it to the proper owner. Certain... aspects of what I’ve learned in my search have pointed very firmly toward Elinden  So, of course, it was of great curiosity to me, seeing the bodyguard to the current--controversial--king of that island slink away from her charge.”

Briony snorted, ignoring Darius’ uneasy shift in his chair. “Oh, he’s actually quite a brawler. I’m more... flaunted for show and paranoia.” A sharp, bitter smile curved her lips. “He doesn’t really need me, just wants people to think he does.”

“Well, he might want to do something about the number of records describing him as warlord,” Xaeryn said wryly. “That certainly conjures images of ferocity. It’s also not my point. What were you doing?”

“Why should I tell you?” Briony crossed her arms with a shrug. “No offense, Xaeryn, but what reason do I have to trust you?”

“Fair.” Xaeryn steepled her fingers. “Assuming King Kaza is involved in the theft of the relic I’m tracking, I have a feeling you’re also trying to get it away from him. This would, I hope, put us on the same side, and we could work together looking for it.”

Darius scoffed. “Y’want us to trust you, but that’s blazing hard when you won’t even tell us what you’re looking for.”

She grimaced. “My client specifically requested discretion. I’m trying to give you enough while still honoring that-”

“Is it Solimer’s Torch?” Briony blurted. “B’cause that’s what we’re looking to get away from Kaza.”

“Briony!” Darius growled.

“I’m tired of this cat and mouse bunk, D.” She tugged on the ribbon in her hair absently. “If Xaeryn here is an actual snooper” --an emphatic gesture at the sign on Xaeryn’s desk--”she might be luckier’n we’ve been figuring what happened.”

“I am very good at finding things,” Xaeryn promised, tapping her fingers on the desk. “Maybe if you give me what you know, it’ll fill in some blanks that have been tripping me up?”

“Might as well, cat’s outta the bag,” Darius grumbled, running a hand through his hair.

Briony gave his arm a light punch, which made him rock in his chair, before looking back to Xaeryn. “So the Torch is what you’re looking for?”

Xaeryn nodded.

“Well, then, Kaza Ackshin is your man. He timed his visit to Haven to line up with the gala for two reasons; trawling for support of his claim to the throne, and to steal the Torch. Two birds and all that. I dunno everything about how they pulled it off, but he’s involved.”

“You’re quick to throw over your boss,” Xaeryn commented.

“Because he doesn’t deserve what he has,” Briony said fiercely. “And I’ll do what I have to to set that right--even work for the bastard.”

“What she means is, we’re from Dar-elin, the largest rebelling faction,” Darius explained wearily. “We’ve been workin’ to get that muti off the throne since the moment he took it. Outright conflict was dragging, so we switched to infiltration. Stormbreaker here has spent the last two years ingratiating herself so she has better access.”

“Right, that.” Briony waved a hand. “He’s been after the Torch--obsessed, really--since before I started, though. He can trace his ancestry to some Jalis warlord who owned it. Only problem for him is there’s some gaps where he only has a parent or grandparent’s say-so to back him up, no records. So even though he tried the official route, and outright buying it, he didn’t have any luck.”

“So he turned to thievery,” Xaeryn muttered.

Briony gave a grim smile. “He sees it as liberating, he’s that up his own ass about it belonging to him.”

“What good does he think it will do him, to make him so focused?” Xaeryn got out her notepad to start scribbling down at least rough notes.

“Aside from prestige and pride,” Briony snorted. “He’s superstitious enough I think he at least half believes all the applesauce about it bringing good luck or invulnerability and would use it to try and take at least a kingdom’s worth of the desert by force.”

“What, he’s not happy with Elinden’s throne?”

“Warlords never are,” Darius scoffed, and she nodded a concession.

“And I imagine it’s hard to, ah, increase your territory and influence from an island after a certain point,” she said.

“Well, and he knows there’s at least a chance it doesn’t end well for him, fighting three dissenter factions at once,” Briony added. “He still believes the throne is his because he took it, which is why he’s looking for political and financial support to fend us all off. But if he can establish a place of authority elsewhere, he has a fallback in case the ungrateful masses get to be too much for him.”

“So you’re trying to get the Torch away from him.” Xaeryn doodled a ship in the corner of a page.

“It’s two-fold.” Briony curled a loose wisp of pink hair around her finger and tugged on it. “It’ll mess up his plans, makes it harder to establish himself in Jalis if he’s a random power-hungry outsider. Gods know they have enough warlords of their own without adding a new one.” She caught Xaeryn’s eye and held her gaze as she continued. “And we want the Torch back with its owner, since from what I understand she has a solid claim to it.”

“Well established and documented, yes,” Xaeryn nodded, thinking back to her conversation with Miss Acquell about the provenance. “There’s also... a sentimental connection.” She tapped her pencil against her notepad. “I’m a bit surprised someone from a place as... insular as Elinden has the pull to hire competent thieves or deploy his own in any city on the mainland, but especially a hub city like Haven, with no connections.”

“Who said he doesn’t have connections, doll?” Darius smirked.

“Are you saying he did, despite never leaving Elinden? And it’s Miss Shrike. Or Xaeryn, if you really must.” She would grit her teeth through being addressed as doll by random shop- or barkeeps who didn’t know her name, but not a potential ally.

Darius’ brows arched, but he gave a nod of understanding.

Briony, however, was the one to answer her question. “Talquist Jarkyth.”

“The Western Hierophant?” Xaeryn’s stomach rebelled at the thought of one of the most prominent members of the church being involved, but he did dabble in business and politics, and she had seen King Kaza talking to him at the gala.... “He’s not local, either,” she protested, “He’s based in... Heth Macoll, I believe. He might be powerful there, but-”

“He travels. He’s been in Haven four months,” Briony cut her off. “Attending to business and avoiding the home climates. And d’you really think someone like him didn’t find at least a couple hoods to do his dirty work while he’s here?”

Someone like... The phrasing, and vehemence with which Briony uttered it, made something click for Xaeryn. “Are you saying you believe the scuttlebutt about him being a Faceless Lord?”

“It’s not just rumors and hokum, Xaeryn.” Briony let go of the hair she’d been twisting to lean forward. “Some of it, as we’ve recently found, is very, very true.”

Well, that was news she hadn’t been expecting--and had trouble believing. The Faceless Lords were grown-up bogeymen; powerful leaders in every sphere of influence--political, religious, cultural--manipulating events across Blest for their own ends and profit. Anyone with at least a decent amount of influence or wealth was accused of membership at some point. 

Xaeryn had always felt the ‘cabal trying to control the world’ concept was an exaggeration, a flight of fancy, an excuse. But if Briony was truthful and correct, she’d been very wrong. It was a lot to wrap her head around.

“Assuming... assuming I take you at your word,” she said slowly, “why would Jarkyth be helping King Kaza? I can’t imagine there’s anything in Elinden he’d want to exploit.” She grimaced at how that sounded the second it left her mouth, no matter how true it was. Forthright, huh, Red?

“There’s not,” Briony said with a shrug. “Jalis, however... He looking to establish trade in the region with some of the larger settlements. There’s lots of... specialty goods you can only get from Jalis, and they aren’t cheap, thanks to the difficulty acquiring them. Jarkyth probably thinks if he helps Ackshin get this secondary kingdom running, he’ll have an in for trade with almost no competition.”

“So he’s, what, financing the theft of an artefact as a... business decision?” Her thoughts went to Chase commenting how the ‘butter and egg man’ for a Thieves Guild job on the same caravan had breezed. An interesting coincidence, if it was one.

“Would hardly be the worst thing his blessedness has done, if half of what we’ve heard is true,” Darius said gruffly. “Long as he thinks it’s profitable, in one sense or another. Quite the businessman, he.”

“So, what about you two, then?” Xaeryn asked, partly to change the subject, partly because she was actually curious. “What makes you care so much about the artefact, and what part have you played here in Haven?”

“I’m really tempted to say that would be telling,” Briony laughed. “But there’s something about you I like, and I’m keen on the idea of working together, so. Building trust.” She wiggled a little to settle more comfortably in her chair. “It might seem to make more sense, chasing Kaza off Elinden and saying good plan, go build your sandcastle. But. Who’s to say he wouldn’t either set up in Jalis, build an army, and come after Elinden again, or muff it hard, and crawl back to ‘his’ throne in an even fouler temper? We want him stuck with us, so he can’t tuck tail when we win, and has to face justice.” She grinned fiercely.  “B’sides, the Torch isn’t his. Isn’t right to let him keep it.”

“As to the second part...” Darius ran his fingers through his hair, reluctantly accepting this alliance, though it was clear he still had doubts. “I came over early, ahead of the scheduled arrival. Briony was stuck coming with his highness, of course, but that would’ve been too late to be any good, and I’m a known rebel besides. That muti so much as saw us make eye contact the whole game would be up. He’s that paranoid.

“So I scouted ahead with a few others, cased the museum, figured out likely approaches for the caravan when it arrived, and we hammered out a plan or three for keeping thefts at bay til it was safe inside.” He snorted softly. “Only, turned out the schedule we’d found was bogus. False trail. Caravan showed up a day earlier than we thought. Had to hustle to the service entry to keep an eye out. The others posted themselves along different routes, ‘long with a few local street kids we’d been paying for gossip. I asked ‘em after ,and no one saw anything.”

“Nothing?” Xaeryn frowned.

“Nothing.” He gave a sardonic smile as he picked red paint from under his nails. “I was planning to mark the truck we’d been told held the Torch, so I wouldn’t lose it in the shuffle, could keep an eye ‘til it was safe inside. But some hobo started yellin’ ‘bout me bein’ in his alley and rushed me with a blazin’ knife. By the time I’d thrown him off, I’d missed my chance with the truck and a couple of the guards were startin’ to look our way with the ruckus. So I dusted out and hoped for the best. Next time I talked to Briony, she said Ackshin was struttin’ like a peacock over getting his prize, knew we’d failed to keep it away from him. Now we’re shifted to getting it away from him.”

“And not having much luck, though we are on the trail of where he might’ve hidden it,” Briony added wryly.

“So your sneaking off at the gala was...?” Xaeryn prompted, wanting to be sure her original query got answered.

“Part searching display rooms, part checking in with Darius,” Briony said. “We wanted to be sure the Torch wasn’t just stashed somewhere inside the museum.”

“Mm.” She could see the wisdom in that. Xaeryn chewed the inside of her cheek, fingers inching closer to the desk drawer as she debated the wisdom of her next move. In the name of building bridges she went with it. She turned to Darius. “You say this bum in the alley charged you with a knife?”

He nodded. “Just a little one, but it still threw me he was so... fierce about it. Tried to wrestle it from him but couldn’t manage.”

“So you didn’t have a weapon of your own?” Xaeryn pressed.

“Peashooter in m’boot, but I couldn’t get it before he was on me, an’ didn’t want the attention, anyhow.”

“So this isn’t yours?” She withdrew the sheath from the drawer and set it on her desk.

“Hael, no,” Darius scowled, shaking his head. “Got Ackshin’s seal on it and everything.” His eyes narrowed as he looked at her. “Where’d you get it, snooper?”

Briony cut him a warning look, which he ignored. Xaeryn was unfazed; she’d dealt with worse. “The alley behind the museum,” she said coolly. “It was dropped in your scuffle, gave me something of a lead. If it’s not yours, and this ‘bum’ had a knife, I’d imagine it belonged to him.”

She watched the fire flash in his eyes as he connected that his opponent, who distracted him from watching the caravan at a crucial moment, likely worked for Kaza Ackshin.

“That rat bastard,” he growled. “Muti.” He rubbed the scar on his neck before focusing in on Xaeryn again. “How do you know what it’s from, anyway, Miss Detective?”

“I scryed,” Xaeryn said. “Saw what happened. Unfortunately Seer is not my main focus for this talent, so-”

“You’re a blazing Diviner?! Why don’t you just spy on the damn Torch and save us all a load of trouble?!”

Xaeryn sat a little stiffer, a little straighter, at his tone. “It’s scry, and don’t you think I tried?! Divining is a valuable skill as a snooper.” She pursed her lips.  “Attempting to scry on the Torch, however, nets me only... dead air.” It was the best comparison she could think to make. “I don’t know what’s keeping me out; maybe they have some sort of protection.”

“Sigils or wards like that are tricky, aren’t they?” Briony asked with a frown.

“They are. It takes a very skilled Binder to lay and maintain something like that, and it wouldn’t be cheap.” But they were talking about a king and the Western Hierophant(supposedly a ‘Faceless Lord’ of immense influence), surely between them they had the resources. “Had you found any clue where they might be storing it until King Kaza leaves? I assume he’ll take it with him?”

Briony nodded. “That is the plan, far as we know. And we have a few leads, but nothing definite. We think they’re in Ashtown, but there’s a lot of people hiding things there,” she said with a laugh. “So we’re having trouble narrowing it down, and there’s the time limit. And since his highness isn’t personally involved, there’s no reason for his bodyguard to pry for details.”

“He’s not personally involved?” Xaeryn echoed, brow furrowing.

“He saw it once, on arrival, to confirm they nicked the right thing, but otherwise doesn’t want to rouse suspicion by constantly checking on it. He might be a tyrannical bastard, but he’s smart,” Briony said grimly.

“So, then, best way to proceed?” Xaeryn asked, mentally sorting all the new information. “Should we continue separately and check in with developments? Or arrange somewhere to meet and work together?”

“I like the first one better,” Darius muttered. “Lets us spread out more and won’t raise high and mighty suspicions.”

“Agreed.” Briony nodded. “And it’s probably better if you talk to Darius if you find anything; since King Kaza’s met you, it might raise eyebrows if Circe is seen chatting up his bodyguard.”

“Good point,” Xaeryn said. Darius looked less pleased with this arrangement, but still nodded. “Where can I reach you?”

He hesitated. “The Quarssen. Leave a message for Mr. Thrace.”

She nodded. “I’d further suggest, since I imagine the king will be heading home soon? that if we haven’t heard anything either way by... three tomorrow afternoon we meet at either the same café or the curiosities shop across the street, Chandry’s. Either makes a good cover for a meeting.”

She’d done so before, a few times, for clients who didn’t want to be seen visiting a detective’s office repeatedly.

“Works for me,” Briony nodded. “Long as I can get away from his highness again.”

“Fine with me as well,” Darius said, pushing out of his chair and tugging on his cap. “But we should get back to it, yeah?”

“Yeah.” Briony stood as well, flashing Xaeryn a smile. “Glad to make a friend in this, at least. And he’ll warm up,” she whispered, nodding toward Darius. “He just has some hard-learned trust issues.”

“I understand.” Frankly, Xaeryn didn’t cared if the man kept her at arm’s length as long as he didn’t dig in his heels about working together. “Best of luck to you, and I’ll see what I can find.”

“Thanks,” Briony said brightly. “Good luck to you, too.” And she darted after Darius, already walking down the hall.

Xaeryn could hear them talking as they walked, but didn’t bother trying to eavesdrop.

She had a lot of new notes to transcribe.

---

Writing everything down took a while, even using shorthand, but Xaeryn was determined to include all that she’d learned. Even the... disquieting fact the Faceless Lords might be real and not the conspiratorial scapegoat she’d always thought. Election didn’t go the way you wanted? Don’t think someone deserves the position they were given? Easiest to blame some group of anonymous, hidden, and powerful string-pullers. But if what Briony and Darius relayed was correct, this conspiracy, at least, was true. And she did have to admit, of all the various bogeymen she’d heard of in the course of her life, this one was the closest to being plausible.

Xaeryn still sighed as she scribbled a note about it. She knew keeping an open mind was important, but she didn’t think she’d have to keep it this open. What was next, banshees were real, too?

The clock showed early afternoon by the time she was done. Events had been as worthwhile as they were time-consuming, however, so she didn’t mind terribly. With the time left in the day, maybe she could fit a visit to Ashtown; see if Thieves Guild had noticed anyone using a warehouse they shouldn’t be. Given Briony and Darius’s suspicions in that direction, maybe she’d even ask if they could keep an eye out.

What would that cost me, I wonder? she thought wryly, before pinning on a hat and heading for the gates between city circles.

---

It was, for obvious reasons, not that easy to dance in and speak to Chase Trinaeste, even if you had left a favorable previous impression. Xaeryn had to talk her way past two layers of brunos, and even then got stonewalled by the lieutenant she’d met before.

“Chase isn’t here,” Ari said, arms crossed and chin jutting forward slightly. “So you can just scram, Miss Private Dick.”

Xaeryn sighed. She didn’t entirely believe the claim of Chase’s absence, but either way, “I’m not after Thieves Guild, I’m after someone else who might be mucking around in your territory. You’d likely know as well as Chase.” She explained what she was looking for.

Ari cocked her head and thought for a long moment before gesturing negative. “Ain’t seen anything like that.” She grinned wolfishly. “Twenty deucalions a day, we can keep our eyes peeled.”

“Ten,” Xaeryn countered, crossing her arms as well.

“Fifteen, and not a danar less,” Ari said, finality in her voice.

“Deal.” It was an expense she could at least partially claim on her bill to Whitestone Couriers, and it was worth it when they were so close and on a deadline.

“Pleasure doin’ business,” Ari said, looking pointedly toward the door.

“I’ll check in tomorrow with coin for both then and today,” Xaeryn said as she took the hint. There were a few other, minor leads she could check this afternoon. 

She made her way back out of Ashtown--safely once again, despite hearing Red’s voice fretting in the back of her mind.

The other leads didn’t pan out too much, though a little probing at the right sources did confirm what Briony said about Jarkyth and King Kaza. Satisfied with the day’s work, Xaeryn headed home for the night. Tomorrow she’d check in with Thieves Guild before she went to Capra, then her new Elinden acquaintances when she got home. And maybe seeing all the historical information together would jog something.

Or maybe Red will find something new in the process off compiling this, she mused fondly as she settled into bed. He did have a knack for honing in on books that had just what he needed for whatever he was currently researching. It was a talent she’d envied in school and was grateful for now. She drifted off with a smile on her lips. The mental image of Red, tousle-haired and surrounded by books, was a very pleasant last thought for the day.

---

Xaeryn woke in a fine mood, and stuck to her plan for the morning--though she did have to talk herself out of the outfit part of her wanted to wear(a golden yellow dress with red and navy embroidery) in favor of a much plainer grey blouse and deep green skirt. Best to not stand out on her visit to Ashtown.

The Thieves Guild report was about what she’d expected; they’d seen a bit of “unsanctioned” activity at a few warehouses, but none of it stood out as particularly furtive or foreign. Promising to check again later, Xaeryn backtracked to retrieve her car and start for Capra.

Leaving now, if she made good time, she’d get there before lunch. But she could always bump gums with Pan or stroll the grounds if Red wasn’t ready for her yet. She suspected he knew she liked having the excuse to visit, and that was why he hadn’t offered to bring the information to her. After all, he knew where she lived now, Traveling would be much safer and faster. 

She hoped, after he passed off the research, they had a chance for a private chat. They really needed to discuss the night of the gala, what--if anything--it meant for their relationship. He valued her forthrightness, maybe it was time to show some in regards to him, she mused, then snorted softly as she steered around a curve.

If only it was that simple.

Xaeryn sighed and shook of the whirling thoughts as she pulled on to Solhadur’s grounds. Business first, then personal matters. If for no other reason than to help it not distract her at such a crucial point. By all accounts there was less than a sennight before King Kaza headed home, and he would undoubtedly take the Torch with him. She only had a few small losses on her professional record, and no desire to add one this large to the ledger.

She bypassed the desk as she headed inside; the girl was deep in conversation with a security man, and she didn’t want to wait through their chat or be a distraction.

She was a quarter of the way up the stairs when her passage registered and she heard the receptionist’s “Wait-!”

A few steps further when she noted the additional security personnel at the top. Someone must have pulled another prank; the headmaster’s hall was a favorite site for the bolder jokesters. Xaeryn was torn between amusement the tradition held string and annoyance at it delaying her meeting with Red.

Halfway up, one of the security men noticed her and headed down, a hand outstretched. “Miss, you can’t come up here.”

“I have an appointment-” Xaeryn began, still walking.

The guard cut her off. “You need to wait downstairs.”

“It’s alright, Kellan,” a familiar voice floated down before she could protest further, “you can let her by.”

Kellan frowned, looking back up the stairs. “You sure, sir?”

“Yeah, she’s fine,” Pan said, gesturing for Xaeryn to join him. “I’ll talk to her.”

Kellan stepped aside with an uncertain shrug, and she moved past him to join Pan. There was no evidence of a prank, and it made something odd pulse in her chest.

“What’s all this?” she asked, indicating the goings-on with a swivel of her wrist.

Pan sighed. “I tried to call, but guess you’d left already...” He rubbed the back of his neck, then met her eye with a sympathetic smile. “Xaer, Red’s gone.”

The words hit but didn’t fully sink in. “What?!” she blurted, “What d’you mean gone?” We had a meeting. “He wouldn’t just leave.”

“You’re right,” he said, green eyes more serious than Xaeryn could remember ever seeing them. “He wouldn’t.”

Her fingers curled, digging into her handbag. “Panrachus, what are you saying?”

The odd pulse had turned into something foreboding.

“What I’m saying, Xaeryn, is it looks like Red was kidnapped.”

[giant-tiny-fiber-friends]

Stitching Together!

I'm organizing a virtual group stitching event hosted on the discord! This is based on my availability to host, but just as a reminder, anyone can coordinate their own groups if they'd like, it doesn't just have to be me!

So I forgot that my schedule changed literally right after I made this poll. If anyone has availability anytime during the day (Central North American Time) on Thursdays, let me know!

That said, it seems like most people can make it on a Saturday, and since it's a little short notice right now, I'd love some feedback about a good start time!

I imagine it'll probably go on for an hour or two, since I know life can be busy. Thank you all for the support so far!

[oiblackestsheep]

Letters to MBTI: ESFJ

Dear ESFJs,

My opposite! You and I... we don't tend to run in the same social circles, most of the time lmao. But you know what, that's okay! I recognize that just because we aren't incredibly close, doesn't mean I don't see you and appreciate everything you do.

Our cognitive functions appear in reverse order and nothing reminds me of that better than getting to spend time with one of you. You find ways to be pragmatic, punctual, and inclusive of everybody in ways that I can't even manage to do in my dreams.

And when I say inclusive of everybody, usually, that extra effort goes towards making sure that people like me are included and welcomed to the group/community activities, and I really can't express how grateful I am for that. Or rather, usually, I couldn't express that because it's hard to do that verbally when you feel socially awkward, but here, I'm gonna let it rip.

So let's get into it!

I've found myself in enough social situations where I felt a bit like an outcast wallflower (which can earn you points on the internet, but not so much irl lmao), and it's the healthy ESFJ who recognizes this and decides to make the concentrated effort to help break the ice when I'm not quite sure how.

You never run out questions to ask to keep the conversation going and you always find a way to make me (and probably the other introverts) feel like we have a voice and a place at the table in any social setting. Especially when everyone else present knows each other and I'm the new person. This is such an important skill you have and I don't think you hear enough thanks from the people you help, most likely because we don't always know how best to say it.

Not to mention that you are likely the one who organized whatever event is happening, which most people take for granted. It's not easy being the one to accommodate everyone's schedules and coordinate all of the necessary components for social gatherings.

Or business gatherings! It's not all just birthday parties and baby showers with you guys; you've got serious business to get through, and all the while have to remember things like dietary restrictions, seating arrangements, appropriate time slots for all facets of the gathering. You're the one who has planned out the whole day from start to finish, hearding everyone else around, and everyone else has the luxury of going along with all of it without even noticing.

An introverted perceiver like me doesn't know the half of the hard work it takes to make these things happen!

I hope that it is as helpful to you to have me brainstorming new, potential solutions to your technical problems as it is to me when you make sure that everything is going according to plan and everyone gets the chance to comfortably and genuinely participate in all of our collaborative events.

You really do examplify everything I'd like to be better at. Maybe we should hang out more! We may not always have the most in common with our interests, but I think we could learn a lot from each other. Keep doing what you're doing ESFJs. You really are the glue that holds us all together and makes everyone feel safe!

[1-800-whore4alexturner]

Love on Stream

Kenna x Gn!Reader

Warnings: None

Synopsis: You never could of imagined taking a leap of faith and asking to play with Kenna would land you where you are right now.

You were a big fan of Kenma Kozume, the famous gamer and streamer. You had been following him for years, and you always enjoyed watching him play games and interact with his fans.

One day, you decided to take a chance and reach out to him. You sent him a message on social media, telling him how much you admired him and how much his streams meant to you

To your surprise, he responded almost immediately. He thanked you for your kind words and even invited you to join him during one of his streams.

You were thrilled at the opportunity and eagerly accepted. You couldn't wait to see Kenma in action and maybe even chat with him in real-time.

The day of the stream arrived, and you logged on to Kenma's channel. You watched as he set up his equipment and adjusted his camera. He looked focused and determined, but also a little nervous.

"Hey, everyone," he said, greeting his fans. "Today, I have a special guest with me. Their name is (Y/N), and they’re a big fan of mine. Say hi, (Y/N)."

You blushed as Kenma introduced you, but you managed to wave to the camera and say hello to his fans.

"Okay, so today we're going to be playing 'Overwatch'," Kenma explained. "I'm going to be playing as Hanzo, and (Y/N) is going to be playing as Mercy. Let's get started."

You felt a rush of excitement as the game loaded up. You had played 'Overwatch' before, but never with someone as skilled as Kenma. You were determined to keep up with him and show him that you were a worthy teammate.

As the game began, Kenma quickly took control of Hanzo and started sniping the enemy team. You followed him closely, healing him whenever he took damage and boosting his damage output whenever he got a kill.

The two of you worked together seamlessly, communicating through voice chat and coordinating your attacks. You could feel the chemistry between you and Kenma growing with every passing moment.

As the game progressed, you started to notice something different about Kenma. He seemed more relaxed, more comfortable with you than he did with anyone else. He even made a few jokes and laughed at your witty remarks.

You felt your heart flutter as you realized that Kenma was not just a talented gamer, but also a kind and charming person. You couldn't believe that you were actually playing with him, let alone getting to know him on a personal level.

As the game came to an end, Kenma turned to you with a smile on his face.

"Thanks for playing with me, (Y/N)," he said. "You were really good."

"Thanks, Kenma," you replied, feeling a warm sensation spread through your body. "You were amazing too."

The two of you said your goodbyes to his fans and ended the stream. But before you logged off, Kenma sent you a private message.

"That was really fun, (Y/N)," he typed. "Do you want to play again sometime?"

You couldn't believe your luck. This was your chance to get to know Kenma better, to spend more time with him and maybe even become friends.

"Sure, Kenma," you replied. "I'd love to play with you again."

And so, you continued to play games with Kenma, both on and off stream. You learned more about him with every passing day, and you found yourself falling more and more in love with him.

But you knew that Kenma was a busy person, with a demanding schedule and a lot of fans to please. You didn't want to impose on him, or make him feel uncomfortable.

So, you kept your feelings to yourself for years, content to simply enjoy his company and bask in his talent.

One day, however, Kenma surprised you. He invited you to visit him at his apartment, to play games and hang out in person.

You eagerly accepted, and soon found yourself standing outside his door, heart pounding with anticipation.

When he opened the door, you were struck by how handsome he looked. His hair was messy, his eyes were bright, and he was wearing a casual t-shirt and shorts.

"Hey, (Y/N)," he said, grinning at you. "Come on in."

You stepped inside, feeling a rush of excitement and nerves. You couldn't believe that you were actually in Kenma's apartment, surrounded by his games and equipment.

"Make yourself at home," he said, gesturing toward the couch. "Do you want something to drink?"

"Sure," you replied, taking a seat on the couch. "Water is fine, thanks."

As Kenma went to the kitchen to get you a glass of water, you looked around his apartment. You noticed a few posters of his favorite games and anime, as well as some plushies and figurines on the shelves.

You smiled to yourself, feeling like you were getting to know Kenma on a deeper level. You were so lost in your thoughts that you didn't notice him returning with your water until he cleared his throat.

"Here you go," he said, handing you the glass. "Thanks for coming over, (Y/N). I'm really glad you're here."

"Me too, Kenma," you replied, taking a sip of water. "This is amazing."

The two of you spent the rest of the afternoon playing games, talking about your favorite anime and manga, and even snacking on some popcorn. You felt completely at ease with Kenma, like you had known him your whole life.

As the sun started to set, Kenma turned to you with a serious expression on his face.

"(Y/N), there's something I need to tell you," he said, his voice low.

"What is it, Kenma?" you asked, feeling a knot form in your stomach.

"I know we've known each other for a while, but I have to be honest with you," he said, his eyes locked on yours. "I have feelings for you. I've had them for a while now, but I didn't know how to tell you."

You felt your heart stop as you realized what Kenma was saying. He was confessing his love for you, just like you had been hoping he would.

"Kenma," you said, your voice barely above a whisper. "I feel the same way. I've been in love with you since we’ve met."

Kenma's face lit up with a smile, and he leaned in to kiss you. It was a soft, gentle kiss, filled with all the love and tenderness that had been building up between you.

From that day on, you and Kenma were inseparable. You spent every moment you could together, playing games, watching anime, and just enjoying each other's company.

You couldn't believe that you had gone from being a fan of Kenma's to being his partner. But you knew that it was meant to be, that your love for each other was real and true.

And as you sat next to Kenma, playing games and laughing together, you knew that you had found something special that would last a lifetime.

[collidingxworlds]

An invitation encased in a velvet envelope, left on the doorstep for the receiver to find

One for his big bro and another for tiger

Seasonal events || Halloween

Moriarty turned the envelope in his hands for a moment, appreciating its slick texture. Of course he already knew whom it was from. There was only one person who knew how to easily find him, and that was his twin brother. Of course, the vice versa was just as inevitably true. They were the same person, in a way, born out of the very same, single cell.

They couldn't hide from each other, not for long, and Jim still hadn't decided if it found it more frustrating or more amusing.

Shaking his head, the consulting criminal swiftly but carefully opened the envelope, pulling out thee invitation. His lips twitched upwards the very moment his dark eyes landed on the card. So stylish and yet so dramatic. Oh yes, this was from his brother alright.

"A Halloween party, hn? My little brother really can't stay away from the spotlight, can he?" He mused to himself with amusement, fishing his phone out of the pocket of his jacket. "I suppose that I can clear my schedule for the night for my darling sibling. Family comes first and all that."

The words were followed by a snort. If this hadn't been about his twin, he would have spoken them without ever meaning them.

[β-Jim] Got ur little card. Nice aesthetic, it rly suits u x) [β-Jim] Ofc I'm coming. I'm sure that u could use a hand with the hosting n I'd be a very bad big brother not to lend it [β-Jim] Just...We better not end up wearing the same costume

---------

The envelope landed right on Sebastian's face, startling him out of the too much needed nap he had thought he could finally take. What a fool he had been. He should have known that the boss had something else planned, when said that he wouldn't be needing his "usual services" that night.

The former Colonel let out a groan, grabbing the envelope with one hand and running the over over his face, trying to rub the tiredness away from his eyes. He was in desperate need of a triple shot of caffeine, at least, that was a given. Also, a couple of aspirins.

"God fuckin' dammit," the sniper mumbled under his breath, stumbling off the couch. The coffee table was littered with the remains of the takeaway meal he had ingested before passing out, together with the usual few cans of beer and half empty whiskey bottle.

He would clean up later. He didn't have the time to tidy up and take a shower, so the priority had to go to the latter.

Biting back a yawn, he trudged towards the kitchenette, making a beeline for the coffee maker, as he carelessly tore the fancy envelope other, letting it fall on the floor as he squinted down at the card.

A party. A frigging Halloween party.

He wished he could tell that he was shocked, but the truth was that, since he had started to work for Moriarty, nothing could surprise him. He had numbed his mind towards any sort of madness. He had been forced to, with how unpredictable and random his employer was.

"He better need me for security or shit, because I'm sure as fuck not dressing up," Sebastian grumbled to himself. Now, where the heck was his phone?

He eventually found it on top of the fridge and he retrieve it before leaning against the counter, while waiting for his quadruple shot of caffeine to be ready. No fucking way he could handle a party with just three of them. His right hand busied itself shooting Jim a message, while he fed his mouth a protein bar with his left.

[Boss] Send coordinates. Be there in twenty. -SM

[hashirun]

I know you're busy po and I really wanna ask you about tips for organizing an event just like what you did recently. Yes, I'm a Caviteño and I fell in love with your blog esp about running! You're an inspiration po. Nvm this ask po if you're not interested but please please pleaaasee message me po because I need help organizing an event. Thank you po if you read this message : )

Hello! I'm thrilled to know you enjoy my blog especially my posts about running. Running is one of my life passions and aside from the high I get from a good workout, there is also this sense of fulfillment I get from being able share my passion with other people. That said, I don't feel like I'm qualified to dish out tips on organizing events. It was a spur of the moment decision and ultimately my partner and I decided to postpone it so as of this moment I still lack the requisite EXP points to call myself an event organizer.. but I'll do my best to share what I've learned so far.

I'm sharing insights from the perspective of organizing a sports event, I'm not really sure how it'll fit if you're planning to hold a different type of event but I hope this helps nonetheless. So let's say you already have a type of event in mind.

1. Define your objectives. Why do you want to organize the event? What do you wish to achieve by organizing the event? Be sure you and your event partner(s) have the same objectives otherwise you'll have a hard time working together if you don't see eye to eye in terms of the direction you wish to take.

2. Brainstorming - this is when you and your event partner(s) throw around ideas on what you want to see in your event. Try to come up with as many ideas as you can. List down everything and don't dismiss anything yet. From there, identify the good ones and see if there's any way you can make them work together, or if you need to trim down some more until you arrive at the best ideas(s) for your event.

3. Picking the date of your event. This is important as this will determine how much time you have to prepare. Based on my experience, you need to give yourself as much time as possible, moreso if this is your first time organizing an event. I did my research and found that it usually takes 3-6 months to organize a sports event, but my event partner insisted that we hold it in 2 months time. We eventually pushed it back by 2 more weeks but even that wasn't enough. So we postponed it yet again. This brings us back to my first tip of making sure you and your partner(s) are working towards the same objectives because I guarantee you that this is how a lot of challenges will arise in the process.

4. Lay down the particulars: venue, budget, costing, suppliers, logistics, sponsorships, marketing strategies. Create a timeline and make sure your targets are met within schedule.

5. Venue and suppliers. These will determine your costing. For our event, I had to contact various suppliers (from dri-fit shirts to medals to trophies, the list goes on) to get the best deals. The costing mainly determines the next item:

6. Budget. You need to secure the budget first. Where will it initially come from? From your own pocket? From sponsors? If from sponsors, prepare a list of possible sponsors, and prepare a well-written sponsorship letter to send to your prospects. If you don't have the budget yet, then this brings us back to my third tip which is picking the date of the event. You may want to hold the event at a much, much later time if you're going to work on securing the budget first. Be sure that the time you allot to raising funds won't eat up much time from the actual time allotted to prepare for the event.

7. Logistics. This involves identifying and securing your manpower, as well as coordinating with your local government units for the necessary permits. If it's a sports event, be sure to include in your manpower the race officials, race marshalls, traffic marshalls, medics. Also, carefully plan the flow of the event itself.

8. Marketing. Social media is definitely the way to go. Be sure to join groups that cater to the type of event you're holding so you can promote your event. Run sponsored ads (which needs budget). Be consistent in posting about the event on your page. Partner up with influencers to promote your event. Offer discounts and promos to encourage sign ups. You'll need time to gain traction, which brings us back to my third tip.

You see, everything ties together. Organizing an event is no easy feat. It takes careful planning, as well as the resolve to go through with your plan. You must be up to the task, and I realized along the way that I wasn't up for it yet. Hope this answer helps. If you have any additional questions don't hesitate to reach out. Good luck!